Charged Again After a Small Trial? Stop Repeat MoMo and Card Debits

Short answer: Stop the money first. Cancel the subscription, ask the merchant and your MoMo provider or bank to stop further debits, and write down every charge. Then ask your bank to dispute the payments you did not agree to, with your evidence. A person at the bank makes the decision, so keep every reference number.

Why a small trial can turn into repeat charges

Many sign-ups ask for a small payment, often a few cedis, to 'test' a service. The fine print may say the payment renews automatically at a higher amount each month. Some merchants also keep your card or MoMo details on file, so they can charge again without asking you. Many people only notice on the second or third debit.

This is not always a scam, but it can be. Either way, you have steps you can take.

Step 1: Gather the evidence today

• Screenshot the offer page, the price shown and any terms you saw when you signed up.
• Save emails and texts about the sign-up, the trial or the renewal.
• Copy each debit from your MoMo history or bank statement: date, amount, merchant name and reference.
• Note the merchant's contact details, but check they are official before you use them.

Step 2: Stop future debits

• Cancel the subscription inside the app or account where you signed up, and screenshot the cancellation.
• If you paid through an app store or Google Play, cancel from the store's subscription page.
• Ask the merchant in writing to stop charging you and to confirm in writing that the subscription is closed.
• Ask your bank to block card payments to that merchant or remove your card from its site. If you are not sure how, ask the bank's customer care.
• For MoMo, ask your provider how to stop future debits from that merchant. Do not assume it can be done. Ask, and keep the reply.

Step 3: Ask the merchant for a refund

Write a short, polite message. Include the date you signed up, the amount you agreed to, the charges that followed, and what you want: a refund and a cancellation. Keep the reply. TrustCheck cannot make a merchant refund you, and nobody can promise you a refund.

Step 4: Dispute the charge with your bank

If the merchant does not sort it out, contact your bank and ask to dispute the card payment. Banks have their own forms and rules, and the decision is theirs. Be ready to explain:

• You did not agree to the repeat charge, or you were not told it would renew.
• You tried to cancel, and what happened when you did.
• The merchant's reply, or the fact that you have had no reply.

Ask for the dispute reference number, the name of the person you spoke to and what happens next. Keep a copy of everything you send. If the bank says the charge was valid, ask them to explain why in writing.

For MoMo deductions

Mobile Money payments can be harder to reverse. Contact your MoMo provider's customer care using the number on their official website or app, not a number from a social media post or an unexpected message. Tell them the amount, the date and the merchant's name, then ask what options exist. Never share your PIN or OTP with anyone, including anyone who says they are calling from your bank or MoMo provider.

Check the merchant and the message

Before you sign up for another trial, check the business name with check a number, handle or website to see reports from other people and any official warnings. If the debit came with a text, paste it into Is this MoMo message real? to see its warning signs. Official warnings from regulators and the police are on Scam Watch.

When the charge is part of a scam

If you think the charge is part of a scam, report it to the Ghana Police Cybercrime Unit and to the Cyber Security Authority on 292. Tell your bank and MoMo provider at the same time, because quick reports help them act. TrustCheck can publish a report about the scam pattern, but it cannot recover your money.

Protect yourself next time

• Read the renewal terms before you pay the trial amount.
• Use a separate card or a low limit for trials where possible.
• Check your MoMo history and bank statement once a week.
• Set a reminder before any trial ends.

If you are charged again, do not panic. Stop the debits, gather proof and ask your bank to dispute the payment. Clear records make the difference.