Hey everyone, this is my first post, and actually this issue is the reason I joined the board, however I'm happy to be on here seeing all the helpful people and responses, what a great resource.
So, quite some time ago Bank of America closed a checking account of mine because it had been in the red longer than they liked, to the tune of about $400. Bank of America had POUNDED me with overdraft after overdraft after some random 'maintenance' fees had been assessed which put me in the negative. They refused to budge or help in any way, so being 19 and stupid, I walked away from the account, not knowing about Chexsystem or the hell it would make my life.
Soon after, I was reported to Chexsystems which for the next 2 years made it impossible for me to get a bank account. I finally settled at an inflated amount with a collection agency.
Now here's the issue, I apologize in advance if it's confusing....
Bank of America had reported to Chexsystems that I had an outstanding balance and also that the reason for closure was that there was 'Suspected Fraud.' When I tried to track down the debt an clear everything up I contacted BOA...I was passed up (or down, depending on how you look at it) the line and finally reached the risk assessment group (or something like that). They were terrible and gave me little information. When asked why is reported that there was suspected fraud involved, I was told that having a negative balance was fraud.
I asked for paperwork and any information pertaining to that report, denied. I asked for BOA consumer policy and procedure information during the time I was customer, denied. I have been defamed by this. Banks can still see this and will be able to for years. Even BOA; when I finally paid off my debt I tried to open a checking account with them because my girlfriend banks there and I thought it would be convenient. However, I was told that because my account was closed by that risk group (presumably because of my reporting) that I can now no longer bank with BOA, ever.
It just seems like there is no recourse.. To cover myself I tell the bank reps that I'm recording the call, then they hang up .... I just think it's terribly unfair that they can put whatever they want, I seemingly can't do anything about it, and this has prevented banks from giving me accounts which has impacted my life in a negative way.
I guess my point is, what leverage do I have with BOA in this situation, and in general? I'm quasi-familiar with consumer credit rights and laws, but it seems like playing by different rules when it pertains to consumer banking and reporting....Thanks in advance for any advice..
So, quite some time ago Bank of America closed a checking account of mine because it had been in the red longer than they liked, to the tune of about $400. Bank of America had POUNDED me with overdraft after overdraft after some random 'maintenance' fees had been assessed which put me in the negative. They refused to budge or help in any way, so being 19 and stupid, I walked away from the account, not knowing about Chexsystem or the hell it would make my life.
Soon after, I was reported to Chexsystems which for the next 2 years made it impossible for me to get a bank account. I finally settled at an inflated amount with a collection agency.
Now here's the issue, I apologize in advance if it's confusing....
Bank of America had reported to Chexsystems that I had an outstanding balance and also that the reason for closure was that there was 'Suspected Fraud.' When I tried to track down the debt an clear everything up I contacted BOA...I was passed up (or down, depending on how you look at it) the line and finally reached the risk assessment group (or something like that). They were terrible and gave me little information. When asked why is reported that there was suspected fraud involved, I was told that having a negative balance was fraud.
I asked for paperwork and any information pertaining to that report, denied. I asked for BOA consumer policy and procedure information during the time I was customer, denied. I have been defamed by this. Banks can still see this and will be able to for years. Even BOA; when I finally paid off my debt I tried to open a checking account with them because my girlfriend banks there and I thought it would be convenient. However, I was told that because my account was closed by that risk group (presumably because of my reporting) that I can now no longer bank with BOA, ever.
It just seems like there is no recourse.. To cover myself I tell the bank reps that I'm recording the call, then they hang up .... I just think it's terribly unfair that they can put whatever they want, I seemingly can't do anything about it, and this has prevented banks from giving me accounts which has impacted my life in a negative way.
I guess my point is, what leverage do I have with BOA in this situation, and in general? I'm quasi-familiar with consumer credit rights and laws, but it seems like playing by different rules when it pertains to consumer banking and reporting....Thanks in advance for any advice..
Did anyone have any actual advice to the OP's issue? Other than defaming the obvious jack hole's who created the issue to start with... I had the same problem with BOA ~ I mean fraud, really? That should not be legal. We closed our account due to the fact that the company who processes their checks and debit cards sold our names and account information to someone... they "reassured" us that everything was taken care of, but I did not care. When we closed the account, things came through (yes it was stupid, and I panicked a bit much) and we got fee's along with returned items. I paid the return items, and have now paid off BOA through an agency. 