Complaint Review: Netspend

I trusted NetSpend with my paycheck by having my direct deposits go into this account. I have another bank account with a major bank and I transfer money over there, but this was my primary account because I can get my paychecks a day or two sooner. Juggling bills and managing a household with three kids isn't easy so this was working well for me. I banked with NetSpend for 6 years.

Then one payday (8/25/11), all my money was gone! As soon as it hit the bank, it was gone. There I was--standing in the grocery store trying to use my debit card to feed my family--and my charges were declined. Why?

Well, NetSpend, who I trusted let someone charge $2,161 on my card for airline tickets. Worst of all, the charges (per a NetSpend supervisor) originated out of Africa.  But, I was in Georgia!! Why didn't they call me? I've never, in 6 years, had charges from Africa! 

The charges were made from Ethiopian Airlines and Zambesi Airlines--neither of whom I'd ever heard!! Unbelievable!  

If that wasn't bad enough, NetSpend started playing games! Yes, the nerve!! The first supervisor told me (when I reported this over the phone on 8/26/11) they'd had a wave of fraudulent charges from Zambesi Airlines and she was giong to escalate my case so I'd get my money back asap. The charges were pending so I asked if they could block those charges--stop them--anything. She said no. APPALLING!! Then she promised to call me in 2 business days with an update on the case. She didn't. But I called them on the 2nd day. The customer service rep didn't even see the claim in the notes!!! Are you kidding me?

So, this cust. svc. rep sent me a bunch of forms to complete. I completed the forms and the Affidavit. I also filed a police report and sent it. NetSpend confirmed by email that they received the paperwork on 8/31/11, and would begin an investigation. NetSpend says I would have resolution and provisionary funds within 10 days. That was a lie.

Days later, when I called to follow up, they claimed to have received my forms on 9/6/11, and would begin their investigation on that date. They were stalling.

It is now 3 weeks since I first reported this claim with no results. I asked repeatedly for a letter to submit to my landlord. They ignore me. I explained that I'm on the verge of eviction with my three kids. It falls on deaf ears. In fact, one of the guys laughed.

I asked to speak with a VP on one call or someone above the 3 supervisors I've spoken with. The rep told me they wouldn't speak with me.

Wish me luck getting my funds back. My family is in dire need. I owe everyone that I've borrowed from along with my rent and other utilities. I'm open to speaking with an attorney as well.

My advice--RUN FROM ACE CHECK CASHING'S BANK SERVICE, NETSPEND. THEY ARE CALLOUSED, GREEDY, RIP OFF ARTISTS!