Show #430 Airing Sunday, 4/20/08
Have you traveled anywhere outside the U.S. in the last dozen years? Maybe Mexico, Europe or Canada? Or did you purchase anything from a foreign company, over the Internet, from the warmth of your own home? If so, you could be entitled to a rebate. Here to explain how to cash in is my law partner, Jennifer Peck.
Question: Why would travelers be entitled to money?
Answer: From 1996 to 2006, Visa, Mastercard and Diner’s Club added hidden surcharges onto purchases, cash advances and withdrawals, and Internet transactions, done in a foreign country.
Thanks to the settlement of a class action lawsuit, you may now be entitled to get some money back. You may even be entitled to some money for purchases from foreign merchants made from the U.S., such as over the Internet, as long as the credit card company charged an additional amount.
Question: How much money can we collect?
Answer: The amount varies depending on two factors, how much money you spent and how much time you were out of the country. The minimum is $25 for purchases of less than $2500. But you could receive as much as 3% of your purchases back.
Question: How do we prove how much money we spent when out of the country?
Answer: You don’t have to attach any supporting information with your claim form. But you may later be asked to provide information to back-up your claim. So be prepared to prove the amount of your purchases using your credit or debit card while out of the country. The credit card company must give you copies of your monthly billing statements, if available, if you ask. If you can’t get your records, you may estimate your charges.
Question: How do we make a claim?
Answer: To make a claim, or for more information, go to www.ccfsettlement.com or call 1-800-945-9890. You don’t have a lot time. You claim form must be submitted by May 30th.
If you traveled outside the country from 1996 through 2006, and used a credit card, chances are good you may be entitled to at least $25. So check it out. My thanks to Jennifer for alerting us to this important opportunity.
