PanicStation.org
UK USA
us Money & financial emergencies recurring charge i don't recognize • unknown subscription payment • mystery merchant on statement • credit card charge not mine • debit card recurring charge • monthly charge unknown company • subscription i never signed up • recurring payment cancellation • unauthorized transaction worry • merchant descriptor confusion • small repeated charge fraud • bank account strange charge • ach withdrawal i didn't authorize • autopay i didn't set up • card details compromised worry • dispute charge within 60 days • stop recurring card payment • identity theft suspicion

What to do if…
you spot a recurring charge to a company you do not recognise

Short answer

Contact your bank/card issuer now to stop further payments and report it as potentially unauthorized, then start a dispute process (and follow up in writing if it’s a credit card billing error).

Do not do these things

  • Don’t ignore it because it’s “just $5–$15” — small recurring charges are often used to stay under the radar.
  • Don’t assume getting a new card number automatically fixes it — recurring charges may not stop unless the issuer blocks the merchant/recurring payment.
  • Don’t click links or call numbers from unsolicited messages that “explain” the charge.
  • Don’t drain your account or move money in a panic without first ensuring you can still pay essentials.
  • Don’t wait until the next statement “to see if it happens again”.

What to do now

  1. Lock down the payment method (most important).

    • Use your bank/app to lock your card if you can, and call the number on the back of your card to report an unauthorized recurring charge.
    • Ask them to stop/block future recurring charges from that merchant and to issue a replacement card if needed.

  2. Write down what you’re seeing (2 minutes).

    • Merchant name/descriptor, amount, dates, and how many times it’s happened.
    • Screenshot the transactions.

  3. Identify the transaction type (because the fix differs).

    • Ask the bank/issuer whether it’s a credit card charge, debit card charge, or an ACH/electronic fund transfer from your checking account.
    • Tell them clearly: “I do not recognize this merchant and I did not authorize these recurring transfers.”

  4. Start the dispute the “rights-protecting” way.

    • Credit card: open a dispute with the issuer, and to protect your rights send a written billing error notice to the issuer’s billing inquiries address within 60 days after the charge appears on your statement. Keep copies.
    • Debit/ACH/electronic fund transfer: ask the bank to open an “error/unauthorized transfer” investigation and to stop future transfers from the same merchant. If they ask for written confirmation, send it promptly (they may set a deadline, such as 10 business days after your oral report) and use the address they provide.

  5. Do a quick “subscription sanity check” (but don’t get stuck).

    • Search the exact descriptor (many brands bill under a parent company name).
    • Check app store subscriptions and recent email receipts for trials converting to paid.
    • If you find a real subscription you forgot about, cancel it through the official app/website you navigate to yourself.

  6. If the payment is coming from your bank account, also ask about “stop payment.”

    • Tell your bank you are revoking authorization for that merchant to debit your account and ask what they need to stop the next scheduled withdrawal.
    • Follow the bank’s instructions exactly and write down who you spoke to and when.

  7. Secure accounts if there’s any chance your details were compromised.

    • Change your bank password and email password (especially if password reuse is possible).
    • Turn on multi-factor authentication where available.
    • Check your account profile for changes you didn’t make (address, phone, authorized users).

  8. If identity theft is plausible, reduce further risk.

    • File an identity theft report if there are broader signs (new accounts, multiple merchants, collections notices).
    • Consider a fraud alert (you can contact one major bureau and they notify the others) or a credit freeze (you generally place it with each bureau) if you’re worried someone may open new accounts.

  9. Escalate if you’re not getting help.

    • If the issuer/bank won’t resolve it or is mishandling the dispute process, file a complaint with the federal consumer finance regulator.

What can wait

  • You do not need to determine the scammer’s identity or “collect proof” before reporting it to your bank.
  • You do not need to confront the merchant right now, especially if you can’t verify who they are.
  • You do not need to make big financial decisions today (closing multiple accounts, switching banks) — first stop the recurring charge and secure access.

Important reassurance

This happens to many people, and it’s often fixable. The most important thing is stopping future payments and getting the dispute started while the details are fresh.

Scope note

These are first steps to stop losses and stabilize. Follow-up steps (replacement cards, written notices, credit protection, formal identity theft recovery) depend on whether it was a credit-card billing error, a debit-card issue, or an electronic fund transfer.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice. Rules and timelines can vary by payment method and institution; your bank/card issuer can confirm the exact transaction type and the dispute process that applies.

Additional Resources
Support us