Complaint Review: Washington Mutual

On August 9,2002 a local supermarket charged me twice for the same purchase causing my checking account to be overdrawn. By the time I discovered this error Washington Mutual already charged me $21.00 for the overdraft. I immediately contacted the supermarket and they are now checking their mistake and have advised me they will refund the double charge. They were very concerned and apologized for the inconvenience.

I then contacted Washington Mutual and informed them of the mistake and was shocked by their response. They informed me to collect the original double charge and the overdraft from the supermarket and deposit both fees into my checking account to bring it back to good standing. I told them I would put back whatever the supermarket gives me but I would not pay them $21.00 for a mistake made by them and a supermarket.

Washington Mutual informed me that the mistake was my responsibility and if I have a problem with the overdraft I should sue the supermarket for the damages. When I told them I would not pay them the overdraft they told me I had no right to take out my anger on Washington Mutual. They informed me that they will take the fee when I deposit my next check.

I will not be making any deposits. I have already opened a new account elsewhere and I'm now racing to get my EFTs stopped before they can take my money. This will probably end in collection procedures but I will not pay. This bank is trying to make a profit off of a computer glitch between them and a supermarket. I did not cause this problem but Washington Mutual does not care and has made it clear that they will get $21.00 from me. They actually told me that I'm the one who doesn't understand how this works.

I will contact the supermarket and advise them that Washington Mutual wants $21.00 and maybe the supermarket will pay them their ransom. This is the same Washington Mutual that shows all these great commercials about how "Personal" they are. I have never run in to any institution who is more ruthless than Washington Mutual. They were actually offended by my inquiry into this incident. I have also contacted them via e-mail and have received no response.

Washington Mutual is not who they say they are. All those commercials are absolute lies. They are rude and cut-throat and now I understand why the State of Calif. is imposing fines against them. If you have an account with Washington Mutual I advise you to find someone else. If you are looking to open an account with them - "RUN AWAY" They are truly wolves in sheeps clothing !

Rick
Vacaville, California