Learn about the “PIRIFORM CCLEANER” charge and why it is showing on your credit card statement.
What is this charge for?
This is a charge from CCleaner, a utility software developed by Piriform, a UK-based software company.
CCleaner is designed to optimize and clean up computers by removing temporary files, unnecessary system files, and other junk data that can slow down computer performance. CCleaner is available in both free and paid versions. The free version provides basic cleaning and optimization tools, while the paid version offers additional features such as real-time monitoring, automatic updates, and more advanced cleaning options.
How to determine whether a credit charge is fraudulent or unauthorised?
- Merchant
- Is the merchant’s name familiar to you, or does it look different from what you expect?
- Does the type of product or service align with what you usually purchase?
- Are there any complaints or fraud reports associated with the merchant?
- Amount
- Does the amount match what you remember spending, or is it significantly higher or lower?
- Is it a duplicate charge?
- Date of occurrence
- Does the date of the charge align with any known transactions?
- Potential recurring charge
- Was this charge expected as part of a subscription or regular payment?
- Authorised transaction
- Did you consciously make a purchase or subscribe to a service associated with this charge?
- Unauthorised charges
- Have you provided your credit card details to anyone or any service that could lead to unauthorised charges?
- Could someone else on your account have made the charge without your knowledge?
If you’re unfamiliar with the merchant and the transaction, it is likely a fraud or unauthorised transaction.
What should I do if I suspect fraud?
- Take note of the unfamiliar transaction, including the merchant’s name, the amount, and the date. Then gather documentation such as receipts, transaction confirmations or any correspondence related to the transaction in question.
- Call your bank or credit card company immediately to notify them of the suspected fraudulent charge. Ask them for a specific procedure for disputing the charge and request a fraud investigation.
- Secure your account by updating your online banking passwords, setting up alerts for new transactions, or freezing your credit.
- Check the status of your dispute and ask for written confirmation of the outcome.