I wrote a check on 7/10 that bounced 7/12.
The same day I went to guitar center (talked to Catherine) and informed them that my bank account did not have sufficient funds after the bank fee and offered to pay them cash, but was told to wait, as it was too soon to figure it out.
On 8/13 I received a letter from a collection agency called Certegy (CPRS from FLA) telling me my check was now their property and I needed to pay them the amount of the check plus a 25 dollar fee.
Not sure if this was legit I called Guitar Center several times and eventually was told the check had indeed been sold to Certegy and I needed to pay them. I send Certegy a payment that cleared on 9/3, ending the matter.
Or so I thought...
On 9/19 Certegy "collected" the check amount again. My credit union charged me a $10.00 "collection fee" on top of it.
I contacted Certegy and was at first told the system hadn't updated yet and I should call back.
After 10 days of leaving messages etc. I went to Guitar Center on 9/29 in person and spoke with the manager, Jeff. He called Certegy and was assured by Anna Maria 1800-624-6507 ext. 73602 that the money would be wired into my account that day. The $10.00 fee would NOT be reimbursed (nor will my bank wave it)
When, after a week I still had not received any funds, I called Certegy again and was informed they could not help me as I was not a merchant.
Jeff at Guitar Center in the meantime felt no longer obliged to help me, as it was ME, long time customer, who wrote the bad check.
The missing $180.00 has now caused me to be over 30 days late with my payment to Ford credit, which affects my credit rating. The fees on my side, not including the $25.00 I paid Certegy total $79.00.
I am running out of time and patience, and have no idea what to do WITHIN the law...
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