Gotta be real careful what ya say and how ya say it. Somehow, my very short and clearly stated e-mailed question, "Can I do so-and-so?" was misunderstood and read as a "I want to do so-and-so, and a sum of money was tranferred without my specific authorization. Fortunately, it was only $200.00, but there's a big principle and lesson here.
So, "Can I do so-and-so?" in the future will be followed by "But don't do it, I'm only asking for future reference."
I very, very politely gave 'em hell.