Certegy

After cashing my social security checks at one of the local Wal-Mart stores for the past nine months, I was refused today (2-8-2012). Wal-Mart could not tell me the reason why I was rejected, but gave me a piece of paper with an '866' number I could call. I went to the parking lot, and called the number. The lady who I finally talked with me, Donna, informed me that my check had something to do with Certegy losing funds, and my social security check fit the profile. What! The US Treasury is bouncing checks now? I don't think that is the case. I live on a very, very strict income and budget, to make it from month to month. So from spending $3.00 (Wal-Mart) to cash my check, I had to spend $27.50 at another check cashing business.

After reading all the horror story complaints, I truly believe this company needs to be investigated by the US government for unfair practices right now. This company needs to be held accountable for every check that is refused, and give good cause, or reasons for such actions, not the same cover excuse every time, which is a total nonsense in this day and time. I also believe that more complaints should be logged concerning this company, with the businesses (Wal-Mart for one) that are using them. Perhaps someone will wake up, and take some action.

I went to the Dollar Store and tried to write a check for the items that I had purchased and the check was declined.

If there was never a scam like this, I hope it effects the people who deserves it and declines "government checks." People depend on these checks to live, roof over head, food, meds, heat, electric, etc. We will never cash any kind of check at any place that uses this company. As far as an attorney, there are plenty of unbiased attorneys in the USA and we can find our own.

I have been declined by Certegy Check Services numerous times at a local grocery store. I have a new account that I established after discharge of my bankruptcy. I have not had any problems with writing checks except at merchants that use Certegy. I will admit that I had returned checks with Certegy check services, but I have cleaned up my record with a bankruptcy discharge. We did send Certegy check services a bankruptcy notices and they were named a creditor on our matrix. We received no objections to the bankruptcy filing or the discharge from Certegy Check Services. It is now clear to me that this company is discriminating against consumers who have exercised rights under the bankruptcy law. It is also clear that Certegy Check Services hides behind their risk model excuse in order to discriminate against consumers. We need to put an end to the discriminatory practices of this company.

I submitted check to MHC Kenworth Springfield, MO whom I have had a long standing business relationship with. My check was denied and they gave me a card that basically stated insufficient data on my company to allow the check to be approved. I do understand the need for businesses to protect themselves from check fraud however, I was extremely embarrassed as I have done business with MHC Kenworth for years and this gives the impression that your money is not good.

I tried to cash a payroll check for about $800 on a very reputable dental practice, that regularly does business with Walmart and deposit the full amount on a Walmart money card. It was declined because it did not fit the model. This practice will have as much as a 100,000 float in that account and does a million a year in proceeds. The decline was ridiculous and will harm someone on the other end of the transaction with a second card in a foreign country that needs the money for safety. The failure to fit some model to cash a check is idiocy.

Certegy declined (failed to authorize) a check transaction: Payroll check drawn against Wells Fargo business account because of an inconsistent pattern of check cashing. I normally use direct deposit and so do not have a consistent pattern of check cashing. Regardless, when contact via phone, Certegy refused to hear my complaint, allow me to talk to a supervisor or proceed any further with the transaction. I am unable to transact check. I will have to take time off from work tomorrow to go to the bank to complete transaction.

I had been out of money for a week and waiting for two paychecks from two employers. I received one on a holiday when banks were closed and asked a co-worker where he cashed his checks and replied Walmart. I went to Walmart not using a payroll check place ever in my life of fifty one years. The customer service manager asked for my SS# and I proceeded to give it to her when she snapped at me and said I don't want it put it in the keypad! I quickly told her she could have asked me instead of barking at me and she said, "Oh everybody does it " as if she is accepting my apology.

After several times of trying to run the check, she gives me a paper from Certegy and says she can't cash the check. This is a check that 50 other employees used from a GM dealer written in my town of 30 years and Wells Fargo paper. I do not have bad credit or bounced a check in my life and a company in Florida tells me that the check is possible the match of other returned checks. This company has way too much power to be in business. The rep on the phone told me to go to another place that doesn't have Certegy. Obviously, he knows there is a problem and can't or won't do anything about it. I feel that I have been victimized and violated! The next day, I took the check to my bank and got on with my life. I will never step inside a Walmart again.

My check was denied at Circle-K in Pensacola, FL. Certegy said no reason. I understand the need to prevent worthless checks and fraud. However, why not just use one of the systems that deducts the amount from your account while you wait. The clerk asked for no ID, though I was reaching for it as she was running the check. This just sounds like data mining to me and should be illegal!

I still have not decided to pursue. The merchant has the right to refuse checks, but as stated, I think more is going on here. Furthermore, the clerk attempted to keep my check, though the little machine probably makes a copy!

I had checks stolen from me and forged. I had to close my account, reopen a new account at my bank, file criminal charges against the person who did this to me and send a copy of all the affidavits from the bank and the police report also to all the place of businesses where the forged checks were written. One place was Murphy USA. Now because of all my troubles, they are giving me bad credit. Dollar Tree, Tobacco Plus and Murphy USA. I cannot write checks or use a credit card. I cannot use checks are credit cards that use Certegy because of false info.

Like many other Americans, I decided to stop using a Big Bank. I'm with a local Credit Union. I have stormed in there three times this week as stores will not accept my checks for no reason. Too bad, so sad. Establishments I've written checks at for 30 years, now aren't able to clear them through these Certegy **wipes. I spend hours on the phone with them, listening to the same ** over and over. We're sorry for the inconvenience? You're sorry? Who the hell died and made you god? I have $4000 in this checking account and can't write a check? Certegy and any store dealing with these lowlife can kiss my **. I will not be shopping at those establishments and whenever I'm able, I will tell anyone who will listen, not to. Walgreens, check. I am pulling prescriptions and will start boycotting immediately.

I had just purchased a gift at Macy's in one section. Then, I went to another section (perfumes) with a check from the same check book (which had at least $1,500.00 in the account) and was supplied with a returned check. So, I just purchased an item eight minutes ago in the same store with the same check book and then was turned down. It was embarrassing, to say the least.

I then called Certegy customer service and they told me that they "are sorry" and "everything looks great." No check issues but I will not be able to submit a check in Macy's. So, it's Saturday evening (the week before Christmas) and my credit card was recently compromised so I went to checks. Guess what? Certegy put an end to that. I will do the same as many others. I will not shop at stores who do not realize the impact they are having on customers and use Certegy. I will share the story with others. So much for helping the economy--how about hurting it?

I wrote a check at Target for $172.98 from a bank account that had a balance of more than $40,000 and it was declined due to information provided by Certegy. I have never written a bad check and have excellent credit. Very embarrassing! The reason given has something to do with my check being consistent with fraud. I won't shop anymore where they use Certegy.

I had a check rejected at a Petsmart where I had been doing business by check for eleven years. They gave me a slip of paper saying that they had rejected it based on information provided by Certegy. I called Certegy but they would give me no information about why they rejected my check. I have never written a bad check and have no outstanding debt but then, they asked me for my DL, SSN, birth date and bank account information which showed me that they had no reason to reject my check when they had none of this information in the first place.

I'm not going to furnish this information to a company that is being sued for a massive security breach either and there is no reason that they should have it anyway. Since I don't use credit or debit cards and I am not going to walk around with a pocket full of cash, I'm wondering how many times I will be embarrassed at the register in the future, or will I have to shop only at stores that don't use Certegy?

I have no idea how I'm going to transact my business anymore without risking embarrassment by this company that seems to have dominion over my financial affairs. (Not being able to select "0" stars gives my experience with this company too high of a rating).

First, I am not an accountant. I do make mistakes. I wrote a check to Wal-Mart and the check was returned. I resubmitted and it cleared. Certegy never sent me any notice; still may be at fault. But they ran that service charge over and over again causing other problems with other ATM withdrawals and other checks to the tune of over $200.00 in bank service charges. That's $35.00 a pop.

That would create a problem for a good number of people. The $25.00 cleared after all this. Sure, they did throw my account off. Certegy is creating other problems over $25.00. Isn't it bad enough to have this problem? But to run back to back charges killed me.

I also had a check refused at a merchant using the Certegy check authorization service. The account has been opened since '83 and carries a high balance. If this has happened to you, go to "AskCertegy" and request a FACT (Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act) Disclosure report. This will cost Certegy time and money to run the report for all customers who receive unwarranted refusals on their checks. You can contact Certegy on the phone (To Request by Phone: 1-866-543-6315) and provide information to verbally request the FACT report. Certegy's check authorization system is flawed and customers should not accept having their checks declined just because Certegy does not want to thoroughly verify the credit worthiness of consumers.

Certegy declined my $26.79 business check at Big 5 Sports on 9-29-11. I attempted to pay with my Discover card which Certegy also declined. I called Discover and my bank, on the spot, who both confirmed to Big 5 my identity and that I was a good customer. Big 5 yielded to Certegy. Unwittingly, I chalked it up as Big 5's problem; but, when Certegy declined my $68.00 business check at Academy Sports on 9-30-11, my eyes were opened. I've written thousands of dollars of checks to Academy over the last 7 years with no problem. I called my bank President, on the spot, and an Academy manager spoke to the President. Academy also called Certegy and then had the balls to approve my check. Way to go Academy!

I just went to Target to buy 2 Christmas presents. The total was 100 dollars and Certegy declined my check even though as of today, my balance in my bank account is 1,500 dollars! ****! I use checks plenty of times where the store does an electronic check and it goes through fine and you're handed back the check. Why would such a large chain store use something as poor as this company and not the electronic check? I am infuriated!

I tried to write a check at Marshall's. It was declined. They gave me the number of Certegy. When I called them, they told me there was nothing wrong with my account or my driver's license. They just cannot guarantee that all checks are accepted all the time, that they look for similar patterns of fraud. I don't really know what that means. He said something about someone using my driver's license. I am not aware of anyone using my driver's license nor did I report my driver's license being stolen. I simply do not understand why they declined my check. And the guy (who of course English was his 2nd language) couldn't explain it to me.

I tried to pay by check at PetSmart, which I've done many times before. This is the first time I've been there since they started using Certegy 2 weeks ago. My check was declined, even though I have over $2,000 in the account and have never had an NSF check. I was humiliated and upset. I was told to call a number, and I called it. I got a voice mail system that said I had a "return check". It's not true! I will never shop at any establishment that has this crappy service. And I should not have to call Certegy and give them my bank account number etc. to try to clear this up. That's personal information. And it should be illegal for a 3rd party to have access to it in the first place without my permission through Certegy whenever I want to pay by check.

I took a check issued by the State of Washington state employees retirement system to Walmart to cash because I did not want to wait to mail in deposit it in my out of state military bank. Certegy declined cashing it. This is a check written by the State of Washington on a bank in WA DC and there is no local branch of theirs or mine to take it to.

I have no issues with writing checks. Two minutes before taking this check to Walmart's customer-no-service counter I had written a personal check at that Walmart for my purchases! That apparently cleared Certegy but a government check will not? Hmm, maybe that's it, it was a government check? Kidding aside this company is a PITA and is doing more harm than good to the businesses who utilize their "service." Whichever corporate W goon decided this was a good idea gets the M*** of the Year for Bad Public Relations award.

I attempted to cash a check today for $50. It was declined by Certegy. I was told to call them at 866 740-3276. When I got someone on the phone, I could hardly understand what he was saying. This person told me the DMV in Illinois does not have the same info that appears on my DL. Finally, I gave up and accepted the 800 685-1111 number in Atlanta, which was supposedly for Certegy. It was Equifax. I was offered a copy of my credit report to verify my name and SS number. I just used the service on Tuesday, 11/2, and my name has not changed in the past 48 hours. I am filing a complaint with the Attorney General's Office and the BBB, they have no right to regulate my money.

Petsmart, Springfield MO, declined a check. I am a member of the Pet Perks Club & I have written many checks through the years. There were more than sufficient funds in the account. Funny, the debit card from the same account was accepted.

I just went to Walmart to cash an IRS check for less than a thousand dollars and had my DL, SS card, passport, marriage license, etc. to prove my identity. The clerk said that I was rejected by Certegy due to reason 2. I called the 866 number and got a recording. They said that I was not refused due to bad check writing but due to possibility of fraud. It is a United States Treasury check. I had every ID document possible to prove who I am. This is so wrong and stressful! I do not have a bank account so how am I supposed to cash my check?

I wrote 3 checks to Walgreens - same store each time. The third check was declined for no reason. I was given a slip of paper and was told to call the number to get an explanation. It was Certegy and all I was given was a recording - no ability to speak to a live body. I tried calling 3 times and also went online and was given this explanation:

"We understand and apologize for any concern caused by your check not being authorized. Certegy carefully analyzes patterns of check writing activity designed to protect consumers as well as our merchants from fraud, identity theft and unauthorized usage. While the majority of check authorization requests result in approval, there are occasions when a valid check matches these patterns, resulting in a decline. This decline was not a result of any negative check writing information, but as a preventative measure. These situations are rare and should not affect the authorization of your checks in the future. Please be assured, this has been conveyed to the merchant."

I have the funds in my account. I wrote two other checks for more than the check that was declined. I was thoroughly humiliated in front of store personnel and customers in line behind me. It looked like I had insufficient funds in my account, which is not true. There is no need to humiliate me, there is nothing wrong with my account, nothing wrong with my checks or my check writing history.

I purchased a money order in amount of $500. I need the money today; I thought purchasing a money order would be the best way to obtain it. I have a bank that is not local to my current residence and I can't withdraw large amts. of funds in one day. I need a total of $1000.00 and the ATM will not allow that high of an amount to be taken out in one day. I saw that I could use my ATM/Debit card to purchase a money order at Wal-Mart so I thought I would be able to get the amount I needed.

I was wrong and was duped to fraud by the Wal-Mart and the Certegy Co. These companies took my $500 from my bank account, but will now not give me my money. I was on the phone for hours trying to get help from the numbers given and it is a farce and a joke. I believe the numbers are just there to look official. You cannot obtain any help or information from any of the numbers given. I was told I would have to cash the money order somewhere other than a Certegy merchant because Certegy denied the check/money order. I called many places and they all refused to cash the money order because it was obtained at Wal-Mart.

I do not want to deposit back into my bank account; that is where I got the money from in the first place, but the bank is not even where I am. I can't wait --nor do I even believe for one minute after seeing how this company deals, that I will even get a refund back within any decent amount of time. I am now in serious trouble without the cash I need. Who in this world would imagine that the money order could not be cashed?

I am warning anyone; do not use Money Gram or Wal-Mart. Don't take the chance that this could happen to you. I plan to write in full to the Attorney General of CA and the US and the BBB about this. This is a racket to steal your money. This company cannot be reputable. There is no reason for them to deny giving me the money from this money order. The worst part is that I was told it cannot ever be cashed and there is no one in the company to authorize it to be cashed. I have no alternative but to put it back into my back account as a deposit. Oh yes, and it cost me 60 cents, gas to the Wal-Mart, over an hour and half of my cell phone time, and not to mention the grief, and stress and anxiety I am going through tonight.

I went to Walmart in Azle, Texas to cash my paycheck and was told it was denied by Certegy for a Code 2.

I called the 866 number and kept getting an automated voice, I could not talk to a real live person. I had to go to a check cashing place to cash my check, which cost a lot of money to use. I usually cash my check at the bank, but they were closed because it was Columbus Day.

Just getting back in the workforce with a well known company that has been in the city for years. And after picking up my first full paycheck, I was unable to cash it at Wal-Mart or Winn Dixie due to Certegy, flagging it as potential fraud. Working hours that start before the bank opens and end after they close, the check cashing services once appeared to be a viable option.

This is preventing me from paying my utility bill, buying food and other basic things hard working people do when they get paid for working an honest job.

On October 5 at a TJ Maxx 50 miles from my home, I wrote a check for $330 worth of merchandise with my valid driver's license. I have ten times that much money in my checking account. Certegy rejected my check. I was given a card which has a 1-800 number by the store manager. I called it from the store but all I got was computer messaging, so I was unable to get a resolution. When I got home I got on the Certegy website and filled in my info but again there was no resolution. So I called 1-800 again and I finally talked to customer rep Dana.

Dana was a nice lady but she can't explain why my check was rejected nor what I can do to avoid this in the future. I have a superior credit rating, am employed by a large company, have no history of credit problems or identity theft. Yes, I saw the "gold member" application on their website but decided to skip as it does ask a lot of confidential questions and I still don't know who the heck Certegy is or how they work. If they have 'computer models' that identify 'potentially problem checks' then help the consumer understand their criteria for hassle-free check writing. I am just thankful I was not writing a check for an emergency need (like an airline ticket to get to a dying parent or vital medicine for an asthmatic child). Give the consumer someone to talk to. If the check was for $5000 I can understand the scrutiny, but $330? It is ridiculous as far as I am concerned.

I tried to write a check at Albertsons and was declined. The clerk gave me a blue card to call Certegy. With no avail and no answers, the representative wanted checking, social, and routing numbers! I believe this is a scam and someone better get a hold to this company and quick, maybe the BBB.

Six months ago I had my payroll check, which is drawn on a Bank of America account. I couldn't get to my bank before closing, so I tried to cash it at an HEB grocery. I was told they couldn't cash it and was given the Certegy paper slip. I never called.

But last week I lost my check card and thinking I might need to use a check for groceries I finally called to get some answers. I was on hold for 20 minutes and when I finally got a live rep, she said she found nothing negative. She wanted my check info but I told her it was a payroll check that was declined so their refusal had to be linked to my DL #. I explained that if the retailer wouldn't cash a payroll check from the largest bank in the country, they likely wouldn't take a personal check from me. She was vague in her responses and said that "each check is handled on an individual basis", whatever that means.

Then the call was "disconnected" when I asked her to assure me that Certegy would not be blocking authorization for my cashed checks. I have not had a bad check in 15 years! With most retailers using electronic check approval (which assures sufficient funds and instantly transfers payment), I don't see where Certegy fits in. I will be contacting HEB corporate. Since I am their customer and not Certegy's, maybe they can resolve the problem.

I wrote a check to pay for my gas (WaWa). It was declined. The clerk could only tell me that it was a Code 2. She gave me a number to call, but it was a wrong number. Finally, I found the number for Certegy. I got the automated system who informed me that my check was not declined due to NSF. But I was informed that my check was not accepted because it did not meet the parameters of their check model. I have been with the same bank for over 20 years and I do not bounce checks! I called the 800 number and waited for a customer service representative. No one ever answered the phone! I was on hold for 30 minutes! This was embarrassing when I was at the pump. I went to another WaWa about a mile down the street. Of course, the same thing happened again. This really pisses me off! Whatever company uses Certergy, go figure!

I tried to cash a check payable through the Federal Reserve System, State Treasurer, Raleigh, North Carolina. The check was turned down from Certegy and I was given reason number 2. After calling the number, I could get no information except pretty much that it did not meet their "computer models" for whatever that is worth.

I returned to Walmart the next day only to have the check returned again. Imagine that, they can't trust a check from the State of North Carolina. The friendly cashier told me that two or three people cashing the same check (Pell Grant returns from college) were accepted through Certegy and they cashed the checks. One of them was for a larger amount than mine. This makes no sense to me and I think that this company is a scam!

Target refused my check based on a report by Certegy (a gambling check clearing house). Their response was that I had been writing too many checks in the last 24 hours. Duh! I have Friday and Saturday to do my shopping, so what do you think I am going to do? Guess, I'll just stop shopping at Target.

I went to Walmart to load my Social Security Disability check (I have brain/lung cancer) on my Walmart debit card and was declined. I called Certegy and was told the check was flagged because it didn't meet the parameters of their computer model. They also explained that they did not have any negative or bad check-writing history for me, whatsoever. I went elsewhere to cash the check with no problem.

I called Certegy again when I returned to home and was told that my ID was not the same as they had on file. I have had the same CA Driver's License for 44 years and there's no way that it was expired or suspended. I confirmed the Driver's License number and asked why I was given two different stories. When the customer service representative on the other end of the line could not answer, I demanded to talk to a supervisor. She then gave me a third story telling me that they have had many fraudulent checks for that amount of money, thus, aren't cashing any checks for that amount. This is the most ridiculous thing ever.

I wrote a check at Publix, with kids in tow, and was denied. The clerk couldn't give me an answer but the person standing behind me said that I needed to get a job. How embarrassing and rude. I had more than enough money to cover a few packages of diapers and I had left my debit card in the car but had the checkbook with me. The clerk handed me a number to call Certegy Check Services. However, I did not call as I have been aware of their services for quite sometime and knew they'll dig more personal information from you that has no regards to your situation. They do this to people who have a lot of money in their accounts and have never written bad checks. It's a way for them to get more people to scam.

I'm writing a complaint to the FTC now. I suggest that before you call the number they give, you have to file a complaint as well. The FTC will open an investigation the more people complain about Certegy Check Services.

It was declined. She gave me a card stating:

Code 1 - In most instances this is based upon negative information on file, usually for unpaid checks. (I have not had a bounced check in over 5 years.)

Code 2 - Although no unpaid check information is on file, Certegy did not have sufficient information to approve the transaction, or this transaction exceeded our established limit. (What?)

Code 3 - The format of the identification presented did not conform to government established guidelines for a valid I.D. (My driver's license is not a proper ID?)

On July 29, 2011 I was purchasing football equipment for my 9 year old grandson from Hibbetts Sporting Goods in Mcalester Oklahoma. This was a special gift from only me so I decided to use my personal checking account. The clerk informed me that my check had been declined and gave me a number to call. I called the 800 number of Certegy and got an automatic call. They asked my check number and amount of check. I gave this and the automatic call informed me that they would be unable to let my check clear at this time, no representatives were available to help me at this time. This is so not acceptable for me.

Wrote a check to Murphy USA (wal-mart gas) and check was declined. Called Certegy and they could not ok funds. I have great credit, and am the sole owner of multimillion dollar apartment complexes in central Missouri. A few of my customers were in the store at the same time as this embarrassing moment. Called from my car to the 800# and spoke with one of the reps from Certegy and with very broken English she informs me that the check was not able to be processed. I asked for her supervisor Berna (employee# E1042239) and she apologized for the inconvenience but could not give me a reason why the "system" would not allow my check to be processed.

She informed me she could mail me an application to be on file with certegy to be given some type of clearance to write checks at the locations Certegy serves. I asked if there was a list of company's they serve (so i could let all of them read this statement) and that information is not available to the general public. OH MY!!! I can understand a company outsourcing 3rd party check capabilities to protect their interests, but this brings a whole new meaning to writing checks!!! This may happen to people that have trouble balancing the check register, but i have been in business since 1980 and have never written a bad check

I live 90 miles from a grocery store. We tried to write a check for our groceries, which Certegy denied.

After getting back home, I called Certegy and was told that I had no check problems but the check was denied because it did not fit their check writing protocols (this was a recorded message). I pushed for an agent and finally got to one and asked what do I need to do in order for this not to happen again. The lady on the phone asked me for my driver's license and checking account info. The lady I talked to told me that she didn't see anything derogatory either. This cost me a lot of stress and embarrassment. I also found out that Certegy's phone operators are in the Philippines (confirmed by the operator/agent), which is a source country known for check and credit card fraud and I was forced to give them my personal account info in order to get the info needed.

This is supposed to be a company known for honesty and security but this is wrong. What kind of security clearance do they give their people? How are they protecting their clientele?

I received a no good Western Union money order from my mother, which she purchased at a Walmart in Vermont. I cash my paycheck every week at the same Walmart here in Nashville so I went to cash the money order there. I got the stupid little slip of paper "we cannot cash this check, etc," then it said "reason 2", of course the Walmart employees were clueless. It's a MONEY ORDER, not a CHECK.

I called Western Union myself and verified that it was good. I came home and tried to call Certegy but I can't even speak with a human! Finally, I went to their basically useless website to see what happened, based on their "computer risk modeling," I can't cash checks anymore! I've never even used a check at any Walmart, ever! And the best part is, you can't email them, and they can't change the computer's decision, sorry!

I have read lots of complaints about Certegy, but none that had the same laughable issue I had with those folks at Certegy. I went to Best Buy, wrote a check for $750 in purchases. It was turned down due to a report from Certegy. Fine. I told the clerk I would go to Sam's club the next day and buy the products, which I did. When the check went through at Sam's, I asked what company they use for check approval. Guess who? Certegy. When a check cleared my bank that I had written at Lowe's for $1800.00, I noticed on my statement that the check was cleared by --you guessed it -- Certegy. It was the same with Home Depot. They all use these idiots. I wrote to Best Buy's corporate headquarters about this issue, being that Certegy will approve my checks from everywhere except Best Buy. It took 3 weeks to get a corporate response, if that was what it was. I was told the local store manager would be in touch. That was 6 months ago. I have heard nothing. So, I do not shop at Best Buy, ever.

Applied for Target Debit Card, declined due to info from Certegy. Contacted Cergtegy asking for info they have. Info is a fraudulent check written in 2008 and supposedly signed by my husband who passed away in 2002. Faxed Certegy copy of police report I filed in 2008, a copy 2008 fraud claim with my bank and results from their end showing it was fraud. Certegy stated it would be taken care of. Waited several months, applied for Target Debit Card again, declined again due to same info from Certegy.

Contacted Certegy again. Received letter from Miranda Page-Plummer, Informatino Consultant for Certegy and in her letter she stated -- "regarding your specific inquiry please be advised we are in receipt of your dispute and request to remove the referenced transactions from your report. Although the transaction itself has been disputed (and corrected), this imformation must remain on your report as the specific transaction did in fact take place. Our records have been amended to reflect that we are in receipt of your affidavit and the claim in quetion has been resolved as forgery and as such, is not holding hyour checking account negative within our authorization system. Wwe have also taken the liberty of placing your identifying numbers (bank routing and account number and/or drivers license" on a "VIP" or "preferred" status in our system." --

Based on the above letter, I waited another month and applied for a Target Debit card again. Declined again for same info from Certegy.

On June 26, 2011, I wrote a check for $10.97 to DSW in Northridge, California. The cashier proceeded to process my check and told me it was declined. He was unable to tell me why but handed me a card with Certegy's 800 number on it. When I got home, I called the number and was told by an automated voice that my check was declined because I had a previous returned check. I called the 800 # twice and emailed the company twice but they were non-responsive every time.

Concerned, I ran my credit check which came up perfect. I then called Chase bank to verify what I already knew: My account is in perfect standing and I have never had a returned check. I have never had one in my entire life and I have overdraft protection anyways. Suspicious, I went online to research Certegy and found many complaints against this company. Most complaints echo mine.

This company gives every indication of being a sham. I think they are merely randomly declining people to make it look like they are protecting their clients, the merchants.

I went to Wal-Mart on 6/23/11 to cash my IRS REFUND CHECK and was declined. I was given a printout and told I needed to call Certegy and give them Code 2. I asked the clerk why on earth they couldn't cash my federally issued refund check for less than $1500.00?? She said that maybe my SSN didn't match what the IRS had...WHAT?????

Needless to say I wasn't happy so I went to my car and called the phone number on the paper. When I finally got to talk to a live person they asked for a lot of personal information...SSN, birthdate, drivers license number...which I hesitantly gave, but when she asked for all of the numbers across the bottom of my check I hung up. I still have no idea why I can't cash my refund check and after reading everything on this site, I'm sure there really isn't a reason and that this company needs to just go away.

I tried to write a check at Target and it was declined. I know I had more than enough money in my checking account, but could not use my debit card. It was deactivated with hundreds of others due to a "security breech" and my replacement was in the mail. I didn't have enough cash with me. It was a Saturday afternoon and I was in Target with my two babies buying diapers and getting declined. Why? Because I usually don't write checks. I sometimes write checks to pay bills.

Yesterday I wrote a check at the grocery store (because of my debit card issue). But I have not ever bounced a check and my account had more than enough money in it to cover this check. I'm filing a complaint with Target and vowing not to shop there again until they do something about this arbitrary, embarrassing and terribly inconvenient "approval process".

On May 11, 2011, I wrote a check for $54.86 to a local Staples store that we have traded with for many years, and it was rejected. I thought the clerk made the error, so I just used a credit card and went on. Then on May 18, we tried two different times to write a check at PetSmart for $8.00 and one for $7.00 (plus a few cents on each check). They were rejected, and the store manager gave me information on Certegy to call. I did and got nowhere; the only thing they could say was a check had been returned and then they gave me the number of Early Warning Co. to talk to someone there.

As it turned out, the returned check was a check I wrote to my grandson for his eleventh birthday last year, and he forgot about it. And when after a year they tried to put it in his account, it was returned because of a "stale date," not that we didn't have the funds to cover it. No one ever contacted us to find out any information. And they now have a hold on our ability to cash checks at stores we have done business with for years.

I have filed a complaint with the FTC, and I will be filing one with the State of Calif. Attorney General's Office. I am in the process of contacting the corporate offices of the companies that we have done business with that use Certegy, and I will not shop at those businesses until they have a better system. I am not against having a check verified, but this goes beyond anything I have ever seen.

ON 05/21/2011, I wrote a check at Macy's 10200 Mill Run Circle, Owings Mills, MD 21157 for less than $300.00. At the time of writing this check, there was over $3,400.00 in my checking account. My check was declined at Macy's and I was given no reason why. However, I was given a computer generated print out with information to contact Certegy Customer Care at 1-800-831-5873.

After 5 minutes and the "push this #, then push this # for that, etc., I reached a human. "By now I was very upset. (I am a retired MD state trooper and currently work as a Manager for the Defense Intelligence Agency, Washington, DC). I have never written a bad check, I have no criminal record, and I do not have bad credit. I also make well over $200K a year.

I was told by a Certegy representative that I was declined because I meet the computer's matrix for writing bad and/or fraudulent checks because I do not normally write checks. I explained to the person on the line, that my Visa/Debit Card had been lost and the only form of payment I currently have is checks. He informed me, that I could "fill out" their form (whatever that may be) or take the chance of writing checks and see if I am declined, that there is nothing he could do about it.

This is ridiculous. After reading all the complaints on this company, this company needs to be looked into for these are unfair business practices that are detrimental to the good consumer. I know one thing, it will be a long time before I go back to Macy's!

I wrote a check that was also declined by Certegy when there were more than sufficient funds to cover it. I have never written a bad check and have spotless credit. After much research, the best recourse I have come up with is to file a complaint with the FTC (Federal Trade Commission). Their phone number is 1-877-382-4357 or 877-FTC-HELP.

If they get enough complaints, one of their attorneys will open an investigation. So, it is very important that everyone who has been unfairly declined my Certegy file a complaint with the FTC! The agent I spoke with was very nice and the process was fairly quick and simple. I think it is the best way to reign in an out of control Certegy. Please make the call to the FTC and report them.

I wrote a check for a purchase at the Carter's store and was told by the staff that Certegy had declined the check. The store gave me a number to call for Certegy. I was connected to an automated system that stated the check was good, the account was good, but the check had been declined. I persisted until I was able to talk to an individual. She basically restated the same thing that the automated system said. Still, no explanation about the decline. She could not do any more other than offer me the opportunity to apply for a "Gold Card" that would apparently allow my checks to be accepted.

I declined that offer because they could not tell me why my check was declined, the service I had received from them was not acceptable and I had no interest in giving them any more information about myself than they already had. I asked to speak to her supervisor. I was transferred to Marie who claims that I can go to Carter's today and write another check. She does not see a problem with further checks being declined. I am wondering if this is a racket to promote their Gold Card and get more personal information. I am very unhappy with my experience.

I went to Albertsons to get a few groceries. I did not have my ATM card and decided to write a check. I think I have written maybe 4 checks since I got here to Idaho. The bill was for $32. I had just got paid and my account was good. The store clerk ran it through and said it was declined! **? She gave me a blue card with Certegy's phone number on it and apologized. I called them and was forced to give personal information before I could speak to a human being. After jumping through hoops, I was informed they were closed. What a hassle. Apparently, there are a great many people having the same problems with this company. I agree with the general census here, those who use Certegy do not need my business.

We went to Super Target in Vernon Hills, IL for Christmas shopping and tried to pay by check but was denied by Certegy. When we called the 800 number, we put in all of our information & found out there was nothing on our recent transaction. At Target, they said the same thing happened to 4 other people earlier this week & there was nothing they could do. We came back to Target with cash & paid for our purchases; but think Certegy services are horrific & they have no right to handle your check as if they were the bank!

Making purchase at Walgreens, check was rejected with no explanation. Bank was located just across the street and they said they would verify the funds, but they would not allow that at Walgreens. I can see from previous complaints that there is little or nothing that I as a consumer can do. What control.

Humiliated for one thing. I will try my debit card next time, if that doesn't work, guess I will not shop at Walgreens again. I would think this would be a wake up call for Walgreens. They lost $322.00 worth of business today.

I called 4 times and I was stuck on eternal hold waiting to get information as to why a check was declined at Lowes. Called and was on hold for 45 minutes finally I asked for the Supervisor and suddenly he was able to answer all my questions. Amazing but I still was not able to pay for a RCF of $ 50.00 that the charges would come off sometime and that my check writing privileges were never removed but yet the original notice was from 11/16/2010 for $ 23.33. I even went online as was suggested and either my information was not available. I guess because it was too soon for the website but Lowes already knew about an issue. My bank could not even tell me if there was a problem or too late after seven days you are forced to call and play their game.

I went to a locate grocery store, that is Bruno's, on Wednesday, November 24 to do my Thanksgiving shopping. I had a bag full of groceries and when I got to the register, the clerk told me that my check had been declined. Well, I knew I had more than enough funds to cover the check and I instantly called my bank to check my account. Funds were there and the clerk gave me a number to call Certegy and go get an explanation. By this time, I was embarrassed as well as humiliated because the grocery store was very crowded.

The manager came up and said that he was sorry but he had seen this happen before and it had nothing to do with the individual. Well, in the mean time, I called Certegy from the store and the representative told me that I did not have any bad check writing habits and that this was in no way related to negative information on my end but to protect me and the store from fraudulent activity. They offered to send me an application to become a gold member and said that this would help prevent this from happening again.

The next day, I called my bank and they had no idea why my check was denied. Well, yesterday, November 29, 2010, I had the same incident occur again at the Cracker Barrel Restaurant. My check was denied for a code 2 and again, Certegy was the reason for this decline. I think that something needs to take place ASAP with the company as this is getting to be ridiculous. I mean, if they have no negative information pertaining to an individual, why can they not approve for the check to be accepted at that point. This is very embarrassing and humiliating and I think someone should do something about this nonsense.

I made a purchase at Macy's in Atlanta. The check was scanned and handed back to me and I was given my merchandise. I thought nothing else about it until I went to a local grocery store in Hixson, TN when my check was declined. I was told to call Certegy. I called them and they said I have a check returned and I told them that was not possible as I keep a large running balance in my account and haven't had a returned check in 30 years.

Certegy told me to call my bank which I did and they told me I had no returned checks and that it must be a glitch in Macy's system. I attempted to call Macy's but it was a Saturday and there was no one there to help me until Monday. On Monday, I began trying to get this straightened out and when I called Macy's and told them the story, they asked for my credit card number. I told them I had no Macy's credit card, so they proceeded to tell me that I had the credit card company and they would have to connect me to someone else.

At that point, I realized that I would have to leave my place of employment and drive back to Macy's. Macy's has no customer service department so I went to one of the stations where you pay for merchandise and went through this story once again. She started to tell me I would have to call someone else and I stopped her and told her that I had gone through that and back for something that was not my fault. I also told her that we were going to get this straightened out before I left.

After she made about five phone calls, we were back at Certegy, who after a considerable length of time, came back to the phone and said somehow the system read my checking account number wrong and that they would run the check back through and remove my name from their list. That was on Monday and it is now Thursday and that check number has not been cleared on my account.

I attempted to call them, but of course they are off for the holiday. I will go to my local grocery store today and talk to the manager to see if they are going to accept my check, and if not, I will have no choice but to hire an attorney to get this straightened out. This is something that should never have happened!

I wrote a check at a business called Big Lots and it was denied. Thinking it was due to an out of state bank, I wrote one on a local bank and again denied. I was able to obtain the merchandise by my daughter paying for my purchase. I went to my car and called the number given. I could not reach a person to speak with. It is a voice call system. I cannot get an answer as to why other than it was for the business protection as well as mine. What does that mean? I do not have perfect credit and I have had checks not clear. However, I have always paid the checks and the fees that are charged for a check not clearing. I have always paid all my debts and never walk away from any charges that I may owe.

This is the second time my check has been declined through these crooks. The customer service representative said that I have a perfect check writing history; just the way the computer chooses. The answer to why my checks are being denied is a scam.

Certegy wants me to sign up a membership application with very personal financial information. Once they receive this application, they will consider to accept my checks or not. They say it is just how the computer system that decides to choose and they have no answer to my question. I asked for a printout of why exactly my check was denied and they tried to double talk me. Basically, they said no.

I will now file a complaint with Target for even using these crooks. It was totally embarrassing when Christmas shopping and write a check because I misplaced my ATM card. The check comes back declined for no reason and I have to start taking things out of my shopping bags and get the total down to the amount of cash I have in my purse. I should not have any problems ever writing a check. If so, I want answers and the problem fixed immediately!

I went shopping with teenage son, went to a store in Reno, called "Tillys". we selected several items for a price of $230.00, I wrote a check, with proper I.D., on an account with way more then enough to cover, and Certegy denied the check with no reason. Although, I called Tilly's corporate office and they told me who to contact. I had to go to my bank and write a check for cash (on same account) and go back to store to make purchase.

I want to add on to the issue with Certegy. I went to cash my payroll check at WalMart. It was denied. I was given a little printout saying I needed to contact Certegy for verification. They would do some sort of personal information collection that would take about 24 hours to verify. I called and all of my information was verified. They took down information about the check including check number, check amount, routing number and the bank account number on the check. They then took down my full name and driver's license number. After all of that, they put me on hold for about 5 minutes only to come back and say that they can't override the decision to deny the check. Good checks get denied all the time based upon the possibility of it being fraudulent. What ****! They just took down enough information to make a duplicate of the check! I have cashed checks at WalMart for years and never ran into this Certegy crap until this year. Where did this system come from?

Twice now, Nov. 1, 2010 being the most recent incident, a money order purchased at a Wal-Mart could not be cashed at another Wal-Mart. Seems you need to check guarantee company. Certegy now processes your own issued money orders as checks so they can charge a cashing fee. They asked for my state ID, driver's license and my ss#, which raised a red flag and I asked the cashier why. She said Certegy, their check guarantor, was now charging for cashing money orders. So why the **** do they not honor a money order. They already have the cash for plus another $1.60 just to get it and then maybe you can get it cashed. Ridiculous!

Petsmart will not allow a military I.D. as proof of identity when writing a check. Even a disabled veteran who cannot drive is asked for a driver's license. The manager says it is because of Certegy, not them. The purpose of showing ID when writing a check is confirming you are who you say you are on your check not that there are funds in your account. A criminal can have a valid driver's license but not a valid, retired officer's I.D. Why do they dislike military veterans?

A check for $65.30 was written at Tom Thumb (Safeway) grocery store where I have had other purchases. I've never written a bad check, and there were more than enough funds in account. The check declined and I was just told Certegy. Safeway said Certegy had 'negative information' and gave me number for a furniture store I haven't purchased at in 20 years. Furniture store couldn't answer and gave me Certegy's number.

I did search on Web and found all of these complaints, no reasons given,other than to build a database from responsible people to create a file on them, force them to 'buy' their 'protection card,' sounds like coercion to me and illegal activity to boot. Checks are historically subject to funds, not 'purchase styles' and since no float exists and funds are deducted immediately via electronic signature, this is an out and out scam. Results are embarrassment, as a long line behind me. I paid with my credit card, but yet my bank account funds weren't enough. I will not call and give these shysters and crooks any more of my personal information for them to build a file. I will also put a 'freeze' on my accounts, a letter with my credit files stating the fraudulent activities of this company, and like others, will not longer do business with people who use Certegy.

On October 29, 2010, Certegy declined my check of $108.24 at the merchant finish line in Houston Galleria Mall. I phoned Certegy service department in the store and they could and would not provide me an explanation on why my check declined when I had greater than 10 times the amount I was writing for in my account. I was totally humiliated in a store with a lot of people. I had to return the next morning to purchase the item with a debit card from the same account. I never want to conduct business with Certegy ever again!

I was at Copps grocery store in Sun Prairie, WI, a store I have shopped many times and a store I have written many checks at for my weekly groceries. I have a Roundy's card, so they have my personal information, bank information and everything else to know who I am. On October 23, 2010, I wrote a check for $104 and Certegy rejected my check in front of my neighbors and friends. I have never been so humiliated in my life. Copps would only tell me I had to call my bank. It was 3:30 PM on a Saturday. Good luck with that.

I do all my grocery shopping with checks and always have. I have never written a bad check. I have excellent credit rating and I have never been late with any bill payments and have been in this community for over 17 years. I have never reported a potential fraud against my accounts and Certegy rejected my check. All anyone could tell me was it was rejected and no good. I could not reach anyone at Certegy on the weekend, so I had to deal with their electronic answering device, which look up the transaction and told me my check was a potential fraud.

Let's see, Copps' policy is you can write a check with their card, which I had. I have more than sufficient funds in the checking account to cover it and have visited this store for a long time on a regular basis. And now, all the sudden, for no reason, I am a potential fraud!

After the total humiliation and embarrassment in front of my neighbors and friends, I had to drive 12 miles to another store to spend yet another hour selecting my groceries. Woodman's accepted my check without a problem and I was able to write my check for more than my purchase within their guidelines. I went home with my groceries after 3 hours total between the time shopping at two stores and the travel involved. I did not have the time to waste that day, but Certegy gave me no options.

I started a job at Walgreen's (the famous pharmacy store) and got my first payroll check on October 14th. I went to the only two places in my more than 5000 populated town that do cash checks and was denied with a code two at both by Certegy.

I live off of my paycheck and I need it to make payments, eat, etc., yet I was told a code two is "although no unpaid check information is on file, Certegy did not have sufficient information available to approve the transaction, or this transaction exceeded a pre-established limit." I started late so it was for $400.00. Seriously? Walgreen's knows their check is good, everyone else has no problems. So I ask, what is Certegy's deal?

I have a check on my table that I can look at, but cannot cash. I have called their offices many times but no live person ever comes to the line and the holding so far I've been on is three and a half hours and counting. It is frustrating to say the least.

I was in Dillard's this evening having a special mom/daughter homecoming dress shopping outing. We found the dress and proceeded to the checkout counter. The woman asked me for my DL, and then she input my birthdate, the exp. date on my license and my check number. The check was then declined. She put it in several times and the line behind us was growing with impatient people. I used my debit card and it went through.

I called Dillard's and complained for the embarrassment and the absolute ridiculousness of the situation. He gave me Certegy's number. I called, they said there is nothing wrong with my information, but blah, blah, blah pattern of fraud. Look, I write checks to the grocery store, to Wal-Mart and to the base exchange. I am on check $12,000 and have been with my credit union for over 26 years. I am prior military and I have a credit score in the high 790's. This is unacceptable!

I have money in the bank. I have thousands of dollars in overdraft protection! What right does this piddling company have to decide whether or not I am a good "risk" to Dillard's, or anywhere for that matter. I will no longer shop at Dillard's, ever! I will gladly join in any class action suit towards this company, who itself was guilty of letting client's personal information go!

Anyone care to take this on? I am sending this letter to all the major news agencies as well! Something has to be done with this nameless and company! I want results!

On October 13, I went into the AT&T Office on 2003 W. Dan forth Rd, St A. Edmond, OK 73003 to conduct some business. When I was told the amount of my purchase I wrote a check. It immediately came back from this Certegy outfit stating "we apologize for not accepting your check. We value your business and regret the inconvenience. Our decision was based in part on information provided by Certegy Check Services, Inc. ("Certegy"). I was stunned. I have been writing checks for over 40 years and this is the first time some "fly by night" incompetent outfit refused one.

When I asked the clerk at AT&T about it, he said it was a pretty common occurrence when you had to use your driver's license to verify your identity. Then he asked me if I had ever tried to cash a check at Wal-Mart and I said "no". He told me not to try it as this scamming organization would probably pull the same trick. When I called the number to try to find out why my check was refused, I talked to some guy that knew less about if than I did. He put me on hold for about 15 minutes trying to figure out an answer.

When he finally decided he had figured out something to say, he wanted to know if I was still in the store where I tried to cash it. I told him "no, I was at home". He started talking about something about going back to the store and putting in an application for something, at which time I hung up. I gave them a lot of personal information, check #, driver's license #, etc. I only hope this is just a scheme to try to get people to join this outfit and not some illegal "rinky dink" outfit. I don't know what they are trying to do, except scheming ways to get money any way they can. I will never try to cash another check where I am asked for my driver's license for verification. I don't understand how this affects the check but I will continue to write checks without verification so I do not have to deal with these unethical schemers, who by their own advertising, have been conning people out of money for 40 years.

In the past two weeks, I have had two checks denied at businesses. Reason: Certegy Code 2: Although no unpaid check information is on file, Certegy did not have sufficient information available to approve the transaction, or this transaction exceeded a pre-established limit.

The second time at Carters in San Antonio TX a week later, the same thing happened for the same code reason. I again used my other account and left the store embarrassed and mad.

I called Certigy, and talked to another girl who refused to give me any information as to why this check was being denied. She stated that I had the funds, no hot checks, but it went with some procedures as a fraudulent check or stolen check. I asked why she thought that and was given no answers. She just kept repeating the same statements over. I asked to speak to her supervisor and she hung up on me.

I wanted to cash my payroll checks but get a reason three. Call the number listed and don't get told why. What give you the right to say that I cannot get the money that I worked hard to get that now I cannot get it? I have never been in trouble with the IRS or the law but yet I get told no money. That is my check. I am only 20 and I don't know why. It was not told to just why but that you have the right to say no. If you can not get this fixed you might want to get out off this line of work. Yes, I am made. This is not right.

I placed an order on August 10 by mail with a catalog company, Serengeti, with whom I have not previously dealt with. I sent a check for $276.70 with the order form. Shortly thereafter, the order and check were returned to me by a company called Certegy, with the notation, "Although no unpaid check information is on file, Certegy did not have sufficient information available to approve the transaction, or this transaction exceeded a pre-established limit". I had more than ample funds in the account to cover the check.

I called Certegy and asked for three things: (1) the specific reason my check was returned; (2) assurance that no information about the transaction would be sent to a credit bureau; and (3) that all information related to the transaction be removed their website. The representative declined all three requests. During the call, however, she asked for the account and routing numbers on the check. Assuming she already had them since she had returned the check, I stupidly gave them to her.

I now fear a scam.

Wal-Mart advertised payroll and government check cashing for a fee of 3 or 6 dollars. On 9-4-10, I went to Wal-Mart to cash my social security check and was declined. I did not understand why because this was my first time. I was told that they did not know why and to call a 1-800 number so I went home and called the number numerous times before I could talk to a human.

I was told the check showed red flags as being fraudulent. I did not get an answer I expected. I would like to know with all the personal info as how can they say a social security check raised red flags as fraudulent. Or is just a way to get people in Wal-Mart and they pick and chose whose check to cash? If that is the case the government should not allow Wal-Mart or Certegy in the check cashing business.

Three individual checks I had written to a local Circle K in Baton Rouge, La, during the months of June, July & August of 2010 each for gas for my car for the amounts of $25.00 were run through (2) two times each in my bank account statement. Certegy got a $50 sum from each of my checks of $25. I went to my bank and sat down eyeball-to-eyeball with my banker and discussed the fact that there had been an error on my statement and that I wanted my $75 re-deposited to my account. This was immediately done.

Then, this past Saturday (8/28/10), my check for $45.75 at a local Petsmart was declined. I figured Certegy had a bone to pick with me because I did not allow them to steal $75 of my money in the Circle K situation. Okay, I can deal with this, I'm a big girl. I also contacted Circle K at their main headquarters in Pensacola, Fla. today 8/31/10 (Certegy handles their business). Susan (employee of Circle K) contacted Certegy. The person with Certegy stated that they did not do business with Petsmart. I contacted my local Petsmart and spoke with the store manager, Gary, he confirmed that Certegy did indeed handle this part of their business!

After Susan, with Circle K headquarters conferred with Certegy on my behalf, they stated that after checking my driver's license, and my bank account with Chase Bank, they could find no reason for there to have been a problem. They denied having had one of my checks presented for payment at Petsmart and declined (this was to Susan). They later told me that their computer was down and that was the reason for the declined check. They also told me that the reason my three checks for a total of $75.00 were each run through 2X was because they were declined by my bank due to NSF funds.

I was told today, 8-31-10, by my Banker that that is incorrect, and that I indeed had the funds to cover each of those checks and that none were ever returned to Certegy for NSF. Someone is running a scam. I got my money back, but something stinks and I believe it is Certegy. I have caught them in several lies. It certainly is strange that if my checks for gas had been declined, why were they presented for payment twice on the same day I issued them and indicated this way on my bank statement? Is this the way overdraft fees are shown on a bank statement? I don't think so! They are trying real hard to cover their **!

I attempted to cash my payroll check at Walmart, which I have done from time to time over the past year, when I need money immediately, and cannot wait for the check to clear my bank. My check was for $1315.69. Walmart could not negotiate the check. The associate gave me a slip of paper with a general explanation from a company named Certegy, a phone number, and a reason code (#2). I called the number and the automated explanation was that my particular payroll check fit "certain patterns of check writing" (It's a payroll check from a large and profitable automobile dealership! Pattern? Check writing?), and that the amount "exceeds the guidelines of what they are willing to authorize" (based on what information? Certegy's website assures that Credit Information does not factor into this decision, so what information do they use to create their "guidelines?) This cannot be legal. I will have to attempt to borrow money to buy food and formula for my children, gas for my vehicle, and household items as my check will not clear the bank for 48 hours.

On August 20, I wrote a check to Lowe's for $17.69. The clerk gave me a receipt that said that my check was declined by Certegy for a Code 1 (negative information is on file). I have never bounced a check and had written checks to Lowe's previously without a problem. However, I had received a letter from Certegy addressed to another name (not even close to mine) at my address. I suspect that a Certegy employee had clicked on a wrong key. I've mailed them all the supporting information to confirm my identity. This is not the first time that I have been through this with this company! If this is not corrected soon, my next step is to contact my Attorney General.

Back in 2004 I wrote a check to Empress Casino for $200 dollars and it was returned for non sufficient funds. When Certegy contacted me I had to pay the $200 plus a $25 dollar service fee. Now they are saying I did not pay it and I cannot cash and checks anywhere. How do I correct this?

I write checks valued at $400 a week to target. This week, I had a check declined by certegy for no apparent reason. After researching complaints about this company, I will no longer be shopping at target until I hear or read that target does not use certegy anymore.

I just read these and am even angrier than I was a few hours ago! I'm all for getting together and filing a class action suit against this company. In this day and age, a large percent of us live pay check to pay check. So now, suddenly, I'm working myself to death for free! Because my pay roll check was declined! Same design was drawn off the same bank and same company. For almost a year, nothing has changed. It's a Fortune 500 company with 500 stores nationwide and at the same WalMart where I'm known by the cashiers because I do always cash my check there, it's suddenly declined!

Embarrassing, yes somewhat but even more distressed. My rent is due, a car payment, water bill and I have .07 cents left in my account without being able to cash my check! My car could get reposed that I'd have to pay each day, that I'm late on rent and I can't afford for my utilities to get behind because I can't afford to get them. I'm caught up again, if I don't just stay with the program! I live paycheck to paycheck and now my pay check is just a piece of paper that has no value to me if I can't get it cashed! I had never even heard of this company until this happened to me.

My sister in law is an attorney and if I can get 10 or 20 or more of us to bond together and file a lawsuit against this Certegy or whatever they call themselves, we can get something done! One voice or complaint won't be heard but many will! I got the same response. The customer representative talked in circles about fraudulent patterns, blah, blah, blah. Nothing made sense that he was saying and I couldn't get a straight honest bonafide reason for my check being declined. My pay roll check, mind you! I'm starting a petition to all the companies I can find to ty to get them to drop this company due to the sales they are losing because of this company. Let's fight back!

I went to Safeway Grocery Store after I got off work to cash my Payroll check. My checks are paid by the State. I have cashed my check there one time with no problems. I was told that my account has a maximum limit set at $200.00 and the clerk said my check exceeded the limit. I asked what account since I have no account. She said that when I opened. And I stopped her and said I did not open an account. She explained to me that the first time I had cashed a check there, there is a limit set. I asked her if this limit is set for anyone who cashes a payroll check through Certegey? She said she didn't know. I also asked her if she got a lot of complaints from other customers concerning this policy. She shook her head and said no. I asked her for their customer service numbers before I left. The Store clerk was loud and she kept looking over my head to the people that were behind me in line. I could feel my face getting red.

I left the store thinking that there must be some other reason than what she told me because it did not make any sense. A limit on how much I can cash of my own Payroll Check? I shop in the store all the time and the employees do recognize their customers but I feel everyone will know my business now. And what was really the reason for the denial? I can't shop there now. I was humiliated and started to cry when I got outside the store! I need to make a payment on my rent, get some food, pay some bills. I think Safeway is not aware of the problems so I am going to call their General Manager /Supervisor to let them know that I am very unhappy with their Payroll Check Cashing Service.

I went to the Walmart Money Store to cash my payroll check. I was told it had been declined by Certegy for a Code 2. She was unable to tell me anything else but gave me a paper with their number on it and said I'd have to call them to find out more information which I did. When I phoned Certegy, they said I had been declined not for anything bad, but to protect the company and myself from any type of fraud. I asked how I could clear this up so in the future I could cash payroll checks there.

She informed me that there was nothing I could do, I would just have to try again and then maybe, but possibly not, they would honor my payroll check. Now I could understand if I was trying to cash a check from a little employer, but I work for a major multimillion dollar hospital and this was declined to protect me. I told her I did not understand and that's when she became rude and said there was nothing else she could do for me. I would just have to try again at a later date with a different check and then good luck to me. I was incredibly upset and embarrassed and left with no answers and no way to fix the problem. This company is ridiculous and should not be able to do this to people.

I had to drive around trying to find another place to cash my check and was late back from my lunch break. I had planned out to cash my check, get gas and lunch, then return to work just in time. Instead I spent my whole lunch looking for another place and didn't even have time to eat, and I was still 21mins late back from my lunch.

My 15 year old daughter went to WalMart to cash her very first paycheck from McDonalds. Certegy denied her cashing her payroll check for reason number 3. My daughter had her state issued ID with picture on it and WalMart still refused to cash the payroll check stating they can't cash checks if Certegy deny them. Certegy refused to tell us what number 3 meant.

I wrote a check for $300. The Lumire Casino cashed the check. When I received my bank statement, I saw that the check had cleared and that a second withdrawal was made from my account in the same amount. I went to my bank and the bank reversed the direct withdrawal. However, since then, any store or other location that uses Certegy denies my check. The original check was stamped "void check - do not deposit". Lumire's bank cleared the check anyway and my bank did the same. My bank corrected the direct withdrawal on my account. None of this makes any sense. My bank wrote a letter to Certegy telling them why the direct charge was reversed. I have received several calls from Certegy's collection agency or whoever they have making calls. I tried to call Certegy directly and waited on the phone for over 45 minutes. Both times, I never did get anyone to answer the phone.

My husband and I were in a Jewel store where we usually write checks for groceries. On this particular day, our check was denied. The cashier rudely gave us back our check and handed us a receipt with a phone number on the bottom and told us there was nothing they could do and to call that number. We did and they told us they got a returned check from us. The check was paid and an additional $25.00 fee was accessed from our account without our permission. They apologized to us and told us sorry about the inconvenience and our checks would be accepted on the next purchase. We went back to the same store two days later and the same exact thing happened. Our family was completely embarrassed with no cash and our children had already eaten some chips. We called the number back and they told us they had no record of the previous phone call and went on to tell us about not paying a $25 fee again. We never write bad checks.

I just purchased a home in the area. I went to Target in Winston Salem on Hanes Mall Blvd. My purchases totaled $632.09 and I wrote a check for that amount. My check was denied. I explained to the manager, and the associates that there was not a problem with my checking account, there was more than enough money in my account to cover the check. They continued to tell me that they could not accept my check because Certegy (their check serving company) would not authorize it. This happened Sunday afternoon.

I was given a number by the manager to call and the following Monday morning, I called the number and got an automated voice service. I followed the prompts and gave them my driver's license number, the check number, all the requested information and was told that there was no problem with my checking account and that I was being placed on a VIP list and that I would not have that problem again. I went back to Target that Monday afternoon, wrote a check for my purchases and again, my check was denied.

The female manager came over and stated that usually in these situations, the problem is with the bank and my checking account. I stated that there was indeed not a problem with my checking account and that the problem was with (their) Target's Certegy check acceptance policy. I called the Certegy check acceptance company there in the store and after a considerably long time, the person on the line stated that due to fraudulent practices, my check was being denied. Needless to say, I was absolutely devastated at this point. After two days of this, standing in line with other customers around and the associates at Target, I feel that by all means businesses should protect themselves and their customers. However, when their practices hurt and abuse the consumers, there is definitely a problem that should be addressed and resolved. I would definitely not want this to happen to anyone else.

Today a check was declined at Albertson's Grocery for a reason unknown to me. The account on which it was written has never had a balance less than Fifteen hundred dollars and at the time the check was declined contained more Six thousand dollars.

This is the second time it has happened and the first time the cause was a "miss-scan" by the scanning machine. If the machine "miss-scanned" the numbers on the check how did they know to attack my account? On the first occasion my checking account was held hostage for over a week. Certegy said there was nothing they could do about it until the check cleared the bank, even though they agree it not my fault.

I cash payroll and occasional expense reimbursement checks at Jackson CA Walmart and Safeway Stores. I cash them every other week. I rarely have a problem, but I get rejected as Code 2 every few months and Certegy won't give me any reason that I should be denied, other than to prevent fraud and protect the consumer.

I have not had a checking account in years, I only cash two checks per month, and an occasional expense check every few months. Therefore there is no excessive activity to warrant a fraud alert. Certegy will not give a reason, or way to correct this problem, other than it is not a negative result of my check writing. So why then, am I unable to cash the check??

I was attempting to write a check for $64.74. I wrote the check, produced my ID. The check was refused. I had them run it through and it was refused again. The store manager finally came over and told me that my signature crossed over into the magnetic stripe of the check at the bottom.

So I wrote yet another check. That wasnt it either.There was a phone number printed from trhe cash register from Kohls and it said if a problem please call the number. The manager and I both called the number but it had been disconnected. They said there was nothing that they could do. They called another number they had on file. Even Kohls didnt know it was Certegy. We finally got through. Total time now in line 20 minutes and there was a long line behind me.

After waiting for what we now find out is Certegy we get through. I gave the woman all of my info. She said please wait 3 minutes. More people lining up at the counter now. Certegy comes back on the line that I "fit the profile of Identity Theft" I said what did the profile say...she said she couldnt tell me, BUT I could sign up for some stupid Gold verification program which should clear this up in the future,,,but they wouldnt guarantee it 100%.

I have NEVER written a bad check ever and I would really like to know what I fir the profile is,,,but Certegy will not tell me.

I have no file with Certegy for any checks I have ever written anywhere ever!!!!!!!
Somebody needs to address this problem legal wise.

I am also NEVER shopping at KOHLS ever!. I would LOVE to have an attorney contact me about going after Certegy.

I was a DSW yesterday, and I too tried to write a check. I had just deposited a $900 check and had the deposit slip with me that had my balance. I too was denied, but unlike a lot of you, I never got a code. No 1, 2, or 3. I had already used a check at Bloom that day, so I knew that some system would take my check and had no worries.

I was with my daughter and mother-in-law. They denied me. I called my bank, freaking. My bank said they never received the transaction and gave me the check system number, and they told me and the cashier that they also never received the transaction. So I asked them to run the check again. Again, it was denied with no code, explanation, or anything.

The store manager called, and they told her there is nothing wrong with my account and that they just don't want to accept the check?! I used my ATM debit card, and it went straight through. The system wants me to go through the Gold thing too, but I am refusing. I will never go to DSW again and the other companies that you all have mentioned until they change their system. They should not be allowed to get away with this! What can we do? Who or where do we go?

This week, my check was declined 2 times at 2 different stores. I call Certegy to ask why and they cannot tell me. They refuse to answer my questions with specific answers. It seems that 3/4 of my checks go through while the other 1/4 get declined, of the same checking acct, note you! What is their deal?

My experience of Sunday, April 11, 2010, was much the same as the many other complaints regarding Certegy that I have read on your website. My personal check for $227.59 was declined at my local Walgreen's, where I shop regularly and have previously written checks. I received a slip of paper from Walgreen's with a 1-800- for Certegy in Tampa, FL. I called this number; it was an automated response but I figured out how to stay on the line to talk to a real person and was able to talk to Latisia.

I was told the same line as many of the complainants on this website - not declined because of negative check account activity, but because my check somehow fell on the edge of a possible suspicious activity. Again, my checking account had sufficient funds to pay for these purchases. I got nowhere with Latisia. I called the 727- number today, April 12, 2010. I talked to Stacy. She could give me no real explanation for denial of my check, except to tell me that it showed a "lost with" explanation. I asked her to explain what that meant, and she said that because of possible negative activity at the store that day, my check was declined. I said, so because someone else possibly tried to pass a bad check, mine is declined. She stated that that might not be the exact reason.

Then I insisted that I talk with a supervisor; I got Katina. Then she tells me that there are proprietary guidelines that they follow, from a computer model, that my check was a worthless piece of paper, unlike a debit or credit card which assured Certegy that they would be paid and my check could not assure them of that (I failed to ask her what they would do if the debit or credit card did not go through). When pressed about the proprietary guidelines, she said no one knows what those are. I told her at some point someone had to know as they had to be inputted into a computer at some point. She also told me that my check could have been declined because of the time of day, the number on the check (I have had this account for years), the amount of the check, or other check activity in Walgreen's that day. We got nowhere.

She said more than once did I need anything else, at which point I said I guess you don't want to talk with me anymore today. She assured me that was not the case, and that I had many positive check approvals in my file from Certegy. I told her that I understood that would be correct as I had not ever had a check denied before. She also suggested that I apply for Certegy Gold, which after reading that application, I told her that if their goal was to protect consumers by filling out that application they have more information than I feel they would need (do they really need to know if I own/rent my home, how long I have lived there, my household income and other information).

I have filed a complaint with the branch of the Better Business Bureau in Florida regarding this company, and have also sent a letter to Walgreen's regarding this "service" they have contracted with. It seems disreputable to me, at the very least.

I was at the Walmart, got the same code 2, denial that I have been reading about that others have gotten. I was attempting to cash a check that was issued to me by the state for child support. I wanted to get my kids things they have been going without waiting for so long for this check to come in. Well, luckily I wasn't keeping others up, but it was highly frustrating, being told that they could not cash it when I called the Walmart ahead of time and told them the amount of the check and they said they would be able to cash it. But then Certegy gives them some reason not to cash it. I don't get this. All I wanted to do was meet my children's needs and this does not help. Now, I will have to find some other place to cash the check where I will probably be charged a huge amount way more then I would have paid at Walmart. Thanks for nothing Certegy!

I have been cashing my checks for over a year at the same place. Now I cannot get them cash, because Certegy will not accept them now. I have called the phone number on the slip of paper they give you and tell you to call. When you do, they don't help you. They are rude and don't tell you why they won't cash it. They will not explain anything to help you. They really just leave you hanging, and you are to do nothing. I don't think so. Not good business.

On 03/26/10, went there and put $840.67 worth of into my basket. Went to checkout wrote a check for and was told that Certegy told not to take my check it wasn't any good. I had lady who help call my bank and everything was fine. Check was good. Tried to call Certegy form there, was still told wasn't any good. But I could use my debit card for that amount.

Funny thing was my check on 01/25/10 for $1145.55 good. My check that I wrote on 02/12/10 for $834.37 was good and went through. My check that I wrote on 03/02/10 for $2031. Can't read cent on my duplicate copy was cashed and good. So why now is my check for $840.67 that I wrote today no good? Went to the bank and they were nothing worth with my account, money there to cover it and besides this is there words (B of A's), you have over draw protection, we don't know there was any trouble.

Called Certegy and all they tell me is I don't meet the guideline's. Don't I have right's to know why my check wasn't any good. Please E-mail or call me. Let me know one way or another. Guess this isn't America any more. Someone jut do this to people and not tell them why. Thanks for your time and letting me vent some.

In 2008-2009 for many months, I attempted to write checks at several different merchants, only to have them frown at me, saying 'your check's been denied'. I was utterly stunned, there was money in my account and to my knowledge, no other check had been denied. Each gave me a slip of paper saying call Certegy. Each time I called, there was a discourteous customer service staff who really did not want to serve me. I was told to call RJ Data, who told me to call another accounting company.

Well, after nearly a year, I found that someone at Certegy had transposed my Driver's License - the incident was really regarding another person. I like to have never got it straightened out. If I wrote a check at a merchants, I first asked if they used Certegy. I didn't want to go through the humiliation. Did I get an apology, no, not a word! My dignity and pride were damaged. Twice I was in line with a large basket of items; it was humiliating to try to explain I had no outstanding checks. The cashiers automatically thought the worst. I was very embarrassed.

I am a business owner and prefer to use checks for my transactions. I have had no problem with my checking acct. I have never had a check denied before today. I hope something can be done. Maybe it will take Obama's check being denied before this system is fixed. Right now it's broken. All the companies that use Certegy will have as little of my business as possible.

Check was refused at Ritz camera. They said that although I have never had any bad checks in any system, their computer flagged me as a possible identity thief. This is crazy--I had my valid drivers license and picture ID for identification. I then processed the transaction via debit card and it was processed without checking my ID at all for the card is not signed. Ritz camera needs to pick another credit card verifying company. I went to Best Buy and purchased a $300 camera. I paid for my pictures at Ritz with debit card. I was humiliated, and unfortunately I did not have enough money at the debit card account to purchase camera. I went somewhere else to use bank checking account with funds in it to purchase camera.

I tried to use a check in December and was denied approval by Certegy. I contacted Certegy and a condescending associate told me that she could not tell me why my check was not approved, because the company is investigating fraudulent activity, but it has nothing to do with me personally. I demanded to know if there was anything negative on my record with Certegy. According to them, I do not have any negative activity with their company. But because of fraudulent activity, they could not approve my check. Of course, my check denial was embarrassing to say the least. The Certegy associate told me that I should be able to check again, because each check is a separate approval process. I waited and tried again the next week, and each store that I went to would not approve my checks.

Again, I contacted Certegy and was told that the information is confidential and that they couldn't tell me why I was being denied. Then, they told me that I could fill out a Certegy gold application and that might prevent me from being denied in the future. The application asks for personal information like checking account information, social security number, driver's license, and job history. Why should I have to give out that information when I do not have a negative history with Certegy and my checking account is in good standing? Also, I do not and have not written bad checks to any of the companies that do business with Certegy. I have a right to know why I am not entitled to information that links me to fraudulent activity.

I wrote a check for my purchase ($21.01) and was told they could not accept the check. I was given a card to contact "Certegy". I called this number, entered the information requested by the automated prompter and was told my banking institution notified them that my account was closed. I called my institution and they do not do business with "Certegy" and my account is not closed and never has been closed nor do they have any record of dishonored checks and there shows more than enough of a balance to cover my checks. This resulted to dishonored checks and there shows more than enough of a balance to cover my checks. I do not want to speak to your attorney. I just want you to get your information corrected and do the job you're supposed to be doing!

I was shopping at Publix, my local grocery store. I write checks there all the time and have been shopping there over 30 years. I have also had the same bank account for over 20 years. My check was declined for $78. After contacting Certegy, I was told they got their info from EWS and they were closed until Monday, so nothing could be done about it.

The only info they had was my bank account was reported closed. However, they had no problem getting the money from my debit card, which comes from the same account. I was very embarrassed and I refuse to shop at any store that does business with this company. I will tell all my friends and family about this incident and hopefully they will do the same.

My husband and I recently went to Target (01/09/10) to purchase some groceries. We chose Target hoping to be able to find good prices and not a huge line when we went to check out. We did find good prices, and was excited about the things we were about to purchase. However, we did not purchase anything that night, due to the check processing service Target uses. Certegy! We have been married 30 years and have very high credit, have our own business, and we have very established checking accounts.

That night we were using our company check to pay for our groceries. And we were declined from being able to use our company check. We were made to feel like criminals and were told we would have to use another way to pay. We had cash on us, we even had a debit card (and both would have worked). However, it was the very principal of it all. This company does this type of thing to many very good customers around the country and it is not right at all. Since Target uses Certegy, we will not be back to their store unless Target Corp chooses to use another decent and fair check processing company. Target and other businesses will lose many good law abiding customers because of Certegy!

Our check for less than $100 was declined by Certegy. Nothing like this has ever happened to us before. There was ample money in the account to cover the check in fact, we had used our debit card on this account to withdraw ATM money yesterday and to make another purchase today. Certegy would not tell the merchant why the check was declined, but when I called their 800 number (800-770-3792), I was told the check was declined because there was a returned check in our history.

We could avoid such situations in the future by becoming Gold Members of Certegy. Having read all the other complaints that have preceded mine, many of them are far more egregious. Suspicion is certainly raised that what is happening here is that Certegy is trying to sell "Gold memberships" and someone is trying to encourage the use of debit cards. We did not have our debit card with us, but the clerk at the store indicated that the debit card would probably be fine. Are any state attorney general or any other governmental agencies investigating what appears to be a widespread and growing problem?

On 1/7/10, my check was denied at Target with no explanation other than that the denial was based on information from Certegy. Oddly enough, my check from 1/5/2010 to Target was accepted and cleared the bank. My account had more than enough money in it to cover the $89.00 worth of purchases I tried to make at Target.

This was an extremely embarassing situation to have my check denied when I shop at Target at least 1 to 2 times per week and have never had this happen before. And I am worried that this will affect my credit rating and my ability to shop and pay for services. My husband and I try not to use credit cards and use cash/checks.

I am dealing with my local prosecuting attorney's office because this company sent me notices and I paid the debt, but their dates overlapped with my being sent notice for possible criminal charges for a bad check and when I already paid for it. I am still dealing with the P.O. office and the costs for faxing, and then copying and now mailing everything. I don't have $195 to take a class for something that I already paid for. I don't need criminal charges on my record either. My parents are not healthy and they live in Georgia. I don't need the stress of this hanging over me and I have better things to do with $195.

I tried to cash a check for $46.00 at my local Pick-N-Save Grocery Store and the clerk says Certegy denied my check. She said I would have to see the head cashier which I did and tried to put the check through and denied again. Then I got the yellow sheet with Certegy phone number. The head cashier called the number for me but they wouldn't answer any questions. My wife checked our account online and there was adequate funds. She even went to the ATM and got the $46.00 without a problem. We paid the bill but no explanation from Certegy as to why the check was denied. I would like to get an explanation what risk management model they use to deny checks. Besides being embarrassed and backing up the checkout line. I also wonder how long Certegy will deny my checks before their model will approve them?

Very embarassing. Why not just automatically run my check through the account, like a debit card, if the company does not want to take checks. Any business I find out uses Certegy I will avoid at all costs even if I have to pay more some where else.

I went into Pet Smart 12/20/09, and purchased $199.33 in dogfood and supplies. I have been a patron of that store for a long time, and have never written a bad check. My check was refused and I was embarrassed and angry. I had spent over an hour shopping before I was ready to check out... all to have to leave the store empty handed. What is going on with Certegy???? I called the 1-800 number and got no clear explanations...it was an automated response system, and it asked for my check number, etc. Then said although no dishonored check information is on file, my check had fallen outside checkwriting guidelines. I had over $1100 in my account! What can we do? Is this a sign of things to come?? I will let Pet Smart know that I will not shop there anymore until they get rid of Certegy. Certegy is a racket!

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 and repeatedly 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 866-, or P.O. Box Tampa, FL 33630-3046. Please sign petition against CERTEGY

for Christmas gifts for my out of town children. I did not want to use a credit card because if you use a credit card then my children would not be able to return any of the merchandise and receive money back if that was their preference. Consequently I decided to write a check for my purchases and wrote a check for $80.74. Cetegy declined to accept the check. I was MORTIFIED and EMBARRASED! I have NEVER written a check without sufficient funds in my account! I have EXCELLENT credit (in the low 800's) and am FURIOUS with Certegy...AND Ross!

If I had not already spent a couple of hours shopping in their store and then standing in line for another hour to check out due to the Christmas time period I would have simply walked out of the store! The Certegy service representative confirmed with me all of the pertinent information and then advised me that my account had no negative activity associated with it and that my check was declined because it was associated with some sort of "pattern" that was designed to prevent fraud. This was the first check I'd written in weeks so I'm not sure what "pattern" they're talking about. I left Ross and went to Marshall's and did some shopping there and told the check out clerk what happened at Ross so I asked to write a check there as well to see if the check was declined again...it was!

We went to Tops and tried to pay for our purchase with a check in the amount of $56.32. It came back declined by Certegy Check Service. The cashier gave us a slip with a phone num. to call and sent us on our way with out our groceries. BUT all the embarassement of a CSM being called over to confirm we couldn't write a check, everyone staring and the line growing behind us!!! When we got home we tried to call the 1-800 num. but there was a wait, so we got online and looked it up. Apparently our account was at "risk" because of a pattern of spending.It's almost Christmas, of course have "a pattern of spending" right now! We have 3 young daughters and my husband has 6 brothers and sisters with children of their own we buy for!

We had a check that was in collections for certgey, which we paid off. They would not release our driver's license number until we faxed them copies of the drivers license, which we did. We were told that the driver's license number would be released and that we would be allowed to write checks using that DL number.

Three weeks later we went to write a check at Lowes and the check was declined. When we called Certegy we were told to call a different number. When I called that number they verified that the license number was not in the system and that we should be allowed to write checks. SInce that person didn't have an answer they gave me a third number to call. That man told me that he did not have the declined check or the drivers license number in his system at all. He said it was a processing error.

My question is how can you deny a person the right to purchase goods and then shrug it off very nonchalantly as a processing error. My husband is a contractor and that "processing error" cost us a whole day because we couldn't get building materials to the site. Bad customer service and a bad company all around.

refuse to clear my credit.

The money was in the bank and they did not cash the check. I called twice (Big Lots)asking if I could come over and pay the check. I had the money right away. No, they said you have to deal with Certegy now. They are going to send you a letter. (No letter received) I have not tried to cash another check since then and closed my bank account. I was sickened with the way this was handled. Good bye Credit Union and Big Lots.

While purchasing 2200.00 worth of product from Lowe's where I had already purchased 1700.00 worth by check a month prior my check was declined when there was PLENTY of money in the account. This happened not only with my contractor present but also while I was discussing purchasing a prime piece of property from an individual at the check out counter. When the cashier turned and told me my check was declined needless to say the land conversation ended and luckily although embarrassing the contractor working for me had the cash to pay for the items. I called Certegy while leaving the store and they told me that the check was declined because it fit a pattern for "fraudulent" checks because of the number as well as the amount. I demanded a letter of apology and 4 days later I received a form letter starting out "Dear F" and in the first sentence it does say "we apologize for any inconvenience" then goes on to say how great their company is. I am in the process of locating Attorneys for class action against this company for profiling against people without knowing anything about them or their financial status and causing long term damage to their character that will remain with them a very long time if not forever. I currently have one Attorney researching the matter as far as other Attorney's..... The more the merrier!!!

The $26 check that I wrote today to Rinbow foods was denied,even though I have over a $1000 in this account.I came home and called the phone # that Rainbow provided to me.That was an automated systemm,and I was unable to talk to a live person.I found their # on the internet,and called them.The rep and his supervisor both said the reason the check was declined is because of a pattern of writing checks,whatever that means.

They said I wrote 4 checks in a week,and that was suspicious.They did not try to call the bank or to verify my identity and basically said tough luck.I checked on certegy website,and I think I know why they are denying all these checks. Apparently they want people to become what they call gold members which would involve paying them a fee. Basically it sounds like they are blackmailing people into buying their service.I am planning on writing a letter to the attorney general.This is appauling.

I was doing a purchase at 2 different stores, and i was declined for both transactions, they would not give me a valid reason why, my name did not match any info in their data bank at all, they said my purchase met a certain profile, and was declined, they said i have done nothing wrong, it was my transaction dollar amount, and the info on my check, but they would not tell me what info, they actually said its no criteria, at all, with the market bad, they decline alot of checks, just to decline them, because they dont want to take the risk, and have to pay them back.

The complaint against Certegy is racial profiling. I went to the counter to complete a transaction. I wrote a check for $168.00. The department called security. I was told that my check would not be accepted. I was told to call certegy. I called the company the very next day. I was told I had no outstanding checks that needed to be paid. I just fit the statictics of someone who did. I was told this situation would not be a problem ever again. I advised them I will be making a complaint.

On 11-21-09, I attempted to purchase merchandise at Belk Department Stores in Knoxville, TN. My check was for $117.49; the transaction was halted with the message "choose another tender type" I called Certegy to see why my check was declined and could not reach a human being; I was repeatedly looped thru a recording until the call was terminated by Certegy.

I am quite frustrated by this as I have never written a bad check and do not have bad credit; the message on the recording said "please note we have no negative information on file regarding you as a consumer and that has been conveyed to the retailer". I find that odd as there is no information relayed to the retailer; they must terminate their transaction to move onto the next person.

I am very frustrated by the fact I have not been able to reach a person and have no way to resolve this issue. Because of this incident; I hae suffered a great deal of humiliation and frustration; I did not make the transactions as I did not have enough cash to make the purchase and do not use credit cards

CHECK DECLINED at gas Station where I have wrote Checks for years and spent about 4000.00 this year

overdraft fees, they summitted his check separley and cause my account a total of $ 200.00 addional fee.

This Company should be investigated and/or put out of business themselves.

I attempted to contact Certegy. I attempted to follow their instructions regarding entering what I consider very personal information including my Missouri Drivers License number and checking account information. I was never able to complete that task on the phone after several attempts. I was always told by the recording to go to their website "askcertegy.com." I googled Certegy and saw several different links, many of which were dedicated to complaints against the company. I read some of them and it seems as though they were similar to my issue. Couples making routine purchases of various amounts and being turned down by Certegy.

When I went to ask certegy.com and put in the information requested this is all I received:

We understand and apologize for any concern caused by your check not being authorized. Certegy carefully analyzes patterns of check writing activity designed to protect consumers as well as our merchants from fraud, identity theft and unauthorized usage. While the majority of check authorization requests result in approval, there are occasions when a valid check matches these patterns, resulting in a decline. This decline was not a result of any negative check writing information, but as a preventative measure. These situations are rare and should not affect the authorization of your checks in the future. Please be assured, this has been conveyed to the merchant.

Larry H. Miller Ford will never get my business again for using Certegy Check Services after they declined my check for no good reason. What an inconvenience and embarrassment it was. There were funds. Hadn't bounced a check.

It seems like Certegy is intent on attacking me. I wrote a check at a now out of business store around 2 years past (BIG LOTS) and when my information reached Certegy it was stolen and sold. I recv'd a letter from them, and later did not join the class action suit against them but wish I had. NOW I go to CrackerBarrel where we are regular customers, and I am humiliated because they refuse my check with a code 2, Which is really no reason, but that they must be making a quota for their GOLD MEMBER status. It is a weekend and I cannot talk to a live person to tell them what I think of their treatment, first they steal from me, then humiliate me...and this past summer I have had to deal with an attempted ID theft that could probaably be traced back to them,I have just finished the process of changing my check account and all my bills and now here we go again.

I NEED AN ATTORNEY FOR A LAWSUIT, but we are retired and need our energy for our health problems. I find that my pharmacy uses CERTEGY, and have just contacted them and other businesses that we frequent to let them know they have lost us as customers. Because I have a background in publicity, I HOPE TO GIVE CERTEGY LOTS OF IT. I still have the letter teling me that an employee stole information from more than 30 thousand customers. I will be showing it to all my friends who frequent these businesses and sending out emails to all my family and friends to let them know, as well as contacting all the newspapers where I was a writer. CERTEGY needs to be recognized for their contribution to ID THEFT.

I was at Shaws in Plymouth, MA last night and was unable to cash my check for 83.51. I called Certigey when I got home and was given little to no information. I contacted my bank. My account was fine. I called Certigey again this morning and they confirmed that it wasn't me, nor my bank but patterns... I suffered humiliation in line, had to leave my groceries and was left with no 20.00 cash for my son to get to school the next day. My husband was out of town. When I phoned this morning, they had no record of my calling last night.

On October 21, 2009 my husband went to cash a check at Hannaford Bros. To his embarassment it was declinded, he was given a card from Certegy. When trying to contact them which I stayed on the phone for over an hour, no answer, listening to a recorded voice telling me I could go online. Which I did, there was no record of my check being declined, I called back again afer another hour of recorded messages no answer.

On researching this company I find I am a potential risk, amazing they are psychic and know the future. I have seen many complaints and it looks like nothing can be done. The fact that we did nothing wrong and that a company has the right to decide my financial status because of potential risk...No thank you

I realize many business use Certegy, I will not be using these business. Thank you Certegy and all the business that use thier company for saving me money to use some place else.

On October 15, 2009 I wrote a check for $43 at Marshall's Dept store which declined by Certegy. The reason they gave me was because this transactions fit the patterns they were looking for in the area. No other details were given, just that vague answer. First, I've banked with the same banking institution, and NEVER written a bad check. I don't know who these Cetergy people are, but how can they dictate whom I write a check to?

My 16-year old and her mother went to finish line last week to buy shoes. they went to pay out and was told her check was no good.They said certegy said we had a bad check. we left the store.I went to my bank and was told she had a clean acct. I call finish line home office they told me it's not there problem it is certegy problem. Melian m. told me she could not help us out. I am very unhappy the way finish line took care of my problem. I have still have had no luck getting up with certegy

My house payment has gone up, making it difficult for me to make the payment. I am depressed and I feel like I have no control over my finances because of this company. When I asked why, the lady (who has known me for 20 years) said she had no idea and they had been having problems with Certegy off and on. She gave me the denial slip the machine spits out and told me to call and complain, so I did. As with the earlier stories on the Certegy page on this site, I was given a B.S. run around and told it was for my own good as well as Circle K's. I was as amused as I was offended.

When I asked the rep. (I don't recall his name) what caused this to happen he told me it was proprietary info and he would not tell me as it could "compromise the security Certegy provides for thier customers". To this I said "thats nice, but now I have to worry about whom I do business with" and "several of the places I have shopped for all of my 39 years use Certegy and I could no longer shop with them with any confidence". He didn't seem to be concerned that his company's policies could harm my local business.

Now, in order for me to write checks on this new account, I'm going to have to purchase new checks with a higher check # which means I have to discard $30 worth of low # checks and pay $30 to replace them or I will only be able to pay mail in bills until I have used enough check to build up to the higher #'s that should pass the "proprietary" system Certegy uses. If it wasn't bad enough that I had to switch banks because my neighbors got greedy and sold to a less reputable banking concern, now I can't write checks at stores I've shopped at all my life without worrying about being humiliated by some faceless, useless, worthless company like Certegy.

And as of today, through my research on Certegy, it sounds like Certegy is up for sale for at least the 3rd time. My house payment has gone up, making it difficult for me to make the payment. I am depressed and I feel like I have no control over my finances because of this company. I guess I shouldn't complain, however. They did offer to send me an application for their Certegy Gold system to "hopefully help expidite" my check writing activity. Trouble is....all of the info they want me to provide them, they already have on file of have access to.

So what do you do? Change everything about how and who you do business with or try to fight a company who doesn't answer to you or the stores that you use, only the corporations that own the stores. Not much of a choice I'd say. I guess I've been embarrassed some, my wife had to run back out to the car to get her check book, and in general it ticked me off. Undo stress, unwanted use of the cel phone, and now writers cramp from filling out the stupid application.

Certegy, in their recorded message I received when I called in, stated that they told the merchant the reason for the decline. Either that's a lie or the merchant is lacking enough smarts to understand what "Code 2" means. If a merchant gets a "Code 2", the remedy would be to ask for additional identification - not turn down a sale. Alledgedly, retail merchants need all the help they can get in order to boost sales. This is not helping.

I wrote a check to Party City for $87.68 which was declined. I am retired after working for the same company for 35 years. I have had the same checking account with my Credit Union for 39 years. The check was declined by CERTEGY. I obtained the phone number from the check-out clerk and contacted CERTEGY and was told the reason for the decline was my profile in their computer, not due to bad credit nor returned checks, that the check did not fit my check writing profile. I was told it was declined as much for my protection (faud-ID theft) as for protection of the merchant. I was then informed I could fill out a CERTEGY Gold application form and if approved by them, I could write all the checks I wanted and be approved. I find that unjust and should be illegal, why should they be allowed to profile me. I own my home, my car is paid for and I pay my credit card off every month. The application I received from CERTEGY wanted a voided check to obtain my routing # and account #, why did they not check that when declining my check? My debit card was accepted without hesitation.

I will suggest to Bass Pro Shops they use another form of verification. Other than feeling humiliated in front of friends and people standing in line, I put the charge on my credit card and went on my way.

Same story, different stores (TJ Maxx & Big Lots in Clarksville, TN. Accounts in excellent standing. Checks were denied in both stores because Certegy denied them. No bad checks ever written. Plenty of money in the bank. Excellent credit. No reason whatsoever for the humiliation of having your checks denied for a "Code 2" reason given to these stores by Certegy.

I just moved into a newly constructed home. I have two major checking accounts; one for daily routine expenses and one for both business and major purchases. I purchased a complete Living Room, Dining Room and Patio set from a local company (who DO NOT USE Certegy for Check authorization) without incident.

Yesterday, having spent several hours at Dillards searching out linens, flatware, service sets, etc.; with a total value of purchases in excess of one-thousand dollars, I attempted to pay with my Chase Checking Account. Certegy DECLINED the check $599.xx for the Special Order Noritake set. I talked to a Certegy employee, who advised me that their "computer model found me a risk" and that such "risk" designation was very possibly due to the fact that I write few checks using my Chase account and that the check amount was outside my normal spending pattern. The employee directed me to use another form of payment and informed me that he had no authority or capability to override the Certegy Computer Model.

I left; I had no desire to continue to do business with a company (Dillards) who relied on such an inflexible and offensive company as Centegy.

But, shame on me, I'd not learned, nor suspected, that Certegy had a broad inpact in the Fort Worth area, so I went to Best Buy to purchase a needed PC monitor and a desired Laptop. BIG MISTAKE. That Chase Check was written for over nine-hundred dollars and Centegy DECLINED it. Of course I called Certegy again and spoke with a supervisor, who after looking at my history and finding neither blemish nor "bounced" checks, stated that I needed to pay in cash or by debit card, as the Certegy computer model had labeled me (and my Chase check) a "risk" due to the use history of that particular account.

On June 9,2009. We went to pick up our car at Long Beach Honda and paid the cashier $2,136.00 in check. When the cashier run it with this company Certgey based in Florida, my check was declined and i was furious and i called them immediately,I want an explanation why my check has been declined but they cannot give me any straight answer. The customer service rep are nothing but rude and giving all these nonsense about identity theft and cannot give an direct answer on the reason why my check was declined

On 31 Aug 2009, I had my chec for $116.01 declined at Big Lots in Wheatridge, CO. I was horribly embarrassed, mortified and stressed that something had happened with my checking account. I knew I had at least $4,000 in my checking account. I had written many checks at Big Lots before and never had a problem. I did not want to have to use my credit card, but ended up having to pay for my purchases with the card. The next day, 1 Sept 2009, I called the number on the small piece of paper the clerk at Big Lots had given me. The agent asked me for my name, address, driver's license, phone number, check number, check amount, date of birth, checking account number, name of financial institution, date and place the check was declined. I stupidly gave them all that information, including my banking information. The agent was very polite and stated there was a pattern that could indicate fraud and again they were very sorry for the inconvenience.

I had a gut feeling this was not right and that I should not have verified my banking inforation with this person on the other end of the phone. I called my bank, Pentagon Federal Credit Union and spoke with one of the customer service reps. After explaining what had happened, she said "that's bullsh**" regarding anyting unusual or an unusual pattern of spending for me. She advised me to call Certegy back and find out who was the regulating body and make a complaint to them, make a complaint to consumer affairs, and the the attorney general, as well as headquarters for Big Lots. I believe this Certegy company borders on fraud and identity theft at the broadest level. They couldn't assure me this would not happen, nor that my check at any other store wouldn't be declined. This is absolutely wrong and this company needs to be shut down.

I declined a check to be cashed at the salvation army. This was done through cinergyasthis is the company used for cash checking. THIS was ridiculous as i have great credit, use checks all the time and have never had a problem. i talked with the representative and they said there may be fraudulent activity. I SENSE BECAUSE THE CHECK NUMBER WAS HIGH THEY RED FLAGGED IT. I am now wondering if this company will be a problem at other stores that use this company. I AM now fearful they have too much info and a person can stealy identity help

If this is a payroll check it should automatically be cashed!!!

My experience falls along the lines of the other complaints: trying to buy merchandise at Macy's Walnut Creek and both checking accounts are denied although one had balance of $7000, the other balance of $1000 (I have had the account since 1979). Certegy is bogus; their tactics idiotic but what can you expect from a company based in Florida? I'm sorry, but many of my worst retail experiences have to do with merchants from that state or Texas...go figure. Seems I didn't fall into their prescribed "guidelines"...writing multiple checks for increasing amounts....it was a 40% off sale. I swear I will never shop at Macy's again. Or any other store that uses Certegy. They supposedly have signs in the store letting the customer know they use this outfit. Macy's loss.

I wrote a check to a car dealer. They denied my check,they used CODE 2. I have excellent credit and have never overdrawn my account. This was embarrasing and belittling to me. There is no way they can deny one of my checks for no reason. The bank verified that fund are in the account, and this should have never happened.

I wrote a check at Target and my check was refused as a result of a company called Certegy. The receipt the Target clerk gave me said that Certegy refused my check as a result of information based on ID#921361250. The receipt gave a number (see above) to call Certegy to determine if the information Certegy has on me is complete and/or accurate as required by the Fair Credit reporting Act.

I called Certegy and my Bank called Certegy and we both asked what caused my check to be declined. Certegy employees appear to be trained to say only one thing; "Your check did not fit our pattern so it was declined. Our patterns are trade secerets and we will not disclose any information about them."

They will repeat this over and over again until the caller gets frustrated and hangs up. When I asked how I could find out what I needed to correct so this would not happen again they said "Your check did not fit our pattern so it was declined. Our patterns are trade secerets and we will not disclose any information about them."

I asked how I could dispute the completeness or accuracy of their information as required by the law they said "Your check did not fit our pattern so it was declined. Our patterns are trade secerets and we will not disclose any information about them."

These are the same people that let the account information of over 8 million account holders get stolen. Why are these people in charge of anything? I believe my name is on a list created by Certegy. I believe these people are incredibley incompetent and are doing things that invade privacy protected by the constitution and that do not. It is now going to be my personal crusade to sue these "people" any way I can for not providing me the information I am entitled to under the law.

I wrote a personal check to purchase an i-Phone on 8/16/09. The clerk in the store told me my check had been refused by Certegy. We contacted Certegy at the phone number listed. After a very long wait I talked with a young lady who apologized like crazy, but started reading a long litany of their policies, etc. She NEVER revealed to me why my check was refused.

I was, and still am, embarrassed and irritated. I am 71 years old, have an excellent credit rating, and I am still unaware as to the reason(s) my check was refused. I have NEVER had anything like this happen to me in my entire life. Their actions amount to needless harrassment of decent, honest, credit-worthy citizens.

My husband's payroll check has been declined for cashing by Certegy Check Services three times in the past 5 weeks at our local Hammond, LA Walmart. He worked for 2 different companies in this time frame. He's a mechanic, the first company his boss/ the owner died in a car crash, and it was unknown whether the company would continue, so he took a job offer from a much larger company.

The first time his payroll check was declined for cashing was at the first company he worked with. He's been with his new job 3 weeks and Certegy declined cashing his payroll check twice at Walmart in those three weeks. The reason? REASON 2 according to the declined to cash check print out we were given by Walmart. He (hubby) WAS furious and so have I been all day !! (This just happened to day, August 13, 2009 Thursday) Then when we called Certegy the representative who sounded foreign and was hard to comprehend, stated there was nothing wrong with the check or us BUT THeir computer had randomly accessed that this check cashing could possibly be fraudulent activity, AND TO TOP OFF INSULT AND INJURY to US... HE (the Certegy Representative) added that their check approval system would NOT ALLOW MY husband's payroll check to be cashed AT ANY WALMART anywhere for a FULL SEVEN DAYS in between checks.

That Certegy would only approve one payroll check per seven day period for him and he must go on the same day each week and at the same time to Walmart to have his payroll check cashed. In Heaven's NAME WHO GIVE THIS STUPID company, Certegy, the right to decline cashing any man/person's payroll check which is company issued, especially when they have NO VALID REASON and even according to their own representative the CHECK IS GOOD and clear?? WHAT AMERICAN GOVERMENTAL agency/ body has given Certegy check services their authority and WHY on EARTH don't they have their business license revoked??

I provided all information that was needed to cash a check. I was denied. Call Certegy and was not given a explaination for my denial. I was told it was not a bad check in my past but could possibly be and ID theft or fraudulent check pattern. No exlaination how to correct this but to have them mail me some kind of application form. They embarassed someone who rarely writes checks and has lived in his home over 10 years, had his bank account for over 10 years and his drivers license for over 30 years.

To keep things short and simple, I went to purchase a sale item at Dunham's Sport's and my check was denied. There was a line so embarassment is an understatement. My 7 year old daughter asked why we couldn't make our purchase, and I had no answer! I've shopped here quite a bit, but after this, I don't know. Who the hell is "Certegy", and who gave them all the power to decide who gets to make purchases, and who doesn't? I've not written bad checks, nor am I a credit risk! I even called my bank prior to going to the store to make sure I had more than sufficient funds. From now on, if I know someone's using "Certegy's" services, I will shop elsewhere!!!

On 8/6/09, I went to wal-mart in mobile, al to cash my check from work which i have more than once with no problem since june 09. On this day the clerk tried to run my check twice only to have it declined. I needed to cash my check because 1) it was after business hours and 2)my bank is ms but i work and reside in mobile, al. I had no plans on going to ms till i was off from work which would be wed or thurs and i needed money for a hair appointment. The woman at certergy said there was nothing wrong with my pay check or personal info but the check fit the profile or pattern of fradulent activity, i told i her i never had this problem before EVER to which she proceeded to say she was sorry for the inconvenice i told her so was i and hanged up the phone before she could finish offering me their gold membership.

This is some alleged check verification service that randomly denies a consumer to write a check for no valid reason. I have had 2 encounters with them which resulted in the store not accepting check payment without reason. First, I called my bank to make sure my accounts were okay and then I called Certegy directly and was told that my account number and routing info. matched some numbers that were "close" to a fraudulent account. My bank account is in perfectly good standing, I had a valid picture ID with me and I have no history of bad check writing or criminal history. It is unfair to consumers to be denied (not to mention humiliating) the ability to write a check in a store for NO REASON. This company wants me to become a "gold member" so I can avoid hassle. Doesn't seem legal to me!!!! Further, they suggested I use my debit card to make purchases instead...are they tracking my shopping habits? Do they have a right to determine how I pay for a purchase? Seems like they have an awful lot of control and power if they can just randomly deny people.

The check service said my check was declined when there was adequate funds in the bank account then prevented me from writing any other checks where they verify service until I paid a service charge for something that is not my fault. 30$ service charge and having checks declined at other stores.

I attempted to cash a check from Davidson County Government. The check was issued at a Wachovia bank. It was a reimbursement check from my flexible spending account for medical expenses. I received it on a Saturday and attempted to cash it on a Sunday afternoon at my local Walmart. It was declined and I was offered the number for Certegy to find out the reason.

I called and spoke with Amy and then her supervisor Shantel who stated that the transaction indicated some pattern of fraulent activity or identity theft. I asked her if she was saying that my goverment employer had issued a fraudulent check to me. She denied this. I asked her if she was saying that I was not the individual to whom the check was written, as I was happy to provide my driver's license, social security card, checking account information and my debit card to prove that I was who I said I was. She denied that this was the case either. She just said that the transaction itself was the problem.

I informed her that the "transaction" only consists of three parts- the check itself, the unfortunate person attempting to cash it, and the cashier who facilitated the transaction. She was clearly pointing to one of those aspects as problematic. She continued to deny that the cashier, or I had done anything wrong and denied that there was anything wrong with the check. She said it just "matched some patterns that we monitor for to prevent identity theft and fraudulent activity." So much for attempting to help the economy. Consumers can't spend money if businesses continue to allow Certegy employees to make decisions for them.

I went to the Best Buy store here in town to buy a laptop for my birthday. My parents had given me money to put towards the laptop so I deposited it into my checking account. I don't use credit cards and my debit card has a $500/day limit so I brought my checkbook. After writing the check I was told it was denied by Certegy.

Like everyone else who has complained about Certegy, they gave me the card with a number to call. I did so and got the same excuse, that something about my check had followed a fraud pattern so it was denied. I ended up walking out of the store empty handed. I have since tried to find other businesses that use Certegy so that I can avoid them as well. The practice of denying checks written by certain people, without a bad financial history, without an explanation, sure seems like a violation of rights to me.

I waited in line to purchase shoes for my son. The store was quite busy due to school starting & a sale at the store. I paid for my purchases with a check & was told that it was declined & given a card to call for reasons. Paying with cash & leaving the store humilated & confused I called as soon as I entered my vehicle. I was told there was not enough information collected for approval & if I wanted to join their Gold Check Cashing club this would prevent this from happening again. To say I blew a gasket would be an understatement. Is this legal? I went 1/2 mile down the road & wrote a check at another store & had no problems. I will never step foot in this store again.

On July 27,2009 I went shopping at the brand new Target store in the Kona Commons in H

awaii. I am a team member at this store and it is fantastic. I looked forward to experiencing the store as a guest and not a team member.

I did my shopping and when I went to check out , my check was denied.I have ample funds in the checking acount to cover the check many times over. I have never bounced a check and my credit score is high 700. I was humiliated in front of other guests and coworkers. I spoke with the store Manager and he could not explain why I had been denied.. suggested I call the 1-800 number for Certegy.

I received the same gobbledegook explaination others have received. They said it had nothing to do with me or my credit.. They were monitoring situations of credit fraud that had similarities to my transaction. This store has been open 5 days , how many transactions can they be monitoring??

Why was my check denied. No one could give me a straight answer. I had to go to the ATM and get cash (with a transaction fee) to pay for my purchases. Certegy's system is flawed and I would discourage any company from using them.

They can never compensate me for my humiliation in front of guests and coworkers through no fault of my own.

We have made many purchases at the above named Target store. I had called the store yesterday, and they had the three items I was going to purchase all loaded for us when we arrived. We did some additional shopping; then went to pay.

I wrote a personal check and gave the proper ID required; my driver's license. I thought perhaps the young lady waiting on me was new, in training; whatever. She called her supervisor over and I again had to give her the information I had already provided. The supervisor called on the phone; then informed me as I WAS STANDING IN THE CHECKOUT LINE, that my check was denied!! I was livid. I told her that could NOT be correct!! The account had over $1,000 in it, and I had only written the check for $298.22. She said I would need to speak to the person on the phone, as she was not allowed to act in my behalf.

I was handed the phone, STILL IN THE CHECKOUT LINE WITH OTHER CUSTOMERS, and spoke with a lady with an accent so thick, I could barely understand what she was trying to tell me. I got that she was saying something about activity on my account, and I would have to call the Certegy company. I said this can NOT be right. She could not even make it clear to me over the phone how in the world to spell "Certegy". Thank goodness, there was an 800 number on our receipt. We had to take all of our purchases over to guest services, so I could call the 800 number.

I was put on hold by Certegy, and finally spoke with a gentleman after several minutes. I asked him what was going on and he "pulled up my information" after giving him the check number, the account number and the routing number PLUS my driver's license AGAIN. I told him I had MORE than enough money in my account to cover this check. My husband and I are in our 60's have NEVER had a bad check, have NEVER been late with a payment on ANYTHING, and have NEVER had a bad check. Our credit scores have been EXCELLENT as well. We do NOT pay by credit card, as we are credit card debt free, and want to keep it that way, although we certainly could have used a credit card if desired.

When I was on the phone talking to this man, a couple from our home town happened to walk in and ask what in the world was going on! They could not believe this incident was taking place, as they have known us for many years, and know that we absolutely DO NOT have financial difficulties of any kind. FINALLY, the man from Certegy told me that the problem was my check number was written out of sequence. I said it ABSOLUTELY WAS NOT!!! He said the last activity shown on our account was last Sunday in the amount of $27 to our local Dollar General store. I told him we have written SIX OTHER CHECKS in the time period since last Sunday, and the check I had just written was number SEVEN!! He finally "pulled up" more information---whatever that meant-- and informed me I could now write a check as he had "Upgraded" my account!!

Having that sort of information on my checks is MORE than frightful!! How do they get all this information??!! I had to void a check and rewrite it for the same amount for NO GOOD REASON. My husband and I were humilated, and inconvienced over this experience. NOTHING has EVER happened like this to us in our lifetime. This company is a disgrace, and as we have both been reading the comments posted on this website this evening after returning from our shopping trip, we can see that others have suffered at the hands of Certegy. There SHOULD be lawsuits filed against this company for public humiliation, or whatever else could be thrown at them.

The sad thing is, the supervisor visited with me afterwards to ask if we got things straightened out and in conversation with her, she told me they are seeing this happen more and more with this company. They also are the company that "watches" checks not only for that particular Target store in Kearney, but also for Wal-Mart, Office Max, and several other businesses in that city. My husband and I are SO upset over this matter. Thank you for letting me vent, and I am VERY glad you said to use as much space as I needed! Thank you for your time and consideration of this matter.

Certegy denied my check for no valid reason at Murphy USA (Walmart gas station). I write a check every week for years at Murphy USA from the same bank account. The Certegy cust. service rep I spoke with acknowledged that my check was good, information correct and my identity was confirmed but declined my check for security profiling.

This company has unfairly flagged our checks and say that it mimicks other losses companies have had. There is no way to dispute this because they say the "bad" guys have been the ones to cause "the good" guys to have a problem cashing checks. This is totally unfair and goes against comsumer rights not to be able to cash a check at the big stores that have their service and not be able to disput this and have the problem corrected. Our bank says there is nothing they can do and we should report it to your service and others.

Certegy is a check verification service company that retail stores use to verify customer's checks. They denied my check at the register at a store that I have written many past checks to. When I called Certegy to find out why, I was told that my check matched a "profile" of certain checks that they were looking out for. They stated that I had no negative check cashing history, my bank account was fine, but would not elaborate further on why they would not allow my check.

This is ridiculous. I have a clean history with a valid bank account and I am not allowed to write a check because they "say so" without any explanation?? After much research on the internet, it seems they do this to many, many people. How is this legal?? It was humiliating to have my check declined at the store and infuriating when I was told there was nothing wrong with my history or account, but that they just said "no".

My wife and I went to Lumber Liquidators to pick out and pay for some special order floring and baseboards when I filled out a check from our home EQ account thay call Certegy to aprove our check and thay gave us a code 2 and declined it as we have a line of credit for home repairs for $20,000 and we have not used but $3000 of it thair should have no reason for the denial! I am contacting the states Att. General office and I will take action for both my time and imbarsment from these pepole.

Thank you for your response. I, too, intend to contact upper management at BestBuy about my June 16 and 17 experience at BestBuy in Hickory, NC. I spoke with a representative at Certegy on June 17 about the decline of my checks (3) at BestBuy and for the representative at Certegy to tell me that my checks were declined because my 'PROFILE' fit the profile of a Fraudulent Check Writer, well, that goes way outside a company's guidelines. I have been doing business with BestBuy for over 10 years and my purchase history with them is extensive.

I intend to seek advice and/or assistance from the State's Attorney General's office about this experience as well as submitting a complaint to the Better Business Bureau in the state they are doing business. A local area news station offers a Problem Solver Investigation hotline for matters of this nature and I intend to contact them. Something needs to be done about Certegy Check Services; Certegy can have a negative impact on customer loyalty and repeat business. Customer retention should be at the core of BestBuy's goals and mission statement.

I and my wife have had this account for nearly 25 years and since of the middle of June all my checks written at Lowes, Home Depot, Bed and Bath, Ross are being rejected. No negative information on record. No specific way to correct this situation other than to get one of their Gold Memberships. I also spoke to Certegy on two occasions and the experience I had was exactly as others have described. They are very rude and condescending. My bank also called but they were given that same treatment. I'm thoroughly disappointed.

The time on my receipt which I then paid by credit is 7/08/09 6:31 pm. I am a shop owner and this was the supplies for my salon, I have not bounced a check. this company needs to be stopped according to the web I am not the only victom of this chck processing.

I visited Dick's Sporting Goods in Plainfield, Indiana on Saturday, June 27. I wrote a check for $69.54 which Certegy denied. I called Certegy when I got home and spoke with Wanda. She refused to answer my questions and rambled on about the economy and fraudulant activity that goes on. She said Certegy is employed to "protect" Dick's and other merchants. She was rude and condescending and never gave me the explanation I requested. I was told Certegy has "guidelines" not available to consumers that are used to determine if a check will be honored or denied. I would like to obtain a definitive explanation why my check was denied. I am not a threat to Dick's or any merchant.

What is the basis of a Code 2 denial? It is my right to know why Certegy can call me a potential fraud with no explanation. I have been with my credit union for 39 years and have never written a bad check. My credit is excellent. I pay my bills on time and qualify for 0% interest when I purchase cars.

I have never been subjected to public humiliation as I was yesterday. Dick's was having a sale and 4 lines of consumers could hear that my check was not accepted, with no explanation except a Code 2. The clerk called Certegy and gave my personal information aloud as she tried to obtain a reason with no result. I was on display for 10 minutes and still don't have an explanation. I requested a listing of merchants in the state of Indiana who use Certegy's services to ensure this never happens to me again and was told that it is not available.

Why? Why was I able to use a debit card from the same account to complete the purchase? If the money was not there when the check was run, how did the debit card purchase go through 10 minutes later? I want to understand how and why this happened to me. You can be sure that I will not do business with any company that allows Certegy to make decisions for them!

After reading the current complaints about Certegy I wanted to share my experience.

Recently the Sands Casino opened in NE PA (Bethlehem). On 6/16/09 I went to meet some friends there. I found I did not cash on me and had left my bank card at home. Knowing that they would cash a check (I had cashed them there before). I had to go to my car to get a check from my wallet I had locked in the trunk. I am somewhat handicapped and have difficulty walking at times.

I wrote the check, showed my ID (drivers licence) and the cashier punched it in to verify...it was denied. She tried twice with same response. Meanwhile a line was forming at the cashier and this became quite embarassing. Even the cashier was puzzled as she knew I had previously cashed a check there. She gave me that same yellow slip everybody got. So, I got my cell phone from the car and found a quiet place and called Certegy at the 1-800-740-3276 phone no. My denial was their Code 2 "Although no unpaid check information is on file, Certegydid not have enough sufficient information available to approve the transaction".

When I called and got a Customer Rep. (I did not have anything to write on so I did not remeber her name) She asked for verification information: my name, address, phone no., check no. denied, amount of check, bank account number...etc. I knew she already had that info but I stupidly repeated it. She seemed puzzled and could not understand as it showed I had no negative check writing,when I pushed her further...she stated it was for my protection..etc. She stressed that I needed to update my information on their Certegy Gold Application and she would mail one to me. Itold her I would look it over and may or may not fill it out.

Yesterday,6/22/09, I received the application and after looking at the questions it asked (all of which they already had) I decided to research them on the Web. Thus..leading to this complaint.

Wrote a check to Pep Boys for several items in the total amount of $64.88. Check was run through their machine four times and rejected each time. Finally the manager called Certegy for verbal approval. Certegy refuses to give any meaningful information other than "fell out side of approval guidelines". We do not write hot checks, we are senior citizens and my husband teaches at a well know University. The entire transaction of humiliating and embarrassang. When I called to complain I had to give personal information, I refused to give the full number of our checking account. Now what are they going to do with our information????? It's obviously now input into their computer!!

My complaint is with a company which Target uses for check verification, Certegy. I was shopping 6/23/09 at Target store - Garland East in Texas. When I realized I left my check card at home, I attempted to pay via check. When my check for $159.81 was declined, I contacted the company, Certegy, to determine why. They were able to tell me that there was no reason why my check was declined other than that there was computer-calculated risk. I have good credit, pay my bills on time, have never had a check declined, have over $9000 in my checking account at a major bank, yet Target was unable to take my check FOR NO REASON.

I understand that it is a business decisions to contract with companies such as Certegy help protect Target from unlawful activity by customers, but when that company prevents paying customers from making purchases, you should seriously consider other options. I am very disappointed in the fact that I will no longer be a Target customer, because Certegy could not tell me what I can do to prevent my checks from being declined and I will not spend my time shopping, then standing in line, only to find out my money is no good at your store. I have written letters of complaint to Target for utilizing this service and will provide the same feedback to other companies who use Certegy - that I will no longer shop at their stores as long as they are using Certegy for check authorization.

I shop at jewel-osco on a regular basis, i write checks there and get money back if i need it. I have had three separate incidents with certegy in Jewel. The first one was a jewel in park ridge where i work. i brought my items to check out and asked for $30 back when i wrote my check. i was automatically declined, i then asked the jewel manager to call certegy so we can get this cleared up.

she did, was on the phone for almost half an hour with them and they said they didn't know why it happened, but that i was being upgraged to a "VIP" member and to put my transaction through. embarrasing and humiliating especially since i was an african american in a predominantly white store/area. The second incident was when i was in another jewel and i did the same thing wrote a check and then when i came to the register with my goods i wrote a check to receive $50 back, now mind you the day prior i did the same thing and it went through. this time the cashier told me, it declined you because your id address doesn't match your check address, i said i use this all the time no one has ever said a word about that AND this is a valid id, it hasn't expired or anything like that. she then told me to see the manager, i did and he said the same thing.

i left went to another jewel, my purchase was able to go through but i couldn't get money back, so then i was humiliated so i called certegy, they told me , it was because if its a patter then they reject it because of supposedly "identity theft", i said, its not identit theft, i'm calling you this is in fact me and the amount you can write over/receive over in all jewel is $50, so yes it would be a pattern, the lady told me well i don't know anything about how much jewel offers over in cash back, i said i'm telling you and maybe you should find out so next time you won't think its identity theft because this is actually me writing my checks .

i've never had a bad check and my account was in good standing and "VIP" supposedly so why deny any transaction. then she went on to say that i could send you the 'gold status" and maybe this won't happen again. so dissapointed in certegy, jewel please find someone else, this is getting out of hand, i'm a single mom with children who don't like to use debit cards. do something or you might lose a customer!

I went to Sears in Saugus MA and was buying a plasma TV and theatre system for my husband for Fathers Day (tomorrow) and I was planning on setting it up and surprising him in the morning with it), but I was denied at the register. The salesman said the check was denied. I know there is way more than enough money in the account due to a recent mva settlement and the check was for $1249.49. I was given my check back with the info on the back and a number to call. I had no other way to pay because I do not use credit cards b/c I do not want to get into debt and I pay only cash (check). I was mortified as I tried to explain that there was sufficient funds and my check was good but the cashier looked at me like I was full of crap as did the other customers who gave me dirty looks.

I had my 20 year old daughter with me and she was also very embarassed. We were both VERY upset that we could not surprise my husband (her dad) on Father's Day with a gift he has always wanted and I was finally able to give him. I was furious so I called this company and I was told by a woman that it had no reflection on me or my account and that I was actually a VIP and had this special protection for being such a great check writer with no history of bad checks etc... I asked how can this be possible to have this happen if I have such wonderful history and she said that it was there for my protection and that for some "unknown" reason I raised a flag and could not proceed with my purchase. She tried to sell me some stupid plan if I gave my personal and very private info I would be better protected form this happening again. No way in hell am I paying some crappy company to be able to have access to my own freakin money! Needless to say we were both heartbroken with not being able to surprise my husband for fathers day.

We left the store in tears and so very humiliated. I told the woman on the phone from Certegy (when she said it was a special protection for a VIP customer)that it was a punishment and that the stupid company ruined fathers day for my husband. I wil NEVER do business at Sears or any place that uses this company again. I am going to write the BBB, the Aty General, and Congressmen and anyone I can to see what I can do to remedy this and put this company out of business. I would be first in line in a class action suit. Any info I gain I will share.

June 10, 2009 two of my maintenance personnel went to Sears with a company check to purchase khaki slacks for their uniforms at the Sleep Inn & Suites. At the check out they were told the check was no good and to call Certegy 1-800-248-7939 for a reason. My two employees were embarrassed and so was I as I knew the check was good.

Upon calling Certegy their automated system said they understand and apologize for the error and the merchant has been notified it was an error. I went back to Sears, attempted the purchase of 6 pairs of men's pants and was told again the check was not good. The department manager called Certegy and put me on the phone with them in the middle of the store.

The first person from Certegy said there is nothing they can do. Their system can not be overrode or changed then she wanted my driver's license number, our routhing number, account number, my birthdate and stated your account is good, there is nothing wrong with it but your check was declined as a preventive measure and you can only pay by credit card or cash. I asked for her manager - person 2 informed me the system can not be changed and nothing can be overridden. They apologize but there is nothing they can do. Then she wanted all my personnal information on a company check and stated that only cash or credit card would be acceptable forms of payment from us. I told her I want this rectified and when she said there was nothing she could do I asked for her manager and I spoke with Shontel who sounded like she was in India. Again the same questions and replies and no assistance. Then I was forwarded to the fourth manager and her rude comment was "if something could have been done - the first person you spoke with would have done it."

Now after speaking with person #5 on 6.11.09 the information I received was that something on the check matched to another incident and that is why it was declined. That every check is processed separately and to avoid this happening in the future we can complete their gold free and confidental application to elevate us to Certegy Gold. She also stated they can not give me any more information as they all write checks there and they can not be privy to what was a red flag, error or preventive measure but she will send a letter.

I do have the CEO's name or at least the name they told me was the CEO - Lee Kennedy and I will send a letter to them directly.

Our company is a well established company and has never had any problems with checks and then this embarrassment happens and Certegy's response is "preventive measure but your account is in good standing." DUH! I knew that and I didn't need Certegy to confirm it.

Needless to say, Sears will not be receiving any future business from us.

I was attempted to purchased a few items for $96.26. Hibbett's computer terminal told the associate to call for verification. My name, D.O.B, D.L. number, routing number, and checking account number along with the check number were asked of me. Through all of this verification, I was denied to use my check with no legitmate answer but that it waw declined. I went home and checked my bank account online, which confirmed as I told the Hibbett Sports employee that there was ample amount to cover this transaction. He tried to get the check approved but it declined it again.

After checking my balance online, I phone Hibbett Sports and spoke with LaShannon who was there during this embarrassment. I gained the phone number to enquire to this mishap. It was a company by the name of Certegy. The Representative gained all the information I game at Hibbett Sports. All she told me was that I fell into a risk category generated by a computer and that it could be a possiblity that I "do not" write checks on the whole. I always use a Check Card when purchasing and pay my bill online through my bank. I have misplaced my check card and used a check. No resolve but that I told this person that I will write a check again tomorrow. This situation has caused me to come across as a shady character in others eyes. The frustration and anger is very real when accused in an indirect way such as this. I "do not" practice writing bad checks. To my knowledge, my checking account was not used to verify funds by this company. I have been pegged "a risk" because of what? My checks have never been turned until today.

I recently went to Home Depot, a company that I have spent substantial money with over the course of the last 15 years, and wrote a check to pay for some things that I needed. Im in the middle of a small house remodel. Usual stuff, carpeting, flooring, yard, and landscape stuff. I have spent over 1000.00 dollars there in the last two months. I have used the same checking account to pay for my previous purchases there.

Yesterday my check was declined. Not more than a week prior I wrote a check to the same company from the same bank account for more money and it was approved. I could make a point for the embarrassment, but really I'm not embarrassed easily. I was however quite angry. The account from which this check is written has a very substantial amount of money in it. The check was for a measly 175.00 bucks. I made a case out of it and demanded to speak with the manager.

I too was given the 800 number for Certegy, and called them immediately. Spoke with the rep, and was told that it wasn't for any bad check writing on my part, but because my check matched some particular pattern that they are monitoring for that indicates fraudulent activity. Ok, what pattern is that I asked? They cannot disclose that information. Matter of fact, the rep doesn't even know what patterns they monitor for. Ok, so what? What can I do? I explained that the account was in great shape, and that I had written checks to Home Depot recently for a larger amount from the same account with no problems.

Sorry, they told me there is nothing that they could do. They could send me an application for their "Gold Membership", this was prior to doing a little research on the net and finding out that Certegy has a class action lawsuit for one of their employees selling personal financial information to a third party. Ok, I told them to send me their application; I would take a look at it.

Then I went to K Mart, and wrote a check there from another account that also has a very substantial amount of money in it, and again the same exact problem. Check declined. The list of businesses that use Certegy for their check processing is huge, and covers most of the places that I normally shop. I don't feel that posting this complaint here is going to accomplish anything. Certainly a class action lawsuit could have some power. Other than that, as a consumer I feel very limited in what I can do. Notifying the CEO's of the many merchant companies that use Certegy and explaining our experience with their companies and our joint decision to stop using their services and their products could also have some leverage, but in my opinion they would have to really see it in their bottom line for profits, and be able to attribute that loss to Certegy. Also merchant companies would need to have a better check and payment verification option to change too.

Ok, so what happens when our ability to pay for goods and services with debit cards become compromised? Is that when they will start to imbed the little microchips under our skin or in our forehead so that we can be scanned, and pay for our goods and services, and have money deposited in our virtual accounts, and when real paper and coin money will no longer exist? Is that the next security step to address all of the identity theft, and loss to merchants, and all of the other problems relating to money and payments and transactions that is coming in the near future? Scary Stuff.

I've never ever bounced a check in my entire life but my check was denied for $841.44 at HomeDepot on a account that had over $8,000. After leaving a message with the automated number I was given by HomeDepot on a yellow denial receipt, I recieved a phone call by an individual who was totally rude and could only tell me that my check was a risk, no problem with my account, or me, but still my check seemed to be a risk. However, if I applied for their "gold membership" this "might" prevent a denial in the future.

After researching this company (Certegy) and seeing the lawsuits that include selling personal information I would have to be insane to fill out their application. I can't believe that this sort of business is legal. How can a company who puts people at risk, deny my check for being a risk?

and my check was for 242.00.

I was told I did not have anything negative but was flagged as high risk by their system but could not give me a specific reason. I was furious.

I just bought a new home as well as a new car etc. I called target headquarters in minneapolis and they did not seem to care. I am doen with Target.

The young man said that a certain amount of time would need to pass in order for them to accept the liability????? Liability for 45.00? I asked how much time has to pass...how long do I have to wait before I can write a 45.00 check for ink? I was told there was no set time and there was no answer available! Not only am I humiliated but I am furious that someone else is in control of how I run my business. what right do they have to do this? I repeatedly asked for the time frame which I could write a check and was told the risk managment department makes the decision? Based on what information??? I was not given an answer and was told there was no answer to my questions. How do I avoid the embarrassment next time even though I have done nothing wrong?

Presently, I am attempting to help a friend renovate and sell a home. Over the past four weeks, I have spent (via check) over $6000 at Home Depot for supplies. Saturday, May 30, 2009, I was attempting to purchase a tub and other various required materials. The purchase was declined by Certegy, citing insufficient history.

I called the 800 # and spoke with Aaron (located in St. Petersburg, FL) who explained that the check was denied due to insufficient history and the risk model report. I asked various questions about the model and basically determined that this company has no standing in the financial community. Certegy can not access the account in question and must use a risk assessment model to determine whether funds exist in the account.

Following my conversation with Aaron, I asked the sales associate (Arlene) for the highest ranking official in the store. A few moments later, Beverly came to assist me. I explained the dilemma to Beverly, who called Certegy to inquire the denial. Beverly asked about the check, accepted the reasoning of the Certegy associate and said that she was sorry but there was nothing she could do. Without the Certegy authorization code, her hands were tied.

Following this conversation, I walked outside brought my truck and trailer around to the loading dock, walked back inside to the customer service desk, and returned everything I had purchased less than two hours previously. (I hate to talk bad about Home Depot; however, during the return process the customer care associate determined that the ticket did not match the items and that I had not returned a tube of roofing cement. To be sure, I had only purchased one tube but by mistake, the tube had been scanned twice. Now, not only do I have the sales associate at the register and the floor manager thinking I have no money or at least am a financial delinquent, they now think I am a thief. The looks of disgust were apparent. Had I not already wasted 2 hours with this matter, I would have requested proof of the register transaction via video (the cameras are there, be sure).

Understand that this is not my main job, I only have weekends to get big jobs completed; I needed the materials so the entire weekend was not a write-off. I drove 30 miles to a Lowes in a neighboring town, proceeded to the customer service desk, and inquired as to there check verification company (they said they used Century; very close to Certegy). I gathered my items once more, proceeded to check out, and loaded my materials on the trailer. I will not shop at the Home Depot until Certegy no longer provides service to them.

This experience was embarrassing, humiliating, exhausting, and in my opinion fraudulent on the part of Certegy. I, too, was offered the Gold Plan, which I rejected on principal. If Certegy is to be the keeper of the check then Certegy should seek financial approval so they can verify funds directly. Obviously, their shady business practices are well know in the financial community, hence the reason they have no clearance to verify funds and must use a very risky, data lacking, profiling "risk assessment model to determine check validity. I would participate in a class action lawsuit. Thank you for allowing me to vent my frustration. Please help. This can not be legal.

I, like all the others on here, had the most humilating experience of my life in the middle of Target today! I have had a checking account for well over 15 years and NEVER have I EVER had ANY problems! While trying to purchase my items with my Target check card (which requires my pin #) and is linked directly to my checking account, my form of payment was declined. I had no doubt whatsoever that the funds were available so I called the # given to me by Certegy. They gave me the same spill as everyone else that, they periodically alter their criteria for approving checks, etc. and that mine looked suspect for fraudulent activity.

I was appalled! I am standing in front of the Target associate with my ID not to mention the fact that I used my pin #. After arguing with Sam, I asked to speak with her supervisor. I then get Emily, who repeated the same script that Sam had. She basically said that even though my bank had confirmed availablity of funds they didn't care. I asked her who she was to determine how and where I spend my funds. She tried to pass off this line about it being for my own protection.

Ok, if that were true that would be one thing, but first of all, I never reported a lost or stolen card, the amount I spent at Target was totally normal for me, I used my pin # for the transaction, and I am standing in person with photo ID in front of the Target associate who is verifying that I am who I say I am! So if the whole purpose is to protect me, then their fears should have been alleviated. That was not their agenda at all! I was completely and totally humiliated, not to mention that I was so upset and crying that my 3 yr. old daughter was crying hysterically also. Believe me if there is ever a class action law suit, you can sign me up!

I do not have an over draft charge for being over drawn-BECAUSE I WASN'T and now I have $3 of neg. credit which is just silly, but to make it worse there is no contact information on anything, it's just sitting there and the very nice lady at our bank has no idea on how to take care of it. has anyone else got the 1-800- number?

Like many of the others who filed complaints, my check was declined at Best Buy on 5/27/09 by Certegy. They claimed it was due to possible fraudulent activity on my account and that my account fit something patternistic of said 'fraudulent activity.' Of course after contacting my bank and being assured my account was in good standing with no flags, I called Certegy back and received the same information and was offered the option of being sent an application to fill out to sign up for their service so this won't happen again. There are NO problems with my account so how they were able to determine possible fraudulent activity is suspect and their practice of trying to get me to sign up for something while I'm standing in a store on my cell freaking out that there's a problem with my account is despicable and should be illegal.

I tried to cash a check today at Target for $236 and was declined by Certegy. It was a humiliating experience to say the least. I got on my cell phone immediately and called the company. After asking me for all sorts of personal information over the phone, they told me that I did not have any negative information in their systems but that I met a pattern of fraud. What they finally explained to me was that there had been a break in my check numbers and they consider a break in check numbers as a fraud risk. I had written three checks to Walmart over the holiday and they are apparently not linked since they deposit them electronically.

The customer service rep said that they were unable to do anything about it and that I would not be able to write any more checks. I did not have any cash with me and had just spent an hour shopping with my one year old daughter who was having a meltdown while I talked to them on the cell so I left the store, called back and spoke with a manager. Again, I was told that I would be unable to cash checks.

I asked them to call my bank. I gave them information verifying my account. They told me it was for my own protection. I told them I have fraud protection on my checks. They said they have no way to verify that and that again no checks would be accepted. They offered to upgrade me, as they have with the previous complainees. I finally hung up. I would also be interested in a class action lawsuit. It was an exhausting couple of hours dealing with this company. I cannot believe that stores use this service - they are the ones who are perpetrating fraud.

It cost me over four hours of my time and emotional energy as I had to listen to my daughter scream at the top of her lungs while I dealt with this company. I had to drive over 20 minutes to our bank and get cash so that I could come back and re-shop for the items I had already picked out. It was also humiliating.

I Attemped to write a check in the amount of $77. 41 to KMart for merchandise on 5/24/09. They use CERTEGY to verify all checks. I was denied and a whole blurb was written on the back of the check by the register, with a code and a phone # which was obliterated by other printing. I GOOGLED CERTEGY and found out I was not the only person having troubles with CERTEGY check verification services.

I called the customer service # and found the automated answering service exasperating. I did finally get to a live person who tried to explain that the check was denied because of a "pattern" but would not elaborate. There was no negative information in my file, and they knew the account had sufficient funds, but they still flagged it because my information was similar information of others doing business at THIS KMart. I will be contacting the Attorney General in Massachusetts because they do not deny on personal information, i.e.

I've written a prior bad check, they accessed the account and there were not sufficient funds. How can they continue to be in business, and why do chain stores continue to use them?

I had tried to write a check at Norris Honda in Baltimore Maryland for a A/C install in my new Honda that came with out one when I bought it. The amount of the check was over $2000. I had more than enough money in the bank that could cover the amount of the check. My check was denied due to Certegy. I was able to complete the transaction and get my car using my bank debit card. It was so embarrassing as I was standing there with my young daughter and husband to have a check we knew was good denied outright by a second party like Certegy.

I was given an 800 number and a Code #2 to call which I did once we got home. They said it had nothing to do with me but a pattern of checks that are written for various amounts all over the country. My check at that particular time fit this pattern. Now how can an isolated check exhibit a pattern is beyond me. But I could fix this in the future could sign up for their Gold checking cashing service to reduce the likelyhood of this happening again.

I feel these people are doing some Choicepoint scam that existed in the 80s gathering information about people and then trying to sell them something they need to use anyway. I hope someone starts a class action lawsuit so I can get in on it. If you find any business you do business with uses this check verification company use some other form of payment if you relly need their services or refuse to do business with them at all and tell them why you are leaving..

This is an update to a previous post (See Jerry from Houston Texas). I had called Academy and they were concerned that Certegy was denying my checks with no reason other than they did not like my spending pattern. Academy did call back 2 times to ask more questions. On Friday (5-15-09) Certegy called me at my house. They apologized for the inconvenience and stated that they had upgraded me to a higher level so this kind of problem would not happen again.

Today (5-19*09) my wife and I again went to Academy and tried to purchase a few items as a test. Big surprise the check was once again declined. This time the check was for 67.06 with a balance in the account of over $3000.00 I called Certegy and spoke with a Derrick. I was put on hold for a few minutes so he could research the problem. Derrick told me that there was no problem with my account, started to go into a lengthy explanation. I stopped him and said that he was going to tell me that I was rejected because Certegy "did not like my spending pattern". He said that was correct.

I have contacted Academy and left a message for them to contact me (I have no doubt that they will). I will post updates as I get more information.

Can someone tell me how to find a lawyer that would like to take this case or a class action lawsuit. I am going to try to start up a website about this. I have had enough with a lame company like Certegy. You can upgrade to a 'gold member' but have to send in a voided blank check in order to do so. So tell me why I would want to send in a blank vided chek to a company that has had at least one lawsuit of over 8 million because they let a employee steal personal information.

I have had the same problem with Certegy unjustly declining 2 checks recently, more than enough funds in account to cover checks. No history of ever writing a bad check, checks weren't even large amounts. Same story, "I set off a flag". The deal is this. Certegy had an employee steal over 8.5 million peoples data a couple years ago, just so happens I'm one of them that was notified my data was stolen and sold. Well Certegy "settled" so that they can't be sued back around August of 08 or so. Funny thing is, I've never had a check denied until after their settlement, so it sounds like since they know THEIR employee stole/sold my info they're just going to "decline" my checks at random until the statute of limitations runs out.

It should be illegal to refuse checks and embarrass people the way they do, and now they want me to fill out a form with more of my personal data than they had before, really? After YOUR employee stole/sold the data they already had on me you want more private info? Did you not have enough to completely establish a fake account using my information?

I went to Bed Bath & Beyond to make a purchase which totaled about $90.00. I had more then enough money in my account to cover that purchase. My debit card was rejected. The clerk couldn' tell me why. I then wrote a check and it was declined. The clerk couldn't tell me why. I was given a phone number to call which was Certegy. What I was told was that they don't check accounts, they have a computer system that tracks area patterns and the decision to accept or decline a check is based on the pattern, not the individual. 3,000I also went to my bank to see why my debit card was rejected and they told me nothing was wrong with it so I am assuming it had to do with Certegy. They should be sued. I am filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau and also letting Bed Bath and Beyond I won't be doing business with them anymore. I will use local busineses even if it costs a little more.

is If they do not accept checks for some amounts, why is it not posted?

I went to make a layaway payment at my local K-Mart and my check was denied for no reason. I was embarrassed I live in a small town people talk. I didn't like this experience I have never written a bad check. I would never do that not to mention on a layaway why would I write a bad check for something I don't even have yet. When I called and tried to have an intelligent conversation with the customer service department they spoke to me as though I were naive enough to believe that for some magical reason my check number and the amount of the check had caused their system to decline my check. That was their answer basically no answer just nonsense. I asked to speak to a supervisor which took ten minutes (2 hours in cell phone fuming mad time) she explained that because I don't write checks they have none on file for me and the amount was considered too large ($143.00) for them to approve. I wanted specific information this again is nonsense.

This company is a joke and should not be allowed to do business in this way. They state they do not look at your credit report or your bank account balances. Well that's fine, but what do they use a crystal ball? I want an explanation and a letter written to myself and K-Mart apologizing for what they did.

Today my wife and I went to Barnes and Noble. Our total bill was 111.60. The cashier said she had to call to get the check approved. The check was declined with no particular reason given. There was more than enough in the account to cover the cost of the books we were trying to get (well over $2000.00). Earlier we had to purchase a new cell phone since I ran my previous one over. I am guessing that the reason I may have been declined was due to the earlier check that had been written.

The past week (4/28/09) We had tried writing a check at Academy Sports and Outdoors. The check we were writing was for $81.00. Again more than enough in the checking account. We called Certegy and my wife was told that we did in fact have more than enough money in he account, that our credit rating was great, we had not ever had late payments.

We had tripped some kind of flag and were denied. Certegy would not tell us what this flag was. This to me is like being accused of something and having to prove your not guilty. This is the second time we had to stand in line and have people think we were dead beats and trying to write a bad check. I did call Ceertegy today but since my wife was the one who wrote the check they had to speak with her only. I told them that once she wakes up I will have her call.

I know there are similar complaints about Certegy. Is anyone interested in a class action suit? I have no idea if one can be started but I am willing to see what I can do. Certegy will not give out a list of companies that use them. Does anyone think that compiling a list of companies that use certegy and have rejected your check would be of help?

I tried to cash my paycheck at Walmart money center after work on Friday. I was told that for some reason they couldn't cash my check and was given a slip with reason 2 on it.

Since I get off work after normal business hours I can't get my check cashed through my employer's bank until Monday. Or I can deposit the check in my bank until Tuesday. I was able to borrow money from my mom to get through the rest of the week.

On 4 seperate occasions I have attempted to cash my retirement check at a walmart store. I have been declined by Certegy/ Fidelity for reason-2. Ive called on numerous occasions immediately from the store and spoke to numerous persons at Certegy, who advise that reason 2 is that I fit some kind of "profile" and they declined my check. On the third occasion they advised that no transaction had taken place yet I had a receipt showing that it had.

I contacted Certegy corporate Headquarters and spoke with a manager who checked my file and advised that all was fine and he would clear up the matter. Well evidentally he was hot air because on 05-01-09 I attempted to once again cash my Police Dept retirement check at walmart and again was declined due to reason -2.

Reading other complaints on this website it seems that Certegy is "selling" some kind of gold pass that will clear the matter up. Isnt this some kind of rip off and illegal? I mean they can hold you "hostage" forever until you buy one of these "passes".

I have been writing checks at Albertons for over twenty years. Today, my check was declined through Cetegy sevices. When I called, I was told it was my bank reported NSF activity and this is why my check was declined. I went to my bank and they said they have never done such a thing, but tomorrow morning they will dig deeper and try to help me out. The bank branch supervisor was able to get the Cetegy rep to disclose that "Early Warning Systems" has something to do with this. I write checks because I chose not to carry an ATM card with me. This is my choice. I read over ten complaints regarding this check cashing service and it seems they do this on a regular basis and then try to sell you their "Gold" services.

I purchased merchadise on two different days with two different checking account at two different places of business. Both times my checks were declined. The first check was denied because of insufficient funds. I called my bank and they assured me that I had sufficient funds in my account. I went to the bank and the Bank Manager and I were on the phone with a customer service representative from Certegy, Samantha, for two hours before we resolved this issue, which was an error on the behalf of the checking company, Certegy. The second check was declined because of a security risk.

I called a customer service supervisor from Certegy named Chris. Chris stated that businesses were getting away from paper checks and that I needed to pay by some other means such as a debit card, credit card or cash, which does not make sense because that is what Certegy does, verifies checks. But for a small fee I could become a Gold Member with Certegy and that might reduced my checks from being declined. He also stated no matter what place of business I went to that my checks would be declined no matter how many funds I had in my accounts. I was very embarassed and this left me very distraught and upset.

I reported Certegy to the FTC, BBB of Florida and my State Attroney Generals Office. I have also contacted many attorneys but they do not want to take on the case or their fees are too expensive. I also contacted the news media. I feel I have been discriminated and that Certegy is practicing unfair trade practices. There are hundreds of consumers that are experiencing these same issues as myself. I encourage any victim of Certegy to write these establishments. There is power in numbers and there needs to be a Class Action Lawsuit against this company. Certegy has already been through one for identity theft and there needs to be another one.

On April 11, 2009 I attempted to purchase a Penguins jersey for my 9 year old son's birthday. The cost was $90. I was running low on cash, so I decided to write a check at Dick's Sporting Goods. The cashier told me my check had been declined, and asked if I wanted to call customer service of Certegy to see if they would override the decision. I explained that I was furious and that I most definitely wanted to speak to this company. I am 37 years old, fully employed, as is my husband, there were more than sufficient funds in the account, and I had not had ANY history of bad credit or bad checks. As I spoke to the representative and she explained that there were no flags on my account, but that I fit some sort of profile and that she could not verify the funds with my bank so therefore they could not clear the check. I was humiliated!

I immediately went to my bank after I left Dicks to check on the status of my account. The bank teller said that there was no reason that the check should have been declined, and that it had never been attempted to pass through the bank. I wrote a check for cash and finished my shopping that day. It was a Saturday and the banks were about to close for the day, so I let it drop. On Monday I proceeded back to my bank to have them contact Certegy to try to figure out where the problem might lie.

The manager of the bank called, and the Certegy rep refused to talk to him. I had to go through everything I had been through on Saturday, and still she was unable to give me an explanation, even with a rep from my bank there to verify the funds were available. I too was offered the opportunity to join their Gold status. I requested the information be sent out, but decided not to give this company any more information about me.

Fast forward 2 weeks...I was shopping in Target and had a bill total of $106 again, I wrote a check, and again, this same company declined my check. I am FURIOUS! How does a company have the right to deny me the ability to access my own money? Something needs to be done to stop this practice. It is embarrassing and a HUGE inconvenience!

On 3/27/09 I attempted to purchase a pair of shoes for $65.00 from Department Shoe Warehouse (DSW), only to get my check denied at check out. First off I had more than enough funds to cover the check. I have been writing checks for 13 years and never had this problem. At any rate the cashier had no problem calling in for a phone approval, but after getting on the phone with the Certegy rep and giving her all info she requesting and verify everything necessary she still instructed the cashier to deny my check. I asked to speak to the Certegy rep and the Certegy rep refuses and instructs the cashier to give me a phone number I can call for more information. I wad livid!

I leave the store, call the number immediately and of course I get an automated system but because lucky for me the system couldn't identify my zip code and rolled my call over to a live rep. I had to give the rep all my info to verify yet again, then he goes on to tell me that no negative information is on my file, but for security reasons Certegy could not approve my transaction! Of course I said what reason is that, and of course he couldn't tell me anything specific. He gave me a list of things it could have been but assured me I did nothing wrong and nothing is wrong with my check or account.

Then the kicker was that he offered me the opportunity to become a Certery Gold Member which gurantees a better check writing experience...my checks will be accepted in more retailers. Although I already knew I wasn't filling it out (they have more than enough info on me already), I still asked them to send me a copy so I can see it...ridiculous. They ask for a voided check, DL#, household income, average daily account balance, and much more...no way!

So here it is weeks later and I still haven't a clue as to why my check was not accepted. Oddly enough, I wrote my next check on 4/11/09 at Walmart and very same thing but was with Telecheck! Same process. The rep told me to write them a letter requesting a specific explanation but I refused to write them anything, but still demanded a written explanation. They agreed and told me I should receive the letter by 4/17/09. I am scared to write checks anymore. what's going on? Are the retailers having the check services do this to make us swipe our cards or something so they can get funds immediately? Somethings fishy about this and it needs to be investigated big time!

Certegy refused to process a check from our church account in payment of our website services with GoDaddy.com. I spent 4 days back and forth with a certegy person telling me that there was no reason our check should not clear and GoDaddy being unable to get it to go through. Finally, in desperation I asked to speak with a supervisor at Certegy who informed me that they simply were not going to process the check and there was nothing that could be done. Because of this and the many other similar compaints of this firm's arbitrary and capricious actions I WANT THIS COMPANY SHUT DOWN!!! I urge everyone not to do business with companies that use Certegy, not even in cash, and let them know the reason.

Our church's website was taken down over Easter weekend - a time when traffic would normally be expected to increase.

Today, April 7th, I was on my way back home from the doctors' office with my 6-week-old sick daughter. A few miles from my house, I stopped at Circle K to get gas, as I was on E. I wrote a check for a mere $20.00, yet my check was declined. Very embarrased and thinking maybe there was an accounting oversight on my part, I headed home to call my bank.

Half-way home, though, I ran out of gas. I was forced to walk home in the very brisk morning air with my sick daughter, oh, yeah, and I have a broken leg. When I finally did get home to call my bank, they notified me that there was no problem with my account. I called Certegy using the telephone number the gas station clerk conveniently stapled to my declined check, and they said there was no negative activity associated with my account, but rather I fit a profile of fraudulent activity. They stressed there was nothing else they could do unless I enrolled in some gold program they were offering. I declined, and I will never use any vendor who uses Certegy. How embarrassing, inconvenient, and down-right ridiculous!

My vehicle ran out of gas, my leg and foot was in severe pain from the walk home, and my daughter is extremely cranky right now, possibly getting sicker (I am writing this only a couple of hours since the incident occured).

I was in Big Lots buying a couch that I so desperately needed. I procedded to write a check, and it was declined by Certegy because it followed some sort of profile, even though they said there was no negative activity on my account. I called the bank and they said that no check had ever came through, and that if it did it would have gone through no problem because there was $2000 more than what I needed in the account. I want to initiate a class action law suit if one hasn't already been started. I was so embarrassed i could have died. Then on top of it, They sold my couch to someone else because the check wouldn't go through. Well, that happened to be the last one, and it was discontinued so they would not get any more, and this was the last day of the sale. I want a class action suit so that they cannot do this anymore.

Because of this mishap I had to call other locations of this store, wasting my cell phone minutes, and then had to drive an extra 20 miles out of my way to go and purchase the sofa. I then had to pay the delivery guy I had hired an extra fee for going even further out of his way.

I purchased business cards at Office Max that cost $141 and change. I wrote a check today April 2, 2009 for the amount of the charge that the clerk at Office Max was required to check with Certegy. To my astonishment and embarassment the check was declined. I then paid Office Max with my American Express card after the clerk told me Certegy said there were not sufficient available funds to clear the check. I left the store wondering what had happened.

I called Certegy and was told that I met a flagged profile and there was nothing they could do. I called my bank and was told that, as I knew, there is several thousands of dollars available in the account and thousands more in a backup account MMA.

I gather that this is not a new problem. I would like to know if there is a class action suit for public embarassment against this company. I would like to join the action.

I am also writing to the Office Max CEO about their business associates. I am a former CFO of a large corporation and I would never do business with unethical people.

I went home and called the number they gave me. It was the same company- Certegy. Only this time thay told me it was a security decline and there was nothing they could do unless I fill out their paper and send it back in the mail. They told me that they don't know how long this problem will last on the checks I write that will be cleared by their company. I was not humiliated once but twice in the same day in two different stores. And I must say they were of no help on the phone. They just kept repeating themselves and telling me it will go away if I fill out their paper.

Tryed to write a check to bestbuy for a computer system $1,354.78. Was told that my check was declined, no reason given. When asking why was given a card with certegy number on it. A nice clerk let me us there phone and talk to a lady named Pat. She told me that since my check was not in normal parmeters that the check was declined, ie id theift, stolen check etc. When i told her that I had all of the proper id she again told me this was for my protection. No over ride or anything was given was told this is how it was going to be. I had to use another form of payment. This [upset] me even more since i had more money in my checking account than I could charge up on my credit card.

Just lost of time because of the embarsassment of looking like im writing a bad check. I've worked hard for the credit rating that i have and to have someone tell me Well there may or may not be some kind of negitve reporting with this check. Well ill never do bussiness with a company that uses these people. And I'm a man of my word.

They declined my check stating Fraudulant activity I have no bounced checks to any company/store and have never been arrested for any type of fraud. I was Humiliated at the thought of this when it happened at Sears on Brown Avenue in Manchester NH

I was unable to make my purchase and felt be-littled and humiliated in front of the customers that was in the shop.

I was in Borders today on 3-20-09 and I wrote a check for $35 for a purchase of a cd and a dvd. My check was declined and I was given a piece of paper with Certegy's phone number on it and a 7 digit code. I called the number and after giving up everything but my social security number, I was told that there was no negative information in the system. However my check wasnt approved because it didnt fall under the check acceptance guide lines.

When i asked what these were I was told that the check could have been denied based on the amount, the check frequency, check history, and a bunch of other could be reasons. I had the money in the account and have used the account at other merchants and never had a problem, never had I been declined based on assumptions.

That came off to me as if for whatever reason Certegy decided that they didnt think they would get paid on the check so they decline me. I dont understand how you can decline a check and there is no negative or suspicious activity on the account.

I was embarrassed. It looked to the merchants as if I was trying to pass bad checks. Because they wouldnt take the checks I had to take more time out of my day to find a different merchant to purchase those items from.

we have never had a problem writing checks until at a academy store in texas on 3/14/09. We were told our check was declined by certegy. When we called certegy they explained that the check was declined based on a profile that was for our protection as well as the merchant. Now we had plenty of money in our account and have never had trouble wrting checks at this store. Now we are concerned about writing any checks.

we are very upset

I don't usually write checks, however, I was at Bass Pro Shops in the Inland Empire with only my checkbook. I wrote a check for 169.00 and was told the check was rejected by Certegy Code 2. I was embarrassed and humiliated and asked who I could call to find out what Code 2 meant and why my check was refused. The manager showed up with a piece of paper with Certegy's phone number on it. Since I don't usually write checks, I got over the embarrassment and humiliation and didn't call.

A couple of months later, I was in Target, not wanting to charge anymore on my credit card. I wrote a check for 140.00 and again my check was declined by Certegy, Code 2. This time, I called. I got a Certegy employee who was obviously reading from a manual verbatim saying that my check was declined because my checking account was flagged as matching a pattern of fradulent activity. I asked her to tell me specifically what fradulent activity and why MY check was declined. She again read word for word the same explanation.

At this point I started getting very angry and asked her again what fradulent activity. She again read me word for word the same explanation. I lost it! I demanded to speak with a supervisor. After 15 minutes on hold, using my cell phone minutes no less, I was patched through to her supervisor, William. I told him I wanted an investigation into the fradulent activity related to my account because if I'm a victim of identity theft, I need to know about it. He told me the investigation had already been done and that's why my checks were declined.

I flew into a rage and again requested that an investigation be done specifically on why MY checks were associated with fradulent activity. (BTW, my credit score is around 780.) No matter what I asked him, He kept repeating the same rhetoric over and over. I then asked to speak with his supervisor. He told me he didn't have one. I said everybody has a supervisor and again he told me he didn't have one. I got so angry, I thought I was going to have a heart attack and my 9-year-old daughter was crying. I can't remember the last time I got so angry.

Finally he told me his supervisor's name, but said she was on vacation until March 3rd which was a few days away. I ended up hanging up on him after I realized that I was dealing with morons and wasn't going to get anything except a coronary. I'm still seething. Shame on you Certegy and your dispicable business practices. And shame on the businesses who use your services while humiliating and embarrassing your loyal and responsible customers.

I went to Wal-Mart to utilize their advertized cashing of tax refund check under $2999 for just $3. Sounded like a fabulous deal....until I went through the embarassment of being denied, and all the money center employee could tell me was to call Certegy. I did so, FINALLY getting to talk to an agent (who was very friendly, but not helpful). Apparently if your check fits some sort of computer generated profile, it will deny it to be cashed. What this mysterious profile is, no one could tell me. They said it was to help prevent fraud, but all it did was prevent an honest American citizen the right to her money (issued by the Federal government, ironically) and allowed Wal-mart to get away with false advertisement.

I will be calling the IRS offices on Monday first thing, and if they tell me it would be a good idea to report both agencies to the better business bureau (which I'm sure they will because Certegy is alleging that one of their checks is fraudulent) I will be more than pleased to do that as well.

Will probably have to pay upwards of $200 dollars to get my tax refund money. And people wonder why I don't trust banking organizations......

Our check was declined at two locations by Certegy services. There is plenty of money in the bank that issued the checks and I have never had a returned check!! I called Certegy and was basically told I cannot write checks anywhere that Certegy provides their BAD services!! They do not show any reason why they declines my checks, but said it was their system!!

Was unable to purchase my sons car seat. Emotional embarrasment!!!

I wrote a check for $1,110 + at Jones Ford, a vendor I have dealt with for 19 years, and to whom I have paid by check for each and every invoice. I have never bounced a check there or anywhere else. The account on which the check was drawn had over $35,000.00 in it. This was a local check to a local vendor. Nonetheless, it was declined (Code 2). I paid by another means, and then immediately called my bank to verify the balance and to make sure there were no technical issues (computers down etc.) that might have influenced the denial.

They (my bank) reported no problems and the balance I thought I had. I then called Certegy and spoke to a representative who said that the check was denied because it fit some pattern that their computer was scanning for. He could not tell me any specifics of the pattern, as they were unknown to him per Certegy's internal policies. I then asked for his supervisor and got exactly the same responses, except that she tried to get me to fill out their Certegy Gold application, which would have required a LOT of personal information. Needless to say, I declined and aske to speak to HER supervisor.

I got her voice mail and have yet to hear back. Since each person I spoke to tried to get me to give them more personal information than necessary to answer my questions, I think this is nothing other than data-mining masquerading as check verification. In fact, the first supervisor said that there was no way they could know the balance of funds in my account or if the check would indeed clear or not. Well now, I thought that was the point. I attempted to write a valid local check to a local vendor with whom I have a long-standing relationship. Isn't that the sort of check that's supposed to go through? I plan to complain to the vendor through the General Manager. Maybe they'll consider using a different check verification service, and hopefully one less incompetent than Certegy.

Many times I receive my payroll check on the wknds. and have always cashed them at Walmart with no problem until Sunday night. I was given a valet ticket by the clerk and told I could use the phone to call Certegy. After what seemed like forever I FINALLY got a real person who told me that I met certain red flagged criteria for fraud protection and they could not approve the cashing of my check. They would not tell me what that criteria was as that would be a breach of security. Well they are the ones who asked me for my drivers lic. # and S.S. #, birthday, etc. They they have the nerve not to approve the cashing of my check.

I talked to my personal banker the following week, and she said she had a stack of complaints against this company for the same reason. Accounts which have thousands of dollars available in them, corporate accounts, personal accounts. She said these people are considering closing their accounts with this bank, when in fact it has nothing to do with the bank; but the company Certegy in not approving the cashing of these checks. She even called it a fly by night company. Sounds like it to me. Will try again in 2 weeks to cash my check at the same Walmart (where my wife works by the way), if they refuse again, we plan to seek legal counsel and sue the pants off these jerks!

Was going to purchase groceries and goodies for Superbowl party and payroll check was declined.

I had went to Target to purchase a TV the day before Christmas.I fealt that it was better to write a check versus going to the bank and withdrawing the cash out and carrying it around so close to the holiday.I had recently misplaced my debit card so I wasn't able to use it.I get to the checkout with my items and everything was fine until the guy behind the counter tells me we cannot except your check.Knowing I have no bad checks out bouncing around I politely took the little printed receipt and called certegy right there in front of everyone thinking the mistakes would be corrected immediately and I would be able to leave with my last minute Christmas items.

The operator comes on the line I give her all the information and to my surprise all she can tell me is that my reason #2 was simply a security measure and that there was no bad info in the system pertaining to me.I asked could the information be reversed so I can get my items and leave and she tells me in short NO.

So there I was with no cash the banks closed and having to wait til after the Christmas holiday to get the gifts I wanted to purchase. Since then I have tried to cash payroll checks at Wal-Mart and the same thing reason 2. I have been embarrassed too many times can someone please straighten this comany out so I can continue to shop at the stores I have come to love and not be embarrassed or on edge when it is time to go to check out. In the meantime I have just been carrying cash on me and using my debit card.

I had to wait til after the Christmas Holiday to go to my bankand get money to finish buying gifts for my kids because of the reason 2 and not to mention the embarrassment I fealt!

I have been shopping at Sears for over 30 years. Attempted to make a purchase for $32.78. Certegy denied my check with a code 2 (supposedly this means that they don't have any bad info, they just felt like denying my check). I am shocked. I have not been able to reach a live person just a recording that says they are protecting me from fraud. Since when is it fraud to use your own checks?

humilation & embarrassment. Was not able to purchase the items needed.

I went to cash my payroll check at the Walmart store in Muskogee,OK Friday evening. I was very suprised when they were unable to accomodate my request and take their $3 check cashing fee from it. I was given a valet type ticket and the clerk at The Money Store within Walmart allowed me to use their phone. The system informed me that I was the target of possible identity theft. I have had no other indicators present and how is one to determine you are a possible identity theft potentially prone victim? Is it because I was cashing a paycheck?

I could not make planned purchases at Walmart (which I have had unresolvable problems there before-my feelings were not hurt for being unable to give Walmart any of my money-that is a whole new bag of apples). It was a big inconvenience to postpone my purchases until I could cash my check at the bank the next morning. I was a little embarassed as their reasonings were not at all any fault of myself.

Received a 10% off coupon for furniture at Target, but was required to write a check in order to use it. I frequent Target weekly, but usually pay cash or credit card (I don't have a Target-specific store card). Check gets flagged by Certegy, they won't accept it, and nobody at Target will tell me anything about what Certegy is or why my check is bouncing when there is PLENTY of money in my bank account.

They just tell me to call some 800 number printed on my decline receipt. I do, and the automated voice on the phone tells me there is absolutely nothing wrong with the available funds in the account, it's just that my check didn't fit some computer model of consumer behavior.

Now, I work in banking and understand the importance of fraud prevention. But this is over-the-top ridiculous to straight up decline somebody just because they've never written a check to your company before. So, with a huge line of people staring at me as if I'm either trying to commit fraud or just don't have the money, I ask for the manager. He comes out, won't tell me anything about Certegy and won't listen to the recording. He just says I have to pay with a different form of payment.

So I pull out my AMEX and he says if I pay with that then they can't let me use the 10% off coupon, but that they'd be happy to have me fill out an application for an in-store credit card and I could use that. What? Just a minute ago you think I'm committing fraud on your company and now you want me to apply for your in-store credit card?

Target is obviously not trained to handle these situations, and they employ the services of Certegy which seems to be one of the most inept fraud prevention services with a horrible business or computer model. Target just lost itself a customer, and it sounds like they've lost many others as well because of this. I called Target's customer service (bad description of them) department, and all they could tell me to do was try writing checks for smaller amounts next time. Really? That's your only suggestion? Apparently Certegy requires a check history with somebody in order to take their checks. That's insane. And to top it off, nobody at Target HQ or at the store will allow us to be refunded the 10% we should have saved with that coupon.

Not allowed to claim $25 in savings with a coupon, and embarrassed by the staff in front of fellow customers.

Same story as the rest of these fine posters.... I am in the begining stages of a major home remodel, with a significant amount in my checking account. Today I went to HOME DEPOT to purchase some power-tools to start working this weekend. My total came to $340.00 a sum that makes not even a dent in my account balance. Surprise- check denied. Of course the HOME DEPOT clerk couldnt tell me anything and folks in line were staring at me like I was ***** *** *****....

Call CERTEGY as soon as I leave the store and surprise! they tell me I have no bad check history- they state that they tried to verify funds from my bank but alas my bank wouldnt tell them anything other than I have accounts in good standing. The CERTEGY csr tells me to use another form of payment in their over 350,000 establishments.

I will be starting a website soon to protest this idiotic company CERTEGY and all businesses that use it.

My head aches and I feel like throwing up. I also feel extremely violated.

A collection service called my wife. They stated that they would make a settlement with me. My wife took down the information and told me about it. A week or so later, I call back the collection agency (1-877-572-7572). They asked who I was and why I was calling them. I told who I was and why I was calling. I asked who this was for. They said Certegy Bank. When they told me this I stated I have never heard of them. They passed me off to others and then finally an operator told me it was a mistake as the social security numbers did not match up, even close.

Luckily, I was able to catch it in time before any damages happened. I would like people to be aware of this scam that Certegy is pulling on people.

I was one of the individuals, whose personal information was compromised by an employee of Certigy who sold information to third parties. I did receive a phone call on my cell from a telemarketer, who became irate, rude, and insulting to me, when I asked him exactly how he got my information and cell phone number. During his ranting and raving that I had indeed given my consent for this phone call, when I wrote a personal check to something I never heard of, I had to yell back at him that my personal information had been sold illegally by an employee of a check processing company, and that I was involved in a class-action suit against the company, he finally shut up, and promtly hung up.

I also was contacted by a recording of someone poseing to be from my bank, insisting that my debit card may have been compromised and gave a number to call to verify my information. I knew that was a fraud and reported the phone number to the FBI. In the meantime, I decided to purchase Equifax Credit protection, and am paying about 17.00 monthly to keep track of my credit, and have had my credit report locked. I have noticed that since doing this, I have received no more scams by phone. I have already filed my claim in the class-action suit, and am supposed to receive one, two or three years worth of check and credit monitoring. I have yet to hear anything back. In the meantime, I'm wondering if Certigy just needs to shut it's doors to re-group! They seem to be making a great many people very angry!

I've been paying 14.95 for over a year now, recently bought 2.00 more protection from Equifax Credit Protection. I'm at my wits end with all these companies that are selling consumer information to third parties! When is this madness going to stop. I already suffer from clinical depression! I don't need anymore stress.

I went to the Target store in Rocky River tonight and had a personal check refused through Certergy, or whatever it's called. I spoke to the manager and he said he couldn't do anything about it. Well, I can. I will NEVER set foot in any of [their] stores again. I've been going to Target since it first appeared in the Cleveland area, even purchased a microwave from that store a few weeks before. I'm 54, have a credit score of about 720, have never had a personal check refused in my life until tonight, have about $5,000 in that checking account they refused! I will also strongly encourage my kids to never buy anything from [their] stores again, don't know or care what [their] malfunction is, [they] have lost a customer for life.

My checks have been denied several times at Piggly Wiggly, Home Depot, and Academty sports. Finally someone from Certegy called me but it took someone from the Main Office at Piggly Wiggly to call them and let them know they were loosing a very good customer because my checks where being denied for no reason.

I spoke with the Piggly Wiggly manager and he called his main office they then called Certegy with in an hour I recieved a call from them telling me that someone cashed one of my checks using a different ID card and birthdate but what it was they used my SSN because I am Military and sometimes they use my military ID that has my SSN as my form of ID if they can't figure out how to put my drivers license in from Michigan and they got the birthdate mixed up.

Certegy also said that I wrote 2 big checks for $3300.00 and $1900.00 in less then a week. I explained to them that I bought 2 new computers and had the cash to pay for them is that a crime to pay cash and not charge them. She said she could lift the fraud flag from my account so tomorrow when I go back to Piggly Wiggly we will see if has been lifted because I will be writting a check.

I wrote to Bennett and Deloney on May 7, 2008 and provided them with the information requested. Now, 7 months later, Certegy has sold my account to yet another collection agency--AAA Collectors, Inc. I'm tired of this--I reported the theft, and arrests were made. I provided all of that information to every one of these collection agencies. I am tired of being harassed. There is no way to directly contact Certegy--they have a very nice web page but you can't speak to anyone. Why would they sell my account 3 times to various collection agencies when they have received the information? Someone needs to reign these guys in.

On Dec 8 I had a telephone conversation with Certegy about a check that was denied on Sunday at Academy sports, this was a 3 way call with a represenative from my Credit Union Five Star Federal C.U on the other line since Certegy had told me that it was my banks fault my checks were getting denied. After they changed thier story when they found out my bank was on line with us. They said it was because of how there security codes are set in the computer,

well yesterday i went to Piggly Wiggly and wrote a check i had a check denied thier on NOv 11 for 199.00, very embarrising. so i wrote a check for 68.00 out of another checking accout that I have, it processed fine. Today i had to return to Piggly Wiggly for more groceries. I called the manager over and explained what was going i wrote a check from my account that was denied in NOv and at Academy and it was again denied, this time for Category 1 saying that in most instances his is based upon negative information on file usually prior unpaid checks,

well i have never bounced a check and when i talked with Certegy the other day they said they did not have any history on anything i had written before, with the exception of a $1900.00 at Best Buy that had no problem clering. I do believe since i made the last complaint that i am being targeted and the company is ruining my reputation in the community since we are a small community. The manager said he would talk to there district office on this matter he over rode the decline because he knows i have been shopping thier for over 6 years with no problems.

I am trying to keep my home running while my husband is deployed and this situation is really causing me to have anxioty attacks and I can't sleep because of the stress that it is causing. I need some advise on how to stop this.

On NOv 10 I had a check denied at the local Piggly Wiggly, which I have been shopping there for over 7 years and have never had a check returned. The manager who is a good friend said that the only reason it gave was code 2 which states: Although no unpaid check information is on file. Certegy did not have sufficient information available ot approve the transaction, or this transaction exceeded a pre-established limit.

I called Certegy imediately after being embarressed. The cusotmer service rep at Certegy said that it was becaues they are trying to protect me from Identity theft, and becaue I had a Michigan drivers liciense and a Georgia bank accout, I explained that I am in the military and authorized to keep my MI driver licience because MI is my legal state of Residncy. I got know where with her.

Then the other day it happended again at

Academy Sports while I was doing some Christmas Shopping I was embarressed again same code but when I called they said it was because my bank would not provide them with information for them to accept my checks. So today I called my bank and on a 3 way call we spoke with Certety because my Credit Union has had to deal with this company before. But again we got no where if there is anyone that is going to start a classaction law suit please contact me. I have spoken to the manager at our local Piggly Wiggly and I will not shop thier anymore until they stop using Certegy and if I go in somewhere and see they use them I will shop somewhere else. Something needs to be done about them. Greg form Certegy said they have to deny good checks to get bad ones.

Embarrasment had to return to purchase items more traveling time and money. Many hours on the phone with Certegy on hold. We caculated over 45 minutes of hold time today while my Credit Union and I were on hold for them.

I went to TARGET to do a little Christmas shopping. At the cash register I wrote a check for $147.85 knowing that I had $914.00 in my bank account. CERTEGY denied my check. I have not bounced a check since my teen years. When I called CERTEGY, you can not get a person. They machine apoligized and stated that this denial is not a reflection on me.

I was embarrassed with my children about this issue that was not my fault. I did not have my debt card on me, so no way to pay. Luckily my mom was shopping and paid for me. Why should I be penalized for using a check. If is still legal tender. CERTEGY needs to figure out what they are doing. This is unexceptable.

I received a notice in the mail informing me that I had a returned check dated 8/13/08 in the amount of $19.99 made out to GODADDY.COM. They also claimed that my credit rating will suffer, that merchants will deny my checks, if I apply to open another checking account it will be denied and that if I do not pay the full amount plus a check return fee of $25.00 that other actions can be taken. Checking with my bank no check was presented to them plus my account was never that low and if a check had been presented it would have cleared.

I called and spoke with a Nick in Bookkeeping for GODADDY and he told me that it is out of their hands and I have to deal directly with Certegy. I asked him if the check had in fact was returned that I wanted a copy of my check front and back that it was returned. He then stated it was an electronic check where no such instrument was issued and that Certegy issued the electronic check for them.

I am going to contact the State Attorney General and request their assistance in this fraudulent action(s) on the part of Certegy. If anyone has or is filling any class action lawsuit please notify me so I can be included. I had GODADDY cancel every future automatic renewal on their list and when I received the list from them many services I had already canceled. Some I canceled over and over before it took.

I pay a lot of bills over the phone and to date none has been turned down. 80% of my purchases I use a credit card. I have been at the same bank since 1980 and they assure me that I can open as many back accounts as I may need. But reading the list of merchants here, I will no longer do business with any of them. In fact any stores I do business with if they use Certegy I will walk out and go somewhere else.

On two separate occasions over the last two months, I have had checks denied, citing code 2 and not offering much of an explanation. Most recently, I went shopping on Black Friday with my checkbook in hand. I woke up at 4 AM and went to the mall to take advantage of a few great deals. I found the items I was looking for and waited in line for almost 2 hours. When I finally made it to the checkout, my check was declined. I was purchasing less than $60 worth of merchandise and my account has over $3,000 in it.

I have never written a bad check in my life and this was the second instance where Certegy was to blame... I ended up not being able to make my purchase as all I had on me was my checkbook. In fact, I was humiliated and I went home. I was so furious when I called Certegy. When I finally got a human on the phone, she told me that they look for check writing patterns that suggest identity theft and so on. I told her that this is the second time I have been humiliated in a line and this time it costed me a lot of money! Not to mention, I ventured out into the craziness of Black Friday at 4 AM to come home empty handed.

She said she is sorry for that, but Certegy is only trying to protect the stores... I then asked her if she felt Certegy is doing their customers a service or a disservice? She told me about the millions of dollars per year the stores lose due to bad checks and so forth. I told her that if this has happened twice to me, it must be happening frequently to other people as well. She proceed to hang up on me.

I attempted to pay for a $270 purchase at Target with a check and was denied by Citergy. Seeing as there were sufficient funds in my account, but it was a relatively new account, I didn't think anyathing of it. I proceeded to write another check on an older account and that one was denied also. I purchased my item with a credit card and left the store rather embarrassed.

I called Citergy and received voice mail instructions to give banking and personal information to them which I refused to do. This company should not be allowed to verify checks and the companies that do business with them will not be receiving my business.

I was embarrassed at first. This embarrassment turned to anxiety as I am now wondering about identity theft. I will now have to contact both banks to check on both of my accounts.

Took my car to Toyota Dealership to have a $564.00 repair. When I went to pay for the repair I was told that they could not accept my check because it was declined by Certegy for Code 2 - Although no unpaid check information is on file, Certegy did not have sufficient information available to approve the transaction, or this transaction exceeded a pre-established limit.

As soon as I was notified I felt ashamed and embarrassed. I started shaking and my heart started beating real fast. The dealership personel becaome rude and insisted on cash. 3 hours later after obtaining a live person at Certegy an override was performed to allow the transaction to go through. I feel like I have been emotionally and physically harmed by this experience. I would like legal advice about taking action against Certegy and the local Toyota Dealership.

This is a joke! How can this happen??? It was humiliating. I am NOT shopping at any company using Certegy EVER AGAIN!

Consequences: Humiliation, embarrassment, anger, frustration, no food in the house, no tampons, thus leading to clothing being damaged. I will try not to be more graphic than that.

On September 5, 2008, someone cashed a former employee's payroll check at a Certegy check cashing machine located inside a 7-11 convenience store. The paycheck that was cashed was reported lost/stolen from our former employee on July 8, 2008. The date of the original paycheck was June 5, 2008. We put a stop payment on the payroll check through our company bank and re-issued this employee a new check. Exactly 90 days from the original date of the check an individual cashed it.

Certegy called us on September 26, 2008 telling my company that we owe them the amount of the cashed check even though we had placed a stop payment on it two months prior. Certegy requested a letter from our bank stating detailed information in regards to the stop payment of the check, the employee name, check date, amount, check number, etc... We faxed the bank letter over to them on September 29, 2008.

After numerous follow up phone calls, finally, on October 6, 2008, we receive a letter from Certegy stating our referenced claim has been satisfied and closed in their system. In the meantime, some of my employees personal banks were putting a 7-10 day hold on their paychecks as they still are because they use Certegy. On October 10, 2008, we received another letter stating the claim is still open and we owe this money.

We have now contacted two police departments, one in the area where our business is located and another in the city where the check was cashed, both departments said Certegy should not be holding us responsible for payment, since their insurance should cover it and we did everything we were supposed to do. The police did say, the District Attorney will not prosecute because the dollar amount is under $500.00.

We are now being asked by Certegy to complete an Affidavit and in this Affidavit they want all of my personal information, including my social, driver's license, mother's maiden name, my account information and then some. I do not feel that this should be necessary, and neither do the police, or the bank. What do we do now to clear this, since Certegy will not return phone calls or release my company from this claim until they receive full payment or the completed Affidavit?

My business cannot write or cash checks at any place that uses Certegy Check Cashing Systems, My employees, vendors or subcontractors whose banks use Certegy, have holds placed on their funds and this is completely unacceptable as they have earned their wages and payment for services. We have spent numerous working hours to clear my company but to no avail. We've even offered Certegy an opportunity to help them collect from the individual who cashed the check.

The check cashing machines take photos of you at the time you are using it. We have suspicions of who it might be and Certegy does not want our help. The police said Certegy has probably, if not already, been paid through their insurance and are double dipping to get us to pay them too. If you look at the Better Business Bureau, Certegy has over 625 claims in the last year and a half, what do people and small business like us have to do to fix this?

My $307.15 business check was denied at a Staples Office Store in Falls Church, VA (with over $200,000 in the account and proper identification). I asked for the reason and the clerk couldn't tell me but gave me a telephone number. I called as soon as I got home, to learn that it is a check verification service called Certegy. Michelle, the woman I spoke to, said that it didn't matter how much I had in the account or my id was accurate; it was because their computer looks for patterns and my check came up just a little bit. That didn't make sense and she couldn't explain it any better, but kept repeating that they look for patterns. I was humiliated at the store and got NO RESOLUTION with Certegy!!

I had to leave the store without the supplies I needed to operate our business. My husband is self employed and I needed ink, paper and an external hard drive to back up the invoices!! I do not want an attorney to contact me, I just want someone to stop Certegy from getting away with their fishy practices!!!

World Market - check for $297.79 declined - reason given, Risk Code 2. Was given a card of how to contact Certegy. Totally humiliating experience. Used my credit card as it was 40 bottles of wine, special ordered for a wedding.

Went to the bank because I thought my account had been robbed. Bank called Certegy - they couldn't explain why my check was declined so I got on the phone. I was told I don't have a check writing historty with THEM. I've been writing checks since 1980 and NEVER had a problem. They then told me I could fill out an application to get into their system -- NO WAY! I asked to speak to someone else - a woman got on the phone and said she was a supervisor and if I wanted to give her my personal information on the phone she would put me on their VIP list. NO WAY! Told her I would contact the retailer and let them know that they had lost me as a customer as long as they continued to do business with Certegy.

The woman at the bank couldn't believe my check could be declined - she was looking at the $$ in my account.

Went to Dillards -- same experience. Asked to speak to the manager. Explained to Liz what I had been told - they didn't have any NEGATIVE on file about me, they just didn't have ANY history on my check writing. I asked her to call the bank and speak to the woman at Regions and confirm the check was good that way. She said she couldn't as it was store policy. I walked out -- without the purchase.

Have contacted World Market headquarters. Will call Dillards District Manager on Monday and am writing to the Attorney General.

The relationship between retailers and my bank is lost.

The humiliation is priceless.

Americans should not have to sign up with a 3rd party in order to get their checks approved when doing business with a retailer.

On Oct 11 I was out making several purchases. After visiting 2 businesses and making purchases using my checking account I went into Marshalls. I spent some time, picked out a few needed items and proceeded to the cash register to check out. My total was just $28.99.

It started when the attendant could not get my check to process through there register. She tried several times, brought her supervisor over who also tried to no avail. I could see the people behind me becoming irritated and I was becoming embarrassed but was assuming that there was a problem with their register. They then took my purchase to another register and had the same problem.

I was handed a card and told to call this company called Certegy. They told me that they are a check guarantee company and they could not guarantee my check because characteristics of either my check or my transaction fit a pattern of fraudulent transactions. I can not even begin to say how angry and embarrasing this was!! My account had a balance of over $2000.00 at the time (this check was for only $28.99) and I am 51 years old and the only time I ever had a returned check I believe I was 22 years old! I have a very good credit rating, presented proper I.D. with the same name, address and information that is on the check. After spending 30 minutes on the phone and speaking with a supervisor, I was told they could not tell me any reasons and it was nothing personal, just some pattern that my transaction fit.

On 10/10/08 I went to KMART in Acton Massachusetts. I wrote a check for several items totaling $111.85. The cashier informed me that my check was denied by Certegy check clearing services. I have the highest credit rating possible, have no debt whatsoever, have never paid a bill late EVER, and pay every bill I get IN FULL each month!! Certegy gave no reason for denying me, but simply asked me to sign up for their Gold service and give them all of my personal info. so that they would not deny me in the future. Isn't this against the law? What an embarassing fiasco!

I tried making a purchase at Microcenter and was told my check was declined by Certegy. I have more than enough funds in my account to cover the check. I tried calling Certegy and was put on hold after dealing with a frustrating computer. After waiting over 20 minutes, I hung up.

I am ticked off because this has wasted over one-and-a-half hours of my time already. I am unable to make a necessary purchase and feel like I am being treated like a criminal.

Went to Tuesday Mornings to make a purchase. Wrote a check for about $200 off of a moneymarket account that has over $35,000 in it & Certegy declined it. Ended up having to use Am. Express. Certegy admitted they had no logical reason for denying me as I had never no negative hx. They told me to fill out the form they were sending me. I don't trust these people any further than I can throw them. I don't know what they are up to, but it has to be illegal. You punish people for not following the rules, not those of us who do.

The consequence is that I have to pay by credit card & then pay my credit card bill with check. I only have the one credit card & it is supposed to be only for vacations & emergencies. Now because of this company, I'm forced to use it because It's not safe to carry hundreds in cash around.

On July 17th 2007, I received a letter from Certegy stating that a former employee had removed and sold consumer information. So I was offered free fraud monitoring of my account and placed a freeze to help stop identity theft and fraud. Recently, I tried to cash a check at one of the gaming facilities in town. They said my check was denied and gave me a number to call.

The information given was that there was no negative history but if I wanted I could sign up for the Certegy Gold Program so I would be able to write checks. I received a letter today from Certegy stating that my claim was denied!! Stating that one of the criteria is to be able to verify levels of funds through my bank. Well because my bank (Chase) only verifies funds for other banks, I was denied.

Because of this I can't go to any merchant who uses this system because my check will be denied! I don't understand how a company has the power to approve or not approve my check for a merchant! I feel I can't go out to make purchases for the fear of being humiliated because my check won't clear! Even though I know there are funds to cover the amount. Something should be done about this. They are not being fair to citizens. I feel my constitutional rights are being violated!

On Friday, 26 Sep 08 I had a Sears repairman at my home. The bill was $249.09. Iwrote a check for that amount and was informed a few minutes later by the repairman that Certegy had declined the check. I was stunned! More so, I was embarassed - and humiliated - for the following reasons: -- in my 69 years I have NEVER written a bad check -- at the time there was $4,413.07 in my checking account and over $60,000 in another account that automatically transfers to checking if necessary. -- I am a retired senior military officer (26 plus years of active service). Our reputation is such that we do not have our integrity questioned.

I called Certegy and listened to their recording explaining their policies, talked to a reception type person who repeated the sme information and, at my request, a supervisor (Natasha) who repeated the same information. At no time ws I given any specific informtion as to why the check had been declined. This even after I provided them all sorts of personal and baking information (all at their request). I was just told tht there was something in my profile that alerted a pattern of either identity theft or personal financial misdoings. I pay a monthly fee to protect against identity theft (which is checked monthly) and have an outstanding credit rating.

This outfit (Certegy) is a disgrace. I feel very angry (note that I waited several days after the incident to write this -- in case I had over reacted. I had not. As a minimum I fel that I am owed an apology and a specific explanation of why my check was denied -- and this information should come from the CEO of Certegy.

I had a problem with a payroll check today. I began a new job 2 1/2 weeks ago and my direct deposit hasn't been completed yet, so I received an ADP payroll check. Since Wal-Mart was right around the corner from where I work I decided to go there to cash my check. When I went to cash my check I was told that I was declined and they refused to give any more information. However they did give me a piece of paper with an 800 number to contact Certegy. This wait was approximately 30 minutes, which wasted most of my lunch.

When I called them I was told that the transaction matched a pattern for possible fraudulent activity. I wanted answers but they wouldn't give me any. So I tried to return to work, but I was extremely upset, thinking it was either my information or that of the company I just started with. I told my boss that I couldnt sit down and explained the situation to him. I am thankful that he is a good boss because he gave me a chance to bring this to the attention of HR and so that I could make another attempt to find out why there was a problem.

After speaking with HR, I decided to call them again. As I kept pressuring them for an answer, this is how it was explained to me. My personal information did not display any bad history. I know it didnt because my account will not allow me to overdraft. I must have the funds in my account in order to use the account. And I have had this account for 2 years now and not once have I had an alert for overdraft or NSF. There was also no bad history for my company. Considering it is a good sized office building, and others had cashed their checks with no problems, I was still a little stumped. The lady then explained that my check cashing transaction triggered a response because it matched a pattern.

When I asked what pattern, she told me it was classified and that she couldnt tell me because she didnt even know how the decision was made. I might be able to understand this if it was a personal check from someone, but how did this happen with a payroll check from a prominent business? When I started researching, all I could find was an explanation on their site that states: Certegy utilizes artificial intelligence modeling, neural networks and other state-of-the-art technology to deliver unprecedented accuracy, convenience and simplicity. After work I went to Ace Check Cashing, and I was in and out in 3 minutes.

I lost my lunch hour due to this, then was unable to complete my day at work due to worries about whether I received a valid check or not. I also had to spend $22 to cash my check instead of the lower cost promised by Wal-Mart that they could not comply with.

I tried to write a check to Sears for $411.12 and when the cashier tried to process it he received an error. He asked me if I had problems with identity theft, and I had not, but there is credit monitoring on my bank account due to issues Peoples United Bank had earlier this year with the loss of tapes with un-encripted customer data on them, so the monitoring is more of a safety measure even though I have not had any issues with my account. He called the 1-800 # and the automated message told him my check was declined for a code 2. He asked to speak with an agent and they were of no help at all. We were just told to call another 1-800 #.

I went through the automated prompts and the reason I got was that there was nothing wrong with my check, but it was denied as a security measure and that the info was relayed to the merchant. I then asked to speak to an agent to find out more details. She looked up my transaction and said there was nothing she could do. I asked if I would be able to write another check and if it would go through. She told me she could not guarantee that it would go through but that it probably wouldn't. She told me the reason why my check was denied was because I had not written enough checks with the retailers on their list, even though I have already written over 1500 checks from my account without an issue. She said the only thing she could do for me was to send out some info about their Certegy Gold or Premium program which would authorize them to view more of my account information. I

ended up having to withdraw cash from an ATM in order to complete the purchase. This was a very embarrassing experience and has now made me gun shy of trying to write a check for any future purposes for fear that the same thing would happen again. Something needs to be done about Certegy. Honest customers should not be treated like criminals. I know I was not the first nor will I be the last honest customer who will have a check rejected for no logical reason at all.

I have a complaint against Certegy and Kmart # 7308 in AR. I went into Kmart this afternoon, spent hour and half shopping for my four children's school supplies and basic necessities. The total came to: $227.94. I was declined by Certegy and Kmart. I was completely humiliated! I had valid ID(s): my current state driver's license (same as on my check), even my military ID and my badge. This was not good enough for either company. Keep in mind, I just spent $229.46 on 2008 July 16 at the same Kmart. This was less than one month ago. I paid by check and was never declined. So why now is my check not good enough?

I called Certegy while I was in Kmart this afternoon. I had to go through a long automated process before I could even speak with an agent. I was finally able to speak with Kayla, an agent at Certegy. She stated Certegy does not show any negative files against me, which she further said she did not show any bad check writing or fraud (that's because I PAY for everything, I am legit!) but she could not help me. I asked her about her manager and she further went into stating the company literally can not take back their decision at this moment in time! I demanded a letter from Certegy with their decision and how they came to the conclusion to be sent to my home so I can file a complaint with Certegy and Kmart. Kayla stated she would send it. She even apologized for her company's decision! Kmart's manager would not over-ride the Certegy decision even with all of my identification due to store policy.

Both companies wanted me to pay via credit or cash. My spouse and I refuse to use credit cards, we pay by check or cash. I was appalled that both would even suggest such after they humiliated me. As if I would continue my business with them, as if I would leave Kmart, drive all the way to the nearest bank, drive back to Kmart and pay for all of the items. Ridiculous, have they been paying for gasoline lately?

I am furious! My check was good in July but not now? Why? I called my Federal Credit Union about my checking and savings account, all was well with plenty of money in both. I assure you, I will tell EVERYONE about my experience with both companies. We do not live in a huge city. In fact, Kmart was nearly dead due to people shopping at Walmart or the up-and -coming Target in our area. Kmart, a company going under due to loss of profits, and they turn good, hard earned money away.

I will NEVER buy from Kmart again, period. I am not finished with this Certegy situation either. I can not be the only one humilitated by this company. Any consumers who have equal or similiar experiences should unite against Certegy. I will be contacting the Better Business Bureau and Federal Trade Commission with formal complaints.

You would be suprised at how many companies use Certegy (i.e., Best Buy, Kmart, TJ Maxx, Walgreens, Albertsons, Amazon.com, etc...), so you could be next so be aware. Thank you for allowing me to vent. #1: Complete humiliation by both Certegy and Kmart! -loss of my time, cost of gasoline to drive to another store, had to drive elsewhere to shop and then purchase necessities for my four children.

We had car repair/tires totaling $629.33 on our Honda and Pep Boys could not accept our local check drawn on local Wells Fargo Bank because Certegy Check Services denied--we own multiple homes, have excellent credit, etc., and have cashed checks/used credit in Corrales for a few years. We were embarrassed, and called Certegy immediately (after paying bill with American Express) only to be told by automated response that it wasn't personal, just a fraud profile and they couldn't send a letter confirming because they had no record of 87048 zip code!

Following up with a personal rep. of Certegy (Nelson) we were given vague run a round and finally told that my Calif. drivers license (which I've had for years as I am senior citizen, still employed) was untraceable and that there is no record of my ever having credit cards...even though I paid the bill with my American Express!

Obviously this Check Service has invalid (or no) data base, the data mining questions were designed to get more info and we will not use Pep Boys again unless they change their policy of using Certegy--we're sorry to ban them because their service was good and their location convenient to our Corrales home...our relatives will also ban them and any other business that usses Certegy...

We were embarrassed, put out and after reading other complaints it appears that Certegy is trying to push their Gold card (and gathering more personal info as they do...

I have now been denied cashing a check twice in the past two weeks by Certegy. Once at Home Depot, Joplin Mo and then again at Buffalo Run Casino, Miami, OK. I have written checks to both of those locations in the past and never have had a refusal or nor has the business ever suffered any loss from my doing so.

Like others, based on those posted on this websight,I was refused by Certegy to cash checks. I was handed the little yellow slip of paper. I called waiting nearly 25 minutes the first time and then nearly 5 the last time to hear that it wasn't anything about my bank account, not having the funds, it was that my checks fit a model that they use for protecting the companies they represent from receiving bad checks. I asked what that model was and what on my check would have triggered it being refused. I was told that was confidential information and to tell me what that model consisted of would allow me to use the information to get bad checks cashed? I told him that I had not had a bad check ever nor had I had a check returned and yet that was what the code indicated on the slip of paper that I received last night from Buffalo Run Casino...negative information on file?

If banks are going to continue to issue a paper check that is to be used as payment then companies doing business with the public need to accept that method of payment with adequate information from the individual cashing the check. I have given my drivers license, a major credit card, sometimes two credit references to cash a check. I don't mind that at all. I have nothing to hide.

I think that Certegy is selling it's gold memberships and the more people are refused check writing privileges the more customers they will be able to obtain personal information from. please refer to an article that was written in the Tampa Ba Business Journal on August 16, 2007, in which Certegy is being sued over misappropriated data. At that time an ongoing investigation was being coducted that revealed that Certegy had compromised over 8.5 million consumer records. they or one of their representatives had sold the personal data to marketing firms the lawsuit says St. Petersburg-based Certegy and Jacksonville-based Fidelity National failed to implement and maintain adequate security measures to protect consumers condifential and personal information.

If this is the kind of company that Lowes, Homedepot, Walmart, Petsmart, Sears and other big box stores want to deal with..then it is up to the consumer to ensure they know what business practices are being used against their customers. We have taken the article from the Tampa Bay Business Journal to the Buffalo Run Casino this afternoon along with a copy of our current bank statement, which we had printed off this morning at our bank. we want them to understand that the information they are receiving from this company is fraudulent....honest people are being given bad credit information which could impact their credit record. we for one are going to pursue this further should we find out that our credit has in anyway been negatively effected.

I would encourage anyone who reads this to personally take it upon themselves to tell as many people as they can about this company named Certegy and let the business owners know what an inconvenience it has been and embarassment to have a check denied. This company garantees the business owner payment of any check they allow through thier system and a percentage of the amount of the check. you will also notice that in those situations when you may just be cashing a check with no purchase the fee has been substancially increased.

This guarantee of payment to the business, under contract with Certegy, does not give them any incentive to be fair to the businesses customers but to protect Certegy against loss. I hope that this information circulates the globe if it will make Certegy conduct business in a manner that is beneficial to customers who are atempting to pay bills with checks which are backed by funds in an account at their local banks.

This gold card membership sounds to me like the beginnings of Fidelity National Information Services to get into the banking business? The next step after getting all of your personal information would be to offer you an account they would hold. I think FDIC would be interested in this type of offer? Stress and embarassement. the additional time it took to assure myself that my account at the bank had in fact the balances I was certain they did. There is enough stress in the world today without this.

On 04/14/08, I attempted to pay for toner for our printer with my check #3288 at Office Max in Glen Carbon. My check was denied. When I asked why, I was told "something about some checks." I came directly back to the office an checked my account online and it showed I had over $300 still in my account. I called FCB bank and was assured they had the same amount showing in my account and it must be some problem with Office Max's system. I called them and informed them.

The next morning, I checked my account online again and discovered two checks had been written to Marshalls in Mt Prospect, IL. I didn't even know there was such a place, but when I attempted to make a report to Troy police after closing my old account and opening a new one, they said it is West of Chicago. I also have never been to Chicago. I used check #3288 to try to buy the toner, but check #3288 had been cashed at Marshalls and the name in the left hand corner had been changed to April Nicole W., E 149th St, Chicago, IL 60426, the bank name had been changed to Bank of America, and none of the printed info on the check was in the same location as on my real checks. The handwriting was huge and they had used a state ID and given a telephone #. That was a fake number because I called it. Check $3288 was in the amount $260.47, and check #3289 was in the amount $271.40. These checks went thru the registers 2 minutes and 2 seconds apart, so I doubt anyone person could have purchased that much that fast-there almost had to be 2 people in two different lanes.

The next day check $3290 in amount $337.87 was cashed by Office Max in Mt Prospect. The only information on any of these checks that was mine was the bank routing info, account number, and check numbers. The last check I had cashed that went thru before I started having trouble was at Office Max. I still had my checks #3288, 3289, and 3290. I still don't know how anyone would have known what my next 3 checks would be. 3288 was the check refused by Office Max. I gave check #3289 to Tammy at FCB check to open my new account, and gave her check #3290 and my next book of checks to destroy so no one else could get them.

I spent several days changing information with my insurance company, SSA, my Thrift Account, and CSC, notifing Troy Police, Madison County Sheriff's Office, and I tried to notify Mt Prospect Police and Marshall's and the main office of Office Max and give them the information on the check to help them catch this person if they should return. Madison Co Sheriff took a report after I more or less insisted, but Troy Police said that since I was not technically a victim because I stopped them from actually getting any money from my account (only because I am on several different accounts there and one of them is a business account and they are very familiar with me and my handwriting,) that I am not actually a victim and should contact Madison Co Police.

Mt Prospect Police said they would not take a report unless I drove all the way up there to make the report in person. Why should I do that when I am not the one who actually lost money. After I called Marshalls and Office Max and they more or less blew me off, I felt it would be more to their advantage to do that than for me. Tammy at FCB bank gave me a book that just came out about who to contact, etc., in such cases and I did exactly what it said and sent letters by Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested and spent over $22 renotifying all three credit bureaus, Certegy (the Office Max in Fairview Hts, IL gave me a register tape giving me the info of where to write them.

I received a card in the mail that there is a Class Action Lawsuit against Certegy because one of their top executives downloaded and sold about 8.5 million peoples personal info). Upon finding this website, I realized how untruthful they have been with people. They could have, but did not inform people of the lawsuit because they did not want anyone to know.) The problem with the settlement, is that it is a pittance in comparison with the number of people involved, and they have set rules that would prevent most people from getting anything-especially if they did not fit among the first filers.

There should be criminal charges and penalties in this because it affects the credit of so many people, and Certegy has failed repeatedly to explain truthfully to people what is going on and has repeatedly failed to return the customers involved to being able to use their checking accounts. I have had checks refused at Office Max and Cracker Barrel, and also one of my son's business checks was denied at Office Max because I am on the account, and my Mother had one of her checks denied at the Lakeside Animal Hospital because I am on her account also. I used my ATM card and it went right thru, but my checks are useless anywhere except Walmart.

Recently an investigator at Office Max called me and gave me the telephone number of a Sr Investigator at Certegy who was supposed to straighten out my account and he said that way I would not be afraid to give him info if he called. He never did call, and I still can't cash checks. He did tell me he was sending a video to Certegy of the person who cashed the checks. Yesterday, my son hired a new employee--a former police officer from some small town in IL and he mentioned to my son that he had had a problem with ID theft after cashing a check at Office Max, but even tho it was for several thousand dollars, the bank returned his money.

Certegy may have fired the employee responsible for this, but Certegy is part of the problem because there are an awful lot of people who cannot use their checks because of this and they are amplifying the problem by not making the necessary corrections to records. I now have a FRAUD ALERT ON my record with all of the credit agencies, but that doesn't necessarily help anything. This was a crime and should be treated as a crime by the courts.

I have spent hours making the necessary changes and notifying the appropriate agencies and probably at least $30 total in postage. I also have had to take off working for my son to go make reports and changes because of it and I have been unable to cash checks and been totally embarrassed and my son was too when he was with me when our checks were denied. I was told "Well, we can't do anything about it" when I tried to explain what had happened, etc. It not only is penalizing me for trying to cash checks that have no reason to be denied, but also my son and Mother.

First off this has happened to my sister and her in laws at two different times and they stopped going to this gas station. Now I will NEVER use Murphy USA again. I wrote a check for $80 (had NO cash, NO debit card, etc) I was just getting gas like a loyal citizen. Went to pay for it, Kelly (cashier) declined the check and I asked the reason. She could not give one, she called the number for me as I insisted they would NOT give her a reason. I was stuck there and couldn't leave. It was around 7 am I had to call my sister off of work to pay for it until I could get to the bank and get her the money. My sister arrived to pay for it asked questions to the cashier and explained to me then NOT to ever go to Murphy USA because of this reason that I didn't know about.

We called the 3rd party vener cytergy to check on why it was declined as I have plenty of money in there and all they would say again like everyone else is its a fraudlent protection and said the only way to avoid it is to sign some forms that they will send out. So I went ahead and told them to mail it out (not sure what it is) but after reading all these comments sounds fishy. As you are all right. WE have the money in our accounts we should not be refused to use OUR money unless it was declined from OUR banks. Again this is degrading for the good and looks like by comments and by my friends in family this is happening way to much.

Then to top it all off, because I couldn't leave with out paying for it I was late for work, then it costs to have checks and now I have a written check that is no good so what a waste. Companies going through this 3rd party vendor better change before they have NO customers left. Late for work, sister had to get off work to pay for it, degrading when I had a good check, Lost me as a customer! I will be going forward ask who the 3rd party check vendor is and stop my business altogether with those that use Certegy. The government needs to put this company to a STOP. This is our money.

Well, I'm a loan servicing agent for [a] Federal Savings Bank, and I get paid on a bi-weekly schedule. I just got paid today, and I had to go to Wal-Mart get an air conditioner for my grandmother (whose small apartment can reach a sweltering 102 degrees on a warm day), and when I went to cash my check, it would not run through. They ran it 20 times total with no exaggeration of the fact, and finally presented me with a small piece of paper explaining that Certegy wouldn't allow it (for no reason explained on said little piece of paper)

Well, after calling this brilliant bunch of individuals at least 30 times, they reported that something was sent down from Equifax that would not allow me to cash said check. Well, funny thing is, I've never taken out a loan, never had a credit OR debit card, not even so much as checking or savings account. I work for a bank, and to be honest I simply don't trust them. Well, needless to say, I have not one single shred of credit, and I don't want or need it. I've paid cash for everything I've ever owned, and to be quite frank I see no value in a plastic card or a piece of paper that isn't green and doesn't have a president on it.

So explain to me, what could show up on my non-existant credit history that would prevent me from doing something as simple as getting a paycheck cashed to get my grandmother an air conditioner! To beat all, this was all at 1 in the morning (I work until 9 at night, and my checks are post dated to Friday even though I get paid Thursday), so Wal-Mart was the only thing open to cash my check at.

On top of that, the Wal-Mart is 30 miles from my home, so of course I wasted my time, gas, and patience to go to Wal-Mart, and all I had to show for it was a piece of paper telling me to call a company that could do nothing to help, and referring me to Equifax, whose representatives you couldn't get ahold of if their mother was on fire and they needed an extinguisher to put her out!

7 bucks in gas, an anxiety attack followed closely by a rage, and nothing to show for it but high blood pressure and a little piece of paper

I tried to write a check at Big 5 Sporting Goods for $117.38 & was told my check was denied. I asked which check verification service they used & they said Certegy. I called & found out there was NO negative information but according to certain factors in their statistical risk models which the person on the phone was unable to disclose to me, they were unable to approve my check.

Public embarassment, undisclosed defamatory information?

I wrote a $60 personal check to Kmart which was declined, There was more than enough in my account to cover this check. I was told I would have to contact Certegy since they were the one to decline my check not my bank.

When I contacted Certegy I was told that I was declined due to a security measure in place that is there to prevent fraud, and that I have no history of writing bad checks. That I was declined due to criteria in the system that my check showed signs of. When I asked what criteria is that I was told that they were not allowed to tell me that. They also said there was no way to overturn their decision, but that I could sign up to be a Gold Member which would mean that in the future my checks would not be declined.

When I asked what I would need to do to sign up for this program I found that I would basically have to turn over all my private information such as social security number, checking account information, household income, employment information and I would aslo have to send them a voided check. I told them there was no way I would give them all this information and I was told that in the future my checks could still be declined.

I would like to be able to write checks without fear of them being declined by some third party for no reason what so ever. I do not use credit cards and I do not have a debit card, I do not feel it is fair to write a check that has sufficient funds in my bank account just to have some third party deny it for no reason but then tell me if I give them all my personal information that my checks will be approved

On 5/17/08 my check was refused at the Lowe's Athens, GA store. I was told that their check approval company, Certegy, was the source of the denial. I paid for my purchase with my VISA card. (purchase was a manual lawn mower less than $100. I telephoned Certegy and was told that my check was not approved based on general demographics that I fell into, such as my bank, check writing patterns, etc. The Certegy rep said that even though their records had no negative info on me, the denial could have been the fact that the subject check amount was higher than I normally write to stores in the Certegy system.

I wrote to Lowe's Customer Service on 5/17/08 and asked them to lift the restriction on my check writing privileges in view of my excellent payment history. I also wrote to Certegy requesting the specifics of my file. No response was received from either company. On 6/9/08 I wrote to Lowe's CEO and explained the incident and lack of response from their Customer Serice Dept. & Certegy. I asked for a justification of my check's denial. I explained that I was a loyal customer, that I owned my home and had a credit score in the 800's yet my check was not approved. No response from the CEO has been received my me.

I feel that the profiling that Lowe's and Certegy is doing is unfair to me and many others because it is based on a one size fits all demographic and not on individual credit history, checking account balance or payment history with Lowe's. It was also very embarrassing to be told by the cashier that my check was unacceptable. This has never happened to me before. I would like an explanation as to why this happened and why my correspondence was ignored.

I attempted to make a purchase totalling $78.52 at Lowe's Home Improvement Store on 5/26/08 with a personal check. I was told by the cashier that my check was declined. I was amazed at that statement because I do not write checks that are not honored by my bank. I then asked who to speak to about this and was directed to the customer service counter. After spending close to an hour attempting to rectify the situation,

I was told by a representative of Certegy Payment Services, by way of telephone, that the reason for my check being declined was not anything personal with my account or my ID but a random number pattern. I asked for explanation of this and all the woman could tell me was that a check was not a guaranteed form of payment. She also told me that there was nothing I could do to change this. I requested the corporate address and phone number, which she gave me. I ended up paying cash for my items and left the store feeling violated.

On 5/27/08 I contacted Carl at the corporate office and he told me the same thing I was told the previous day, except that he suggested I sign up with their service for a Gold Membership to prevent this from happening in the future. I declined but did request my F.A.C.T. report be sent to me.

As a result of this incident, I was very embarassed and felt my rights as a consumer were violated. If I had been on some sort of risk list for checkwriting I could understand my check being declined. This is not the case. Also, I spent the last bit of cash I had in order to purchase my items, therefore had to make other plans for my evening.

My husband & I have been working with a sales person in your Kingston, NY Store. We are re-modeling our Dining Room and Kitchen and wee were going to buy the refrigerator, stove & dishwasher all through Barbara at Sears. We deceided last night (4/4/08) to start with the dishwasher as we are not quite sure which stove & fridge we want. The fridge is a $1600.00 and the stove $2,400. I wrote a check for $850.82 for the dishwasher and this company, hired by sears rejected our check. I was mortified!!!!!

Seems there is something to do with the routing and account number on our check. Something to do with other people who have been dishonest and certain criteria so they denied our check. I want Sears to be aware of this as it cost the company our business. We are now buying the rest of our appliances from another store. Our check was ABSOLUTEL good ad we have about $45,000 dollars in our account. I will be telling our bank (Rondout Savings Bank in Kingston, NY) about this nonsence on Monday April 7th.I will also be requesting that Rondout Savings Bank report this practice to whatever official would be in charge.

When I called Certegy they gave me some answer I still don't understand( it isn't personal they said) because I don't understand what it has to do with us personally.

Our integrety as reliable customers of Sears has been compromised AND it was a very embaressing moment. Unless this is not rectofied in a timely manner, I will NEVER shop in Sears EVER again AND I WILL tell ALL of our family, friends, neighbors and other customers.

I was trying to pay $216.74 for the items that I wanted to buy from PetSmart with a personal check. I always use personal check - hardly ever use a debit or credit card. I am almost 50 years old, with a perfect record of check writing. After spending more than 20 minutes and being humiliated by the treatment, the manager at PetSmart, before walking off, threw the check back at me saying that it was rejected. I went straight to my banker to make sure that nothing had happened to my account that I was not aware of. She assured me that my account was in good standing and that there was no reason why PetSmart or Certegy would not accept my check. I called Certegy when I got home, and they told me that my check was rejected because it fit a pattern but was in fact a good check.

I drove several miles to go to PetSmart (gas at $4 per gallon), and it took time to select my items and stand in line. I was treated like a criminal for writing a good check that fit a pattern.

I have been unable to write a check at the following stores, Best Buy, CompUsa, Foot Locker, Target, just about ANY store you can think of. Telecheck gives me NO problems, however they only verify few stores I visit. I need things at these other stores and sometimes it is more convenient to write a check. Why does a bank grant you privilege, yet Certegy needs more information than a bank to grant you privilege? Isn't that against the law?

I tried to purchase a computer and this 3rd party named Certegy denied my line of credit due to what they claimed looked like fraud. I was in a Staples store with all the proper documents, such as major credit card, drivers license, store cards such as Lord & Taylor, Macy's and Gold Mastercard from Sears....

I was not able to process my order for the computer; mine had just crashed on me when I was in the middle of a major contract for my company. I would like this company investigated to see what they are doing.

Check drawn on my personal checking account at Central Pacific Bank, Honolulu HI presented to Kuroda Radiator, Pearl City HI was denied by Certegy on Oct 17, 2007 using only a code 2 reason. Information states that code 2 means: although no unpaid check information is on file, they did not have sufficient information to approve or that transaction exceeded a pre-established limit.

In phoning the customer service number provided, which incidentally, has a most annoying robot sequence, I spoke with Gilbert #4969 in the Salt Lake City Office. After repeated attempts to ascertain the specific reason Certegy denied the check clearance, he refused to disclose that information. The only thing he offered to do was send a Gold VIP Application Form.

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, I have the right to know what is in my file,the reason such an agency denies clearance of my check, and the right to correct inaccurate or incomplete information. Since Certegy refuses to disclose the specific reason for not clearing a check, a person is being denied rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. This is an unacceptable and illegal process. I have had checking accounts for 50 years and in each of several accounts, I have more than sufficient funds to cover a check for less than $1500. I do not believe I should be forced into completing some long involved questionnaire and disclose extensive personal information to Certegy so that they will clear my check. There is room for fraud protection without such excessive and nontransparent systems that merely harrass and embarrass financially responsible people.


Number of hours wasted so far without an acceptable solution: 4 x $50 per hr.

equals $200. To say nothing of the mental and psychological frustration!

They are refusing checks on a account because of fraudulant activity on a account with the same first two digits in another state & refuse to correct the problem without filling out an application with all our personal info, that our bank says not to fill out. Our bank has tried to talk to them to correct the problem & they refuse to talk to them.

forzen checking account and I have to wait 2 weeks to get everthing correct. not right.

If I had not had my credit card available, I would have to came home without the treatment availibility.

She then gave me the 800 number to Certegy.

Upon calling Certegy, I spoke with their CS person Brian, who asked for my Checking account number, SS#, Birthdate, Address, etc. Brian then stated that they had NO OUTSTANDING CHECK from me on my account! He then went on to try and convince me that they were only trying to protect me and businesses! They had nothing on me and no reason as to why this happened. I was so embarassed and humiliated in that store that I could not think straight. I also had to borrow gas money and money for lunch!

Certegy is reporting me as being a bad credit risk, my checking account as bad and I am being denied the ability to get a cash advance on my checks!

so I thought was a fun place to shop.

Now I work and Bank of America has been my bank for more than 30 years. And I am sure the bank would provide a letter saying My Bank Account was available fo the funds need for this transaction. I could have went to the bank and got the money and returned, but my principles and creditablity and respect for me as a customer went out the window when I was told my check was not acceptable. This is no a pleasant experience especially when you know your sincerity, and honesty was questioned. I now have lost $30.00 for door mesurements because other establishment will not accept your mesurements. I know taking my $1224.28 some place else don't matter to you, but I will tell many people about this experience and about Lowe's sincerity and honesty

toward its customers.

There is not any reason for this to happen to a customer with proper ID. If a store excepts payment in the form of cash,credit or check then they should have a valid reason for not excepting it.

I don't know what to do. 3 times our checks have been turned down by Certegy when we have plenty of money in the bank. The first two were inconsequential 5 or 6 dollar checks. The last one was 100 dollars. The only connection is Certegy. Every business that does not use Certegy takes our checks. We were directed to call Certegy, which we did.

The customer representative stated, We apologize for any inconvenience our inability to authorize a check may have caused. We would like to emphasize that there is no negative check writing on you on file. And our decision was not due to any bank report concerning availability of funds. Certegy often tracks check writing based on many factors including patterns that reflect identity theft and unauthorized usage ...

I wrote an email to Certegy and asked which merchants they serve in Wichita so we could avoid them in the future, but I got a snotty reply that said they did not give out that information. Now I get an application in the mail to fill out and send to Certegy. I am not inclined to give out that information or to do their job for them. Is there any advice you have or help you can offer?

We have had to use Visa when our checks were turned down.