When 5/3 Bank bought out First Charter, my account was transferred. I began noticing charges on my statement to: IDALERTFEB 8667978451 022912. Having no idea that these were applicable to, I investigated. 5/3 Bank informed me that I was being charged for an IDENTITY THEFT ALERT. This program was there for the purpose of protecting my Identity... One problem... I didn't sign up for that program. After being unable to get these charges removed or the "program" removed, I was advised to 5/3 to open a new account. I opened a new account and the charges began again.
Fifth-Third Bank subs out this "service" to Affinion Benefits Group. Fifth-Third Bank offers this service through a "Membership Benefits Package" called IDAlert. Affinion Group does have my checking account number on file, but MY name is not associated with that account number and AFFINION will not release the name of the person stealing my money! Nor will AFFINION close this account. They do, however, continue to debit my account monthly, for which I receive NO benefit. The irony... This is supposed to be an identity protection safeguard and they are stealing MY identity!
Because this is my business account, and the amount deducted is small, I have put off changing banks. I am too busy to go to the bank every month to chase down $9.45. I should not have to be punished for 5/3 and Affinion Benefits Group's illegal hacking of my checking account, but it seems to be the case.
0 comments