ARETE FINANCIAL
Learn about this charge and why it appears on your credit card statement
This Charge Has Been Reported for Unauthorized Billing
This charge descriptor has been linked to consumer reports of unauthorized billing or to regulatory enforcement actions — see the details and sources below. If you did not knowingly sign up for this product or service, contact your card issuer to dispute the charge and consider requesting a replacement card.
Also Appears on Statements As:
- Arete Financial Group
What Is This Charge?
The FTC alleged that Arete Financial pretended to be affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education and charged consumers illegal upfront and recurring fees. Source: FTC refund program, March 2025: Arete Financial Refunds (https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/refunds/arete-financial-refunds)
Why You May Not Recognize This Charge
When Should You Be Concerned?
Consider reaching out to your bank or card issuer if you don't recognize this charge, didn't authorize it, or see it appear multiple times without explanation. We don't determine whether a charge is fraudulent — only your bank or the merchant can do that.
What to Do Next
- Check your recent purchases and receipts to see if the charge matches anything you bought.
- Contact your bank or credit card company if you don't recognize the charge — they can help verify it or dispute it.
- Monitor your account for any additional unusual activity.