Complaint Rating:

Company information:
Certegy
Jacksonville, Florida
United States

I have been a loyal Publix customer since moving to Florida in 1995. On Saturday, 10/10, I did my regular weekly grocery store trip to Publix. At checkout, I wrote a check like I have for 14 years or more at this store. Out of the blue, my check was turned down without explanation. Not a new account, had valid ID, had a Publix loyalty card, etc. I was told they have no information, just contact this Certegy company. I was so embarassed and disappointed in Publix after all these years, instead of using one of my credit cards or debit card, I left the store and let them put the groceries back. When I got home, I immediately logged on to my bank account. Everything was fine. I then called the 800 number and checked the online site they gave me. Said it couldn't find the transaction. So I waited over 20 minutes on hold, then finally spoke with someone with a strong foreign accent (hard to understand). She told me there was no negative information in their file and advised me to contact my bank. I called my Bank and they stated nothing had been reported and my account was in good standing with them. So, now I don't know if I can ever write checks again, for no reason, and with no way to determine how to correct. And, like other stringers, I saw the "Gold Membership" application offer. Way too much information and no guarantee my checks would then be cashed. And I had to agree to give them all this information, allow them to do anything they wanted to with it, authorize them to contact anyone they wanted to about me and, just for good measure, allow them to charge me a "fee" for a "dishonored" check. I found so many complaints so far back in time and with so many good name retailers, I am so disheartened that nothing has been done. I plan to contact my legislator and state AG to determine what, if anything, can be done about this unconscionable practice.