Complaint Review: Kroger

 07/10/13 (approx 7:35am EST)

I swiped my debit card once to purchase gas at the Kroger Fuel station at 12501 Shelbyville Road, Louisville, KY 40243 and filled up my fuel tank.  (I purchase fuel at this location at least once per week, sometimes more.)  Later in the morning, i logged into my bank's online portal to review my purchases, something i do often to keep track of all purchases.  I noticed there were (2) charges for $61 for Kroger fuel.  I contacted my financial institution and they advised me to contact Kroger, which i proceeded to do. 

When I called Kroger customer service at the 12501 location, i was told the charges were a 'pre-authorization' and that it would eventually clear out one of the charges.  I asked to speak to someone at the fuel center and they told me the store had no way to access the fuel transactions or refund money in any situation, that i would have to contact someone at kroger corporate.  I contacted kroger corporate transaction center and they told me my card had been declined 7 times in less than 2 minutes. There was no reason to deny my card since i had sufficient funds in my account.  kroger proceeded to say that I owed them $61 because my card was never charged, even though I have (2) $61 charges on my account. 

I have confirmed with my bank that both $61 charges have cleared my account, meaning Kroger has my money X 2.  When i asked them how i could get $61 worth of fuel if my card was declined, they did not have an answer.  Kroger has been very difficult to deal with at this piont; short and rude over the phone like I'm trying rip them off.  My financial institution is now handling this for me and hopefully can settle this situation.  Needless to say, I will never shop at kroger again (food or fuel).  I will also spread via word of mouth and any other means necessary, the unscrupulous way in which kroger treats their 'customers'. 

This is the first time i have had an issue at any fuel pump from any company.  I did Google this situation and found that i am not the first nor will i be the last to encounter kroger's shady tactics.  From what Kroger told me, they do not have any control over the fuel pump transactions.  The next time you swipe your card at kroger (inside or out), cross your fingers that you don't get ripped off!