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RoxyNY · 12-02-2007, 06:27 PM

In the past three days, I have written two checks to a store and both times they were denied. They first time I called. I was given the explenation that I have no negative check writing history but my check was denied due to any of several reasons, check number, number of checks written, or another reason not specified to telecheck..The lady I spoke to said I needed to have the denial overturned or I would not be able to write checks for up to six days....So I had her overturn the decision. Becuase it was before banking hours, she used my ssn and password to verify my bank balance and check writing was restored...until today. Today I was declined again...I called and was given the same routine...I have no negative history with them..blah blah blah. I asked that they overturn it and was told they could not. I asked to speak to a supervisor and was told the same thing. Now, how can one employee use my ssn and password and the other not be able to. And why can a human not over ride a computer. And why can no one answer my questions regarding why I was denied. What agency controls this company? I have filed with the BBB and the FTC...I want to know who else to file with. Is there anyone else who has had this problem and have they found a resolution?

ladybug · 12-02-2007, 06:38 PM

I had this happen to me once in Younkers, I called them when I was standing right there and the girl told me that since I hadn't written a check in along time that they needed my information which I gave her. She took the information and then told the clerk to try to run it again. She did and everything was fine. I don't understand how they operate. Confusing.

ladybug

cannr · 12-02-2007, 06:43 PM

There HAS to be some "agency" or whatever that can tell you why you are being denied. How can they just say "it could be for several reasons"??? That's insane! How can you write checks just fine and dandy one day & then the next day be denied? MARY!!!! Is there someone roxy can call to find out exactly who reported her or what the problem is?????

RoxyNY · 12-02-2007, 06:47 PM

Thanks for putting that more simply, I just do not get it. I have been writing checks to this particular store for years...and all of a sudden I am having problems and no one can tell me why. Not only is it embarassing, but so many merchants use this service that I almost feel as if I am being held hostage by them. It is really scary that a company has the power to do this and not have to answer to anyone.

mca · 12-02-2007, 07:21 PM

Big difference is that telecheck will remove you if paid and chexsystems will not unless the bank tells them to. Both are CRA's

According to the Federal Trade Commission they are considered a consumer reporting agency, as specified in the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

They collect, store and report consumer information relating to check transactions and bank accounts.

Also, Telecheck activities are governed by two federal laws because they collect and sell consumer information, and also collect debts.

So basically the same as chexsystems ..send them a certified letter or get their fax so you have proof of the fax for faster action and tell them they need to correct their records immediately or you will file a complaint with
1. their attorney general ( Texas )
Headquarters
TeleCheck Services, Inc.
5251 Westheimer
Houston, Texas 77056
2. your state attorney general
3. the OCC

RoxyNY · 12-02-2007, 07:30 PM

I already completed the paperwork to file with Texas and my AG. I just need to mail it. I did not know I can file with the OCC. How do I do that. Can I use their fax information off the BBB web site? It is for the telecheck HQ address you have above. And lastly, did filing with the FTC help me at all?

RoxyNY · 12-02-2007, 07:41 PM

Also, what do I ask them to remove or fix, they say I do not have a negative check writing history with them...just the fact that they say this yet I am being denied and not being given a reason.

mca · 12-02-2007, 07:44 PM

yes that address is to the telecheck HQ ...I would make the complaint to the OCC yes but this is a complaint about the " bank that reported you to telecheck " that they are in error etc and has not corrected their records

http://www.occ.treas.gov/customer.ht...al%20Complaint

cannr · 12-02-2007, 07:44 PM

roxy, you haven't had any bad checks at all, correct? Not just with this particular store. So when saying that telecheck "will remove you if paid", what if you don't have a bad check out? What would be "removed if paid"? I'm soooooo confused. Mary! Help!

mca · 12-02-2007, 07:52 PM

oh I am sorry I just copied n pasted that ...I am just making clear the difference between Chexsystems and telecheck when I say that. When paid, chex will NOT remove you but Telecheck will.

I know alot of stores use Telecheck now as a check verification the same as Chexsystems uses SCAN.

RoxyNY · 12-02-2007, 07:54 PM

So are you saying a bank reported me to telecheck...which bank...my bank? Why would they do that? Do I need to call them and ask. My bank is not online with them according to them.

mca · 12-02-2007, 07:59 PM

It could be the bank or telecheck that have put up a " red flag " so to speak over the amount of checks that you have written. SCAN and Telecheck are known to become " suspicious " if you write too many in a certain period of time.

If that is not the case then I would contact the bank and start complaining. But someone at Telecheck should be able to tell you if that is the case or not.

RoxyNY · 12-02-2007, 08:03 PM

They are not telling me anything other than the response I posted above. If I keep going up the food chain should they be able to tell me. And why would my bank report me after five years of having an account with them. I always write alot of checks so I do not get this...Could it have to something to do with my closing my old account and opening a new one four months ago.

volleyballmom · 12-02-2007, 08:05 PM

Also, some PDL's threaten to report you to check verifying agencies.

mca · 12-02-2007, 08:11 PM

If you have not had any bad checks then it is because they think you are writing too many in a small period of time, chexsystems does the same thing

I have looked all over their site but I see nothing that explains this. REDICULOUS !!!

Declined Check Information for Check Writers
1-800-366-2425

Returned Check Collection
1-800-366-2425

Free annual file disclosure pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act
1-800-TELECHECK

Fraud, Identity Theft, Forgery
1-800-710-9898

Headquarters
telecheck Services, Inc.
5251 Westheimer
Houston, Texas 77056

read this story...same as yours

freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1809689/posts

RoxyNY · 12-02-2007, 08:14 PM

I went to their web site today...suprisingly, not, there was no place for complaints or customer service. I will call the bank first thing in the morning and then I will contniue to file. I want an answer!! I just do not get why my bank would report me to telecheck when they are not even in telechecks system..that is why I am having to have them call the bank to verify the funds.