On the weekend of July 18-19th, while attempting to use my debit card it was refused. I thought that odd as I had ample cash in it. I arrived home and checked my account on line.
To my dismay, I discovered that someone in Georgia was using my debit account number and charging multiple items to it.
I tried to access an individual at Westcoast Bank, but they have no "live" help on line on the weekends. I was told after a list of choices to call an 800 number if my card was lost or stolen. I called the number and the card was cancelled.
I went to the bank on Monday morning to meet with the manager. I had already filled out a police report and done the fraud alert to the credit scoring companies. I filled out the bank form and was told it should be resolved in 24 to 48 hours.
The next morning (Tuesday), another Westcoast branch bank called me and asked if I was in Georgia as there were multiple charges being applied to my card. I said no, I had cancelled card myself.
Here is were it gets insane. The second bank said they had no report on file. The bank manager had not filed it yet. I was told to go back to my local branch and refile a new report. Then I was told it could take up to five days for resolution.
I was told not to write any checks as they would be charged NSF funds if they cleared before the fraud investigation was completed. I got back home and my main branch called me and said it could take up to ten days. Weds I was told it could take up to 45 days.
In the meantime here are the restranints I am under:
1. If I write a check to pay a bill with my account, I will be charged NSF for each check I write that clears before investigation is done.
2. I cannot withdraw any funds, because I don't have any, the thieves took it all.
3. Any direct deposits, ie. SS will be frozen in my account and be applied to the overdrafts.
4. Any bills that are automatically paid from my account will be paid, but NSF will be charged for each one.
5. If I attempt to close my account before resolution, so that I can get my SS to buy groceries, gas, pay rent, they will turn me over to collections.
6. To date I have been charged $241.00 for NSF because of what the thieves charged against my account.
7.in an effort to help me they suggested that I open another account with them, so I can pay bills, etc.
John
Beaverton, Oregon
U.S.A.
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