FISGlobal.com / Certegy review: declined checks! 620

TRIED TO CASH A CITY OF STARKE CHECK AT WAL-MART. CUSTOMER SERVICE SAID THAT CERTEGY SAID NOT TO CASH IT. WHEN I CALLED, THE PERSON AT CERTEGY SAID THAT I FIT A PROFILE AND THAT THE DECISION WAS NOT REVERSABLE. WHEN I ASKED WHAT THE PROFILE WAS THE REP GOT AN ATTITUDE WITH ME AND WOULD NOT GIVE ME A ANSWER. I STILL WANT TO KNOW WHAT PROFILE I FIT. WALMART HAS A POLICY TO CASH ALL GOVERMENT CHECKS FOR 3 DOLLARS, ARE THEY DOING MISLEADING ADS JUST TO AQUIRE BUSINESS?

I was at a One Day sale at Macy's. Stood in line a long time to purchase a jacket that was on sale. With the coupon and after tax, the purchase price was $34.44. I wrote a check, which was declined. I was quite embarrassed because of the long line of people. I used a credit care to complete the transaction. I didn't understand "why" the check wasn't honored because I had previously written a check 30 minutes prior, still in Macy's, in another line in the housewares department for $52.99. It didn't make sense that the larger amount was approved minutes sooner but this one was not. I tried to call the number to Certegy on the bottom of my charge receipt but I have never been able to reach a live person to have a discussion or ask a question and obtain more details.

I received a Money Gram money order from my daughter that she purchased from a Walmart in Missouri. I tried to cash the money order (guarenteed money) at a Walmart in Arkansas. It was rejected for reaseon 2 and I was given a slip to call Certegy Check Services. I called the number and was informed that based on their criteria, they could not approve the transaction even though this was a money order purchased at Walmart and being cashed at Walmart. This is not the first time this has happened.

In July 2009 I attempted to make a purchase at the Dollar General Store in Woodville, MS, my check was declined. I was given the number to Certegy Check Services to find out exactly what the problem was. The representative I spoke with stated that a diver's license number was linked to my checking account and that she would take care of this problem. Which I assumed that she would.

Today, Nov. 22, 2009 I went to the same store and attempted to make a puchase for $74.20 and again my check was declined. Again I was given the number to Certegy to find out what the problem is. The company is closed on Sunday but the automated services stated that I had a returned check.

In the 32 years that my husband and I have had a checking account we have never had a returned check. It seems that the representative I spoke with in July did not follow through and take care on the issue.
It also seems that Certegy is not a very reliable company and does not care what embarassment it puts people through.

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.

On Fri. Dec. 19, 2009 I purchased a laptop on sale (their last one) at OFFICE MAX in Norman, OK. Let me explain I am several decades over 21 with a perfect credit history and plenty of cash in the bank... NEVER a bad check in my history EVER... however, CERTEGY refused my check!

When I protested, the store mgr. called them back and got a real person on the phone for me to talk with. Their only reason for humiliating me in front of half a dozen people nearby in the store and forcing me to repeat my personal information 3 times was... they had NO records on me ! The CERTEGY rep said if I would write another check for the same amount, $909.26, she would make an adjustment so it would pass, but the original check would not.

I complained forcibly that all they had to do was CALL MY BANK, which was local... only 10 mi. down the road. But both the Office Max store mgr. and CERTEGY refused to do so.

After returning home at 2:00 pm I immediately called the corporate customer service # at Office Max, filed a
complaint, and asked for immediate response via email. The customer service rep. was very nice, and assured me she would also be upset. However, there has been NO response from Office Max.

Due to the fact my personal information was broadcast repeatedly over a very quiet store, I will be changing my bank account number, and I informed both the store and the CERTEGY rep that I will never again spend one dollar in any store which uses their service.

This complaint will be posted in every online forum I can find, and there are dozens of them, all with plenty of other similar complaints about CERTEGY CHECK VERIFICATION SERVICES.

I just had a check declined at Kroger in Beaumont, tx.I had to put my grocery purchase on a credit card after already having them loaded in my car.
I never ever had anything happen like this before, and have been a customer of Kroger for decades.

I too was a victim of Certegy checking. I went to target to buy clothes for our trip and I was declined and they wouldnot take my check because of Certegy. I was totally humiliated and embarrassed I sat for over an hour waiting to talk to someone at Certegy and when they finally checked my history and realized that there was nothing wrong with me and my accounts they just apologized. She talked to a manager at Target and I was able to get my products, but that doesn't help with the embarassement that I had incurred. I am filing a complaint with the BBB office and the Attorney Generals Office. Also, with Target that maybe they need to find a better way to check people because this FIRM is NOT a correct way to go.

My wife attempted to cash a payroll check at Walmart. It came back unable to process. When contacting certegy they claimed that the reason for the denial was the maker of the check. My wife works for State Government I doubt they write bad payroll checks. This company is useless and has no good reason for denying some of they checks that they receive.

Who actually writes checks these days?

I too was turned down when trying to cash a check at Walmart. It was only for $10 and the check was a rebate from Walmart Discover Card. I called Certegy and the customer service agent said it appeared that the Walmart associate keyed in my birth date incorrectly.

That makes sense to me, but I hope Certegy doesn't have other major problems as the other complaints suggest.

I have cashed numerous payroll checks within the last month and half... Today, was turned down, wal-mart associate rude, handed me a receipt, call this number.. After being on hold, speaking with two representatives, from certegy... Neither could give me a straight answer.. Is this good customer service, I think not.. Wal-mart, word of mouth just might catch up with you greedy corporate people... enough said.

I sent an employee to Six States to buy an item. My company check was declined. Called their 800 number and the automated response was pretty much nothing was wrong with my account. What a bunch of crap, after reading all the complaints about this company, someone should decline their business. They can FOAD, I've been on hold for over 20 minutes. This is how they handle calls? Nice company / they s*ck.

Very poor service!

I am unable to cash a comchek at my wal-mart but my wife or stepson can cash a comchek on my account that i approve and this is not the first time

I too was turned down when trying to MONEY a check at Walmart. It was only for $10 and the check was a rebate from Walmart Learn Card. I called Certegy and the customer service agent said it appeared that the Walmart associate keyed in my birth date incorrectly.

this company decline checks with no real reason to decline the tranaction, they run a credit report and decline people base on credit report and never send a letter of decline, and they keep your info in there system.

Certegy, I believe, does business of approving/disapproving check cashing in an arbitrary and capricious manner with no reason behind their decision. They are self-serving and rip off major retailers such as Wal-Mart who use their unscrupulous services but pay a hefty fee for such unreasonable, non sensible services. Certegy should be investigated by the BBB and federal agencies for fraud especially. There employees only know how to read from placards when you call to complain and the manager i.e. team lead, I dealt with didn't appear to be very bright either.
Their tactics appear unscrupulous if not ILLEGAL!

My wife and I have had the same type of problem with Certegy in the past two weeks. Once in Pensacola, FL and once in Spanish Fort, AL. The second time was the day after we received a letter from Certegy stating that the problem with our checks had been corrected and we would have no further problem with using our checks! I would like to know how much the retail merchants are paying Certegy to offend and publicly humiliate their customers.
Our daughter is an attorney in Orlando, FL and we will be contacting her about the possibility of legal action against Certegy.

You can't even request a report without calling them.

Certegy Check Services IS THE WORST SERVICE ever...they should be suied!

should I cash a refund check from Certegy Check Services?

Pet Smart uses Certegy. I too was refused a purchase as Certegy declined my check. I went directly to my bank to make sure there were no kinks with my account. They said there was no reason why it should have been declined. There was ample funds to cover the check.

I cashed the check with my bank and returned to the store to proceed with my purchase. Cash works every time, however, if I can make an equal purchase elsewhere, I will.

I called the 800 number on the refusal slip from Certegy, given to me by Pet Smart. The call goes to an automated system. The first thing they say is to have your driver's license and bank information ready to have questions answered. Wouldn't you think the number on the refusal slip would be enough? All I wanted was a reason for refusal...

I hung up as there is no way I am going to give my information to yet another person in their organization.

Conclusion: Certegy is ripping off consumer business. Sad & Frustrating with today's economy.

Be very careful with this dishonest unethical company. They use your information illegally. I don't trust them that they may be using infor for identity theft. We all need to ban together to get them closed down. It is exactly the type of stuff going on that hurts every American in this country.

I've been having problems with the company for 2 months. I have, for the past two years, cashed my child support check at a Walmart in Missouri with no problems. For the past 2 months I have been unable to. When I call Certergy, I get someone who can barely speak English. Then they try to tell me that their "models" say it's not a good check. The damn thing comes from a trust fund, and what in the hell is this "model" that now claims the check isn't good.

I'm going to report this company to the BBB. If anyone knows of a lawsuit...count me in!

I purchased a money order from Wal mart for $500 and when the person tried to cash it at Wal mart Certegy refused Wal mart to cash it. When called to see why he got the run around. So I called Wal mart and asked since I was the purchaser if I could cash it and they said yes. So went to go cash and again refused by Certegy. When called to see why I got the same nonsense you guys received and I informed them that I was not trying to cash a check but a money order I purchased from Wal mart and then they told me the money order was no good. So after calling Wal mart, Certegy again and money gram (they say the money order is good) I still have no cash. I don't understand how a money order purchased from Wal mart can not be cashed at Wal mart.

I am a faithful over 30 year Walmart customer. In 2001 I had a check returned for insufficient at Walmart. Went to customer service paid and retrieved the check. All this time, I had no problem with checks, returns or refunds until April 2014. Went in to customer service for an even exchanged for a wifi extender I paid over 60.00. I couldn't find my receipt, gave my ID and was told my request for not a refund but an even exchanged was denied because of checks on filed. I was in chock! The first thing I could think of was some kind of fraud, not to mention embarrassment in front of other customers. Took the little ticket and called the TRS Recovery number about 3 or 4 times, finally got a called stating the same check I already paid and picked up in 2001 was on filed and I would have to pay 20.00 more dollars plus the check. I tried to explained that check was paid and picked but TRS said I have to fax the receipt of payment to get this removed. What a spot to be in. Searching for a 13 year old receipt. I was wondering if anyone else has had this kind of problem with Walmart ..

You use your method, I'll use mine -- I like to sleep at night knowing my identity is safe. I never use debit cards anymore, I use checks, cash and credit cards -- I intentionally keep a low limit credit card because if the money is not there they can't take it, it is paid in full every month -- I LIKE IT THAT WAY. If it is stolen at anytime there will most likely only be $5-600 available.
Other companies I have dealt with in the past have the ability to verify the checks on the spot -- why does this company not have this ability.
They are not accredited with the BBB -- and they want all my personal info so they can give me VIP status, I'm not that stupid. I do not wish to be a victim such as the customers at Target.
As far as using THEIR preferred method -- HELLO, "I" AM THE CUSTOMER here, if they want my business they will cater to me -- using my preferred method of purchase.
I sent my plumber(friend of over 40 years) because I was working -- he didn't need me to hold his hand, I HIRED HIM TO DO A JOB -- had I been with him we would have walked out and made our purchase somewhere else. He made the purchase with the credit card and completed the job he was hired to do.
I am an accountant and tax preparer -- I go to great limits to assure my identity is safe as is theirs. I encourage them to do as I do on a regular basis. I am a Life Lock member and also advise my clients to look into it as well. I pay 2-3 thousand $'s every year to make sure my work computer is protected and never use it for anything but work -- I have a laptop to do other things like this and social media.
As far as checks being old fashioned, whatever, your opinion is yours, mine is mine, I happen to think they are safer. And BRIDGE LOANS -- I am aware they illegal for us to use -- yet our government in the United States and all the banks do it all the time -- how else could they function as far in debt as we are to China.
You're gonna have to come up with a better argument than this to convince me to change my methods
Certegy in my opinion is just another set-up to steal identities and why are they not accredited with the BBB?

You use your debit card if you like -- I prefer mine not to be stolen, I NEVER use it anymore. I use credit or checks.
And if said store wants to do business with me -- THEY will use my method of CHOICE or I will take my business elsewhere -- HELLO I AM THE CUSTOMER HERE, If store wishes to do business with me they will cater to ME.
Banks are a lot harder to deal with than credit card companies in the case your identity is stolen.
The company they use, Certegy, is not accredited with the BBB and although they have a Florida address does not mean they don't sub this work out to other countries in order to get cheap labor. The lady I spoke with could barely speak English and explained she could upgrade me to a VIP status if I gave her all my personal information. NOT ACCREDITTED with BBB, I'm sorry I will give you no personal info.
I had PLENTY enough money to cover the check -- I use checks all over town and NEVER had a problem. My credit score is a HIGH 700.
I INTENTIONALLY keep a low limit credit card to guard against theft. I have been offered higher limits and have refused them. if it's not there it can't be stolen. My card company honored the transaction and I am not worried, my identity is safe.
I sent my plumber with the check and credit card because I was working and was paying him to do a job -- he does not need his hand held while he works -- I have known him 40 years. Had I been with him, we would have immediately walked out of that store and went somewhere that wanted that $800 some odd $ sale.
Policy's such as this, is in my opinion, how the BIG scam at Target was allowed to happen. World news now reports this may take years to solve because it has entered other countries.
In the future I will ask who they use to verify checks before I make a purchase -- these verifications can and are verified on the spot to assure money is there to cover it -- Wal-Mart, Tractor Supply and other stores I have done business with use this practice on the spot. Why was this company unable to do this?

Don't write checks. Use your credit card. Don't max out your credit card. Checks are old-fashioned and have to be viewed with suspicion, because many people use them as bridge loans until payday, and crooks use them as free money. The store has no way to know if it is you or just a crook with a fake ID card. Checks are still good way to pay your rent or mortgage because the person receiving the check does know who you are and of course, won't credit your account if the check is bad. Every checking account comes with a free password protected debit card to use instead of checks or credit. The reason somebody can't use their debit card instead of a check is usually because the money is not in the bank. You should shop where they have the products you need at a fair price and use the method of payment that store prefers. They have their reasons.

It's me again --on top of the complaint I just filed -- let me also say they are not accredited with the Better Business Bureau

I just had an experience with Certegy when I ordered from a mail order catalog called Brylane Home. I sent in an order form and a personal check. 10 days later I got it all back with a letter from Certegy that my check was declined because they didn't have enough information about me. I told them I have been shopping with B H for 20 years and have never had a problem. They said I had to give them my drivers license number. I told them that they had never needed it before and they weren't getting it now. Then I call Bryland and told them what happened and told them to never send me another catalog because I was done.

My wife's check for $284 and change was denied by Certegy. She called the Tampa office and got the "run around:. Even though their card states plainly that they will advise why they turned it down. The man was rude, crude, and obnoxious to her. She could have written a check for 10 times the amount and it would have been good.
I agree that a class action suit should be filed. We would be interested.

Dr. B. G. W. - Houston, TX

Best Buy declined a personal check I tried to write for a TV purchase even though I had more than enough money in my account, then wanted me to sign up for their credit card for the purchase. I declined. I think this is some kind of ponzi scheme. I refuse to shop at any store who uses a company for check authorization guilty of such practices. I normally pay with a debit card but with all of the problems recently with fraud and ID theft in stores, thought a personal check would be safer. I agree with ewfwerwer statements as well although huge online retailers like amazon.com have no problems with customers using their checking accounts to make purchases. No wonder brick and mortar stores are going by the wayside, driving away their customers with practices like this.

Happened to me today at Marshall's... I was so embarrassed. Recently lost my debit card and having to use my checks until new card arrives in the mail. Before the lady started to check me out I asked her if they (Marshall's) take checks. The lady replied, Yes with a valid ID. I gave her my drivers license and then wrote the check only to be denied... I'm furious at this time... Why have checks if you can't use them! I'm thinking of talking with a lawyer in the morning!

went to walmart two days in a row to cash a payroll check it did not work eather time your electronic phone really. sucks it cant understand what you are telling the system need your system corrected

In early 2013 the Federal Reserve and supporting industries at the Committee for Banking Oversight Reugulation determined that over $10 billion annually could be diverted from consumers purchasing goods with paper currency and check transactions by requiring the same purchases to pass through e commerce where it can be taxed an regulated. A resolution was proposed and passed to systematically decline paper check commerce over the next 5 years requiring consumers to use and carry bank issued credit and or debit cards. Not only does this spell the end of paper currency and checks but also diverts the lion share of the purchase transaction fee to the bank and the card processor's by charging the retailer upwards of a 3% fee just to sell their product. This is reminiscent of the 1920s VIG that was required to buy or sell in certain dark alleys and underprivileged neighborhoods. I t appears that the children of that generation knew a good thing when they saw it and have decided to bring it to Wall Street...

I tried to cash a check at Dollar General for 22.96 yesterday and it was declined twice, she tried to run it through). Upon talking to someone on numerous attempts at Certegy they informed me I had a returned check that matched my driver's license. It was from another store from a few weeks prior. I had already called my bank (which I knew there was more than enough to cover my checks), they told me my account was fine. But I called back to make sure that particular check had cleared the bank which it had. Certegy claimed it was returned because they could not find me, I said well how were the rest of my checks being cashed with no problem then? That check was from the same series. They got rude and said they didn't have my address and couldn't return it to the bank but, as the lady at the bank said someone found me because they got the money out of my account. She said I needed to call them and talk to someone that could get that straight because they had messed something up. Everything at the bank was fine. Now Certegy has frozen my "privilege to cash checks" as they put it until "I" show proof that it has been paid. Then I have to call customer service and have them reinstate my privilege.

I just recently went to Walmart and tried to cash Short term Disability check. Reason code 2 also. Called Certegy to find out the reason why. I was on hold for 16 minutes before representative answered. I could hardly understand her and had to keep asking her to repeat. I did hear her say that nothing was wrong with the check but I had to go to local bank or check cashing location to cash. Before I could ask anything else, I was immediately disconnected. This is so ridiculous and so unprofessional. This definetley calls for a class action lawsuit. I too was going to shop at Walmart for groceries and other items but they truly have lost my business.

Certegy can not even cash a US treasury check. All because they do not want to put them in their system on the computer. I went to walmart to cash my US treary check and certegy would not let them cask it. US government checks are as good as gold or cash. But for some reason certegy does not trust their own government to pay for these checks. Because they would not cash my US government check I decided I was not going to shop at Walmart. So I went somewhere else and $2000.00 in merchandise I wantecd. This is a lost to walmart sales.

Sounds like a class action is needed! I just had a check denied that was drawn from the J.P.Morgan bank in New York! There went my Christmas shopping.
Who the hell are these people to deny anything?