There's no excuse for billing mistakes like this. But everyone needs to be aware that using a debit card for purchases like these (any large dollar amount) can

There's no excuse for billing mistakes like this. But everyone needs to be aware that using a debit card for purchases like these (any large dollar amount) can cause problems like this. If the gentleman in question had used a credit card a solution would be one chargeback away. Debit cards are convenient but their great weakness is that if there is a mistake with your account you are locked away from your money until it is resolved. With credit it is the card issuer's money which is under contention. Protect yourself. Use a credit card for purchases, then pay off the balance. It's safer than giving a merchant direct access to your bank account.