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pmburk · Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 6:58 am Subject: ACH Block questions

I had several payday loans and some are paid off, but there are a few who keep debiting my account even though I have set up other arrangements. I always reverse it when they do this, but there are times when it causes me to overdraft and creates problems.

I am interested in putting some type of ACH block on my bank account, but I have a few questions. First, does this block ALL debits AND credits? We both have direct deposit - would this stop that as well? Or, does it only block ACH debits? Also, would I still be able to use my debit card? Or, is there such a thing as only a block for ACH Debits?

Has anyone done this and have advice? Thanks!

Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 7:02 am Subject: reply

an ACH block will work somewhat,i say this because the pdl's can try to slip in a paper check.you need to put a hard block on
your account.that means deposits only you have to got to the branch to get money out.i think you can still write checks yourselves.but no other withdrawls will be allowed.

pmburk · Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 7:07 am Subject:

Okay, so how do I go about doing this? Do I just call my bank?

Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 7:09 am Subject: reply

go in person and speak to the manager,even if you have to make an appointment.that is how most if not all of us got it done.

Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 7:10 am Subject:

i would go to your bank in person. i lost a few hundred dollars because the customer service rep made a mistake on my hard block. i would tell them your situation. i found when i was honest (and they saw how much money i was losing to pdls) they were very helpful. but because i did lose money, i would go directly to the branch manager.

Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 7:54 am Subject:

Would you mind giving info on what PDLs they are? If you have revoked your ACH authorization and they continue to try and do so, you might want to go to the processor, or the bank to bank, whoever does the transaction. Perhaps someone knows who that processor is.

pmburk · Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2008 7:41 am Subject:

I went to my bank yesterday and was told they "do not offer ACH block" unless they are trying to block a specific transaction and amount. So, I am out of luck there.

How do I go trhough the processors? The loans are Impact Cash, Fast Cash, Ace Cash Express.

lilbit43230 · Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2008 8:15 am Subject:

Same thing here. I bank with Huntington and went into the branch yesterday to request a hard debit block and not one person knew what I was talking about--not even the branch manager. Needless to say I walked out without anything resolved. They told me the only thing I could do was to dispute the transactions once they hit my account. I tried to close the account but I couldn't because there were pending transactions. So any adivce anyone can give is greatly appreciated.

Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2008 8:20 am Subject:

I would suggest speaking directly with the ACH Department of your bank. They deal with this all the time and may be of more help. While you are on the phone with them, ask them who the transaction came from. They have that identifying info.

Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2008 9:49 am Subject:

PMBURK - what bank do you use? I use BOA and they don't refer to it as a "hard block," they call it a balance hold.

Go back to the bank and ask to speak with the manager. Explain that you want to prevent ALL debits, ACH, etc. - ANYTHING THAT WILL TAKE MONEY OUT OF YOUR ACCOUNT! (Some banks even call this a "deposit only" account.) Your debit card will not work if you do this.

Doing this will allow your direct deposits to go into your account and then you can withdraw the funds. (You will have to go into the bank to take the money out. The manager will remove the block for a moment so you can withdraw, then will place a block after you do.)

Open a new account and get your direct deposits sent there. It may take a few pay periods so your employer will give you a paper check, but, hey, it beats the PDL places from eating your money.

PLEASE CLOSE THAT ACCOUNT THAT THE PDL'S HAVE ACCESS TO! They are relentless and will get your money...if not now, later...

Hope this helps!

Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2008 10:00 am Subject:

DSS is right - Every bank calls it something different. No matter what they say to you, they can do this.

Ask them what they do when they find out there is fraudulant activity going on in an account. They will FREEZE it and block any further activity. It can be done. No bank does not have the ability to do something like this.

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