Debbie
Owensboro,#2Consumer Comment
Sat, November 20, 2004
Ripoffreport is where I started when I ran into this problem about a month ago. Fifth Third Bank in Owensboro Kentucky stole over $800 from me in 3 weeks. You can read my problems and actions being taken at www.bankfees.info. This is my suggestion, stay away from any and all OD programs offered by any bank. Beware of the OD protection programs that you may be enrolled in and NOT even be aware of it. Call your bank, see if they are offering anything like Oops, OverdraftHonor, Bounce Protect etc. I can not stress this enough "OPT OUT of these programs! This is where they get you by the balls. Hang in there, cash your check and keep your cash. Go to anyone, landlord anyone for assistance EXCEPT your bank! They will only set you up to steal more of your money. Remember: Cash is King. Use money orders for bills you must mail. It is way cheaper than the bank fees. Search the Internet, find all the information you can and print it to show your landlord what the banks are up to. When I first had a problem, people didn't have a clue. When I brought these unfair and deceptive trading practices to their attention, they were more helpful. The reason? Because I can assure you they have been had by the banks and didn't know why. You are supply them with information that will assist them from being RIPPED OFF by the banks. I have made contact with an attorney, and a film maker, as well as two Congressman about this issue. Search for James Jaeger. Read and learn. Make yourself informed. Remember Knowledge is POWER. Don't pay any attention to the nay sayers who believe the banks are looking out for you, and taking good care of your money, they are TAKING it alright. Walk away from it, don't worry about leaving it in the negative. The Federal Reserve has just issued a "guidence" letter to banks and a rule will be coming shortly. One last thing, be sure to file a complaint with the BBB. As well as a written complaint to the bank. You only have 45 and sometimes 60 days to file a complaint and be able to have a leg to stand on. I am -$1100 and have no intention of paying this. The bank processes your transactions and holds your deposits to increase their fee income. It is even taken into account in their budgets. This time of year, they are seeing they are going to miss their budgeted amount of income that they will have to report to shareholders at year end, so you are more likely to be slapped with the boggus fees. They are not fees, it is INTEREST and violated most state Usury laws. Be sure to file a complaint with the Occ, www.occ.gov. Not that they give a crap, but do it anyway. Send you story to everyone and anyone, post it on all board, and consumer advocate sites. I hope this information is helpful. I wish you well, and I am doing all I can do to stop this unethical banking behavior and I hope you will join in. It's a shame that the banking industry has become so vile, but it has. Last year banks made 14-16 BILLION dollars on bank FEES! That is 14-16 BILLION they stole from hard working Americans. There are 3rd party companies who have developed software to assist banks in robbing from the poor to pay the fat bank execs. Keep your chin up, remember you are not alone, educate yourself on this legal theft and take a stand against it. God Bless
Ann
Pensacola,#3UPDATE Employee
Thu, November 11, 2004
It sounds like you need to get overdraft protection. You can link you checking to a savings account or credit card to avoid overdraft fees. Also, never assume that the balance on you online statement is correct. The computer does not know every pending transaction you have, only you know!
Cory
San Antonio,#4Consumer Suggestion
Wed, November 10, 2004
You're jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire. Those payday loan places are the biggest ripoffs on the planet. Here in Texas, the interest rate is over 420%! By borrowing money from them, you are just delaying the end, but getting there at a faster pace. Your post is about BofA, but who submitted your check(s) 3 or 5 d**n times in one day, causing you the NSF fees? You need to get to a credit counseling service as fast as possible and get some real help. Good luck.
Bob
Albuquerque,#5Consumer Comment
Wed, November 10, 2004
If you have been a regular customer at your bank and have not caused problems (lots of NSF, etc.) you could approach them and explain your situation. The banks are conservative and may not want to deal with you but if you have a steady, regular job they may be able to help you get out of your internet loans and pay a much lower interest rate. I would give them a try before jumping into an internet bank - it can really be beneficial to be able to talk to someone in person (your bank). The payday loans are enormously expensive in fees and interest and best to avoid them if at all possible. Good luck.
Bob
Albuquerque,#6Consumer Comment
Wed, November 10, 2004
If you have been a regular customer at your bank and have not caused problems (lots of NSF, etc.) you could approach them and explain your situation. The banks are conservative and may not want to deal with you but if you have a steady, regular job they may be able to help you get out of your internet loans and pay a much lower interest rate. I would give them a try before jumping into an internet bank - it can really be beneficial to be able to talk to someone in person (your bank). The payday loans are enormously expensive in fees and interest and best to avoid them if at all possible. Good luck.
Bob
Albuquerque,#7Consumer Comment
Wed, November 10, 2004
If you have been a regular customer at your bank and have not caused problems (lots of NSF, etc.) you could approach them and explain your situation. The banks are conservative and may not want to deal with you but if you have a steady, regular job they may be able to help you get out of your internet loans and pay a much lower interest rate. I would give them a try before jumping into an internet bank - it can really be beneficial to be able to talk to someone in person (your bank). The payday loans are enormously expensive in fees and interest and best to avoid them if at all possible. Good luck.
Bob
Albuquerque,#8Consumer Comment
Wed, November 10, 2004
If you have been a regular customer at your bank and have not caused problems (lots of NSF, etc.) you could approach them and explain your situation. The banks are conservative and may not want to deal with you but if you have a steady, regular job they may be able to help you get out of your internet loans and pay a much lower interest rate. I would give them a try before jumping into an internet bank - it can really be beneficial to be able to talk to someone in person (your bank). The payday loans are enormously expensive in fees and interest and best to avoid them if at all possible. Good luck.