Charter One Bank
"stole" $183 through their craftily designed electronic transfer scheme

Opened the account in summer of 2003 with the promise of $100 to be credited to account upon the first automatic deposit of my paycheck. Six weeks later they agree that the $100 was due me and that I should get in my account within a few days.

I use this account by using my ATM/Credit/Debit card ONLY. No checks have been ordered or used.

In December I went shopping and I would continually telephone to learn what the balance in my account was. I primarily shop at Wal Mart in my home town. The last shopping trip I called and the bank said i had X dollars left in my account so i took some things out of the cart and kept the shopping bill to approximately $3-$5 less than what the bank recording told me.

When I got paid on 12/31/03 i learned that my account/check had been debited $120 for six (6) NSF charges. The people at the bank said it is my responsibility to keep track of what i have in the account. I say, "what have you sold me?" When i opened this account, they tell me that i can have access to the balance at all times, either on the phone or by computer. The point here is that if they are not accurate, then why would i want to call this "wonderfull feature" of the bank account? This was a major feature that they advertise - "instant access to your account." Instant access to what? Erroneos balances?

Last week they took $63 out of my paycheck. I haven't gotten the statement so i am unable to follow the trail. (and I can't rely on the "instant access" statement on the computer). I did have a conversation and they say i was overdrawn by. 89 and every five days they access a $30 or $33 fine for being overdrawn. I had stopped mid paragraph to find out their story and they agreed to reduce the fee by $30 (which will be credited to my account). But I am not done. I will take this to the Attorney General of New York, I will design tee shirts and wear them (freedom of speech) and I will not miss an opportunity to tell what a "ripoff" they are.

We, the common-ordinary people, who feel the brunt of those fees and other stringent regulations imposed on us by those industries such as banks, insurance and utilities have representatives in our respective state Assemblys and in Congress. We have a voice if we choose. But it takes work. Our legislators pass laws for banks, utilities and insurance companies to increase the rates and methods of operations. If we don't like it, we need to do something about it. All it takes for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing.

Company: Charter One Bank
Country: USA
State: New York
City: ALBANY
Address: # 1220 EMPIRE STATE PLAZA
Phone: 5184344186

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