Gems Taken for Challenge But Not Applied

I used 16 gems to activate a Canasta challenge this morning.     The gems were deducted from my account but not applied to the game.    I've been a member of Pogo since 2003 and it's gotten way harder to get in touch with them for help.    I think it would be easier to become a rocket scientist than to figure out how to do a live chat.     How the heck do I contact these people or how do I get my gems back.    It's not the gems ... it's the dang principle!!!