Airfare.com Wants My Credit Card Again

I got an email asking for my credit card information again. I had purchased two tickets to Switzerland for our trip in May. We were excited to go because we work non-stop and the only time we stop is when we actually leave.

I was worried that this might be a third party piggy back scam, where my email address was found with a confirmation from Airfare.com and wanted to verify that the request was real, as I had already provided this information.

When I called, the man said he was sorry but because they didn't have this form, Swiss Air canceled our seats. Now our tickets would be $500 more because the tickets went up. Well, of course I freaked.

Once I composed myself, I went on airfare.com's website and saw the tickets for my flight were actually $40 CHEAPER than I paid. So I argued that if that's the case, he should rebook those tickets. I was transferred to the manager.

The manager told me that because Swiss Air canceled my flight, they had to charge me $200 to rebook the tickets. It's in the agreement that they can charge to change the tickets. I didn't think it was fair because I wasn't changing the tickets, nor was I aware of the tickets being canceled. If they hadn't received the paper work, why would they wait until AFTER they canceled my trip to notify me of the situation and why was this not mentioned anywhere in the agreement. Besides, it's not my job to watch over their employees and make sure they file things correctly!

I could not reason with them and I didn't have any choice but to work with them. They had a "no return policy" and I had purchased the tickets.

Then the scam bells went off.

I was instructed to stay on the line if I wanted to keep this "special price" because international change fees are more. He was going to send me an email. When I got the email I was to type EXACTLY what he said and email it back to him.

Righhhhhht. And I was born yesterday. I didn't type in the part about him being able to charge the card.

oops.
Well. he did. Chase made him take it off. He did.

Swiss Air was selling the tickets for the same price. I was able to get the same flight, same time, days and everything! Lesson learned. Buy directly with the people who are going to take you there.