can i close my bank account

Read this post before you close your account. http://www.debtconsolidationcare.com/paydayloan/close-account.html

Also all you need to do is send a statement stating that you are revoking any and all ach's and wage assignments and do this immediately or they will try to debit your account.

ladybug

Make sure you are very up front with the bank. Go to a branch, speak with the branch manager. Preferably the branch you normally go to where they may "know" you. Tell them that you have had some potential fraud on your account, be honest with them, and that you need to close your account and make sure that there won't be any transactions allowed to clear once you've closed it.

That is good advice from swedishgirl. You don't want to be stuck with a bunch of nsf charges.

ladybug

Jean, If you open a new account, please be sure to use a different bank. That will prevent any problems.It may be easier for a PDL to get your new info if it is in the same bank. Also it will alleviate any errors that the bank may make regarding linking the accounts. Please do not give your new banking info to anyone.

Do it before the first of November, though. As of that day there are closing fees going into effect thanks to the bailout bill's fine print. You'll pay 3% of your account just to close it after that.

I closed my account and was upfront with the bank manager, opened a new account at same bank/branch and haven't had any issues with pdl's finding my new info. However, I was told by someone, that pdl's will pull your chexsystem reports so if you bounce (god forbid) a check with your new account they may find you. I haven't had it happen, best practice don't bounce any checks.