Last night, I filled up my car with $25 worth of gas. This morning, I saw a $150 pending charge on my debit card. At first, I assumed it was fraud. But it wasn’t. It was a preauthorization hold; a temporary lock on my money that the gas station (or the bank, or the card network, or all of them together) placed “just in case” I spent more. There was no warning. No sign at the pump. If it was there, I didn’t see it. Either way, I didn’t agree to it.
After the gas incident, I started thinking about all the times I’ve checked into a hotel and been told there’s “just a small incidental hold.” They make it sound harmless. But sometimes it’s $500, and it's added to the room rate.There’s no real choice; you agree to the hold, or you don’t get the room. And if the hotel later claims there was “damage”? You’re stuck.
Let’s say you didn’t party, didn’t trash the room. But after checkout, they claim there’s a stain on the carpet. You don’t remember it. Maybe it was already there. Do they call you to clarify? Open a dialogue? Show proof? No.
They:
Decide you’re at fault
Set the price
Withdraw the money
Point to “policy” if you challenge it
That’s not accountability; it’s power without oversight. And it happens more often than people think. What’s so frustrating is that you’re not opting into any of this. You’re just trying to pay. But the system is designed to operate without your awareness; to take now and explain later, if at all. You’re expected to understand how payment systems work. You’re expected to float hundreds of dollars for corporate convenience. And if anything goes wrong, it’s on you to untangle it.
I’m not opposed to businesses protecting themselves against fraud or loss. But most customers aren’t trying to scam anyone. We just want to pay, get what we need, and move on.
The problem is, these systems treat everyone like a threat.
When businesses build on fear rather than trust, the result isn’t safety. It’s dehumanization. This isn’t just about money. It’s about dignity and about being made to feel like your financial stability is less important than their convenience.
I’m not asking for special treatment. Just basic respect. Tell me what you’re doing with my money, ask for my consent, give me control, and if you’re going to take it, give me a real, human way to get it back.
Until then, I’ll keep warning people: These aren’t isolated annoyances.
They’re systemic extractions, and they’re hurting people who are just trying to get through the week.
Have a story about a hidden hold, surprise damage charge, or preauth fee? Share it with the Marketing Accountability Council (MAC). These systems don’t change until we name them.
Agreed, it's super creepy. Hotels do it too. Love your substack by the way! Will recommend it.