Have you ever checked your bank statement and spotted a mysterious Google Aiby Inc charge on credit card? You’re not alone. Many people see this charge and wonder what it’s for, whether it’s legit, or how to handle it.
What Is Google Aiby Inc?
Google Aiby Inc is a billing descriptor that shows up on your credit card when you make a purchase or subscribe to a service through Google Play, often tied to apps developed by AIBY Inc.
AIBY Inc is a Florida-based company that creates mobile apps, many of which use artificial intelligence to offer tools like photo editors, AI chatbots, or productivity apps.
When you download or subscribe to one of their apps via Google Play, the charge may appear as “Google Aiby Inc” on your statement. These charges are usually linked to subscriptions, in-app purchases, or one-time app downloads.
For example, you might have signed up for a free trial of an AIBY app, like ChatOn (an AI chatbot) or Fonts Art (a keyboard customization tool), and forgotten to cancel it before the trial ended. The charge could also come from an accidental purchase or a subscription you didn’t realize was recurring.
Common Reasons for Google Aiby Inc Charges
Let’s look at why this charge might pop up on your credit card. Here are some common scenarios:
- Subscriptions: Many AIBY Inc apps offer free trials that turn into paid subscriptions if not canceled. For instance, apps like Plantum (a plant care app) or Themify (a theme customizer) often have monthly or yearly fees.
- In-App Purchases: You might have bought extra features, like premium filters in a photo-editing app or additional content in an AI tool.
- Accidental Purchases: It’s easy to tap “buy” on an app without realizing it, especially if your card is saved in Google Play.
- Family Sharing: If someone else, like a family member or child, uses your Google Play account, they might make purchases that show up as Google Aiby Inc.
- Fraudulent Charges: In rare cases, unauthorized charges could indicate fraud, especially if you don’t recognize the app or service.
If you’re scratching your head over the charge, don’t worry. We’ll cover how to investigate and resolve it next.
How to Identify the Charge
Not sure what the Google Aiby Inc charge is for? Start by checking a few key places to track it down. Here’s a quick guide:
- Review Your Google Play History:
- Open the Google Play Store app on your phone.
- Go to your account and check the “Purchase History” section.
- Look for any apps by AIBY Inc, like ChatOn, Fonts Art, or Plantum.
- Note the date and amount to match it with your credit card statement.
- Check Your Subscriptions:
- In Google Play, go to “Subscriptions” under your account settings.
- See if you’re subscribed to an AIBY Inc app. It’ll show the app name, cost, and renewal date.
- Look at Your Email:
- Search your email for receipts from Google Play (try keywords like “Google Play” or “AIBY”).
- Receipts often detail the app name and purchase type.
- Contact Your Bank:
- If you can’t find the purchase in Google Play, your bank can provide more details, like the exact date and merchant information.
Here’s a small table to help you keep track of what to check:
| Step | Where to Look | What to Find |
|---|---|---|
| Google Play History | Google Play Store > Account | App purchases or downloads |
| Subscriptions | Google Play > Subscriptions | Active AIBY Inc subscriptions |
| Email Receipts | Your email inbox | Purchase confirmation from Google |
| Bank Statement | Online banking or statement | Transaction details (date, amount) |
By following these steps, you’ll likely pinpoint the source of the charge. If it’s a subscription you forgot about, you can cancel it directly in Google Play. If it looks unfamiliar, it’s time to take action.
What to Do About Unfamiliar Charges
Seeing a Google Aiby Inc charge you don’t recognize can be frustrating. Here’s how to handle it:
- Cancel the Subscription:
- Go to Google Play, find the subscription under “Subscriptions,” and cancel it to stop future charges.
- Confirm the cancellation via email or in the app.
- Request a Refund:
- If the charge was recent (usually within 48 hours), you can request a refund through Google Play’s “Purchase History” section.
- For older charges, contact Google Support via their website. Provide details like the transaction ID from your bank statement or Google Play receipt.
- Contact Google Support:
- Visit support.google.com and use the chat, email, or phone options.
- Explain the issue clearly, including the charge amount and date.
- Reach Out to Your Bank:
- If Google can’t resolve the issue or you suspect fraud, contact your bank or credit card issuer.
- Provide details like the charge date, amount, and “Google Aiby Inc” descriptor.
- Your bank may issue a temporary credit while investigating or help you dispute the charge.
- Secure Your Account:
- Change your Google account password and enable two-factor authentication.
- Remove any unfamiliar payment methods from Google Play.
If you suspect fraud, act quickly. Most banks have a 60-day window to dispute charges, so don’t delay.
Tips to Avoid Unexpected Charges in the Future
Want to prevent surprise charges from Google Aiby Inc or similar sources? Try these simple tips:
- Track Subscriptions: Use a spreadsheet or app to list all your subscriptions, including renewal dates and costs.
- Set Reminders: Before a free trial ends, set a calendar reminder to cancel if you don’t want to continue.
- Limit Payment Methods: Remove saved cards from Google Play or use virtual cards for one-time purchases.
- Enable Purchase Authentication: In Google Play settings, require a password or fingerprint for every purchase.
- Monitor Statements: Check your credit card statements monthly for unfamiliar charges.
Here’s a quick table summarizing these tips:
| Tip | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Track Subscriptions | Keeps you aware of active subscriptions |
| Set Reminders | Avoids auto-renewal surprises |
| Limit Payment Methods | Reduces accidental or unauthorized buys |
| Enable Authentication | Adds a security layer for purchases |
| Monitor Statements | Catches issues early |
By staying proactive, you can keep your credit card statement free of surprises.
FAQs: Google Aiby Inc Charge on Credit Card
Q. Is a Google Aiby Inc charge a scam?
A. Not always. It’s usually tied to a legitimate purchase or subscription for an AIBY Inc app through Google Play. However, if you don’t recognize the charge, check your Google Play history or contact Google Support to investigate.
Q. How do I stop recurring Google Aiby Inc charges?
A. Go to the Google Play Store, navigate to “Subscriptions,” find the AIBY Inc app, and cancel the subscription. Confirm the cancellation via email or in the app.
Q. Can I get a refund for a Google Aiby Inc charge?
A. Yes, if the charge is recent, request a refund through Google Play’s “Purchase History.” For older charges or issues, contact Google Support or your bank to dispute the charge.
Conclusion
A Google Aiby Inc charge on credit card can be confusing, but it’s often linked to an app purchase or subscription through Google Play. By checking your Google Play history, subscriptions, and email receipts, you can identify the source.
If the charge is unexpected, cancel any active subscriptions, request a refund, or contact Google Support and your bank for help. To avoid future surprises, track your subscriptions, set reminders, and monitor your statements.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Always consult with your bank or Google Support for specific issues related to credit card charges.
