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Regions Bank Refused to deposit my social security check and ran a credit check without my knowledge Ocala Branch Florida
I am disabled and was looking for a bank where I could deposit my social security check. Well, after much thought I took my check into Regions bank and sat down with one of the reps. After giving her my information she gladly opened my account. I cashed the check took some money and went home, thinking that was the end of the story. A few days later, my check cards arrive in the mail. Much to my surprise I could not activate my card. Not being in very good health ,my husband said he would go down to the bank and see what the problem is.
The manager by the name of Donna tells him he can not withdraw any money out of the account and she would have a check cut for me the following day. Now, remember, my husband is also disabled, with only one functioning kidney. She also stated to him that there probably is a letter in the mail that day advising us in this matter.
The letter is indeed in the mail and says, they refused my deposit!!It arrives addressed to my husband and not me! No other explanation, other then "Donna the managers...... " the order "came from the back". At this point I was dumbfounded. I told her I felt like a terrorist.
Well, she said she knew nothing else and could not give me an explanation. She then calls me back and says, we can not withdrawl any money until the following Monday, which is May 5th!!!She also advised me at that point to call Social Security and have them cut me another check, if I could not wait! Asnine? yes.
Is this discrimination? Sounds like it to me. The reason I say this is unbeknownst to me they ran a credit check on me. In the mail yesterday, I received a fraud alert and lo and behold marked in the box was, you guessed it Regions Bank!! Does anyone know of a bank that runs a credit check before they deposit a check? My credit isn't good but I have 2 other banks that I deal with and NEVER was I refused service.... EVER.
So, I got on to the banks web site and e-mailed them. Guess what? 2 e-mails and no response as to why they did this to me. It sickens me to think that all that paperwork and bank cards and no one at Regions Bank has the decency to call or e-mail me. And the worst part, My money is now in their bank and I can not get it out. You know, it is tough today, but try being disabled and living on a fixed income. When an individual at a bank refuses to give you an explanation other then "it came from the back"! is an injustice to all hardworking people who can no longer work and rely on banking instituitions, who at one time gladly deposited your business check or work check but now, have a hard time depositing your disability check!!!!
Please, let me know if there is any justice out there anymore!My husband and I worked hard all our lives and now,well, it seems they can do whatever they want. with a push of a button.
Sybil
ocala, Florida
U.S.A.
3 Updates & Rebuttals
Ken
Randolph,Massachusetts,
U.S.A.
Clarfication
#4Consumer Comment
Mon, May 05, 2008
Banks do not normally run a 'credit check' on a new customer unless there is an actual credit application involved. (like an overdraft line of credit)
What they do is run two different checks: the first is through OFAC, and is required by law to establish identity and ensure that you are not on 'lists' of people under government watch. (like money launderers)
The second, which is optional to the bank, is to ChekSystems or a similar outfit. These people will tell your bank if another bank took a loss on you in the past. Being as there is honor among thieves, the new bank usually will not accept your account until you have paid back your old bank and they (the old bank) give you clearance.
This always comes as a surprise to those folks who think they are just going to walk away from all those overdraft charges they accumulated.
Steven
Jacksonville,Florida,
U.S.A.
Try a credit union
#4Consumer Suggestion
Sat, May 03, 2008
Sounds like you have problems keeping a positive balance in the bank. Alot of over drafts or failure to pay fees will cause the problem you experienced. You can check with a credit union. Sometimes they are more lenient than the mega-banks
it could be even easier if your husband is retired military or otherwise eligible. Your alternatives other than that are check cashing places that charge outrageous fees or maybe cash it a grocery store (funds permitting).
Steve
Bradenton,Florida,
U.S.A.
Some enlightenment for Sybil
#4Consumer Suggestion
Sat, May 03, 2008
Sybil,
There is obviously much more to the story here, especially the fact that you allegedly have 2 other bank accounts, but needed to open this one to deposit your SS check into!
Why not just use direct deposit for your SS?
And, you opened a new account with only your SS check, and took cash immediately from the new deposit on the new account? This I find hard to believe.
As far as the credit check goes, ALL banks do it on new accounts since 9-11. They do this to verify your identity.
You obviously have some very serious credit issues, and/or have a fraud alert/freeze on your credit files.
BTW..The disabilty status of you or your husband is totally irrelevent to this report.
Exactly what kind of discrimination are you alleging? Please be specific.