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cboy4 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-09-07 10:49 PM
Original message
***Seriously, a WARNING if you pay bills via
Edited on Fri Mar-09-07 11:19 PM by cboy4
automatic funds withdrawal ---- (i.e., you give creditors your bank routing/debit credit card number information so that you can "conveniently" have your bill paid each month so you don't forget.)


I'm having a horrible experience with a now former internet service provider {which provided internet to my condo complex before this company decided it didn't have enough subscribers to make a profit there, I guess, and pulled out.}


AND I WOULDN'T IN A MILLION YEARS DREAM OF MENTIONING THIS COMPANY'S NAME:

Ygnition Networks

Seattle WA (565 Andover Park West, Ste 201) ------ no doubt operated by republicans.


*****To make a long story short, they admittedly withdrew hundreds and hundreds of dollars from my checking account by mistake and it has turned into a huge, ongoing nightmare trying to get my money back.



The bottom line is: If you give a creditor(s) your bank routing/debit credit card information to pay your bill(s) each month, there in NOTHING to stop them from draining your entire account. Nothing.


Sure, you may get your money back eventually.....but probably not before:


1. Contacting the creditor and going through tons and tons of red tape. (Waiting on hold, explaining your situation to 10 different people, demanding to speak to supervisors, etc.)

and

2. Contacting your bank/credit union, filling out unauthorized withdrawal paperwork, and waiting for an investigation. Because your bank will not fix this in a week. Your bank has to look into the situation.


The thing that sucked is automatic monthly withdrawal was required by this company for some reason, so I was forced to give them my payment information.

Stupid, stupid, stupid.


So there is not a chance in hell I am going to do automatic monthly bill payment withdrawal with ANY company ever again.

You are at their mercy. They can withdraw as much money as they want, over and above what you owe, and there is nothing you can do about it immediately.


**

I'm now writing my representatives, including Senator Boxer, to report this and encourage that something be done to better protect consumers.

It is outrageous that companies are allowed to operate this way.

I've been told my account is being credited by this un-named company, (Ygnition), but I'm not holding my breath.


Just thought I'd warn fellow DU'ers who are thinking about the dangerous "convenience" of automatic bill payment. Beware. It can turn into a nightmare.

:argh:


on edit: typo
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bleedingheart Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-09-07 10:53 PM
Response to Original message
1. Many years ago, when I was living in an apartment
my electric bill started to arrive, but it was already paid.

Turns out somebody had mis-written my account id on his auto payment...and the grief it caused me was immense.

When I tried to get it fixed, the electric company started to accuse me of some sort of crime. I was ready to choke someone.

That is when i decided that auto payment of bills was a bad idea.

I do pay things online but only when I authorize it, it is not done automatically.
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ogradda Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-09-07 10:53 PM
Response to Original message
2. Damn I'm sorry
It's stuff like this that stops me from doing autopay :hug:
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cboy4 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-09-07 10:57 PM
Response to Reply #2
4. Good. I'm glad you're not doing it!!
And thanks. :hug:
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Redstone Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-09-07 10:56 PM
Response to Original message
3. That's why I still write checks.
Redstone
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AlCzervik Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-09-07 11:15 PM
Response to Reply #3
10. me too, i've never paid a bill online.
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badgerpup Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Mar-10-07 11:49 AM
Response to Reply #3
47. Me too.
I'd rather spend $7.80 every two months or so on stamps than have that much information 'out there'.

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cboy4 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Mar-10-07 04:52 PM
Response to Reply #47
50. Unfortunately, creditors can do some evil stuff with the routing
number at the bottom of your check.

That is the electronic road map into your bank account.

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badgerpup Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Mar-10-07 09:33 PM
Response to Reply #50
55. My bills are mostly the same ones every month
...and for very close to the same amounts.
Balanced billing is a wonderful thing.

I have what I call my "Master List"...I've put together the list of companies, their billing addresses, customer service phone #, my account number, and how much per month these bloodsuckers companies receive. For example- (some data changes for privacy reasons)

Heights Water Act # 00000-00
888-9999
123 Oak St
Myneckadawuds, ST 00000
$13-$15 monthly... more in summer




If an account is temporary, like I'm paying something off, I keep a record of that there, too "As of 3/10/2007 I owe $ XX.xx"

I sit down the first week of the month and pay ALL of them. None of this waiting for the notice in the mail crap, I'll spring for some cheap 'security' envelopes and get it all out of the way at once.
There's been no outcry about not sending the accompanying bill, just as long as you put your account number CLEARLY on the memo line of the check. I've been doing this for 5 years, and nobody's yipped yet.

As a result, my credit with the utility companies is excellent.
Also, if money gets really tight at the end of the month, at least I don't have to worry about whether I have enough to pay my car insurance or my electric bill. It's done and over with.

Trust me...it's easier to deal with a few days of rice, ramen and turkey weiners than trying to get your power turned back on, or the fine you get if caught driving without insurance...
if you're extremely lucky and getting caught is all that happens.

:blush: I'll also cop to a nice warm fuzzy feeling of accomplishment- "There! Bills are PAID, that's outta the way and I don't have to worry about it."
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Speck Tater Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Mar-11-07 12:19 AM
Response to Reply #50
70. To avoid letting them get your routing number...
pay with money orders. It's more of a pain in the neck, but for certain creditors who have proven themselves to be dishonorable crooks it's one way to protect yourself.
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sce56 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-09-07 10:57 PM
Response to Original message
5. I have "Smart Pay" through my Credit Union Works great no fees and I do them myself not atuomatic!
Edited on Fri Mar-09-07 10:59 PM by sce56
Plus they send the check out in the mail I pay nothing for this just the amount is withdrawn a few days before they actually get it so I lose a few pennies of interest that is all I pay!
Check it out from a credit union far better than a bank!
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tinfoilinfor2005 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-09-07 11:03 PM
Response to Original message
6. Yup, I had a similar experience last year. Took a few months to
straighten it all out. Now I'm back to writing checks and once again I feel I'm in full control.
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robinlynne Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-09-07 11:03 PM
Response to Original message
7. You should NEVER give your bank account out. Use your credit card for autopay.
You can cancel unwanted payments.
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cboy4 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-09-07 11:06 PM
Response to Reply #7
8. YUP. That's why I'm posting this....to try to prevent others from
what I'm going through.
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robinlynne Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-09-07 11:29 PM
Response to Reply #8
13. I'm saying there is protection with a credit card, but not the bank. from fraud as
well.
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cboy4 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Mar-10-07 12:22 AM
Response to Reply #13
20. Of course.....but keep in mind, not everyone qualifies for a
credit card.

I qualify for one, but lots of people (for many reasons) "only" qualify for debit/secured cards (so that the money comes directly out of an account with real money....instead of on credit.)

How unfair is it that if you're credit is good, you're protected, but if your credit isn't so great, you're not protected?
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robinlynne Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Mar-10-07 01:18 AM
Response to Reply #20
25. right you are. I saw a horrifying documentary about how the banks do not
have to check signatures, so if someone fraudulently makes a check with your number on it, the bank doesn't have to take care of it legally. but a credit card does. that's why i never put my bank account info online or anywhere.
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napi21 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-09-07 11:14 PM
Response to Original message
9. I would NEVER set auto pay for ANYTHING!
I worked in accounting for 40+ years, and because of all the errors I've seen over the years, I want the control over my accounts!

Ihave free bill pay at my bank, and I just tell them who to pay, how much, and when. If it's a business that doesn't accept electronic payments, my bank sends them a check, so I don't even have to buy the stamp!

I suggest you NEVER give someone else control over your $$!
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cboy4 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-09-07 11:28 PM
Response to Reply #9
12. And I've learned a lesson. But something has to be written into the
law so that companies are prohibited from withdrawing any more than what's due without facing severe penalties.
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Synnical Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-09-07 11:53 PM
Response to Reply #12
17. Oh, much more needs to be law
If I have your routing number and checking account number, I can pay my bills online via YOUR checking account.

-Cindy in Fort Lauderdale
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Hun Joro Donating Member (511 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Mar-10-07 10:48 AM
Response to Reply #17
44. But if I write you a check
you have my routing number and checking account number also.
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Heywood J Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Mar-10-07 09:17 PM
Response to Reply #44
54. That's quite easy for someone to grab.
Edited on Sat Mar-10-07 09:18 PM by Heywoodj
To dance around the name and circumstances a bit, my other half works for a company where the boss will routinely order withdrawals put through without consent of the person they're being withdrawn from (after having obtained the information from past payment checks). He'll also put checks through electronically long after they're stale and unable to be cashed the old-fashioned way (e.g. they turn up during spring cleaning the next year, long after they were written and forgotten). We're talking over a hundred incidents - enough that the attorney general (business is statewide) and county district attorney will be contacted.

I'm curious if anyone can recommend particular documents to hand over, or what sort of proof would be required to go to law enforcement for that. I mean, it's not like we've ever blown a whistle before, how does one go about doing that? The help is much appreciated.
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Synnical Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-09-07 11:48 PM
Response to Reply #9
16. Ditto that
I'm an accountant also, and I pay my bills online, but never, ever would I allow auto-pay from my checking account!

-Cindy in Fort Lauderdale
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purduejake Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-09-07 11:19 PM
Response to Original message
11. self delete
Edited on Fri Mar-09-07 11:22 PM by purduejake
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Kurovski Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-09-07 11:36 PM
Response to Original message
14. Thank you. I just got a form to do autopay for
internet/cable services.

And I almost went and filled it out.
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Rosemary2205 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-09-07 11:59 PM
Response to Reply #14
18. Does your bank have online billpay?
I have Wachovia checking and the online billpay is free. I choose how much to pay and when each time. Nothing is automatic. I am given a confirmation number for EACH bill paid, which I write on the paper bill that comes to my house. Some bills can be sent to you via email but I just like having the piece of paper in my own file box.

I cannot overstate how convenient this service is. One thing to be sure about is checking the date they plan to send the payment. It's not instantanous and the reciever of the funds still has to process it to your account. ..... if the bill is due tomorrow and you just remembered it, it will still be late even with online payments.
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Kurovski Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Mar-10-07 12:13 AM
Response to Reply #18
19. I'll check it out.
But usually I like to consolidate all my bills with credit card payments.

Never a shortfall.
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karlrschneider Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-09-07 11:40 PM
Response to Original message
15. Oh, man...that sucks! I've given that info to 2 utilities, no problems so far.
Imagine how much worse it could've been if they were crooks! (maybe they are) :scared:
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cboy4 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Mar-10-07 12:28 AM
Response to Reply #15
21. I know! I keep telling myself, "well, at least they didn't
drain my bank account and leave me with no money."

However, as you might imagine, it's little consolation!

Not sure if they're crooks, but I'm filing complaints with the Federal Trade Commission, the BBB, the Calif. Dept of Consumer Affairs and the Calif. Attorney General's office for starters on Monday.
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karlrschneider Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Mar-10-07 12:31 AM
Response to Reply #21
22. Yeah, for sure...you gotta do what you gotta do.
Hope it doesn't become a major hassle for ya.!!
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cboy4 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Mar-10-07 12:38 AM
Response to Reply #22
24. Thanks my friend. Me too!
:)
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alittlelark Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Mar-10-07 12:36 AM
Response to Original message
23. We keep less that $15,000 in our auto-pay acct.
We heard a few horror stories years ago. Our auto-pay acct (E-Trade) has never given us any trouble, but we only keep enough in it to pay monthly bills and access ATM's.
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133724 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Mar-10-07 01:23 AM
Response to Original message
26. FYI
YGNITION NETWORKS, INC.

UBI Number 602120098
Category Regular Corporation
Profit/Nonprofit Profit
Active/Inactive Active
State of Incorporation WA
Date of Incorporation 05/11/2001
License Expiration Date 05/31/2007

Registered Agent Information
Agent Name GLENN MEYER
Address 565 ANDOVER PK W # 201
City SEATTLE
State WA
ZIP 98188

Special Address Information
Address
City
State
Zip

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cboy4 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Mar-10-07 02:56 AM
Response to Reply #26
35. Thank you 133724 for taking the time to research and
post this information.

How nice of you! :)
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133724 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Mar-10-07 01:28 AM
Response to Original message
27. Cleaning up in broadband
Founded in May, InterQuest has moved quickly to buy up equipment from three bankrupt DSL companies, enabling it to provide broadband Internet access to apartment buildings and condominium complexes in Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Phoenix and Tucson.

InterQuest solves what is commonly called by the telecommunications industry as the "last mile" problem - it links customers that would normally be unable to get a digital subscriber line, or DSL, connection into their home because they are too far away from a data center. The company, which has 28 employees, buys broadband access from telephone companies such as AT&T Corp., Pacific Bell and Qwest Communications International Inc. and then resells it to apartment houses.

Normally, putting up such data centers is an expensive proposition, but founder and chief executive Glenn Meyer said InterQuest was lucky enough to get some bargains.

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2001/10/22/story4.html
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133724 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Mar-10-07 01:34 AM
Response to Original message
28. $13M deal fuels Ygnition
Less than five months after nabbing $11 million in venture capital, Tukwila-based broadband provider Ygnition Inc. has raised another $13 million.

Like the mid-January financing, the latest cash infusion is earmarked for acquisitions and for bolstering the 160-employee startup's sales and marketing. Ygnition CEO Glenn Meyer said the company could raise another $2 million by late June.

Founded in May 2001, Ygnition has raised $34 million to date.

The company also just acquired a small Houston video provider, PrimeTech Services, which has about 1,000 subscribers. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Meyer said the company expects to announce another acquisition somewhere in the Southeast by the end of May.

Ygnition has used acquisitions to carve out a niche for itself in the ultracompetitive broadband sector -- providing Internet, video and voice services to apartments and small businesses.

Ygnition employs a number of different broadband technologies -- DSL, cable and a hybrid of DSL and wireless networking -- to deliver high-speed Internet access. ....




Badger also appreciated that Meyer and his management team had looked far enough ahead to see that the small company would have to offer a bundle of data, video and voice services to compete with the likes of cable giant Comcast Corp. and incumbent telephone companies such as SBC Communications Inc.


http://seattle.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2005/05/30/story5.html
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133724 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Mar-10-07 01:37 AM
Response to Original message
29.  Interquest Communications Changes Name To Ygnition Networks
eattle, Washington. (Nov 17, 2003) -
Interquest Communications, a leading provider of Broadband Internet services to the Multi-Family Real Estate industry, today announced that it has changed its name to Ygnition Networks. The name change comes on the heels of a major acquisition in July, which tripled the firm's size and scope, making it the largest private provider of high-speed Internet services to the nation's apartment industry. The name change signals a departure from its narrow focus on multifamily high-speed Internet service to a wider focus, adding IP telephony, cable TV, and point-to-point data and Internet circuits.

Ygnition currently provides broadband services to approximately 400 apartment and condominium communities and their residents in Washington, Oregon, California, Colorado, Arizona, Utah, Illinois Texas, and Florida. In addition Ygnition serves commercial customers in 10 additional states throughout the country.


Ygnition Networks Contact:
Glenn Meyer
Ygnition Networks, Inc.
(206) 574-5480
[email protected]


http://www.ygnition.com/pr-11-03.shtml
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133724 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Mar-10-07 01:41 AM
Response to Original message
30. Interquest Communications Raises $5M in Preferred "B" Round Financing
Seattle, Washington. (July 16, 2003) -
Interquest Communications, a leading provider of broadband Internet services to the multi-family real estate industry, and one of the "Top 100" venture funded companies of 2002, according to Venture Reporter, today announced that it has closed a $5 million Series B funding, led by Chrysalis Ventures of Louisville, KY, a leading provider of venture capital in the Midwest and Southeast, and joined by ComVentures of Palo Alto, CA a leading communications venture firm and current investor in the company.

Interquest, a Seattle, WA based company, provides on-premise high-speed Internet solutions to many of the nation's finest apartment and condominium communities owned and operated by the largest and most high profile management companies, REITS and private owners. It also provides business customers with low-cost point-to-point T-1 data circuits and T-1 Internet circuits nationwide. Their most recent acquisition, the assets of BroadBandNow!, makes Interquest the largest private ISP specializing in providing high-speed Internet services to the apartment market, and the major growth company in this sector. Over the course of the past two years, Interquest has purchased the network assets of several bankrupt Internet service providers and rebuilt the network into one of the most efficient Internet access networks in the country. Interquest serves in excess of 120,000 apartment units in TX, CO, AZ, UT, CA, OR, and WA, and will soon open service in Florida.

Interquest Corporate Contact:
Glenn Meyer, CEO
Interquest Communications
(206) 574-5480
[email protected]

Chrysalis Ventures Contact:
Bob Saunders
(502) 583-7644
[email protected]

ComVentures Contact:
Kathleen Jensby
(650) 325-9600
[email protected]

http://www.ygnition.com/pr-07-03-2.shtml

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VP505 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Mar-10-07 01:48 AM
Response to Original message
31. After reading all
this maybe I should stop bitching when my banks security calls me every couple of months to verify charges on my debit card.
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Lochloosa Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Mar-10-07 09:50 AM
Response to Reply #31
42. Never bitch about that.
Someone stole my card NUMBER in NC and within hours my NUMBER was charging stuff in CA.

Mind you, my card was not stolen, just the number. I found out from one of those pesky calls.

I thank them everytime they call now.
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cboy4 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Mar-10-07 05:00 PM
Response to Reply #31
51. Yes, never bitch about that - -
In fact, you should thank them, especially if it's only a every couple of months!
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Nevernose Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Mar-10-07 01:57 AM
Response to Original message
32. I know EXACTLY what you mean! Here's how I fixed it:
There was no investigation, there was so delay. I raised hell until I got to speak to local B of A branch's manager. It took an afternoon, but I got there.

I argued and argued.

"Well, you owed them the money, didn't you?" she said.

"What has THAT got to do with anything?" I replied. "Maybe we did, maybe we didn't. Maybe I owe a lot of people money, like most people do. That doesn't give them the right to go around taking money out of people's bank accounts, does it?"

"Well, if you owed them money..."

"Look. You have a lot of power over the computer systems at this bank, right? If I owed you a hundred bucks, say on a football bet, would it give you the right to take out a hundred dollars from my bank account? No. Let's take it a step further: if you owed me money, and I came in here with a gun and demanded that the teller withdraw a hundred dollars from your account and put into mine, would it be legal? No? Then what's the difference between that and using a computer? You're job isn't to decide who's right, it's to keep my money in my bank account until I say give it someone else, and I didn't say give it to that person."

I got my money back on the spot.

And I don't use B of A anymore, for that and numerous other reasons, and I check my balance/transactions daily.

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suffragette Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Mar-10-07 02:06 AM
Response to Original message
33. What a bummer
You might also want to contact a consumer reporter, such as Connie Thompson at KOMO in Seattle. Maybe she can help with alerting people to this issue and/or shame them into giving you your money back.
Here's a link: http://www.komotv.com/about/people/fournews/4260466.html
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cboy4 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Mar-10-07 03:02 AM
Response to Reply #33
36. You read my mind about contacting a consumer reporter,
because if it's happened to me, it's certainly happened to others.

Good idea and thanks! :)
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BlueIris Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Mar-10-07 02:07 AM
Response to Original message
34. Oy. I'm sorry. Your story validates my stubborn refusal to EVER
do auto-bill pay. EVER. I am called a luddite, a troglodyte, and someone "stuck in the Dark Ages." But I won't do it.
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2008 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Mar-10-07 05:27 AM
Response to Original message
37. k&r (nt)
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lonestarnot Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Mar-10-07 06:48 AM
Response to Original message
38. Close the account and never give anyone access to your account again.
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MadHound Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Mar-10-07 07:04 AM
Response to Original message
39. Sorry that you're having this problem
I've never given anybody access to my account, and never will just for this very reason. By the by, they cannot require you to have automatic withdrawl. The law is that they have to take cash, if nothing else, for all debts public and private. When somebody in the future tries this on you, inform them of the law, inform them that you have your lawyer on speed dial, and if they aren't willing to go to court, then you will be paying cash thank you very much.

I've had to take this action at a couple of car rental agencies, since I don't use credit cards either. Mention the law, mention a lawyer, and they simply get a deer in the headlights look, and you can pay cash. Important point though, it can't be with a check, it will have to be cash money every month. I have no problem with that, but some might:shrug:
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NashVegas Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Mar-10-07 09:49 PM
Response to Reply #39
58. That's Interesting ...
I got credit at Best Buy, via HSBC.

When I went to the store to make a payment I was refused and told I would have to pay electronically (via giving my checking account info) or mail in a check.
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Midlodemocrat Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Mar-10-07 07:07 AM
Response to Original message
40. Wow. What a mess.
I pay all my bills online and have never had a problem like that. I'm sorry you are going through all that.
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Jonathan50 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Mar-10-07 07:41 AM
Response to Original message
41. Thanks for the warning.
Although I never use autopay I'm sure that there are some out there who do and need the heads up. I figured right from the beginning that allowing someone to withdraw money from my account without my specific authorization for each transaction was an extremely bad idea.

I use billpay through my bank and it takes about five minutes a month.

I do make sure that I get paper invoices as well though.
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dave29 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Mar-10-07 10:10 AM
Response to Original message
43. This has happened to me.
The company would not admit it made a mistake.
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gollygee Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Mar-10-07 10:51 AM
Response to Original message
45. Yes! If you have auto pay, use a CREDIT CARD
you can always cancel a credit card if you need to!

My sister had a similar problem with a gym - she stopped going and it took AGES for them to stop debiting. I had a cell phone that didn't want to stop charging me, so I CANCELED MY CREDIT CARD and they were out of luck. End of cell phone.
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high density Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Mar-10-07 09:50 PM
Response to Reply #45
59. Some autopays probably don't allow credit cards
because credit card companies charge a fee (something like 3%) to the merchants on the purchase.
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CabalPowered Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Mar-10-07 10:59 AM
Response to Original message
46. Not only that but they're a horrible ISP
My GF used to use them. Worst ISP ever.
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cboy4 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Mar-10-07 04:47 PM
Response to Reply #46
49. I didn't find they were particularly bad as an ISP until this
happened.

Now, I wouldn't recommend them to a dog.
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stonebone Donating Member (118 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Mar-10-07 01:04 PM
Response to Original message
48. kick
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mnhtnbb Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Mar-10-07 05:16 PM
Response to Original message
52. I had a CC company use a converted check to withdraw MORE funds
Edited on Sat Mar-10-07 05:20 PM by mnhtnbb
than the check was written for!

That CC is now sitting in a drawer in my desk--only to be used in case of emergency--like fleeing the country?

I had called them to complain about a late fee and they told me they'd remove it. They took the amount of the late fee out of my account above the amount of the check I'd written to pay off the balance!

I normally used that card to charge up to $1000/mo (which I always pay off).
I'm waiting for a call from them to ask me why I'm not using my card anymore and I'm all set to tell them because they're greedy liars.
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cboy4 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Mar-10-07 05:33 PM
Response to Reply #52
53. You should file a complaint with the FTC (If you haven't done so) to
at least have a paper trail.

You may not be the only person to whom this has happened.

https://rn.ftc.gov/pls/dod/wsolcq$.startup?Z_ORG_CODE=PU01
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mnhtnbb Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Mar-10-07 09:54 PM
Response to Reply #53
60. I didn't catch what they'd done until several months later. I got
several months behind balancing my checkbook--so that when I did go through the statements, that's when I figured out what they'd done. It wasn't worth
the hassle of filing a complaint with them at that point.

This was the second time in 4 or 5 months they'd charged me a late fee (I've had the cc for almost 20 years). They have a new processing company and they've shortened the grace period. If I didn't immediately open the statement and pay it on-line (with a week turn-around from my bank), it would be late.
So I've just stopped using that card since I have plenty of other cards--none of which have given me these problems.
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Justice Is Comin Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Mar-10-07 09:36 PM
Response to Original message
56. I can turn you all on to
a company I signed up with in a flash when I heard about it.

It's called Life Lock. They charge only TEN DOLLARS A MONTH to protect you from ANY LOSS from identity theft and they are insured by Lloyds of London for every occurance up to one million dollars.

They are signing up subscribers like crazy. The ex police chief of one of the suburbs of Phoenix here has a testimonial on their website.

The CEO of the company gives out his own personal social security number every time he appears in the media. He is that confident nobody can do anything with it. He has been on CNN, MSNBC...all of them.

You just can't beat what they do. I don't have a care in the world now worrying about whether I become a victim.

It's too much to post here about all they do. But if you want to learn more, check their website www.Lifelock.com
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cboy4 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Mar-10-07 11:16 PM
Response to Reply #56
63. Does this company handle the type of problem that I'm facing?
Because I'm not an identity theft victim.
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Justice Is Comin Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Mar-11-07 12:03 AM
Response to Reply #63
67. Well I can't be sure,
but there could be a possible case for it. It's a misappropriation of your money at the very least. And certainly without your consent.

As reputable as I know them to be, I think it's possible they would have intervened on your behalf.

Of course this couldn't apply now because you have to have a membership in good standing at the time of any loss. But it would certainly be worth ten dollars a month to become a member for any future event.

I had thought about posting this as an OP post because I don't think many here know about this company. But I didn't want to look like I had a suspect motive in doing it.

I made the choice immediately when I checked them out because I found out that Phoenix and Scottsdale were #1 for the most cases of identity related problems. And everything they said would happen immediately, happened within hours.

This company has had only one complaint filed with the BBB and it was resolved. In fact, the person never even responded back to the BBB.

I even talked on the phone with the VIP of client services before I signed up, and have his direct line. I couldn't be happier to be protected.
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cboy4 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Mar-11-07 12:08 AM
Response to Reply #67
68. Alright, well thanks for the information.
:)
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high density Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Mar-10-07 09:45 PM
Response to Original message
57. You'd better not write any checks either
Edited on Sat Mar-10-07 09:47 PM by high density
Because every check you write has your routing and account numbers on it. Plus with laws the way they are now it's common for "check truncation" to happen where your check (hopefully) goes into the shredder and they create an ACH transaction to settle it instead.

But overall I agree. I'm quite leery of automatic debits because of the possibility of people processing them multiple times by mistake. I know MSN did this a few years back. I've only set one auto debit up recently and that's for my car insurance which saves me a hundred bucks a year. I couldn't really justify spending $100 to get billed twice a year.
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sendero Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Mar-11-07 06:45 PM
Response to Reply #57
82. There's a difference...
.. and it is very, very simple. If someone gets a check from you and uses the numbers to set up an ACH debit, they have just committed a serious crime.

If you set up an autopay and they take more money than they were supposed to, the agreement you have to sign protects them from any legal liability, you will probably get your money back but not without wading through an endless maze of beauracracy.

Please don't compare the two. Stories like the OPs are common but it is exceedling rare for someone to do what you are talking about because we are talking prison here.
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Judi Lynn Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Mar-10-07 10:06 PM
Response to Original message
61. Surely appreciate your comments. I had no idea this happens.
Hoping at some point EVERY part of this situation gets corrected for you. What a pathetic outrage.

I'll be passing on your experience if I ever hear the subject mentioned.

There SHOULD be a way to block this legally. Makes you wonder how many people have been burned who couldn't get their money back, doesn't it?
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cboy4 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Mar-10-07 11:32 PM
Response to Reply #61
64. I know, and what about the people who can't afford this!?
This mistake could have led to multiple bounced checks had I not had the money in my account. (And we all know how much the banks charge in fees for bounced checks!)

This is why I'm going to start bugging my senators (Boxer & Feinstein) to look into this.

It's highway robbery.
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Deja Q Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Mar-10-07 10:56 PM
Response to Original message
62. Kick for a good thread
:kick:
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AZBlue Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Mar-10-07 11:35 PM
Response to Original message
65. I'm so sorry! I've had similar experiences but nothing this awful.
Good luck - hope it's resolved quickly.
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BlueStorm Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Mar-10-07 11:51 PM
Response to Original message
66. I had EBT with Progressive and I never had a problem...
Though I did cancel my account with a fitness center because I started to feel that they were shady. Good thing they haven't taken out any money though.

BTW cboy4, how do you get the Ygnition word to flash?

Blue
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cboy4 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Mar-11-07 12:19 AM
Response to Reply #66
71. Check your PM.....send the info. n/t
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Speck Tater Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Mar-11-07 12:16 AM
Response to Original message
69. Here's one that's even WORSE!!!
A certain un-named three-letter ISP provider that begins with M and ends with N required I give them a credit card or debit card number. I gave them my debit card. Then I canceled the service but they didn't stop taking the funds from my debit card so I canceled the debit card. You won't friggin believe what happened next!!! My daughter had a checking account at the same branch of BofA and out the clear blue sky they started charging the monthly fee to HER debit card!!! Now how in the hell did they get my daughter's debit card number, and what gave them the right to start charging HER card?!?!?

We both left BofA when they refused to straighten it out or reimburse her for the overdraft charges that she got hit with because M*N took money from her checking account WITHOUT ANY AUTHORIZATION.

After I moved to a new bank I vowed never to sign up for another auto deduction payment plan again. And to never trust BofA again. And to never trust M*N or their parent company again either.
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cboy4 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Mar-11-07 12:26 AM
Response to Reply #69
72. That is OUTRAGEOUS.
BTW, even though I can figure out who you're talking, why wouldn't you want to disclose the full name of the company... unless you were just trying to be silly? ;)
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I_Make_Mistakes Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Mar-11-07 01:04 AM
Response to Reply #69
73. They did the same to my mother. She evidently got the charges
removed, but what kind of customer service is that!
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I_Make_Mistakes Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Mar-11-07 01:12 AM
Response to Original message
74. I have the same problem with Bally Fitness, I have to contact
them to terminate the auto withdrawl from my account, and just keep avoiding the hassle. Here is some useful information provided by my awesome bank.

When you give control of the transaction to the external second-party by initiating the transaction through them, they are in control of the transactions against your account (sucks), however, if you initiate the payment through your bank's auto pay, then you retain control over all payments and the termination of such payments. I will never again allow a second-party access to my account.

I should only have to contact Bally's, my laziness, but if they don't comply, I'll just close the account and open a new one.
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cboy4 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Mar-11-07 05:46 PM
Response to Reply #74
75. If only I would have known about bank auto pay earlier! Oh well...
live and learn I guess.
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joeunderdog Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Mar-11-07 05:54 PM
Response to Original message
76. File an Unfair Business Practices complaint.
Edited on Sun Mar-11-07 06:05 PM by joeunderdog
You may be able to sue under this same provision. Check with your local Atty General's Office. Also, try the Banking Commission. They carry a big hammer.
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cboy4 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Mar-11-07 06:05 PM
Response to Reply #76
80. Yes, good ideas. I've filed with the FTC, the Calif. AG, and not
like it'll do much good, but I have filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau.
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ecstatic Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Mar-11-07 05:54 PM
Response to Original message
77. guilty as charged
Almost every account is on autopay. Even worse is that I don't look at my bank statement or bills very often. Probably getting ripped off left and right.
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sendero Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Mar-11-07 06:03 PM
Response to Original message
78. I noticed these provisions...
.. in the contract (that basically they are not responsible for their own actions) and use that sort of transaction for direct deposit of my paycheck and irs refund check only.

sorry you are having trouble. It's hard enough to get someone to stop charging your credit card illegally, the idea of someone draining your account is pretty scary.
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cboy4 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Mar-13-07 05:03 AM
Response to Reply #78
83. Thanks. I hope to keep everyone updated on the progress I
make with lawmakers.

I just checked my online account, and those liars at Ygnition still haven't refunded my money.
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Jamastiene Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Mar-11-07 06:05 PM
Response to Original message
79. That's the fighting spirit. Go get 'em, cboy.
Let the truth be known so others won't have to go through what you are going through right now. You have power with your posts. I admire your writing abilities. :thumbsup:
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cboy4 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sun Mar-11-07 06:07 PM
Response to Reply #79
81. Thanks for support my friend
:pals:
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