🔍 What Is a Fraudulent Charge?
A fraudulent charge occurs when a payment is processed on your credit or debit card without your authorization. If you see an unexpected charge from Search Atlas on your statement that you do not recognize, it is important to act quickly to investigate and resolve the issue.
⚠️ Common Reasons for Unrecognized Charges
Before assuming a charge is fraudulent, consider the following common explanations:
- Shared payment methods: A team member or family member may have used your card to sign up for or renew a Search Atlas subscription.
- Multiple accounts: You or someone with access to your card may have created more than one Search Atlas account.
- Billing descriptor difference: The charge may appear under a slightly different business name or descriptor on your bank statement (for example, a parent company name).
- Forgotten trial or subscription: A free trial may have converted to a paid plan that you did not cancel in time.
- Outdated card on file: A card you previously used on another account may still be associated with an active subscription.
🛠️ Steps to Take If You Suspect Fraud
- Check your email inboxes: Search for any confirmation or receipt emails from Search Atlas, including spam and promotions folders. This can help determine whether an account was created using your payment details.
- Log in to Search Atlas: Visit your account dashboard and review your billing history in your account settings. Confirm whether the charge amount and date match your records.
- Review authorized users: If you manage a team account, verify whether any team members initiated a new subscription or upgrade.
- Contact your bank: If you are certain the charge is unauthorized, notify your bank or card issuer immediately. They can place a hold, issue a provisional credit, and begin a chargeback investigation.
- Report it to Search Atlas: Contact our support team right away so we can investigate the charge, identify the account it is linked to, and take appropriate action including issuing a refund if warranted.
💳 How Search Atlas Handles Refund Disputes
Our team takes fraudulent charge reports seriously and will investigate every case thoroughly. When you report an unauthorized charge, our team will look into the account and subscription details associated with the charge on your card. If the charge is confirmed as unauthorized, we will work with you to reach an appropriate resolution, which may include issuing a refund. Refund processing times vary depending on your bank or card issuer.
To help us resolve your case as quickly as possible, please have the following ready when you reach out: the exact charge amount, the date it appeared on your statement, and the last four digits of the card that was charged.
If you need further assistance, open the chat widget in the bottom-right corner of the platform and type human teammate to be connected with a member of our team.