On Dec 24th while doing some last minute Christmas shopping, I wrote a check for $46.01 at a local computer store in Dayton Ohio. Telecheck, much to my surprise, DECLINED my check!
I contacted TeleCheck immediately about the issue.
After going through 15 levels of automated telephone system hell, I actually reached a live human being.
This person then started asking me questions that had already been answered while trying to reach someone to talk to. He then started asking questions about other accounts I have and other people on my accounts. At which point I told him that was none of their business and I was checking as to WHY my check was declined.
Apparently, someone had written a bad check at a bank located about 2-hours from our home. This SINGLE bad account was linked to me by way of my drivers license number.
I explained to the person on the phone that I had never been at that bank, and that I only bank in Dayton - that I'm very happy with. He informed me that I would need to have this other bank to write a letter stating that I have no accounts there and fax it to TeleCheck before they could correct THEIR messed up database.
Basically - I was declined writing a check because of bad data in their systems associated to an account that was not mine!!!
I asked the rep for some additional information regarding this "phantom" account. His response - "Due to 3rd party privacy..." blah blah blah blah...
After verifying my identity, they STILL would not give me any details.
So, on Wednesday morning (after Christmas), I contacted the bank in question and faxed them a letter stating what happened. They were great! They sent a letter on to TeleCheck stating that I indead did not have an account at their bank.
So here I sit - on Saturday morning. I call to confirm that my account records are cleared. After going through the same 15-levels of automated telephone hell, this time I talk to a lady that asks me about this bogus account (again!). I told her that I did not bank there - ever. She asked me to hold on while she fixed my account. After a couple minutes, I hear a recorded message saying that my account has been fixed, but that I cannot use checks at Sams, Walmart, and about 12 other major stores due to updating delays - and that it will take UP TO 3 ADDITIONAL BUSINESS DAYS!!!
So, Saturday morning, before a New Years Eve party, and I can't use a check to buy any of the party supplies that we need for this coming Monday.
In addition, since my wife is on the same checking account, any accounts that she has are also probably locked. This includes checking accounts for 2 Girl Scout troops, and possibily the Girl Scount council account (s).
This company has FAR too much power, and NO responsibility to the accuracy of their data. These people MUST be controlled by someone.
I WILL be filing a report with the Federal Trade Commission later today!!!
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