unauthorized E-check by CC Co.

I have taken a short trip out of the US and am overdue on a Credit Card payment. While still overseas, the Credit Card company made out an e-check from my checking account without my authorization. As a result, I've ended up overdrawn from my checking account, and still accruing late fees and finance charges on the CC balance.
Doesn't the CC company require my authorization to take $$ from my bank account?
Can I dispute the e-check w/ my bank?
What action can I take while I'm still overseas? How can I legally authorize an immediate relative (sister, brother) to speak for me, as they are in the U.S. and I, at the moment, am not.

Thanks,
beeders

[JETX]

Some credit card applications (especially those issued by your bank) include a provision for them to automatically withdraw any overdue payment from your account. If your application includes this provision, the bank did nothing wrong. You need to look at the agreement or see what the bank says justifies their actions when you contact them.

As for your specific questions:
Q1) "Doesn't the CC company require my authorization to take $$ from my bank account?"
A1) Normally, yes. You need to check your agreement.

Q2) "Can I dispute the e-check w/ my bank?"
A2) Not if you gave them approval in the agreement. If you didn't, then you can certainly challenge the bank for failing to protect your account (fidicuiary responsibility).

Q3) "What action can I take while I'm still overseas? How can I legally authorize an immediate relative (sister, brother) to speak for me, as they are in the U.S. and I, at the moment, am not."
A3) The only thing you can do would be to give them a limited power of attorney. I suggest you talk with the US Consulate to see if they can provide a US notary stamp to a POA. Otherwise, you can certainly communicate with the bank by FAX (or even online via a FAX service like [url]http://www.efax.com/[/url]).