Just talked to my bank--Bad News!

Sorry to hear that your bank is so unwilling to help you. Did you speak to your branch manager?
I believe that they can and should do a hard block on your account.
As far a getting a paper check, it is a good option. It is not too late, as your payroll person can change this for you asap. I also told my payroll person a few days ahead and they were able to stop my direct deposit. Usually, the paperwork for payroll is sent only a day or two before payday, so it is plenty of time for you to request a paper check. I certainly would try my bank again if i were you, and insist that they block your account. Can yo close out your account , or are you overdrawn?

My bank did the same thing...and I left it overdraw...cancelled my direct deposit and took that check and opened another account somewhere else. I wrote the bank branch a letter and copied the CEO and the loss prevention department. They left my account open for a month while ipdls kept hitting it. I was then able to make payment arrangements with the lp dept. Not the best way to go but the only way I could take control at that time. So it is possible if you don't mind the extra work..however...I have heard that every bank has the power to do what we are asking...sometimes it just takes talking to a different person. Also try calling the loss prevention dept. of your bank straight out...cause that's where your account will end up anyway...maybe they could take another action.

I would try to go for the paper check too.

Why would the bank refuse to put a freeze on the account? I don't get that!

It happens all the time . . . Either you get someone that doesn't want to help, doesn't know they can help, or thinks it's your fault.

A lot of banks can totally suck!

Wow, I guess I've been lucky with mine. That truly stinks.

Okay. Your bank is being totally stupid. Excuse my bluntness. There is no reason on this earth they can not do a block on your account. The branch manager is the one you need to speak to. Not the "tellers". They're not much help. Tell them you have illegal companies taking fraudulent debits out of your account. Honest to God, they have no reason to NOT be able to block this account. Call you payroll department ASAP. Tell them fraudulent activity has happened on your bank account and to stop your direct deposit IMMEDIATELY. Tell them to issue you a paper check until you get a new account. They can do this. I called my payroll department TWO DAYS before payday. If they hear "fraudulent activity", they'll stop the deposit. There is no reason they can't do this. Take care of your payroll first. That way the check may never go in the bank (hopefully). As for your bank, tell them to stick it where the sun doesn't shine and close your account out. Tell them they are being uncooperative regarding protecting your account where fraudulent activity has occurred. I'm so steamed right now!! Get in touch with your payroll. Get that straightened out now. Hurry since payday is Friday. Explain FRUADULENT ACTIVITY to them. They should work with you. Get that under control. Once you know you'll get a paycheck you'll feel better. Then call your stupid bank and ask to speak with the branch manager. Actually it's better to physicall go there and talk to the manager. I'm telling you, there is no reason they can not do this for you. Illegal companies, unauthorized debits. Hello! Please hold your ground. Stress the importance of this with these people. This is very important. Because, yes, they can help you.

Follow Cannr's advice - There really is no good reason they can't do something to help you. They are just being lazy or uninformed.

And I agree, stress the word fraudulant. That should get them into action. Don't back down, and don't take no for an answer.

Ask them this - What does the bank do when they find out a customer has been doing fraudulant things with their account? Answer - The bank freezes the account! If they can do it when it benefits the bank, they can do it when it benefits both the bank and the customer.

I had the same experience with my bank at first until I explained the situation to the Manager and explained that I was also filing complaints with the AG. They can put a hard hold, mine just had to call the security department to do so. Try explaining the situation again and explain that illegal companies are pulling $ from your account!

yes...I think my biggest problem was I tried to close my account 2 weeks before I found this site...si of course I didn't know what I was doing either...when I went into the bank to close the account I spoke with the Vice President of the branch!!!! You would have thought he knew what to do??

I would also inform them you have contacted the Attorney General's Office and the Better Business Bureau and reported this fraudulent activity. I do not understand why these banks cannot close out an account, they don't have any problems closing them out when you have had too many NSF's. They would rather charge their customers outrageous NSF charges is what I think.

ladybug

the electronic transfer acts syas they have to stop or put the money back once you tell the bank that the withdrawal is unauthorized. they will make you show them the letter that you sent the PDLs ad proof that you told the PDLs that you revoked your authorization to debit your account. that is voluntary. the bank can';t force you to keep this going. that are lazy and don't want to watch your account like that. talk to the manager. also, be at the bank at 9am to take out all of the funds on payday. the debit won;t hit faster than you can withdraw the money. tell your bank manager that you HAD TO Do that until they did their part and agreed to stop the dbits and eat the NSF charges.

I agree, don't back down at the bank. If you don't get help with one person, go to another and keep working you way up the chain of command until you can find someone that will help you. Some people are just too lazy and really don't care about helping people.

Oh and do get with your payroll dept. If you don't get paid until Friday, I think you have time to get a paper check. Get with them ASAP. The sooner the better.