Do I have a problem with an ESTA Application? [Don't pay $75]

[Chrisd26]

I really like the abbreviations!

 

[mella2007]

Why?

If the OP can reasonably redo their ESTA without issue, and claw back USD60 in the process, then what is the problem?

Well hopefully their bank can see that it's a valid claim. In the case of the same thing happening with 3 of my clients (all from the same family)...Citibank wouldn't allow it, as they did get their visa and blamed the customer for not checking properly

 

[trooper]

That has been my thought here...

If the website does the ESTA app on behalf of the OP then on what basis is the chargeback?

No liking the fee afterwards doesn't seem like justification..

 

[oz_mark]

The purpose of a chargeback is to deal with cases where the purchased service wasn't delivered. Not sure that this is the case here.

 

[FlyboyAl]

They have agreed to refund in full - so I will make another application before we go.
I should point out that they use a 3rd party payment providor, and even they agreed that it was misleading and are following it up with the non genuine website.
They have copied me in on a string of emails between them and the website indicating they are not happy with the similarities between the 2 sites. Maybe the payment providor has ethics!

 

[FlyboyAl]

I just checked and the credit is already showing on my statement. I've also just redone the application and got approval from the real ESTA site, so all is now good!

 

[flyingfan]

I just checked and the credit is already showing on my statement. I've also just redone the application and got approval from the real ESTA site, so all is now good!

I hadn't expected that outcome and it's good that it worked out for you. Beware pretend sites in the future - you should see what shows up when you look for Tiffany & Co :!:

 

[mella2007]

Terrific news for you!

 

[ozbeachbabe]

I just tried another application on the correct wesite (!) and it came back with Approved Application Found, with more than 30 days validity, so on the surface all looks ok.
I gues, if the worst came to the worst, I'd have to leave her behind
WAIT, I DIDN'T SAY THAT!

I just checked and the credit is already showing on my statement. I've also just redone the application and got approval from the real ESTA site, so all is now good!

So this time the response didn't say "approved application already found"?

Am i correct in assuming that more than 7 days has elapsed between the first ESTA application via the dodgy site & this site waits almost until this deadline is up before actually paying them?

Otherwise if they paid for the visa immediately I doubt they would've been able to cancel & get their $14 back despite charging you $75.

In other words you would have got your $75 back from your cc provider but still got the visa.

 

[FlyboyAl]

when I did the second application on the real site, it did come up with a message saying there was already an approval, and did I want to over ride it and do another, which I did. I did the other application 4 days after the original one, and after I had the credit on my card. I did think for a while I might get the credit, and keep the approval, but in the end, I'd rather have it done the way I want, which is what I now have.
Twas an interesting learning experience which I do not plan to repeat!