Menu
FISGlobal.com / Certegy

FISGlobal.com / Certegy review: declined checks! 620

L
Author of the review
12:00 am EDT
Review updated:
Featured review
This review was chosen algorithmically as the most valued customer feedback.

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.

620 comments
A
A
Asa Locks
,
Apr 07, 2008 10:49 am EDT

Come on ###s. This is 2008. If you people have so much money in your accounts you should be responsible enough to use a debit card/credit card. Or is that to big boy/girl for you. You people think you actually know what your talking about but the big picture is people who write checks don't always tell the truth so in protecting the merchant from liars and people who like taking others identity ( because you've built youself up so high your CEO of stuff files store ) unfortunately Certegy wants to protect stupid ones like you. I wish they would go out of business because none of you complainers deserve someone looking out for you or the mechants. And I hope that you people go homeless because some tech geek like me see's you do something stupid and swipes your identity and I live the high life like you were living before I stole your life away.
Check declining won't stop. No matter what you bocott because eventually you'll end up going to one of our merchents.( I love the people who call from home depot and say that they are going to the compeditor lowes - because you dips lowes has the same check place) Grow up people and start doing the big boy/girl thing and manage your money with a quick and easy debit card.

M
M
M. Post
,
Apr 07, 2008 5:56 am EDT

I attempted to purchase a new vehicle from Family Ford, Waterbury, CT. They did not have the vehicle I wanted but promised they could locate one and have it there the following day. At this timew I was asked for a $200.00 deposit which I very studidly gave. I made the salesman aware that all was null and void if they could not find a vehicle and have it there the following day. He stated it was only a formality and it was understood.
The following day I took a half day off from work to look at this vehicle, and to my surprise it was not there. I told the salesman that this transaction was now on hold as I had to speak to my wife as this new vehicle was going to replace her old one. She and I both agreeded and a call was placed to Family Ford and told that the deal was now cancelled and they would not have to have the vehicle there formy inspection. Mind you I never signed any contracts or agreements to purchase any vehicle. I told them they could destroy the check as I had placed a stop payment on it and it was no longer valid.
Family Ford paid no heed to my request and submitted thecheck for payment. Seeing that there was a stop payment on the chek they turned it over to CERTEGY for payment and Certegy paid them the $200.00. Now Certegy called my home and told my wife that if IU did not buy the check back that they would Flagg My License" or disrupt my credit.
I explained the situtation to them and they requested I write a letter to them. I did so and am waiting for a response. I told them that their complaint was with Family Ford and not me.
Seeing that my credit is AAA I will check it from time to time and see what happens.
As far as Family Ford is concerned I have purchased 5 Ford trucks from them over a period of 15 years, but will never purchase another one. Certegy on the other hand was foolish and stupid to honor a check that had a stop payment on it.

M
M
Margaret
,
Apr 06, 2008 8:58 pm EDT

Same story happened to me. I tried to pay for my car service at Penske Mercedes dealership in West Covina, California. Unfortunately, Penske uses Certegy services for check authorizaton. Certegy denied my check. I was very embarrassed in front of other customers. This is the first time ever my check was denied. I had that bank account for 10+ years, never had any problems and had more than enough funds to cover the transaction. When I contacted Certegy at [protected], their representative Gaby explained to me that my transaction was denied based on the risk model that Certegy runs against millions of transactions to flag a problem with a check. Based on their risk model, my particular transaction was flagged as a transaction with "a pattern of identity theft". Gaby refused to provide any further information. Thanks to Certegy, a simple transaction turned into an embarrassment to me, not to mention a problem that I suddently was faced with to figure out what identity theft had to do with my bank account. I decided that I will not be using my checks anymore. Instead, I will be using my credit cards. This is not good for retailers because they pay some percentage (1-2 %?) of the transaction amount to the credit companies. I am also thinking of not using services of Penske Mercedes if they continue using services of Certegy. They should use a more reputable company for check authorization. Does anybody know if any class action law suit is in the works? I would be happy to join and provide specific details regarding my experience.

T
T
Toni
,
Apr 05, 2008 4:06 pm EDT

I was in Ann Taylor Loft today trying to write a check. Said they would have to call and verify it. After about 10 minutes of the sales associate talking to the computer, she said it had been declined. I told her no way I have money in that account. She said well I dont think it is that just take this little card and call the 800 number. So I did but of course you cannot speak to a human. THAT INFURIATES ME. Said that it was declined because it was not my spending habits. How does this place know! I shop in there all the time and have written numerous checks. I called the store manager and told her that they needed to report this company. I was so embarrased and told her that I would not shop in there again if this continues. What a rip off.

S
S
Suki
,
Apr 04, 2008 11:03 am EDT

My husband and I are in the middle of a move that had me live with my mother for a month while he stayed in the city getting the new place ready. He sent me a Money Order from WalMart a few days ago. I went to the Walmart near where I am staying to cash it ... only to be denied the cashing of a PREPAID money order by Certegy!
How can you deny paying out on a prepaid money order?! That makes NO sense to me what so ever.

So does this mean that my husband spent $50.00 on a worthless piece of paper? I feel that is out right STEALING.
I do not want to take this sitting down. I am going to bring the money order with me when I rejoin my husband this week and with the money order and the pay stub will start making calls and such to get our money back!

M
M
mary
,
Apr 03, 2008 11:40 pm EDT

I have been having problems writing check due to my checks being rejected by this check services. what can i do. I have comply with all of their request. what do i do at this point. my check are piling up. the embrassment is unreal. this is at store such as, best buy, circuit city, kmart. I have never written a bad check. I feel that a class action suit is required in order for this practice to stop. Please Help

M
M
mary
,
Mar 28, 2008 10:01 am EDT

My daughter tried to make a purchase @ Target. Certegy declined the check. We called Certegy while in the store and the gentleman told my daughter that Certegy has no way of proving the funds are in her account or not and "this just happens". HELLO TARGET, you are losing customers with Certegy.

J
J
J
,
Mar 27, 2008 1:03 pm EDT

How does one get involved in a class action suit in this type of situtation? I have been victimized over and over by this company and two other "check approval" companies. I have spent countless hours proving to these companies that I am not the person on the checks in question, the name on the checks is not mine by any stretch of the imagination. Things will improve for a few months and I am able to present my checks and then they start declining my checks again and I have to start all over. This has been going on for almost 3 years now and I am fed up with the humiliation, the dread that I feel and the mind numbing repetition of the same facts over and over. I would be more than happy to spend these countless hours with an attorney who will file to stop this gross negligence and constant victimization of innocents.

S
S
Samantha
,
Mar 26, 2008 5:48 pm EDT

I took my son to buy him two video games totalling $41.51. I was declined by Certegy with no explanation. They stated that there was no reason they just were declining the check. I tried to call a rep at the 800 number provided and I received a recording stating that they told the merchant that the check was declined with no reason attached and it disconnected. I later checked with my banking institution and there is nothing wrong with my checking account. They stated that some merchants reserve the right to decline anyone for any reason, but as for myself, there wasn't a reason.

N
N
Natalie
,
Mar 11, 2008 8:37 pm EDT

Like the rest of you, I too have been humiliated for no reason by this disgraceful company. I am not taking it lying down, and I am not giving up my right to write checks when I want. I am seeking legal representation. I have been with the same banking company for 10 years, writing checks here or there, at will. I have never written a bad check, been late on payments or anything like that- and I too have excellent credit and money in the bank and I have over draft and all of that fun stuff.

A few months ago I was denied in a department store while trying to buy boots. I had taken my credit cards and one id in a coat pocket the night before and just forgot to get them back into my purse. I was denied for NSF! I too was sweating bullets thinking that someone had drained my account! I called my bank and everything was more than perfect. Recently, I had my 2nd issue with this company at a Marshalls. I had just moved to a new town and was buying some towels and sheets for my husband and I to use until our things arrived. Anyways- I was denied again- again citing nsf! I freaked out and called my bank thinking that someone had drained my account or thinking that maybe my bank was looking out for me seeing that I was making purchases in a new town, maybe they flagged it. Nope, everything was fine there, so I called the company and finally got someone on the phone. My 1st question is how in the hell are you citing nsf when I have blank amount of dollars in my account! My next question was why! She confirmed that there was no history of anything bad that would make my checks be declined and I was denied because I do not write enough checks with their company! I freaked out on them... they have my account numbers, name, date of birth, liscense number and they have been given my social by one merchant! I mean- talk about liability!
So, I asked what could be done and they sent me an application that asks about all of my accounts, my job, etc, employers, and I could become a gold member and have more of my checked cleared. So, I called my bank furious and they said not to tell them anything! They did a quick run through and confirmed that I have a sparkling clear credit history, and that I should request my name off the list for lack of evidence. Well I call this good for nothing pain in the ### of a company and the woman tells me "well, there is nothing your bank can do". I said what the f- they are my bank and asked to speak to her supervisor and he said, and I quote "checks are not longer a guarenteed form of payment." Huh, what do you mean. He told me that they are hired through merchants like gap, lowes, tj max and marshals to limit the risk of fraud checks... and told me that in the last 13 months I have written 4 checks that came through their company (I asked that he print me a list of all of their merchants and he said check the web site- there are 350,000) and 2 denied... news to me. I said without any information on my history or accounts how do you chose what passes and what gets denied- he said, I cannot tell you that our the risk factors would not work. I said, [censored]- they aren't working! You passed a check for a greater amount at Lowes and denied a small check at Marshalls on the same day! I told him that it was humiliating and basically character defamation- he said, my advice- use your debt! He was nasty and rude- which made me nasty and rude. This call to the company just happened which is why I am writing like a mad women- cause I am! I asked for the corporate office number because I was filing a complaint with the ceo- he gave me his name and said that there are no numbers- write a letter! I told him that there is no reason that he or this company should have an application with all my account numbers and work information NOR id info. because giving this information to him is a HUGE liability for identity theft- he said ma'am, I like my job- why would I steal your identity- I am protecting merchants from fraudulent checks! I said, well that is a comfort- glad you like your job, but I don't know you and I don't know this company- who the hell is protecting ME! The answer is no one- my bank cannot even protect me.
There are no grounds for their denials- and yes, I agree with Lisa- I know that I will not be going to Lowes, marshals or dillards anymore... which in some way is limiting economic growth because I am a good customer to the stores I visit. I have requested my "file" that this shameless company has on me to collect evidence and up front told them that I am filing suit and to record the calls. Oh- I see that many of you have been wrongly cited nsf too- and the supervisor at this company said that there is no way anyone said that, calling me a liar, but they did- humiliating me! The merchant said nsf and slid the check back over to me where I then ran my debt for the amount of the check!

We contract with a bank who manages our information- I mean what the hell are they for if you cannot write a perfectly good check from your account! Who is this company to deny me- groundlessly- to write a check because I "don't write enough checks" to companies they contract with.
Anyways, my rant is done. I came across the site because I wanted to see if anyone else was seeking legal council. Anyways- I am, tomorrow. I mean, to add injury to insult. I am more annoyed and humiliated than anything, and my husband is in the army and has ben deployed 4 times in the last 5 years and this is the last thing I want to worry about- going to a store with a perfectly good check, because it is my right to do so, and standing in line for 30 minutes with a crowd of people behind me and have my perfectly good check returned because of this company.

I have had enough!

R
R
Ryan
,
Mar 11, 2008 6:10 am EDT

Same problem everyone else has. Check declined at Best Buy with $11,000 in the bank. Except now I refuse to shop at both Best Buy or another store...including Circuit City...that uses Certegy, and am telling anyone that will listen to do the same.

G
G
Gay Ballard Cochenour
,
Mar 10, 2008 9:44 am EDT

Further Thinkins; If all 6000+ stores started receiving more cash,,how many of the 6000+ stores might accidentally forget to record this miracle to the IRS? What if the stores (all) didnt have to pay all those petty fees to jerk off companies like inSurgerty and showed a profit..They wouldnt need anything..but green & maybe a non working RFID tag for toilet paper...hmmn , thats no good...no tracking , no tracking, no tracking...We are headed for a universal credit card... Get the Real Picture NOW!?

G
G
Gay Ballard Cochenour
,
Mar 10, 2008 9:09 am EDT

I tried to go to the close out store in Coral Gables called Big Lots. I went there on 3/2/08 and the lady loudly stated that my check was NO GOOD. AWW a bagged up basket full of goodies had to be restocked..Oh well...soo.. I braved the ominous Big Lots once again on Sunday and picked some more goodies but as Certegy(God) wanted to do according to their black books, your name, your routing & checking account # means a 4 letter word --=DIRT...And since they have 6000+ clients like WALMART, STAPLES, lowes, BEST bull,ReCircus City..hey,,IT ISN't LOWLIFE 'SURGERTY... iTS BIG BIZZNESS pickin & choosin..We are a field..They are harvesting the very best..They say, 'Why should WE take a LOSS with a POP check..Its not fast enough- the speed needs to be in harmony with a nano-second!..The accountants surely know this...Anyway laws are being made by numbers in big lots. So much for legislature.Make the some of the havest pay cash!

S
S
Stephanie
,
Mar 07, 2008 12:27 pm EST

I have been a victim as well we do need to file a class action and i was in walgreens trying to cash $42 and i spoke to a rep finally and they told me it was nothing negative out there against me I just wrote over the amount of credit given for your check writing. If I have the money in my account it should not matter if I write 10million dollars worth of checks that was embarrassing and humiliating to stand in line and get rejected for this small amount when i have written way larger checks. When does credit limit comes into play for writing checks I thought they stop you because of bad checks not the amount of money spent. PLEASE HELP! ANY LAWYER WITH GOOD TIME AND RESEARCH.

T
T
Tim
,
Mar 05, 2008 10:20 am EST

I agree, I wrote a check at Pep Boys and it was declined. The reason with the reason reported as my bank has a limit. I called Certegy and finely talked to a person, They reported nothing wrong with my account. So now what? I called my bank concering a limit. They reported no limit on my accout. I guess I'll need to ask each time before I write a check about who they use to verify the check. I've never had a problem with Telcheck.

M
M
Mitzi y
,
Feb 22, 2008 8:24 pm EST

DON"T buy any thing from a company that uses CERTEGY.

M
M
Mitzi y
,
Feb 22, 2008 8:22 pm EST

Lets stop using or buying anything that uses CERTEGY.

B
B
Bradley Robinette
,
Jan 28, 2008 6:39 pm EST

I went into walmart tonight to cash my payroll check and they declined it .They gave me a peice of paper from Certegy Check Service's stateing reason 2 was why they couldn't cash it.I'm not sure what that means.I didn't call the company yet but I will tomorrow.This is not right I never write checks and I have only 1 credit card that is always paid on time.wal mart is supose to save the American family money, how are they going to do that if we can't spend our money there ,because they use a boggas check service? They need to give them up and get a new company.I'm all for a class action law suit .And to give up wal mart if they don't wake up and get a new check card company.

J
J
johnson elana
,
Jan 26, 2008 6:48 am EST

I went to Wal mart for the very first time to cash my payroll check on 01/25/08 and was denied and all they can tell me is to call a number that was given to me and the could tell why my payroll check was not honored my co worker and I just could not understand why they would not cash our payroll checks . I went back to work and call the 866 # and all I was told that even thought this happen to us this time now the next time we go in there that this may not happen again but who want to wait in them long line to be turned away . Something really need s to be done and FAST.

F
F
Francesca Stewart
,
Jan 25, 2008 6:25 am EST

I am so sorry to see that I am not the only one. This past Saturday, I had a bad experience with Certegy. This is the email that I sent to them. Still no responce----
This past Saturday,January 19, 2008, my husband and I went to NTB in Galveston, Texas. We purchased 2 tires, and had some work done to the car. The bill was $300.47. My husband wrote the check for that amount, and it was denied by your system. I called Certegy's 800 number, and your automatic machine had a hard time understand the word "yes", when asked if I was calling about a transaction. After 3 times, I was put on hold, literally for half an hour. The gentleman working with us at NTB, showed me that the computer had read the check and it was a "Code 2". After the half hour, I hung up, and we tried a smaller amount on a new check, and it was still denied. I called , again, [protected], and this time I was asked if I wanted a letter stating why I was denied. (Actually, I wanted to speak to someone) I said yes, I wanted a letter. The automatic machine didn't understand my address. So after 2 times, I handed the phone to my husband, and he was put on hold. Now, I have metastatic breast cancer that has spread to my bones,so, I can't stand or sit for long periods of time,much less being put under stress, which your company has caused. By this time of dealing with this, I was in pain and hunched over. I don't blame the gentleman that worked with us, nor NTB. He was very kind to us. By the GRACE OF GOD, I had enough cash with me, and credit to pay the bill, after receiving absolutely no help from your company.
I called my bank this morning. The credit union that we use was closed Saturday, and Monday for MLK Day. I asked if we had some kind of block on our checks, and what was our balance last Saturday. We do not have a block, and we had over enough money to cover the check. I called Certegy this morning, and the nice lady I spoke to, (after I gave her all the information from the transaction and check information.) said our check never went through. There must be a problem with the machine. I called NTB, and spoke to the gentleman that was there Saturday. I asked if they had any other problems with the machine, and he said no. He said, he had spoke to someone at Certegy, and it was denied with a Code 2.
So, I want to know what is the next step is, find out what really happened, and what is going to be done.
Thank You,
I am giving them a week, and then I am going to call the BBB

D
D
Dru Richman
,
Jan 22, 2008 10:04 pm EST

It hard to deal with a bully. Which is, of course, what Certegy is.

I have a corporate checking account that has an average daily balance of over $10,000. I recently went to Office Max to purchase an $18 day planner. And, you guessed it, check denied. Paid with the debit card associated with that checking account. No problem. Even the clerk thought it was weird.

Went from there to a vendor and purchased about $4200 worth a merchandise with a check. No problem. Check accepted.

Went to the liquor store to buy a bottle of wine for dinner. Second verse, same as the first - check denied. Paid with debit card.

For me it's not a problem, I always have the money in the account. I just lose the 'float'. But I do find that I tend NOT to shop at stores that use this service.

D
D
Donna Jones
,
Jan 21, 2008 10:51 pm EST

I too have had the to deal with clergy. I recieved a notice that a check I had written at a Go-mart was not honored and therefore clergy had purchased the debt and I was to pay them. The letter stated the amount would be taken out of my account. Instead I continued to recieve letters from clergy claiming I owed them. When I called I was told "not to worry" the amount would be taken out soon. This went on for awhile so I decided to just send a money order for the amount they say I owed them. That was not the end of it, the Clergy company has added a negative report to my credit file even though the balance was paid in full with a money order.

W
W
William Sullivan
,
Jan 17, 2008 10:16 pm EST

"plus why don't these buisneeses quit using them if the are doing this so much"

Because Certegy saves the businesses so much money in check fraud losses. It's really no contest. Without Certegy, the businesses would simply not accept checks. Think about it.

W
W
William Sullivan
,
Jan 17, 2008 10:09 pm EST

Your checks are being declined at stores all over town. Complain to your bank. They are the ones who've tricked you into believing your checks are the same as money. They have your money and are preventing you from spending it when and where you choose. If the bank could guarantee the checks, you wouldn't be having any problems.

M
M
Ms. Shawn H.
,
Jan 15, 2008 7:47 am EST

The same thing has happened to me 3 times now! I am sick of these d*** people. It first happend to me back in March 2007 at a Marshall's. Wrote a check for $200 it was declined. Wrote a check in late 2007 at Ross for $50 it was declined. Wrote a check yesterday for $500 at the dealer ship where my truck was being repaired. DECLINED DECLINED DECLINED! WTF? I end up paying with my debit card after all of these transactions. Which is a clear indication that the money is available. Talk to these idiots and they say "They do not have sufficient information to approve the transaction"! WHAT THE HELL DOES THAT MEAN? They say becuase my credit union will not verify what funds I have in MY account you decline me! That is a protective measure on my behalf... Yes I say these people need to be sued. This is humiliating and ridiculous... Maybe these retailers need to loose more customers before they start realizing that their check service is the WORST!

Sincerely,
Pissed

W
W
William Sullivan
,
Jan 02, 2008 6:22 am EST

It's not about how much money you have in the bank or who you think you are. It's about risk. The retailers only accept checks that are a good risk. Checks are not a guaranteed form of payment and it takes several days to find out if a check is good. Therefore, not all checks are accepted. Certegy will not tell you what is wrong with a check so criminals will not be able to work their way to getting a stolen check accepted. If a crook is trying to pass a stolen check for $400 and Certegy tells them you do not usually write checks for over $200, the crooks will write 2 checks for $200. It's better to just decline the check rather than give the crooks instructions for stealing your money. That's why debit cards have been created. They instantly tell you if a transaction is good and allow you to access the money in your checking account. Stop carrying your checkbook around and making yourself vulnerable to check fraud and identity theft.

C
C
creed rollins sr
,
Dec 30, 2007 2:28 pm EST

They are crooks,,costing me a lot of time and money trying to get it corrected,,Sears one week and Dicks sporting goods the next week,,went over 30 miles one way to shop and couldn't due to this company saying my checks are suspicious or something,,you can't get a proper response or help from them to correct their problem,,where is the government oversight,,plus why don't these buisneeses quit using them if the are doing this so much,,it has to cost them buisness,,for I will never shop at Sears or Dicks again,,

S
S
Susan
,
Dec 30, 2007 9:51 am EST

I have not changed my purchasing or check-writing habits. My check was declined for $161.00 at the grocery store I've been shopping at for 15 years. Certegy said my check may have closely resembled a fraud check that may have been presented at the store earlier in the day. What in the world does that have to do with my check and my account! Since when do "closely resembled" resembled accounts have anything to do with my account. My account has had no suspicious activity or bounced checks or lost checks for the last 15 years. This was the most ridiculous rationalization for their error. I will encourage Jewel food stores to stop using Certegy.

J
J
John Bear
,
Dec 29, 2007 1:02 pm EST

On 12/17 My pay check arrived at home in mail like it has for the last 4 yrs , I often take my check to Wal*mart most of the time Pine City MN other times one of the other 3 walmart stores near my home (hahaha all 32 to 40 miles away) I work for a group home firm that has been in business for 13 yrs ,Certegy declined my payroll check, I was furious, I know of no valid reason for Certegy to refuse this check,its not possible for me to have any bad checks out there because I do not have any paper checks. My bank acct is used for automatic payments only, and my bank has horrid hours like every other bank in many rural areas. My employer operates 11 homes in the Pine city area , These homes spend thousands every month writting checks some of which are at walmart for household and grocery items every month , Our residents spend money via checking accounts there too . I was told to contact my employer , my employer responded, There still have no valid reason for Certegy to have refused the payroll check. I seriously doubt any one with any kind of authority at Wal mart even bothers to deal with this kind of complaint , Today 12 /29 My check came , I will find out if its the same thing again. If Walmart cannot fix this Its going to cost them a customer and ANY other business I find that trades with Certegy

K
K
Kari L Petersen
,
Dec 26, 2007 5:56 pm EST

My parents are having the same problem all of a sudden with this company. We've tried to call them and get the run around. After reading these complaints, we are going to our bank, the BBB and the state attorney general about this. They are supposed to be sending out a letter about this and so we will submit that to them also. My parents have great credit, never written a bad check and have had the same account for 30 years! I've read on this board of other elderly people having the sam problem. They offered to send out the VIP stuff but I'm not letting my parents send that information to them!

F
F
Frank Byles
,
Dec 22, 2007 2:53 pm EST

I was just turned down at Harbor Freight for a $64.89 check when my bank balence is well over $2,000. And people wonder why people get shot. I hope El Queada uses this company as their 2nd target to blow up - might as well be of some benefit to this country. I hope someone is doing a class action against this company and I can find out how to join in. I hope you ### rot in Hell where you belong! Do you get the impression I'm pissed off - you bet I am.

A
A
Annie E. Bordallo
,
Dec 19, 2007 7:55 pm EST

This is Christmas time and have spent more then $400.00 at Macy's. Today I wanted to buy $200.00 worth of gift certificates, and my check was declined. Needless to say, I will never go back to Macy's again. However, I do want to know why my check was declined. I have never bounced a check in my life and my credit is excellent. What do I need to do to get a credit report from you to understand this embarassing situation.

J
J
Janice Patrick
,
Dec 19, 2007 5:53 pm EST

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 [protected]) 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?!

K
K
Kim Varvel
,
Dec 14, 2007 12:40 pm EST

I have had the same situation. I just went to Albertsons to purchase 4 $100 visa gift cards for my kids for X-mas. I don't like to carry that much cash so I wrote a check and it was declined by Certegy. I called the number and they said there was no negative information that it was just a "precautionary measure" - who are they trying to protect? It should be a simple matter of is the money available yes or no and have any bad checks been written yes or no. This crap about artificial intelligence is b.s. All the clerk has to do is check ID to prevent fraud. I write checks bigger than that all the time and there was over $3000 in my checking account at the time. I looked them up on the internet and found about their employee selling names to fraudulent marketing companies - but no info about how to submit a complaint. With all the people who have been inconvenienced and humiliated, there really should be a lawsuit - anyone know a good lawyer?

J
J
John W. Duffett
,
Dec 10, 2007 1:10 pm EST

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!

S
S
Shari Chapman
,
Dec 08, 2007 7:38 pm EST

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!

B
B
blacksheep012002
Princeton, US
Dec 06, 2007 2:58 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

There was money taking off my phone and i didnt hit yes on my cellphone and i think thats bad. When i called to get it fix where it wont come off my phone a man named henry said i gave promess for it to be pay each month for $9.99 a month. So im not happy about it think if your go to run a company like that you need the own of the phones give a pass code.

M
M
mark s bridge
,
Dec 06, 2007 12:52 pm EST

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!

T
T
Tammy Turner
,
Nov 25, 2007 8:54 pm EST

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.

J
J
james pence
,
Nov 25, 2007 4:00 pm EST

We all have had the same problems. went to better business bureau and filed a complaint. would advise all to do so. This business gone to far.

Learn how the rating is calculated

Write a review File a complaint

FISGlobal.com / Certegy contacts

Phone number
Website
www.fisglobal.com
Category

Most discussed FISGlobal.com / Certegy complaints

declined to cash paroll check
2
(opinions to this review)