- Report: #186577
Complaint Review: Washington Mutual Bank - Seatle Washington
-
Author Confirmed
Why?
Washington Mutual Bank
1201 3rd. Ave., Seattle, WA 98101 Seatle, 98101 Washington, U.S.A.
Phone:
206-461-2000
Web:
N/A
Categories:
Business Rating:
(0)
Tell us has your experience with this business or person been good?
Washington Mutual Bank seized life savings of senior citizen without legal justification ripoff Seattle Washington *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account!
Washington Mutual Seizes Customer's Funds
While Washington Mutual PR folks tout the bank's no [ATM] fees policy, the executives in Seattle are, without notice or due process, seizing the funds of customers. My life savings is gone, says James ---, a 77-year-old veteran who quit his job as a trombonist with the Tommy Dorsey Big Band in 1956
to work as a carpenter and raise seven children.
On March 31, 2006, James went to an ATM to make a withdrawal from his primary checking account with Washington Mutual Bank. The transaction was declined. After several more frustrating attempts to withdraw what would be bus fare, he called Washington Mutual customer service and was told that the system was down, and his card would probably work again the following day. After a long night without money to get transportation, food or shelter, James, who walks with a cane after leg and hip surgery, suffers from diabetes and high blood pressure, and gets ill without his medication, learned that in fact his ATM still did not work.
Finally, after repeated calls to [Washington Mutual Bank customer service], and a lot of disconnects, they told me that the problem was possible identity theft, and assured me that presenting my driver's license at any branch would resolve it. They lied. Indeed, after borrowing money from strangers, James boarded a bus bound for Florida (where his wife of 40 years is buried), and visited a Washington Mutual branch where he presented his Driver's License to the manager.
Recordings made by James on the advice of family members demonstrate surprisingly unprofessional behavior on the part of both branch employees and telephone customer service reps one responding to his comments about not being able to wait very long for his money by saying, bluntly, You have no choice. Unable to get any cash in Atlanta, James cancelled his trip to visit his deceased wife's grave, and headed home. During the bus trip home, he suffered convulsions and had to be hospitalized over night.
Recordings made by James of subsequent telephone conversations with various Washington Mutual representatives evidence that he was provided with significantly varying and conflicting explanations; the most recent being that his funds have been seized by Washington Mutual Bank because another person owes money to another bank.
The other person is the buyer of Jame's car (sold to pay for his deceased wife's funeral) whose $4,900.00 check James deposited about 7 weeks earlier. Although the check long since cleared, and bank documents evidence that the funds were collected and available, Washington Mutual Bank's position appears to be that, although the check to James was a good one, several weeks after writing it its maker fell into debt with his bank (not Washington Mutual Bank), and that they have the right (without notice or court action) to seize Jame's money and return it to the other bank.
The check cleared and the money was available long ago, now they come after me because some guy who bought my car owes another bank money, explains James. And even though the check to me was good and cleared, they say they got the right to take my money.
Not only did Washington Mutual Bank seize the $4,900.00, but they froze the entire account. This is an arbitrary action made without justification and without due process, says Jeffery, a legal aid representative who has reviewed the documents and recordings. Moreover, this institution has, by their failure to give notice, and subsequent behavior, seriously harmed Mr. ----.
Presently a PR campaign, via the internet, community bulletin boards, and posters to be placed at Washington Mutual ATMs is being organized. If legal action is necessary, then we'll go to court, says James who now refers to Washington Mutual Bank as the Big Bad Bank, but, all I really want is my money back, enough to eat, enough to pay my bills, and enough to get me down to visit my wife, and leave some fresh flowers on her grave.
More details at ------
James
Birmingham, Alabama
U.S.A.
CLICK here to see why Rip-off Report, as a matter of policy, deleted either a phone number, link or e-mail address from this Report.
EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back!
HERE IS WHAT RIP-OFF REPORT SUGGESTS YOU DO:
Go to your bank within 60 days of the charge, or as soon as you know about the charge, don't delay, and tell them that there has been fraudulent activity within your account. Explain that you wish to file a dispute, and demand that they assist you in accordance with Federal Regulation E.
According to the majority of victims interviewed by Rip-off Report, those who immediately called their banks to dispute the charges did not get very far. Many victims got the following responses from their banks: we could not do anything for you or you waited too long; it has been more than 60 days.
If the bank is says that you have waited too long, explain to them how you called their 800 number as soon as the charges were found, and were told by the bank that nothing could be done. Remind the bank that they failed to assist you properly at the 800 #, and instead, provided you with an inadequate explanation of your right to dispute. Tell the bank that it's their fault time has expired, and since they gave you the wrong info to begin with, they will just have to deal with it, take the loss and reverse the charges.
Tell them the truth; this was unauthorized and your account was NOT to be charged! Keep emphasizing how you never authorized anything! Direct them to the hundreds of victims reports that were filed on Rip-off Report.com. And if you're at the bank, walk them over to their computer and make them go to this site! If you are on the phone with them, tell them you will wait while they access this site! Either way, be persistent!
DO NOT TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER!
Let them know nicely, that you were advised to Report them (the Bank) and this situation to the Banking Commission in your state. Since each state has a different name for the agency/controller over banks, find that name before you call or get to the bank so you can throw it in their face. The more knowledgeable you appear to be, the further you will get.
And just continue to demand the Federal Regulation E form! The bank CAN, MUST and WILL reverse the charge! But, you must be persistent; ask to speak to the supervisor or the area manager for all the branches in the state.
Let the bank personnel know you are meeting with the media later in the day, that you would much rather they do the right thing (as most other banks have) by looking at the complaints and immediately reversing the charge(s) to your account; no matter how long ago it was. Be sure to call the Media if necessary so you are telling the truth.
If you have to, be loud (but nice) in front of other customers. If you are just calling by phone, the above tactics should still work. The bank can easily fax or mail to you the Federal Regulation E dispute form.
CHARGES TO YOUR CREDIT CARD
If the charge was to your credit card (not debit card, check card, or checking account), contact the credit card company as soon as possible to request a dispute form. Consumers usually have a little longer to dispute fraudulent credit card charges (up to 6 months), but it is better to act right away. In this type of situation, credit card disputes are usually successful since fraudulent companies often won't contest the disputed charge. In rare cases, credit card companies will review disputes, but refuse to reverse the charges. If this occurs, complain to a manager and let them know you will be filing a report here.
Remember Don't let them get away with it! Make sure they make the Rip-off Report .. The more Reports filed on a Company or individual, the more likely it is that the authorities, media and attorneys will want to take action.
And good luck Let us know how you do!
ED Magedson Founder, Rip-off Report.com & Author of www.ripoffrevenge.com
[email protected]
badbusinessbureau.com
www.ripoffreport.com
Don't let them get away with it.
Make sure they make the Rip-off Report!
We are not lawyers.
We are not a collection agency.
We are Consumer Advocates.
...the victims' advocate
WE are Civil and Human Rights Activists
We are a Worldwide Consumer Reporting News Agency
...by consumers, for consumers
CLICK HERE to read about Credit Card Scams... find out how to get your money back. *Rip-off Report Investigation provides valuable information.
Click here to read other Rip Off Reports on Washington Mutual
While Washington Mutual PR folks tout the bank's no [ATM] fees policy, the executives in Seattle are, without notice or due process, seizing the funds of customers. My life savings is gone, says James ---, a 77-year-old veteran who quit his job as a trombonist with the Tommy Dorsey Big Band in 1956
to work as a carpenter and raise seven children.
On March 31, 2006, James went to an ATM to make a withdrawal from his primary checking account with Washington Mutual Bank. The transaction was declined. After several more frustrating attempts to withdraw what would be bus fare, he called Washington Mutual customer service and was told that the system was down, and his card would probably work again the following day. After a long night without money to get transportation, food or shelter, James, who walks with a cane after leg and hip surgery, suffers from diabetes and high blood pressure, and gets ill without his medication, learned that in fact his ATM still did not work.
Finally, after repeated calls to [Washington Mutual Bank customer service], and a lot of disconnects, they told me that the problem was possible identity theft, and assured me that presenting my driver's license at any branch would resolve it. They lied. Indeed, after borrowing money from strangers, James boarded a bus bound for Florida (where his wife of 40 years is buried), and visited a Washington Mutual branch where he presented his Driver's License to the manager.
Recordings made by James on the advice of family members demonstrate surprisingly unprofessional behavior on the part of both branch employees and telephone customer service reps one responding to his comments about not being able to wait very long for his money by saying, bluntly, You have no choice. Unable to get any cash in Atlanta, James cancelled his trip to visit his deceased wife's grave, and headed home. During the bus trip home, he suffered convulsions and had to be hospitalized over night.
Recordings made by James of subsequent telephone conversations with various Washington Mutual representatives evidence that he was provided with significantly varying and conflicting explanations; the most recent being that his funds have been seized by Washington Mutual Bank because another person owes money to another bank.
The other person is the buyer of Jame's car (sold to pay for his deceased wife's funeral) whose $4,900.00 check James deposited about 7 weeks earlier. Although the check long since cleared, and bank documents evidence that the funds were collected and available, Washington Mutual Bank's position appears to be that, although the check to James was a good one, several weeks after writing it its maker fell into debt with his bank (not Washington Mutual Bank), and that they have the right (without notice or court action) to seize Jame's money and return it to the other bank.
The check cleared and the money was available long ago, now they come after me because some guy who bought my car owes another bank money, explains James. And even though the check to me was good and cleared, they say they got the right to take my money.
Not only did Washington Mutual Bank seize the $4,900.00, but they froze the entire account. This is an arbitrary action made without justification and without due process, says Jeffery, a legal aid representative who has reviewed the documents and recordings. Moreover, this institution has, by their failure to give notice, and subsequent behavior, seriously harmed Mr. ----.
Presently a PR campaign, via the internet, community bulletin boards, and posters to be placed at Washington Mutual ATMs is being organized. If legal action is necessary, then we'll go to court, says James who now refers to Washington Mutual Bank as the Big Bad Bank, but, all I really want is my money back, enough to eat, enough to pay my bills, and enough to get me down to visit my wife, and leave some fresh flowers on her grave.
More details at ------
James
Birmingham, Alabama
U.S.A.
CLICK here to see why Rip-off Report, as a matter of policy, deleted either a phone number, link or e-mail address from this Report.
EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back!
HERE IS WHAT RIP-OFF REPORT SUGGESTS YOU DO:
Go to your bank within 60 days of the charge, or as soon as you know about the charge, don't delay, and tell them that there has been fraudulent activity within your account. Explain that you wish to file a dispute, and demand that they assist you in accordance with Federal Regulation E.
According to the majority of victims interviewed by Rip-off Report, those who immediately called their banks to dispute the charges did not get very far. Many victims got the following responses from their banks: we could not do anything for you or you waited too long; it has been more than 60 days.
If the bank is says that you have waited too long, explain to them how you called their 800 number as soon as the charges were found, and were told by the bank that nothing could be done. Remind the bank that they failed to assist you properly at the 800 #, and instead, provided you with an inadequate explanation of your right to dispute. Tell the bank that it's their fault time has expired, and since they gave you the wrong info to begin with, they will just have to deal with it, take the loss and reverse the charges.
Tell them the truth; this was unauthorized and your account was NOT to be charged! Keep emphasizing how you never authorized anything! Direct them to the hundreds of victims reports that were filed on Rip-off Report.com. And if you're at the bank, walk them over to their computer and make them go to this site! If you are on the phone with them, tell them you will wait while they access this site! Either way, be persistent!
DO NOT TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER!
Let them know nicely, that you were advised to Report them (the Bank) and this situation to the Banking Commission in your state. Since each state has a different name for the agency/controller over banks, find that name before you call or get to the bank so you can throw it in their face. The more knowledgeable you appear to be, the further you will get.
And just continue to demand the Federal Regulation E form! The bank CAN, MUST and WILL reverse the charge! But, you must be persistent; ask to speak to the supervisor or the area manager for all the branches in the state.
Let the bank personnel know you are meeting with the media later in the day, that you would much rather they do the right thing (as most other banks have) by looking at the complaints and immediately reversing the charge(s) to your account; no matter how long ago it was. Be sure to call the Media if necessary so you are telling the truth.
If you have to, be loud (but nice) in front of other customers. If you are just calling by phone, the above tactics should still work. The bank can easily fax or mail to you the Federal Regulation E dispute form.
CHARGES TO YOUR CREDIT CARD
If the charge was to your credit card (not debit card, check card, or checking account), contact the credit card company as soon as possible to request a dispute form. Consumers usually have a little longer to dispute fraudulent credit card charges (up to 6 months), but it is better to act right away. In this type of situation, credit card disputes are usually successful since fraudulent companies often won't contest the disputed charge. In rare cases, credit card companies will review disputes, but refuse to reverse the charges. If this occurs, complain to a manager and let them know you will be filing a report here.
Remember Don't let them get away with it! Make sure they make the Rip-off Report .. The more Reports filed on a Company or individual, the more likely it is that the authorities, media and attorneys will want to take action.
And good luck Let us know how you do!
ED Magedson Founder, Rip-off Report.com & Author of www.ripoffrevenge.com
[email protected]
badbusinessbureau.com
www.ripoffreport.com
Don't let them get away with it.
Make sure they make the Rip-off Report!
We are not lawyers.
We are not a collection agency.
We are Consumer Advocates.
...the victims' advocate
WE are Civil and Human Rights Activists
We are a Worldwide Consumer Reporting News Agency
...by consumers, for consumers
CLICK HERE to read about Credit Card Scams... find out how to get your money back. *Rip-off Report Investigation provides valuable information.
Click here to read other Rip Off Reports on Washington Mutual
4 Updates & Rebuttals
D
Naples,Florida,
U.S.A.
James,
#2Consumer Comment
Sat, April 15, 2006
James, do you have permission to re-print this story on this, or any other web-site?
Stile
Phoenix,Arizona,
U.S.A.
Ed, Reg E doesn't apply here.
#3Consumer Suggestion
Fri, April 14, 2006
I'm going to have to look into the story a bit more to really get a sense of what is going on, but I have a theory. It sounds to me like James was passed a counterfeit check. If the check was counterfeit then when James deposited it the bank would have only had so many days where they could have held the funds from being available. James may have thought that when this period expired that the check was cleared, but this isn't actually true. The check has to be presented to the maker's bank and must be cleared against the maker's account. If this was a phony check, then it may have taken weeks for the bank to figure out that this was the case, upon which time they sent the notice back to WAMU. Since WAMU never collected the funds from the maker's bank, they took back the funds that they were required to extend to James. This is called a return item chargeback, and it is a bank fee, not a charge from a third party. Ed, Reg E covers electronic transfers between parties, typically only checkcard/debit card transactions, ATM transactions, and ACH/Electcheck items. Because this sounds like a bank fee and none of the above items, Reg E doesn't apply. If I am right, then James needs to go after the person who bought his car.
Stile
Phoenix,Arizona,
U.S.A.
Ed, Reg E doesn't apply here.
#4Consumer Suggestion
Fri, April 14, 2006
I'm going to have to look into the story a bit more to really get a sense of what is going on, but I have a theory. It sounds to me like James was passed a counterfeit check. If the check was counterfeit then when James deposited it the bank would have only had so many days where they could have held the funds from being available. James may have thought that when this period expired that the check was cleared, but this isn't actually true. The check has to be presented to the maker's bank and must be cleared against the maker's account. If this was a phony check, then it may have taken weeks for the bank to figure out that this was the case, upon which time they sent the notice back to WAMU. Since WAMU never collected the funds from the maker's bank, they took back the funds that they were required to extend to James. This is called a return item chargeback, and it is a bank fee, not a charge from a third party. Ed, Reg E covers electronic transfers between parties, typically only checkcard/debit card transactions, ATM transactions, and ACH/Electcheck items. Because this sounds like a bank fee and none of the above items, Reg E doesn't apply. If I am right, then James needs to go after the person who bought his car.
Stile
Phoenix,Arizona,
U.S.A.
Ed, Reg E doesn't apply here.
#5Consumer Suggestion
Fri, April 14, 2006
I'm going to have to look into the story a bit more to really get a sense of what is going on, but I have a theory. It sounds to me like James was passed a counterfeit check. If the check was counterfeit then when James deposited it the bank would have only had so many days where they could have held the funds from being available. James may have thought that when this period expired that the check was cleared, but this isn't actually true. The check has to be presented to the maker's bank and must be cleared against the maker's account. If this was a phony check, then it may have taken weeks for the bank to figure out that this was the case, upon which time they sent the notice back to WAMU. Since WAMU never collected the funds from the maker's bank, they took back the funds that they were required to extend to James. This is called a return item chargeback, and it is a bank fee, not a charge from a third party. Ed, Reg E covers electronic transfers between parties, typically only checkcard/debit card transactions, ATM transactions, and ACH/Electcheck items. Because this sounds like a bank fee and none of the above items, Reg E doesn't apply. If I am right, then James needs to go after the person who bought his car.
