A Charge You Do Not Recognise: What to Do
Updated 2026-10-20
Dating and cam services sometimes bill under a company name rather than the site name, so a charge can look unfamiliar. Work through these checks before you decide it is fraud.
Check before you panic
- Search your email, including spam, for receipts, welcome messages or renewal notices from around the charge date.
- Check every service you tried in the last few months. Free trials often convert to paid plans on a later date.
- Ask anyone who has access to your card or your devices, for example a partner or a family member.
- Look at the service's terms or footer for the legal company name and compare it with the line on your statement.
If you find the service
- Log in and turn off auto-renew, then write to support with the date and amount and ask for a refund if you did not mean to subscribe.
- Keep proof of your cancellation. Our guides on cancelling a subscription and on disputing a charge cover the next steps.
If you cannot find any service
- Call your card provider and say you do not recognise the charge. They can tell you more about the merchant and can block the card.
- Ask for a replacement card if the number may have been taken, and check your other statements.
- In the US, the CFPB says billing errors should be reported in writing within 60 days of the statement date.
Sources checked
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, how to fix mistakes in your credit bill.
- This is general information, not legal advice.
Questions
Why is the charge under a different name?
Some services bill through a company name that differs from the site name. Check the legal company name in the terms and compare it with your statement.
Should I cancel my card straight away?
If you cannot link the charge to any service you used, ask your card provider. They can block the card and issue a new one.
How long do I have to report an unknown charge?
In the US, the CFPB says to send a written notice no later than 60 days after the card company sent the statement. Report it as soon as you see it.
More guides
- How to Spot Fake Profiles and Bots on Dating Sites
- How to Check if a Dating Site Is Legit: A 10-Point Checklist
- How to Cancel a Dating Subscription and Stop Recurring Charges
- Privacy on Adult Dating Sites: 8 Practical Steps
- How to Dispute a Dating Site Charge and Ask for a Refund
- Where to Report a Dating Scam, by Country