A “Helm Promotions” charge on your credit or debit card statement comes from Helm, a Plymouth, Michigan company that sells branded merchandise, runs corporate rewards programs, and fulfills automotive service and owner publications for manufacturers like Ford, GM, Honda, Hyundai, and Kia.1Helm Incorporated. About Us “Helm Promotions” is a registered alternate name for the same business, formally Helm, Inc. (now Helm, LLC).2Better Business Bureau. Helm, Inc. BBB Business Profile If the charge is legitimate, it almost always traces back to one of three purchases.
Why the Charge Might Be Yours
Helm’s billing descriptor often doesn’t match the storefront a customer remembers, which is the usual reason the charge looks unfamiliar. Before assuming fraud, check whether you or someone in your household did any of the following:
- Ordered branded apparel or promotional items from a company store or online storefront that Helm operates on behalf of another brand.
- Received merchandise through a corporate rewards or employee incentive program. Helm runs these programs for corporate clients and bills through its own payment system.
- Bought an automotive service manual, owner’s manual, or related publication for a Ford, GM, Honda, Hyundai, or Kia vehicle.1Helm Incorporated. About Us
The company also acquired Target Marketing Group, a promotional merchandise and corporate apparel distributor, so orders that came in under the TMG name can also settle under Helm.3PPAI. Banyan Technologies Group Acquires Target Marketing Group
Contact Helm to Verify the Charge
Start by asking Helm directly. Customer service can pull the transaction, tell you what was ordered, and identify the storefront or program the order came from.4Helm. Contact Us
- Phone: 1-800-445-4831
- Email: info@helm.com
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern
- Address: 47911 Halyard Drive, Suite 200, Plymouth, MI 48170
If Helm can’t tie the charge to an order, or the order wasn’t authorized by anyone with access to your card, move to a formal dispute with your card issuer.
Disputing the Charge With Your Card Issuer
The Fair Credit Billing Act gives credit card holders the right to dispute billing errors, including unauthorized charges.5Federal Trade Commission. Using Credit Cards and Disputing Charges The deadline is strict: your written dispute must reach the issuer within 60 days of the date on the first statement showing the charge.6Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. How Do I Dispute a Charge on My Credit Card Bill
Send the letter to the issuer’s billing inquiries address, not the payment address. Include your name, account number, the dollar amount and date of the disputed charge, and a brief explanation of why you believe it is wrong. Certified mail with a return receipt gives you proof of delivery.7Federal Trade Commission. Disputing Credit Card Charges
Once the issuer receives your notice, it must acknowledge the dispute in writing within 30 days and resolve it within 90 days. While the investigation is open, you can withhold payment on the disputed amount, and the issuer cannot report that balance as delinquent or send it to collections. Federal law caps your liability for unauthorized credit card charges at $50. If the issuer decides the bill is correct, it must explain in writing, and you can appeal or file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Filing a Complaint if Helm Won’t Resolve It
Because Helm is headquartered in Michigan, consumers who believe the company engaged in unfair or deceptive billing can file a complaint with the Michigan Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team. The office sends a copy of the complaint to the business and asks for a response within 30 days.8Michigan Department of Attorney General. File a Complaint If the business doesn’t cooperate, the office notifies you in writing and suggests next steps such as Small Claims Court or private legal counsel. Complaints can be submitted through the state’s online consumer complaint form.9Michigan Attorney General. Consumer Complaint/Inquiry Form