Warning Shoppers: Debit Card Double Charged for Groceries

Here's a warning to shoppers, your credit or debit card might be charged twice for a single purchase. 

The Story

I've used credit cards  and debit cards countless times when paying at groceries, department stores, restaurants, and all places which accepts such cards because it's more convenient than carrying cash all the time. But on April 14, an experience made me think twice about this convenience.

I was paying for groceries using the usual BDO debit card at a Waltermart branch which I previously had no issues with in the past. There was a problem with their card payment terminal. An error appeared which ended with "reversal ok" which should suppose to mean that the money debited will be credited to the bank account right away. I've seen something like this before where BDO automatically returns the money for withdrawals that wasn't successfully completed. It will appear on the statement online and you'll see the exact same amount debited but also credited right away within the same time frame. So I didn't worry at all.

Problem came when the cashier asked me to check the card's balance after the failed payment transaction. We withdrew money prior to shopping but the total amount to be paid is more than what we have withdrawn, hence, I used the card instead. I still remember the balance after withdrawing money so I was surprised to see that the remaining balance appeared lower. I asked her if she already retried the payment process and she said no. She asked me to re-enter the card's pin which I stupidly did. I asked to check the balance again, thinking that there might have been a delay with the reversal earlier but to my dismay, the balance was even less and the amount deducted for the first payment attempt wasn't reversed. I complained at this point and the cashier referred me to their customer service section.

I was assured that the money will be credited but may take up to 7 business days. According to the staff we've spoke with, this isn't the first and they were always able to refund the money for similar issues in the past. 

Who's at Fault? 

• I'm an idiot for still entering my pin the second time around even if I was already doubtful due to the reduced balanced on the account.
• The cashier should not have asked me to try the payment again after I told her that their was a deduction on the balance.
• It's the payment terminal's fault for not working properly at that time. :)
• It's the bank's fault (BDO) for not automatically crediting the money after the card POS said "reversal ok."

What I Did

Other than speaking with Walmart's concerned staff, I also called BDO customer service as soon as I got home. They also assured me that the money will be credited back to the account. I also printed the same screenshot as the image above showing the double charge and presented it to the customer care personnel who assisted us in the grocery.

What Happened to the Money?

All's well that ends well. The exact same amount was indeed refunded back to the bank account on April 20. It took about 3 business days prior to the refund. 

Lesson Learned

Even if you are using a debit card to conveniently pay at groceries or other places, make sure you are aware of the card's current balance so you can double check to confirm how much was indeed debited after a transaction; if not every after a successful payment, at least at the end of the day. You should also register your account online to be able to view all transactions billed to your card. Lastly, don't be an idiot if you can avoid it. :)