What to do if something goes wrong
First, take a deep breath. Mistakes and scams happen to smart, careful people every day. There's no shame in it. What matters is acting quickly.
If the AI bought the wrong thing
- Walmart: its normal returns process applies, even if an agent didn't act as you intended. [1]
- ChatGPT Instant Checkout: the store handles shipping, returns, and refunds, not OpenAI. Use the contact info in the store's confirmation email. [4]
If you see a charge you don't recognize
- Check your order list first. With ChatGPT, look under Settings → Orders. If a checkout didn't finish, your bank may show a temporary “pending” hold that goes away on its own. [4]
- Call your card company using the number on the back of your card.
- For a credit card, follow up in writing. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, your letter must reach the card company within 60 days after the first bill with the error was sent. Send it to the “billing inquiries” address. Include your name, address, account number, and what's wrong. Certified mail with return receipt gives you proof. [8]
- Know the timeline. The company must acknowledge your letter within 30 days and resolve it within 90 days. [8]
If it was your debit card — act fast
| If you report it… | Most you could lose |
|---|---|
| Before any unauthorized charges | $0 |
| Within 2 business days of learning about it | $50 |
| After 2 business days, but within 60 days after your statement is sent | $500 |
| More than 60 days after your statement is sent | All the money taken — and possibly more |
That's why credit cards are the safer choice for online and AI shopping.
If you shared a password or code
- Change that password right away, from the real website or app you open yourself.
- Turn on two-step sign-in.
- Call your bank or card company and tell them what happened.
If you paid a scammer with a gift card
Contact the gift card company right away using the number on the back of the card. Tell them it was a scam and ask for your money back. Keep the card and the receipt. [10]
Report it
- Scams: ReportFraud.ftc.gov [15]
- Identity theft: IdentityTheft.gov [16]
Your report helps protect your neighbors, too. And remember, grace is for you as well. Don't carry the blame. Just take the next right step.