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Certegy Check Services Complaints - Declined checks!

Review all Certegy Check Services complaints

Certegy Check Services

Posted: 2006-10-23 by L. Wittner [send email]
Declined checks!
Complaint Rating:  97 % with 153 votes
My wife tried to cash a $22.00 check at Albertsons Grocery store and the check was declined. Upon talking to a manager in the store I determined that they are using a check verification service called Certegy. I located a phone number and called them with a response that there was no derogatory information about my checks and that I was declined due to my check writing profile. We are retired and hardly ever write checks since we do all our purchases by credit card. This experience of being turned down in a store full of people was very embarrassing for my wife. Albertsons gave her a $40 gift card in an attempt to get her back into the store since we are regular customers (she still will not return).

I am a member of the Board of Directors for America's Credit Union and there was never a question of available funds to cover my check. In talking to our Credit Union CEO his wife was turned by Certegy for the same reason when writing a check at T J Max . I was unable to contact a real person at Certegy but he CEO was able to get to a real person by continually punch numbers that did no exist on automated menu. He was told that he did not have sufficient funds to cover the check and he told them they were liars since he was the CEO and new that he had more than sufficient funds to cover his check.

I am still being ignored by Certegy and we are afraid to write more checks due to the embarrassment that we might endure. We need a class action suit to prevent these folks from doing what they are doing to honest hard working American citizens.
Comments United States Business & Finances
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422 days ago by Jacqueline Pudlo [send email]
August 18, 2008 Today my husband and I went to the local Home Depot to purchase a few items for a job he is doing. We wrote a check for a $166.08. The customer my husband was working for was going to pay us back right away for the amount and we figured a check was the best way to go. Well, I guess we were wrong! Our check was declined! On the cash register it said they used Scan, I was not given an 800 # but called Scan when I got home. Scan had nothing, didn't see anything that would hold up our check so I called Home Depot and asked what company they were using for their check services. I was given an 800 # and called and found out if was Certegy. The recording says they have nothing to tell us other than they have information from a third party regarding our situation and can not elaborate more than that. My husband and I have had bad credit in the past but have worked very hard to get it cleaned up. I have not written a check in a long time and the first time I do I am declined. This was very embarrassing!
417 days ago by Robin Trevigne [send email]
On Tuesday August 21, 2007, I went to purchase a gift card for $100.00 at Sears Department store in Moreno Valley, California. When I presented the cashier with the check, she informed me that it needed to be cleared. After giving the cashier the information needed; i.e. driver’s license number, date of birth, etc… my check was denied. When I ask why, she informed me that it was not Sears but Certegy Checking Agency who did not accept my check. I was given the check back with a number to call for further information. When I called, the representative informed me that they only had one check transaction on their files for $42 dollars and some cents and that the amount which I just wrote was too large and they suspect fraud to which I appreciated their concern. However, because my bank would not give out information on my account, they could not verify that I had ample amount of monies in my account to cover, my check was denied. The representative assure me that according to their records, I have not had any cancellations and am in good standing. The representative advised me to upgrade my status to "gold" by filling out an information slip. However, they assured me that this may not rectify the situation. It was also suggested that I use another method of payment to complete the transaction. I informed the representative that I prefer to use checking which will enable me to keep better records. I have used this type of transactions in the past and have had no problems. I informed the representative that I will be making another transaction the next day of the same measure. On Wednesday August 22, 2007 I went to Sears Department Store in Riverside, California to purchase the gift card for $100.00. Needless to say, the same thing took place as did when I attempted to purchase a gift card in Moreno Valley, California. I contacted Certegy Checking Agency the second time and spook to a supervisor; Mrs. Carry. She, as the representative did the day before, informed me that they suspect fraud and also because of the amount difference according to their records, was too great. She, like the representative, suggested that I “upgrade”. I informed Mrs. Carry that I have not filled out any information in the past with Certegy and I do not understand why I need to “upgrade” when this may not even take care of the situation.

I appreciate Certegy Checking Agency looking out for their merchants as well as for the consumer, however, I do not understand why do I need a history of check writing with consistent amounts of monies in order to be approved? In addition, why does Certegy Checking Agency continues to deny my check when all the information checks out; i.e. driver’s license number, date of birth, etc…In addition, why a I not able to speak to a representative when a cashier calls to verify that I am who I am?
415 days ago by Toni [send email]
I've never written a bad check in my life, 40 years, and all of a sudden I'm turned down when writing a check. I was so humiliated when trying to purchase a new tire at Northern Tire & Wheel. It was a lousy $118.00. I had over a thousand dollars in the account. Certegy denied me with a code 1, "usually prior unpaid checks" Bull S___. I gave the man my debit card and of course he had his money instantly. Duh, I told you there was money in the account.
When I finally was able to speak to a Certegy employee, I reluctly gave up information I know is wrong to share over the phone, So I could actually find out why. I was asked if I had recently closed an account. Yes, I actually changed banks and was only writing checks from the new account. Who the hell are these people who are dening checks for honest hard working people, with clean histories. I say yes file a suit, I'm in. I also suggest we each forward this web site to the companies that have denied us and let them know you will not be doing business with them as long as they are doing business with Certegy.
398 days ago by Misty Lynch [send email]
I already wrote a complaint, but just want to make sure all of you poor souls have a proper number to reach a live person that works for Certegy. It didn't do me a lot of good, but at least she had to listen to a real live person complain about their sorry business ethics! The number for customer services is 1-800-237-8764. So give em a holler.
391 days ago by Andy Gibson [send email]
I had the same experience as is being reported here at Best Buy yesterday afternoon. I also was told by Certegy that there is no negative history in my file. They also said that they could not share why it was declined because that may help those who are fraudulent check writers beat the "system". I have never been so humiliated in a store before. I too was offered to becoome a "VIP" member. Since when do we need to fill out information so that our checks can be accepted? What happened to past history determinng future results? I would be understanding if there was negative information as all merchants need to protect themselves, but to randomly refuse good customers due to a mysterious set of criteria is bad business practice. I will never shop in a Best Buy store again. I have also called their complaint line and was treated as if they did not care if they lost my business. I suggest that everyone with similar situations boycott the merchants who use certegy and send letters to the merchants explaining how they lost your business. Real numbers is the only way to get their attention.
388 days ago by Dean Lueders [send email]
How many of you live in California?

I had the same problem with Certegy at an Orchard Supply Hardware store. The big problem I have is that the store gave Certegy my bank account information without my permission.

I have been trying to get someone at OSH to realize what they are doing is illegal but have had no luck so far.

Email me if you live in California and had a store send your informaiont to Certegy. I am thinking about a lawsuit to stop this type of behavior.
383 days ago by Annette Kravitz [send email]
I am all for a lawsuit against Certegy. I have been using Wal-mart to cash checks and purchase merchandise. On September 21, 2007, I decided to use the new check cashing center located in Wal-mart, only to be asked several embarrassing question. The end result??... total embarrassment in front of several people in the store!!..The clerk has the audacity to hand you an 800 number to call, and once you do, they aren't able to give you a straightforward answer as to why the check was declined in the first place. If these businesses don't wake up, they are going to lose lots of money, and if they continue to use this lousy company then they should lose money. Better research of the company they decide to use will result in better revenue...
378 days ago by Cindy Neal [send email]
I have had two recent "run-ins" with Certegy Check Services". On both occasions, there was more than sufficient funds in the account. The main office of our bank called Staples in Holland, Michigan to ask why my check had been declined. Apparently it's policy and he could not over-ride the decision. The second experience was at TJ Maxx. On both occasions I called Certegy Check Services, worked my way through the endless prompts and finally spoke with a customer service representative...only to be read a very canned response. After voicing my humiliation and frustration, the only reason they could give me was that I don't frequent these retailers enough to have an established history. Isn't it sad that now I won't be returning at all. I have requested a written explanation for both incidences. The first being August 30, 2007...I'm still waiting. I find it very perplexing that businesses are apparently so busy that they don't mind Certegy turning away customers, prior to completing their transactions.
377 days ago by Cindy Neal [send email]
Humiliation and frustration...I could go on forever! I would like a list of every company that utilizes this "service". Do they not visit sites like this?
361 days ago by Karen [send email]
I am going through the same thing with this company right now. I wrote a check at Marshalls, a company I have written checks to repeatedly in the past. I have no history of bouncing checks whatsoever, but on this one occasion, Paypal accidentally transferred funds from my checking instead of my savings account, so that check got returned. I realized this right away, and things got corrected. I had Marshalls redeposit the check and it cleared my account immediately, and the return fee was waived. I thought this was a closed chapter. This happened the week of September 16, 2007.

About three weeks later, I wrote a check to Michaels, another store I frequently do business with (I am a teacher) I have written checks to this store many, many times, and am a very regular customer. I was declined. They tried it again, I was again declined. They gave me the number to Certegy, and I called them and was told they do not know why I was declined, that they have nothing in their records about me. So we tried again, still declined.

I ended up walking out and am now too embarrassed to go back.

A day or two later, about the 8th of October, I received a bill from Certegy for the amount of the returned Marshalls check and a 25.00 service fee tacked on. I have since called them repeatedly to inform them that this has been paid, sent them the proof on my bank's letterhead from my bank manager, and still, this morning when I attempted to write a check at yet another store I frequently do business with, I was declined. I called Certegy and demanded to speak to a manager, and was told that they still needed me to pay the 25.00 fee, even though Marshalls was paid directly by my bank to theirs, and waived the 25.00, and Certegy was never even needed to collect the debt. If I do not pay the 25.00, I will be red flagged forever.

I would go and pay this right now, but I am afraid it won't make a difference, and no one will direct me to a manager who will put it in writing that I will have my check writing privileges restored as soon as I pay them this 25.00.. which I do not feel I owe, but will pay if it gets things restored. I have thousands of dollars in my account,and a reputation to consider here. I do not know what to do next, and am seriously thinking of getting an attorney.
346 days ago by S.d.h. [send email]
A lot of people don't quite clearly understand how Certegy works. When a company uses Certegy, the check is out of their hands. If it is denied we are ONLY supposed to give you a little card with the reason code circled. If we don't have a reason code then we give you a different card. We are not allowed to tell you the reason the check is declined because we ARE NOT DEFINITE as to why. When could say "your check was declined because your I.D. doesn't meet the state's established guidelines for a valid ID" however then you would argue about how the ID is real. WE ARE NOT ALLOWED TO ARGUE. The card avoids frustration and further delay and embarrassment.

The way Certegy determines whether or not to accept or decline the check is based on your check writing history. Little things like multiple checks in a day, writing a check for over the amount to get cash back, differentiating DL info.

When you want to cash a check:
1st. Don't complain...its a service that does not even have to exist.
2nd. If the company that owns the check doesn't pay for the check once its deposited, that company's checks declined in the future.
3rd. Your ID must match the information on the check PERIOD, if you change addresses the you must take the appropriate action at you DMV.
4th. Don't get mad at the employee, in every sense of the phrase, "we know just as much as you do". It is not our own check we are cashing, nor is it our job to obtain information as to why it was not accepted. It IS our job to help you contact Certegy by giving you their number. We cannot explain Certegy to you, we are not Certegy employees, and quite frankly not all employees like Certegy.

So, please I ENCOURAGE YOU , the next time your check is not accepted call Certegy and ask them about it, not us. They are jerks on the phone sometime, but the more specific information you give about the situation(ie. how much the order was for, how much the check was for, what was entered into the register(if avail.), date of transaction, have you written previously accepted checks, ect). Please don't blame your unfortunate event on the employee.
345 days ago by Dave [send email]
Been reading your stories on line. You're right...embarrasing, frustrating and very scary that someone might have invaded your bank account. My story took a little different twist. 10:00 am today -wrote a check for $20.40 at Toys-R-Us. Came back declined. Clerk gave me the receipt and said I could call these people (Certegy) or talk to the manager. Spoke to the manager. He tried to run the check with the same result. Couldn't tell me why, but suggested I speak to my bank or Certegy. Went straight to the Bank. To my relief, I still had the thousands in my checking account I thought I had. I have credit scores in the 850s. And I pride myself on keeping an immaculate credit record. My banker and I called the 800 number. After asking many questions that I know I should not give out over the phone including my drivers license number, he asked if I knew a person whom I had never heard of. Supposedly she reported to them that I had sent her a bogus check. Then, he rechecked all my information including my driver's license number. He said I think I know what's wrong and put me on hold. He came back on the line 10 minutes later apoligizing for any inconvenience they caused me today but it appeared the Certgey employee who entered the data from the bogus check had transposed some numbers on the person's drivers license, and that mistaken transposition now matched my driver's license. He said he was in the process of correcting the error, but it would take three business days, and they would be sending me a letter when it was corrected. In the meantime, I'm afraid to write a check for fear it may be rejected too. Fortunately, my banker told me I could use my debit card. Then it dawned on me...that's what Certegy is helping these companies do; force us all to use debit cards so they can get their money faster. And they're leaving a lot of innocent victims in thier wake. I am going to write to the President of Toys R Us, Renz Nichols, the President of Certegy, Lee A. Kennedy, the President & CEO of Fidelity National Information Services (FIS) which is the parent company of Certegy, the Attorneys General of Florida (where Certegy and FIS are located), and my home state where the transaction today took place, the Federal Trade Commission which regulates consumer reporting agencies, and my Congressman. I don't know, maybe someone will listen.
343 days ago by Paul Morgan [send email]
Three months ago my check was denied while I was at Best Buy purchasing a flat screen monitor. There was over $1000.00 was in my account. I couldn't get any help from the store manager except a phone number to call. I was embarrassed as was my wife and the poor girl waiting on us.

Best Buys loss $259.00, Wal-Marts gain $239.00, since we went there and bought it, guess what my check went right thru!!!
Last weekend I was at Target purchasing a new PS2 game, Guitar Hero 3 for my kids, and again this company denies my check again!!! Again, plenty of cash in the account, Targets loss $89.00, Radio Shacks gain, $89.00. I have had this account for over ten years and it is always been in great shape.

There needs to be a Class Action Suit brought against this company. The only worst then this company is the stores that uses them. So lets not only get a suit going against them, but lets also boycott the stores that use them!

As for Len, on another posting, that said "if you had money in your account why not just use your debit card", all I have to say is that I have a checking account because if I want to write a check I have earned the right to write a check whenever I want to and i shouldn't be put in a negative catagory because I don't write many checks! I bet Len wouldn't stand for a negative credit rating if he didn't deserve it! Wake up Len, and smell the coffee... this is the same thing, and this company is just simply WRONG!!!
327 days ago by Wendy Cashman [send email]
I went into ToysRUs today, doing some Christmas shopping. I have over $3000 in the bank, yet my check of $131.72 was denied by Certegy! I, like all the others, got a piece of paper with a number to call. I got out of a very long line, truly embarrassed, and stood there as a manager was called over to take my purchase off the cashier's register and to make sure it was ok to hold my buggy until I could go to the credit union and get cash to pay for my items. I called the number and it was all automated. I got nowhere quickly. I did not go back to get my items merely because of the horrible traffic and the fact that my credit union was 30 minutes on the other side of town! I would have been at least a couple of hours wasted just to get my daughter a Dora TV!! I looked up Certegy online and found this post. I have tried calling a couple of other numbers I found online and haven't got anywhere yet. I have no idea why they denied my check.

Whatever happens, I will not give them any more of my personal information. I have been with this new credit union for about 8 months, since I moved here. About 6 months ago I got a letter from Certegy saying that they wanted to inform me that they had an incident where one of their employees stole peoples information and sold it. And that they didn't want me to worry because they were working with authorities to get to the bottom of this, but that my name was on their list of stolen information and I was being given a free credit check to make sure someone isn't using my identity!!! Do not worry they said!!! Lucky for me, nothing has come up derogatory on my credit as of yet and my bank account that the information was related to, had been closed for a few months prior.

After all of this mess they have put me through, I will be on the lookout for stores that use certegy, and I will no longer shop with them at all. I will also be letting these stores know that I wont give them my money and the reason why. They should know who they are making their customers deal with!
327 days ago by Don Chasse [send email]
On 11/20/07 I also had the unfortunate and unresponsive encounter with Certegy! Attempting to cash a state unemployment insurance check it also was declined for reason: 2 at east side Wallmart in sioux falls SD where I do most of my shopping due to fact I don't have a checking account at this time and I was able to cash my check there for a small fee. The customer service rep was not helpful and uninformed he just raised his hands and said sorry, can't help you and handed me a piece of paper that stated,We cannot cash this check ect... I then called the number on it and could not get past the promt asking for my phone number. I strongly feel that Wallmart needs to get involved and FIX this problem not only for Wallmart but for those who shop and SPEND there MONEY at Wallmart if they had an employee costing them profits would they not terminate that relationship why not terminate Certegy!
323 days ago by Tammy Turner [send email]
I recently had a run-in with Certegy. I've been getting over a chronic illness and my credit had not be perfect. For the past 4 months however, everything had been going good. I was doing some extra work and had received a check for about $90 dollars in the mail on Saturday. I worked that day so I did not cash my check then. I had someone gain access to my banking account and made unauthorized withdrawals. Needless to say I am a bit paranoid about identity theft. So anyway, walmart is open on Sunday and I went to cash my payroll check, I have cashed payroll checks there before no problem. Today however, I was denied, I was given a little card and just got the automated runaround, I thought someone had gotten my personal information and was writing bogus checks, I was almost in tears. Then I decided to educate myself and found this website. I feel much better about everything and will watch where I shop at from now on.
312 days ago by Mark S Bridge [send email]
Certegy caused a check I wrote to Dick's Sporting Goods to bu turned down. There was plenty of money in the account, and Certegy said it was all due to the computer algorithm they use.

Well, I will not set foot in a Dick's Sporting Goods store again!
310 days ago by Shari Chapman [send email]
I totally understand the attitudes of these people as today my husband and I had this happen to us at a Home Depot store. We pride ourselves on the excellent credit history that we have and then to have a check denied for such a small amount plus not be able to get a straight answer as to why!! Yes, we paid cash for the items as we happened to have really needed most of them and could not find them elsewhere. After reading some of the reasons others were denied, I agree that I will not shop at any store that uses a service that humiliates hard working and honest customers. Yes, businesses need to be protected but they also need to have a better system that works with honest people not against them. If banks and credit unions do not want people using checks then I feel that they will stop making them available and not all of us like debit cards, etc. I wonder if anyone at Certegy really ever listens and/or reads any of the issues that are mentioned. I doubt it!!!
308 days ago by John W. Duffett [send email]
My Wife and I where shopping at Marshalls the other night for Christmas gifts and my wife asked me how do you want me to pay for this and I told her to write a check out of her Checking/Savings $1600 balance, the check was for $200. Marshalls lady gets on the phone wait, wait and wait some more only to hear I am Sorry your check is no good. The lady gives my wife a card and says that we can call them to find out why. By this time I am cussing a storm and the my wife is still smiling (go figure). I ended up having to use my check card out of my account that only had a few hundred in it. I plan on calling this Nuisance Company that has No Value in my book!
299 days ago by Janice Patrick [send email]
Certegy has caused checks of mine to be declined at my local Home Depot (Hagerstown, MD) recently. Up until now, I have had no problem writing checks for $300, $400, $500. Tonight however, Home Depot 's Certegy check services declined my check FOR NO REASON.

The person on the phone at Certegy (1-866-516-0507) just told me that their computer "analyzes" check writing patterns and examines each case individually.

This is really a load of crap. As I read this, I can see that I'm not alone. What can we do about this?!

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