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Fifth Third Bank ripoff excessive overdraft fees Cincinnati
Fifth Third has serious nerve. Anyone who would like to pursue a class-action suit with me, please let me know! I'll check back to other complaints.
Last month, on the day before my direct deposit hit for about $1,100, a check was presented for $500. I had approximately $350 in my account, so obviously it would overdraw my account. They DID NOT PAY THE CHECK. The same night I had several small debit card items hit ($9.00, $12.00 etc.) The $350 was well in excess of the amount of those charges.
However, 5/3 says debited my account for the $500, and didn't credit it back until the next day. Therefore, they charged me $33 for each and everyone of those piddly amounts. All told, they charged me almost $700 in overdraft fees.
When I requested a return I was told I had to go into the branch. I left work early to do that. I was told that the branch manager was already gone (it was Friday at 4:45)and I could file a written request. I was told they routinely review them on Mondays at a committee meeting. I have NEVER heard anything back. Not even the courtesy of a return phone call.
I argued that they shouldn't be able to charge me when they didn't pay the check. They gave me the excuse that the money was first taken out then put back the next day. BUT THEY NEVER PAID THE CHECK! So how did it come out?
Diane
Cincinnati, Ohio
U.S.A.
5 Updates & Rebuttals
Ken
Randolph,Massachusetts,
U.S.A.
Not sure if this is still true...
#6Consumer Comment
Sat, May 06, 2006
Back in the 'good old days' when things weren't so automated, this was the way an overdraft always hit your account. It would post in one night's work, causing the account to go negative. The next business day a real person reviewed the overdrafts and made a decision on whether to pay or return the checks. If they chose to return, the check amount was credited back to the account, since it wasn't going to be paid.
I doubt they still do this, but if it was legal for them to do it back then, chances are that nothing changed (legally) and they have you over a barrel. It would be interesting if you lodged a written complaint to corporate and see how or if they respond to that.
Dave
Jacksonville,Florida,
U.S.A.
I know what happened
#6Consumer Comment
Fri, May 05, 2006
They tried to debit your account, and according to the computer, your account was debited for the $500 check, but since the money wasn't there to pay it, they bounced the check, but never released the hold. They did this on purpose so they could generate the overdrafts.
You need to be very persistant on this one. Do not let up. If they do not refund the overdrafts for the other debits, then they are comitting fraud, and you will need to contact the Attorney General with copies of your account information showing what exactly happened.
Dave
Jacksonville,Florida,
U.S.A.
I know what happened
#6Consumer Comment
Fri, May 05, 2006
They tried to debit your account, and according to the computer, your account was debited for the $500 check, but since the money wasn't there to pay it, they bounced the check, but never released the hold. They did this on purpose so they could generate the overdrafts.
You need to be very persistant on this one. Do not let up. If they do not refund the overdrafts for the other debits, then they are comitting fraud, and you will need to contact the Attorney General with copies of your account information showing what exactly happened.
Dave
Jacksonville,Florida,
U.S.A.
I know what happened
#6Consumer Comment
Fri, May 05, 2006
They tried to debit your account, and according to the computer, your account was debited for the $500 check, but since the money wasn't there to pay it, they bounced the check, but never released the hold. They did this on purpose so they could generate the overdrafts.
You need to be very persistant on this one. Do not let up. If they do not refund the overdrafts for the other debits, then they are comitting fraud, and you will need to contact the Attorney General with copies of your account information showing what exactly happened.
Dave
Jacksonville,Florida,
U.S.A.
I know what happened
#6Consumer Comment
Fri, May 05, 2006
They tried to debit your account, and according to the computer, your account was debited for the $500 check, but since the money wasn't there to pay it, they bounced the check, but never released the hold. They did this on purpose so they could generate the overdrafts.
You need to be very persistant on this one. Do not let up. If they do not refund the overdrafts for the other debits, then they are comitting fraud, and you will need to contact the Attorney General with copies of your account information showing what exactly happened.