Complaint Rating:

Company information:
Certegy
P.O. Box 30046
Tampa, Florida
United States
Phone: 1-800-831-7764

On 6/23/2009 I checked out of a store that I frequent (Target), averaging 3-4 transactions per month, wrote a check, on an account opened for five plus years, with my drivers license verified, which was declined. While the sales clerk was very friendly, all that she could offer was a slip of paper with the Certegy phone number. Ironically, I was able to use my Debit card, attached to the same checking account, to clear the transaction. A bit ironic.

When I called the Certegy number, the clerk took the info, pulled my credit report and checked my bank account, and came back to tell me that there was nothing derogatory on my report, nor was there a problem with my account. How reassuring to tell me something that I already know since I'm a banking exec at the institution where the checking account resides. I was informed that on occasion, the "model" would produce a false negative, that it is NOT based on your credit history or checking account soundness but on whether or not you fit a "fraudulent profile". I specifically asked for additional detail of the model - since I was in a store that I frequently shop, have held the same employment and residence for 10 years, had valid identification, and was using a checking account that has been opened and used for over 3 years. There was no detail provided, just "sincere apologies".

This was both humilating and embarassing. I have filled a complaint with Target and intend to consult my attorney as to a possible defimation of character. I do find it ironic that you can submit an application for "Gold status". I did some research and the Boston Globe previously did an article about Certegy which can be found at http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2006/...

I aslo fit the last paragraph of the application noteworthy.

Certegy Gold applicants have to provide detailed information about themselves, their employers, and their bank, including a voided check. Gold status doesn't cost anything, but members agree to pay a service fee to Certegy each time they write a "dishonored check."

Why would you ask for information already on file with the client's primary Financial Institution? I think that we're all well versed on what happened with the last little incident of customer information being leaked from Certegy with Bank of America clients. Another red flag is the agreement to pay a service fee to Certegy each time a check is dishonored. Again, why would a client agree to give approval to charge a service fee whenever they decide to "dishonor" a check that is indeed valid but the "model" recommends to decline? This is a deceptive way to reap profits for the company. Not unlike exorbitant interest rates and excessive fees.

Based on the number of complaints filed, I would suggest that you have your statisticians re-evaluate their "model". Perhaps enough law suits, Better Business Bureau and Attorney General complaints filed by financially savy individuals who have been "declined because they erroneously fit a fraudulent profile" will end this "fraudulent" income stream for Certegy.