My "Lovely" Day At The Bank: Can We Say @$!@*%@??: Rant Part Two

@pyewacket (43903)
United States
March 10, 2008 4:19pm CST
Yesterday I started a discussion "I Really Don't Believe This: Here Comes A Rant"...you can see it here http://www.mylot.com/w/discussions/1430348.aspx In the discussion I related how I discovered that my bank made a deduction of $38.90 that shouldn't have been there. I had figured out my funds from my SSI disability money and had enough money to pay partial payments to my gas and electric bills plus have some leftover money for cash (to get things like food for my two kitties)...no problem about food money as I do get food stamps. So when I went to the bank yesterday to get $20 from the ATM machine it gave a warning that if I made a withdrawal it would create an overdraft...Like What?? So go home look up my account on-line and sure enough...it tells me I have $18.79 in my account and the reason for my low funds was a deduction made by the bank of $38.90--and as I had related in my other discussion, that this was tied to that stupid automatic deduction by the Disney Movie Club for DVDs I didn't order--anyway I thought this was settled months ago...it was worked out, the movie club did give me a credit for the money and was placed back into my account January 25th...so that was that at least I thought until I got that deduction AGAIN. So today I stormed over to the bank...I had all printed out proofs of all the transactions..from a printed up email from the DisneyMovie Club to confirm their credit due me, the posting of the credit on my bank account and on and on. Okay so I'm sitting there waiting my turn for the next available customer service person to help me out--When my turn came up, I took out the papers of proof, was trying to give a detailed synopsis of what had happened and the beech, interrupts me and asks me "What is the question?" Like she didn't want to hear just exactly WHY I was there..like duh? So she starts looking up stuff on my account on her computer, and says, no this isn't the bank's fault but the Disney Movie Club...sorry we can't help you, you need to call Disney. As I ready to leave I'm thinking in my mind...gee how many years would I get for blowing up a bank??...LOL So I thought frick you...Yesterday I did a small transfer...I had $2.74 in my savings account..so transferred the $2.00 into my checking account to make an even $20.00 (and the 79 cents)--so as I left figured crap..I STILL need cash money so went to the ATM machine and took $20.00, leaving me of course only 79 cents, but like I said needed the cash money So now I'm home...I call Disney...and figured this...IT WASN'T there end of it...the man told me that I talked to that there hasn't been any activity since January 25th when that $38.90 was credited back to my bank account and that my card information had been removed as I had requested so they CAN'T make automatic deductions...so yes, folks IT WAS the bank's end of it, not Disney! Just as I thought! On top of that, I emailed my gas and electric companies.. I had over the weekend mailed out partial payments to them..figured partial is better than nothing, right? I emailed both explaining the whole situation in detail of what happened ..that my funds were now short because of the $38.90 deduction of my account and now those checks would bounce...I had explained that I'm on SSI disability and that I AM careful with my funds..have been a good customer and paid my bills on time..yada, yada yada...and asked if there were any arrangements that could be made so that when the checks came in they wouldn't deduct from account just yet, or some such thing....I figured that maybe because I was on disability some special arrangement could be made. Well got an email back from the gas company...haven't heard from the electric yet. Here's their words exactly to me from their email. .."Dear online customer, If and when we received your check it will be posted to your account. If the funds is not in your account you will be charge a $10.00 fees. To avoid this fee please make sure the funds is in your account. We're not responsible. Any further question please call KeySpan xxx-xxx-xxxx..." Crying out loud...can't they make some kind of exception or make special arrangements for this one time circumstance? I just bet the response from the electric company is going to be just as grand. Oh, well. A bit of good news...uh, maybe..LOL. I had written an article months ago for the on-line e-zine "MedHunters" Another fellow mylotter here had pointed this place to me..she had written an article as well and had forgotten about it, then months later they informed her they were interested in it, they published it and she got a nice amount for it..So today I got an email from MedHunters and they are still possibly interested in publishing it..so wish me luck that they do publish it...this could solve some of my problem So just wanted to keep you updated on this "lovely" news...But have any of you gone through this...just HOW can one rectify the situation when you darn well know it was the bank's fault and NOT yours or the other company involved...Open to any suggestions how to deal with this?
9 people like this
20 responses
@Katlady2 (9904)
• United States
10 Mar 08
I think you need to speak to a supervisor at the bank. Clearly that teller didn't want to take the time to thoroughly check things over. Do they have a customer service number you can call? Sometimes you get way better service from the people over the phone than from the ditzes at the bank itself. And have Disney send you another email for a second confirmation about the activity on your account with them. That way you have what they said in writing if you have to go storm the bank again.
5 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
10 Mar 08
Grrrr...talking to someone on the phone is worse....you usually wind up talking to someone in China or India! Believe me I know as I did that a few times before. The main honcho at the bank, the supervisor wasn't there today..figures....The guy at Disney though was great...he did say I could call back anytime and they could do further investigations into it..but like I said it wasn't them..but the bank..but yes good idea about getting another email confirmation from Disney.
2 people like this
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
10 Mar 08
Hi pyewacket, wow, you are having trouble. I wish you luck in getting your article published. after what you've been through you deserve a little good luck. Blessings.
5 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
10 Mar 08
Yes thank you..I'm hoping that article does get published..could really help me now
3 people like this
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
10 Mar 08
GOt to go back to the bank with your print outs get the manager! show them where thye the bank took out funds that they werent surpose to! They should rectify this . and BTW do you bank with Bank of America?
4 people like this
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
11 Mar 08
oh my these darn banks think they can do anything with our money. I keep a close watch on mine one time got low and had to pay I think $35 over draw never again
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
11 Mar 08
Yes plan to go back..nope, my bank is HSBC...another winner :(
2 people like this
• United States
10 Mar 08
I would never stop at just what a customer service person in the bank told me. I would go back with the same documentation and demand to talk to the manager and if I got no satisfaction there then insist of talking with the vice president, still nothing then insist on making an appointment to meet with the highest ranking bank official in your area. For further help if it was here in Savannah we have a local TV station that has the motto "On you Side" and they investigate all kinds of problems similar to what you are having and put the results on TV!! Don't you have any local agencies that would help? I sure wish you the best of luck with MedHunters.
4 people like this
• United States
10 Mar 08
BTW make sure you get something in writing from Disney showing that the blame lies with the bank. Get loud and mad as hell when you are in the bank!! They hate that and do anything to shut you up...been there done that!
4 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
11 Mar 08
I'm also waiting to see what I hear from the bank as I emailed them as well..emailed them last night...haven't heard anything yet. The main person/representative wasn't there at the bank today anyway..plan to go back to them...Oh, yeah, we have similar things like "Shame ON You" "Seven On Your Side" "Help Me Howard" NY-1 For You" whole bunch of consumer advocate groups that could help out--yup wish me luck with that MedHunters article :)
2 people like this
@Aurone (4755)
• United States
10 Mar 08
Bless your heart. I would go back to the bank and sit in their office until they fixed it. I hate it when corporations do this to people and then don't give a darn about the situation that they put the people in.
4 people like this
@Aurone (4755)
• United States
10 Mar 08
They do indeed.
4 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
10 Mar 08
Yes none of these companies give a shat do they...if it's the other way around and you really do owe them money they want it yesterday...when you KNOW they owe you they take their sweet time about it
4 people like this
@BarBaraPrz (45223)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
10 Mar 08
Switch banks? This one has given you nothing but static about a number of things. Perhaps it's time to look around.
4 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
10 Mar 08
The only other bank around me is a recently opened WaMu (Washington Mutual)...I've heard REAL horror stories about them...check out my other discussion and the response DarlingGirl made...So uh, no thanks
3 people like this
@Thoroughrob (11742)
• United States
11 Mar 08
Go back to the bank and go higher than just customer service. Do not let them get away with it. I would also let them know that Disney had gotten no more money from you, so where is the money? Someone has to have some answers.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
11 Mar 08
Where is the money? Good question..the bank "ate" it...don't worry I'll get this settled..I'm very determined!
@GardenGerty (157027)
• United States
11 Mar 08
At the bank you need to go over the head of the csm, to the bank manager or whatever. Ask Disney to send you proof in writing. I would like to suggest that you change banks, but that is a lot of hassle.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
11 Mar 08
Yes some of my friends have suggested I switch banks...but the only other one near me now is a recently opened Washington Mutual (WaMu)---and I've heard more horror stories about them that makes my problem look like nothing.....
@Aussies2007 (5336)
• Australia
11 Mar 08
All I can tell you is that... When dealing with bureaucracy and red tape... You need to remain cool, calm and collected... None of them will listen to you if you are over reacting. You need to resolve that matter as soon as possible between your bank and Disney. And the only way you are going to achieve that... is by having your bank calling Disney. You could ask Disney to call your bank... but they probably won't because it is not there problem if they did not take the money. One thing is for sure... if those two checks bounce... you will be charged $10.00 each for them. If you can make the bank admit that they made a mistake... they might refund you the $20.00 But be careful... I don't know about the US... But in Australia... the bank charges $10.00 to both parties. This did happen to me years ago... I did put a $2000.00 cheque in the bank on Christmas Eve... and the tellers went to their Christmas party instead of processing my cheque. Meantime... I wrote a cheque to pay my rent... and the cheque bounced. The bank refunded the $10.00 it charged me... but not the $10.00 it charged my real estate... and I had to pay an extra $10.00 to my real estate.
2 people like this
• Australia
11 Mar 08
Actually... I don't know how much it is today. It was $10.00 when it happened to me 12 years ago.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
11 Mar 08
Yikes...you ONLY get charged a $10.00 bounce check fee....here in America in most banks they charge $30.00 PLUS whatever the company charges for their bounce check fee..in the case of the gas company that's $10.00 so for just that one bounce check I'll be charged $40.00 total...No I never rant or rave...I learned long time ago not to "explode" or yell at people..they only look at you like you're some looney tune
1 person likes this
@charms88 (7538)
• Philippines
11 Mar 08
Hi black cat, Real sorry to hear you need to go through all this headaches. I rarely purchased online products or items except for a few establishments that I've been in touch with. I always use Paypal and not direct from my credit card. Paypal has a feature called Resolution Center. In case you encountered any problem with the seller, you can make a request to dispute your concern. Paypal will be the one to investigate the matter. They are fast and efficient. Paypal will refund your money within the day. I do hope you will be able to settle this matter soon.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
11 Mar 08
The only card I have is my ATM credit/debit card from my bank that is tied with my checking account and unfortunately many places (on-line) don't accept PayPal payments...I don't know how their so called credit card works, but like I said many places just don't take it
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
11 Mar 08
I agree with those who have said you should insist on talking to a supervisor or manager at you bank and also that you should ask the guy from the Disney Club to send you an e-mail stating they hadn't made the latest deduction to your account. I say, refuse to leave until you get some satisfaction and make sure other customers there know you're not a happy camper. I'm so sorry the gas company was so cold and uncaring but I'm afraid I'm not surprised. Like I've said, been there, done that, these corporations have no compassion for their customers at all. Being a good and loyal customer who has always paid her bills on time should mean something, but it apparently doesn't. I'm glad you got the e-mail from MedHunters and I hope that works out great for you! Annie
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
11 Mar 08
Right now, believe it or not I'm more annoyed with my gas company for giving me that lovely response...I mean it's not like I owe them hundreds and hundreds of dollars...they should try to work something out especially people who are on disability benefits, no?
• United States
11 Mar 08
Yep, as others have said, Pye: call the bank (your branch) and ask when the manager will be in. If you haven't thier direct #, then the next time you go, get the bank manager's card. Yeah, it means waiting for her, or having to go twice in one day...but it's worth it to speak to someone who might have the intellectual personality of more than a flea. Usually they side with the customer, straighten out the problem, and act truly appologetic. Just stand firm, show her your papers, and growl a little. :)
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
11 Mar 08
Don't worry DarlingGirl I'll get this straightened out. Some of the others here have suggested I change banks, but the only other one near me is Washington Mutual and after I read what you went through with them like no way? Your problem you had with them makes mine seem trivial in comparison--too bad you couldn't have sued them..I mean lets face it, they literally ruined you!
• United States
11 Mar 08
Oh Pye, what a mess. I can't really add any more advice than what I've read here....I know you will go above this girl to someone else in authority. There should be no question that this is the banks fault, and they SHOULD waive all charges and pay for any other fee's. I don't see how they deny you that. This did happen to my daughter once, and that's exactly what they did. I hope this all works out for you and good luck is on your side today.......take care. Keep us informed.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
11 Mar 08
Don't worry I'll get this settled...and thank you for you know what
@cortney09 (1345)
• United States
11 Mar 08
I feel for you so much. My husband and I have been through that same thing (not with Disney, but with a different company)and it seems like nobody is really helpful when something like that happens. My husband and I both get disability (and food stamps). The thing that sucks is food stamps go down when other stuff goes up. So, it kind of makes the whole thing pointless. Anyway, you would think people would make an exception, but utility companies aren't really helpful (ours included. If it weren't for social services paying our bill last month the electric company would have cut off our service. I called when we got the cutoff notice (we payed part of the bill, but not the whole thing) and tried to make payment arrangements on the rest of the bill, but they couldn't have given a rat's behind less about it. I hope things get better for you.
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
11 Mar 08
You're so right..the utility companies don't give a rat's behind....I mean I think they would give some kind of arrangement thing for people on disability benefits...actually some time ago..last year, I was in financial straits too, and the electric company did have some kind of special "plan" ...it made it ten times worse! The "level" billing would be say only twenty dollars was the minimum expected to pay each month..so I thought, oh,great! The FINE print so to say was in reality they were still actually charging of course the regular amount, say $60, so by paying only twenty a month there was still that leftover $40 each month..it kept adding up, and up and up..next thing you know I'm getting that turnoff notice cause of all the "extra" amount that had added up...I was able to borrow money from someone and they helped me out..but NEVER going to go on that special billing plan again..like I said, it made things only worse instead of better.
1 person likes this
@cortney09 (1345)
• United States
11 Mar 08
I am glad you told me about that little plan because our electric companies plan probably works the same way. The problem with our bill is it is $353 this month also. And we have all flourecent bulbs and I wash in cold water (clothes and dishes). One thing that I forgot to mention is that when that happened to us with our bank account, we spoke to the bank manager and finally got him to bend the rules that one time and put the overdraft fee back in our account. So, if that ever happens again(which I hope that it doesn't) try speaking to the bank manager.
2 people like this
• United States
12 Mar 08
Oh I really hope you got things fixed with the electric and gas companies! Did you call them to see if they could wavier the fee??
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
13 Mar 08
I emailed both the gas and electric...I did an update in Rant part 3...LOL...and give my gas bill email response to me...like in other words tough luck if my checks bounce...got an email from my electric and they pretty much say the same thing...gee how nice right?
@suspenseful (40193)
• Canada
11 Mar 08
I would change to another bank. Write to the main office, enclose copies of your transactions including the ones from Disney. Show them proof. Oh and even though you need the money, do not withdraw it from your bank if there is a problem. It sometimes takes time for these things to be resolved, so keep phoning and writing letters and with all things, be polite, do not lose your temper, do not assume the teller is an idiot. She has to follow rules. Oh if you have the receipts, information, etc. you could go on People's Court, just a suggestion.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
11 Mar 08
Well I did withdraw that $20.00...hey I do need some money for the month...have to think of my cats needing food. I would change banks but as I've mentioned elsewhere here the only other one is Washington Mutual, and one MyLotter was telling me the horror stories she had with them that literally ruined her business..so no thanks. No I never lose my temper when dealing with insufficient idiots like that customer service person..though I would like to have had...ranting and raving gets one nowhere when dealing with customer services of any kind
• United States
11 Mar 08
If it is the banks fault, they will have to not only honor your checks but reimburse you for any expenses incurred because of their mistake. Do not let them give you any excuses, demand this be taken care of and if customer service can't handle it then demand to see someone who can. You have every right to be just as rude and obnoxious as they are.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
11 Mar 08
I wasn't able to go back to the bank today, but will tomorrow and talk to the supervisor...no way am I going to talk to the beech again who couldn't give me the time of day
@irishmist (3814)
• United States
12 Mar 08
Oh my god that bank is really stupid. I would ask to speak to the bank manager. I would also demand to know where my money went to. Banks make mistakes all the time. There has to be a way that they can track it. One time my bank gave me $10 to much, and they called me 2 hours later about it. I counted my paycheck money and sure enough had an extra $10. They wanted to take it out of my checking account. I said no I'll be by in the morning to give it back to you, and they were fine with that. Point being only 2 hours later and they noticed they gave me to much money. So I'm sure your bank can track it down.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
13 Mar 08
Well I did a further update about this...I actually got a better response by emailing my bank about the problem I've been with that bank a long time (it was one of those constantly changing name ones)..the real shame is that many of the "old-timers" that had worked with the bank may have retired or been transferred...they were so much better than the help that is there now...all of them seem to be like the snippy beech that can't give the time of day
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
11 Mar 08
I can tell you one thing for sure Pye, is that that lady wouldn't be interupting me with such an question, that's for sure! She'd get a taste of my nastiness right back! If she can be so bold to do that to you then I can be bold right back and put her @ss in her place where it belongs! Then I'd proceed to explain myself to her and then demand my money be returned to my account and if she can't do it then I'd ask to speak with her boss and proceed from there. Your bank is in the wrong and that so called woman interupted you with a nasty question as if you were taking up her time when it's her time that she's being paid for, should've fixed it then and there! Gosh I'm angry now because she's upset you so much and she didn't have to. How would she feel if the shoe were on her foot?
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
11 Mar 08
First of all, this yahoo was a woman I've dealt with once before...and believe me I groaned inwardly when she was the only one available at the time...she's one of those snippy broads...LOL..all suited up in her Amarni business suit and Gucci shoes..LOL...think she always looked down at me a bit since I was a "commoner" in my jeans (they are Calvin Kleins..hehe..got on sale at a closing for biz store for only five bucks)--still she probably looked down at me since I wasn't as impecably dressed as she was--as for ranting and raving...oh, yes, would have loved to do that, but I learned long time ago, that doesn't work as the person you're dealing with only looks at you like you're a crazed looney..I do plan to go back and hopefully get someone else..if and when it's my turn again and the only person available is her again, will say, no thank you I'll wait for someone else to help me...
1 person likes this
• United States
11 Mar 08
Go to the bank about twenty minutes before closing and tell a long story and tell them you are not leaving until they settle it. Maybe they will finally get ready to go home and help. Just a thought.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
11 Mar 08
LOL--yes that idea just might work.. :)
1 person likes this