Hey there! Have you ever checked your statement and spotted a Panther East charge on credit card? If it caught you off guard, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many people see this charge and wonder what it’s all about. Is it legit? Could it be a scam?
What Is Panther East?
Panther East is a company based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They specialize in selling tools, equipment, and supplies for construction professionals. Think roofing materials, safety gear, power tools, and more.
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They’ve been around since 2001, serving industries like construction, roofing, HVAC, and industrial projects. You can shop at their physical stores in Philadelphia, Manassas (Virginia), or Erie (Pennsylvania) or online at their website, panthereast.com.
If you or someone you know works in construction, this name might ring a bell. But even if you don’t, a Panther East charge could still pop up on your statement. Let’s explore why.
Why Do I See a Panther East Charge?
Seeing a charge from Panther East on your credit card can feel confusing, especially if you don’t remember buying anything from them. Here are the most common reasons this charge might appear:
- You Made a Purchase: The simplest explanation is that you bought something from Panther East. Maybe you picked up tools or safety gear from their store or website.
- Someone Else Used Your Card: If you share your card with a family member or colleague, they might have made the purchase. For example, a coworker in construction could have used your card for work supplies.
- Company Purchase: If you work in construction, your employer might have used your card to buy equipment from Panther East. This is common when employees make quick purchases for projects.
- Subscription or Donation: In rare cases, the charge could be tied to a subscription for regular supplies or a donation to Panther East (though this is less likely).
- Fraud or Scam: If you don’t recognize the charge at all, it could be unauthorized. Scammers sometimes test cards with small charges (like $0.01) to see if they’re active before making bigger transactions.
| Reason | Likelihood | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| You Made a Purchase | High | Receipts, order confirmations |
| Someone Else Used Card | Medium | Ask family, coworkers |
| Company Purchase | Medium | Check with employer |
| Subscription/Donation | Low | Review subscriptions |
| Fraud or Scam | Low | Contact bank immediately |
The Small Charge Mystery: $0.01 Charges
One thing that freaks people out is seeing a tiny $0.01 charge from Panther East. This is often a red flag. Here’s why it happens:
- Card Testing by Scammers: Fraudsters sometimes make small charges to test if a card is active. If the charge goes through, they may try larger transactions later.
- Pre-Authorization Hold: Some companies, including Panther East, use a small charge to verify your card before processing the full amount. This usually disappears within a few days.
- Linked to Other Services: In some cases, Panther East charges have been linked to services like Tidal (a music streaming platform). A holding company called Project Panther, tied to Tidal, might show up as Panther East on your statement.
If you see a $0.01 charge, don’t ignore it. Check your recent purchases and contact your bank if it seems suspicious.
Is the Panther East Charge Legit?
Most Panther East charges are legitimate and tied to purchases from their store or website. They’re a well-known supplier in the construction industry, and their charges usually include a transaction ID, phone number, or website on your statement.
But there’s a catch: not every charge is legit. Philadelphia, where Panther East is based, has a history of credit card scams. In 2022, two locals were convicted of buying stolen card numbers from the dark web and using them for fraudulent purchases.
So, how do you know if the charge is real? Here’s a quick checklist:
- Check Your Purchase History: Look for receipts, emails, or order confirmations from Panther East.
- Ask Around: If you didn’t make the purchase, ask family members or coworkers who might have used your card.
- Contact Panther East: Reach out to their customer service at 215-335-6797 or through their website’s contact form. They can confirm the transaction details.
- Review Your Statement: Look for other unfamiliar charges that might indicate fraud.
If none of these explain the charge, it could be unauthorized. Let’s talk about what to do next.
What to Do If You Don’t Recognize the Charge
Spotting an unfamiliar charge can be stressful, but don’t panic. Follow these steps to get to the bottom of it:
- Review Your Records: Go through your receipts, emails, or online accounts to see if the charge matches a purchase.
- Contact Panther East: Call their customer service or fill out the contact form on panthereast.com. Provide the charge date, amount, and your name to help them track it.
- Check with Your Employer: If you work in construction, ask if your company made the purchase using your card.
- Report to Your Bank: If the charge still seems suspicious, contact your credit card issuer right away. They can investigate and may issue a temporary credit while they look into it.
- Monitor Your Account: Keep an eye on your statement for other strange charges. Set up transaction alerts for real-time updates.
- Request a New Card: If fraud is confirmed, ask your bank to cancel your card and issue a new one.
- Report the Scam: File a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov or your local consumer protection agency.
Taking quick action can protect your money and prevent further issues.
How to Prevent Unauthorized Charges
Nobody wants to deal with surprise charges. Here are some tips to keep your credit card safe:
- Monitor Statements Regularly: Check your credit card statement weekly for unfamiliar charges.
- Set Up Alerts: Most banks offer text or email alerts for transactions. Turn these on to catch issues fast.
- Shop Securely: Only use your card on trusted websites. Look for “https” in the URL and avoid sketchy sites.
- Shred Sensitive Documents: Destroy papers with your card details before throwing them out.
- Update Passwords: Change your online banking and shopping passwords regularly. Use strong, unique passwords for each account.
- Use Credit, Not Debit: Credit cards offer better fraud protection than debit cards.
| Prevention Tip | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Monitor Statements | Catches unauthorized charges early |
| Set Up Alerts | Gives real-time updates on transactions |
| Shop Securely | Reduces risk of data breaches |
| Shred Documents | Prevents thieves from stealing card info |
| Update Passwords | Keeps your accounts secure |
FAQs: Panther East Charge on Credit Card
Q. Why is there a $0.01 Panther East charge on my card?
A. This could be a pre-authorization hold to verify your card or a test charge by scammers. Check with Panther East or your bank to confirm. If it’s unauthorized, report it immediately.
Q. How do I contact Panther East about a charge?
A. Call their customer service at 215-335-6797, email them, or fill out the contact form on panthereast.com. Provide the charge date and amount for faster help.
Q. Is Panther East linked to Tidal or Project Panther?
A. Some users report Panther East charges tied to Tidal subscriptions through a holding company called Project Panther. Contact Tidal or your bank to verify.
Q. What if I think the charge is fraudulent?
A. Contact your credit card issuer right away to dispute the charge. They may cancel your card and issue a new one. Also, report the scam to ic3.gov.
Final Thoughts
A Panther East charge on credit card is usually nothing to worry about—it’s often just a purchase from their store or website. But if it seems out of place, don’t ignore it. Check your records, contact Panther East, and reach out to your bank if needed.
Staying proactive and keeping an eye on your statements can save you a lot of hassle. With the tips in this blog, you’re ready to handle any surprise charges like a pro!
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Always consult your bank or a professional for specific concerns about credit card charges. The information is accurate as of April 20, 2025, but policies and contact details may change.
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