Complaint Review: BB & T

I recently had my car broken into. Unfortanetly, I left my wallet in my car (yeah, I know, stupid!). My VISA check card/debit card from BB&T was in it. From 1:00 am to 6:30 am the thief went on a spending spree using the debit card as a credit card--charging $400 at different mini-marts and gas stations. The card was stolen in the middle of the night and when I noticed it gone in the morning, I immediately reported it stolen and BB&T cancelled it. My account only had about $10 in it when the card was stolen so every transaction by the thief (15 total) resulted in a NSF fee of $32.

The next day was my direct deposit of my paycheck. Due to the charges and fees, my paycheck was absorbed by the bank. I went to the bank to have the fraudalent charges returned and the NSF fees. I received the charges back. At the time, I ask the rep about my paycheck and that I needed the money to pay bills. He said go ahead and pay the bills because all the money from the theft would be refunded to me and any fees caused by me using my paycheck would also be refunded.

I waited a week and no NSF fees were refunded. At this point my account was negative $721. I called the bank and was told by the manager of the branch that they weren't refunding the NSF fees due to my negligence on having the card stolen. I was told that I was irresponsible and they shouldn't have to pay for my mistake. I was also told that I should not have used my account knowing that I didn't have the money (referring to my direct deposit that was eaten up by fees). I told her that the other rep had said all fees would be refunded to me. She said that he apparently didn't know the rules.

Needless to say, I now have no money and am fighting with BB&T. What they have done is basically illegal. I called the FDIC and have been told that all monies taken from my account resulting from theft (NSF fees included) are to be returned to my account, especially as I reported the card stolen within 24 hours. At this point I am filing a complaint against BB&T with the FDIC. Wish me luck!

Karen
Laurel, Maryland
U.S.A.