Hey Simplifiers,

I have a hot take on something nobody really prepares us for in adulthood: what to do when your bank lets you down.

Last week, I found myself in a situation that honestly left me shocked. I was targeted by a trademark scam — the kind designed to trick small business owners — and I lost $500 to a merchant pretending to be connected to the USPTO.

Annoying, but it happens.

What really surprised me? My bank refused to help.

Let’s get into it.

Recently, I was hit with a trademark scam that cost me $500. The merchant pretended to be connected to the USPTO, and as a business owner trying to protect my brand, I paid it. When I found out it was fraudulent? I filed a dispute — like any normal adult would.

Capital One’s response?

Except authorization requires accurate information.
I didn’t authorize fraud.
I authorized what I believed was a government service.

And here’s what’s wild:

On Capital One’s own website, they say disputes apply when:

This scam checked every single box… and I was still denied.

Meanwhile, American Express once refunded me $5,000 — no drama, no loops — simply because the service didn’t match what was promised.

Different banks = different levels of protection. And if you don’t know that, you end up paying the price.

Most people don’t understand how bank disputes actually work. And so many of us think:

“I entered my card info… so it’s my fault.”

No.
Not if the merchant lied.
Not if the service wasn’t delivered.
Not if you were misled.
Not if the business was fraudulent.

Misrepresentation = unauthorized.
Even if you typed the card number with your own fingers.

This is where financial literacy becomes self-defense because adulting isn’t just paying bills. Sometimes, it’s advocating for yourself in systems that weren’t built to help you.

If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, here’s what actually helps:

Screenshots. Emails. URLs.
Fraud hides in the details — keep them all.

If they don’t respond, that silence becomes evidence.

Banks take you more seriously when you present a clear, dated summary.
(Trust me — this changes everything.)

Both against the fraudulent merchant and your bank, once they decide there’s nothing they can do to help. This forces the bank to respond.
It also documents the incident with the federal government.

Disputes can be reopened.
Cases can be escalated.
Policies can be challenged.

Advocating for yourself is not being “difficult.” It’s protecting your financial future.

Banking isn’t just about where your paycheck lands or where you tap your debit card.
It’s about trust, protection, and knowing the institution holding your money actually values you.

You deserve a bank that:

Not because you’re special — but because that’s the bare minimum standard of financial care.

You have every right to defend your money, and if a bank makes you feel like you’re asking for too much by expecting honesty and fairness?

That’s your sign.

Your money should never feel unprotected, and you should never be made to believe you’re powerless.

Talk soon,
C
Founder of The Simple Adult 🩶

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