Need help with fraudulent tip charge
Hi! I need to figure out next steps on how to get recourse on a fraudulent large tip charge that I did not authorize.
Location: California
A few weeks ago, I took a private car service back from Coachella festival. I agreed verbally with the driver that we would pay $300, before we got in the car. Once the driver dropped us off, they told us there would be a $79.31 credit card charge - no problem, I was happy to pay that. I saw on the credit card terminal that it said $379.31. My credit card was charged, and I left the vehicle without a receipt (that was my bad). The following business day, I see a charge on my card for $729.31, and I was extremely confused because I know what I agreed to, was sober while in the car ride back so I didn't misremember, and I saw $379.31. I disputed the charge with my bank (Chase), giving them all of the context and screenshotted the charge of $729.31. I just got a notice back from Chase that they deemed my charge valid and I will be charged the additional $350. They included the documentation from the vendor, which was a blurry receipt but I can make out that it says "Tip: $350.00". I most certainly did NOT give a $350 tip, so they clearly added that after I exited the vehicle. I am going to re-contact Chase about this, but my worry is it's my word against theirs. And I'm concerned that this is going to look bad that I disputed a credit card charge that the bank deemed valid. How should I proceed? I have no way to contact the vendor -I have the name as "Limousine LA Strip" but can't find a website or contact information about them anywhere online. I see an address on the receipt that has Indio, CA 92201 as the city/state/zip but I can't make out the street address because the receipt is very blurry. I would like to contact an attorney to help me with this - I understand that $350 is a small amount to pay for a lawyer for but I'm more concerned about a) my reputation with the bank on disputing a charge they deemed valid and b) the principle of it. I appreciate in advance any advice you can give me.