I am a senior on Social Security disability.
I opened an ETA "checking" account (no checks) at Point Loma Credit Union on 11/05/09. The woman who opened the account (Mimi) did not know how to open an ETA account, had never opened one before, and made me wait for almost an hour while she called other banks to get the correct "code". I was not given any account information, written materials, etc. I was only given a receipt and a piece of paper with my account number written on it.
Before I opened the account I spoke to the manager, Debbie Clow and she assured me that I could get a debit card. I specified that I needed a debit card (NOT an ATM card). I received a debit card, but never got any printed material regarding the account (fees, ATM locations, disclosures, etc.). I had to call the customer service number and request information (which was never sent to me). I also called and spoke to Mimi (she sent me a booklet entitled "Membership Agreement and All-In-One Disclosure).
All was well (or so I thought...) until 01/16/09, when I received a call from Mimi. She rudely informed me that an "audit" had been done on my account and that I was never supposed to have been issued a debit card. The debit card was to be cancelled at the end of the month, and I was to be sent an ATM card. Furthermore, I was informed that I was not allowed to cash any checks, not allowed to deposit money into the "checking" account, not allowed to deposit money into the savings account, and not able to open an additional checking or savings account because I am listed on Chexsystems! I told her that the PLCU fee schedule which came with my statement lists "Check cashing if non-member $5 each", and I asked if someone can walk in off the street and cash a check for $5, why are you telling me, an account holder, that I cannot cash checks there? She said they do not cash checks for non-account holders.
As if all THAT weren't enough, today I checked my account online and saw that I am overdrawn $21.23!! There was no explanation. I called customer service, talked to Abel, and was immediately transferred to Debbie Clow. She said I was charged an overdraft fee because a PayPal payment came in for $9.69 and there was only $4.77 in my account. I asked why it was not declined and why I was being charged. She said it was a "processing fee" and refused to correct or waive it because it was not a credit union error.
The ETA Website states the following:
What happens if I overdraw my ETA?
It's very difficult to over draw an ETA. If you do, there is a maximum charge of $10 for overdrafts that have occurred during a 24-hour period.
What do I do now besides sue Point Loma Credit Union in small claims court? Have they broken any federal laws by their treatment of me, their lies, and by overcharging me?
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