ChexSystems is.....
a check verification service and consumer credit reporting agency like Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. While most credit reporting agencies broker data about how a consumer handles credit relationships, ChexSystems provides data related to how a consumer has handled deposit accounts at banking institutions. "ChexSystems" is a registered service mark of eFunds Corporation headquartered in Delaware and was previously registered to "Chex Systems, Inc
Once on chexsystems, your name will remain on file for 5 years unless you file a dispute and there is no guarantee to be removed even with dispute. Paying the bank will NOT remove you from chexsystems. Many people believe and are even told it will but it will NOT.
The reporting bank is the ONLY one that can have chexsystems remove you and 9 time out of 10 the banks will NOT.
What do banks consider Fraud
This is yet another vague Chexsystems entry flag. "Fraud" means whatever the reporting bank wants it to at the time.
Here are some recent examples I have seen reported as "fraud" with different banks:
1) Elderly person falls victim to a pigeon drop scheme and deposits a phony money order in her account for $5,000. This individual is 74 and has maintained the account in good standing for over 25 years without a single overdraft. Her account is closed and she is reported to Chex systems for "fraud", causing her monthly Social Security payment to be returned. What was aggravating is that she also had an investment account at the bank with over $11,000 in it.
(Well Fargo)
2) An employment dispute caused the accountholder's employer to issue a stop payment on a payroll check, resulting in over 400 of NSF charges. The account is closed and reported to Chex as fraud. (Compass Bank)
3) Small auto dealer sells a car, depositing a cashier's check for $6500. At the time of the deposit, he asks for $1000 back in cash. The dealer has owned the business for 22 years, and keeps a large average balance in the account. Because the cashier's check was a forgery, he is arrested on the spot, the account is closed and reported to Chex as fraud.
(Chase Bank - formerly Bank One)
If you have been reported to Chex for fraud, but you did not commit an illegal act, then I say make them prove and justify it.
It was later determined that these individuals were victims themselves and no charges were filed. In the case of the stop payment, the individual has hired an attorney. The employer may have violated state law for refusing sales commission payments. All three are still trying to get the fraud entries removed from Chexsystems.