Certegy Reviews

I tried to cash a check from my former employer and a month later tried cashing their money order, but both times they (Certegy) said they could not cash it. When I called the number to find out the reason, they simply said that the decision was based on reasons they could not disclose and that it had nothing to do with me. That really makes no sense. It is the stupid system that clearly is flawed. I will find out more about this company. Trust me, I am far from letting it go.

At Academy Sports Albertsons supermarket today, each check I wrote was declined. I have been writing checks at each of these places for years. I talked to 6 different agents for Certegy today, and each time I asked to talk to their supervisor; the last time, I was cut off. There was money in the bank and the Certegy agents said that there were no marks against my account. However, the model used by Certegy to protect the merchants had caused my checks to be declined.

I've written checks at PetSmart for years. Never have I bounced a check, never. My check was refused at PetSmart. The clerk said to check my bank to which I told her I didn't need to because I knew I had enough funds. She gave me a slip with transaction details. The check processing company, Certegy, denied my check. I called them and after waiting for 32 minutes, finally got an operator. When I asked why my check was denied, he said that even though my account had enough funds, it didn't meet the criteria Certegy has set up to allow the check. I asked what that meant. He said that in order to prevent identity theft, they set up certain red flags that will prevent a check from being accepted - meaning they can deny my check, because say I only write two checks a month or because I live somewhere Certegy has red flagged. Unbelievable! I called Petsmart and filed a complaint. I urge anyone else who's had this problem to complain to the company they tried to write the check to.

On October 8, 2012, all of the banks were closed for a holiday. I went to cash my check at Wal-Mart, which I had never done before. The check is from the State of PA (from a university). It was cleared as being real and legit, but Wal-Mart denied it. The sales associate did not know why and just gave me a number to call Certegy. The person who I called said that they did not want to give out that much money. This Wal-Mart’s cap out is $5,000. My check was only for $2,500. I asked how they false could advertise like that. Everything was cleared, my SSN and the check number. I called Wal-Mart’s customer service and the guy on the phone totally agreed with me. Certegy was not helpful and I could barely understand the lady on the phone. Too bad Wal-Mart is missing out on my $700 purchase because of them.

My family member, in my time of need, wanted to help me out. Because we live far away from each other, she sent me a Wal-Mart Money Gram money order for a rather large amount which I need to help me pay my co-pays for my hospital. I have MS and for some reason I got the money order and the bad news on the same day. I went to my doctor and I am going to have to have chemo, a new treatment for my advanced stage of MS. When I went to Wal-Mart to cash my $900 money order from a family member who plunked down $900 cash to help me out, they would not do it because of Certegy. Stress really exacerbates my disease and I had cussing a hissy fit in front of all the people who were just doing their job. I got on the phone with the Certegy people and no help. I asked where my family member’s money is and they told me I could go to my bank or a check cashing facility. My bank would put a hold on it for 7-10 days or check cashing would charge me a percentage which was almost $100.

I went into Walmart to cash my payroll check, which I do every Monday night, and I was denied for reason code 2. I called Certegy and couldn't get a straight answer as to why they denied my check. Walmart said they would 1st have to verify it, which they did. The funds were available; however, they couldn't cash it due to it not bring approved by this company. I've never written a bad check in my life, never cashed a fraudulent check, nor would I ever. But my check was denied cashing because this company decided for whatever reason (I can't get a straight nor clear answer from them) and I had the embarrassment of this for no apparent reason. Total unethical business practices.

I took my part time check to the Walmart Money Center for cashing. I intended to do some shopping. I told the teller that I had never cashed a check here before. I gave her my license and the check. She then asked me to put my social security number in a machine twice. The teller told me that she could not cash my check and she gave me a note with the Certegy number on it. When I called the 866 number, a machine message told me that my check was denied not because of anything negative about me, that it was denied to protect me as well as the company. I then hit zero so I could talk to a live person. This person who said that his name was Vin, repeated the same recorded message.

I rarely write checks. However, I did not have my debit card on me and needed to get gas so I went to the nearest Publix and wrote a $76-check. It was declined by Certegy. I was furious. I haven't written any bad checks, and when I called the number they gave me, I got a recording that told me I was turned down for my own protection and the merchant's protection. I was told that I did not meet a certain criteria that Certegy has in place for check cashing. She explained that because I did not write many checks, it was red flagged. I called and spoke to two people and they explained that I could apply for their check cashing card, Certegy Prime or something like that and that would ensure that I could cash checks in the future. It is a darn shame that a company that has this many complaints against them is being allowed to control the future of so many upstanding people. This is very very wrong!

My check was declined at Target store because of this Certegy company making a decision on the basis of not writing enough checks. There was plenty of money in my checking account. And before going to Target, I went to Costco and had no problem writing two checks. Someone needs to look into Certegy's practices.

My wife bought $40k in Moneygrams at Wal-Mart. Now, Wal-Mart will not give us our money back because of a denial by Certegy. How could there be a problem since we paid $40,000 cash to Wal-Mart? All we got was a printed slip giving reason 2 as a reason for denial. When we called the number that was provided, all we got was a recording saying that it is an attempt to prevent fraud without any further explanation. My feeling is that the only one guilty of fraud is Certegy.

I have not written a check in a store in years, but the other day, I did not have my debit card with me and needed to pick up some things from Dollar General Market. My check was declined and I had to use a credit card to complete the transaction. It infuriates me to think how embarrassed I would have been if I did not have another means of payment. Before I even left the store, I called the bank to determine how this could happen. I was assured that I had more than enough to cover the $82.83 purchase. I called the number on the slip the DGM clerk gave me to speak with a rep from Certegy.

My check was declined at VIP after having tires put on my car. I was given a card with number 2 checked off. I have never bounced a check and have a credit score in the 700's. It took me 30 minutes to get them to put my old tires back on and I lost 45 minutes of work. I was entirely embarrassed. The website gives no information when you type in your check and date of transaction. On calling the company, I was on hold for over 15 minutes. This company needs to be reviewed!

My payroll check was declined because Certegy says that the checking account shows a pattern of fraud and they would not deposit it. The consequences were that I had to lose work to drive an extra 20 miles to the bank it was drawn on and go back the distance to Wal-Mart to deposit the money. Upon reading other customer complaints, I think some legal action should be taken about this company and the GE Bank that handles these prepaid cards for Wal-Mart should be informed of Certegy's mishandling of many, many transactions for no apparent reason.

I was at Target where I frequently shop about 2-4 times a week and my personal check was declined because Certegy decided to make a decision to do so. Certegy's explanation was they cannot provide a specific reason. This has caused me not only humiliation in Target but loss of an hour and a half of pay from my employer for being late back from lunch. I also needed to go out of my way and get cash from my bank to go back to Target to purchase these items. I have never bounced a check and verified with my bank at the time that I have 9 times the amount in my checking account to cover the check. More time lost. When I called them, all they could do is explain it's for my protection and I cannot stop them from doing this to me in the future.

Out of the blue, after I changed banks from Citibank to Chase, my check was rejected at Best Buy. I called up Certegy and after persisting found out that although the person on the phone admitted my record from Citibank was very good, they couldn't approve the check. I was angry and showed it over the phone. I did a follow up call to Best Buy and the manager started to claim it was Certegy, not Best Buy and that Best Buy only hires them to watch for potentially bad transactions before they happen. I told him to take more responsibility for who he hires. I've never stepped into that store again. I did a follow up call to Certegy ready to request they transfer the data from Citibank so my long term history would be there. Someone had already transferred the data over. They migrated the data. What a mess.

I was in Target tonight purchasing food. I forgot my bank card at home and decided to write a check so I would not have to come back tomorrow. My check for $105.20 was declined by some company named Certegy. I was given a receipt with no explanation as to why my check was declined. This has never happened to me in the 25 years. I had to leave a cart full of groceries in front of my daughter who kept asking why. I want a written explanation as to why this has happened and I want assurance that this will not happen again. The website was not helpful.

I went to Walmart to cash my payroll check and was told I was being denied due to "Reason 2" by Certegy. When I called, Kelly, with a distinct Indian accent, told me that it had nothing to do with me or my credit report, but that my check was not allowed due to their procedures. It is a printed payroll check from a well known company. How can a company that deals in check cashing deny every check that comes through them? I don't shop at Walmart for many other reasons, but will not even enter their parking lot anymore.

I just got home from the vet where they diagnosed my beloved dog of 13 years with painful bone cancer. I was in shock and realized I would have to euthanize her. They brought her out to the front desk whimpering and barely able to walk from the sedation. I just wanted to comfort her, cry, and take her home. But the whole experience was made more traumatic and emotionally distressful because of Certegy. The vet uses Certegy so when I wrote the check for the final bill, they said it wasn't accepted. I have enough money in my account to cover the check. But they wanted me to call my bank. They stood there watching me as I called my bank.

Cashing my check - On 07/15/12, I went into Walmart along with 6 co-workers to cash our checks. They cashed everyone's check but mine. They offered no excuse, but could only say it was for my protection. I call it **. I won't shop at Walmart again until they get rid of Certegy. Target and Kmart will get my business. This really put me in a bind.

After my ATM card was lost, I was dependent on using my check book, which I typically only use about once a month. On a Sunday, I traveled 30 miles to Home Goods to shop. After spending an extended amount of time in the store, I checked out with approximately $250.00 worth of merchandise. The cashier told me that my check was declined and handed me a small paper that included Certegy's 800 # that I could call. I reached an automated message that asked me for the check # and the amount. I was then told that the check was not declined because of any bank account issue, it was declined because of usage pattern. The 'voice' apologized for 'any inconvenience' and reassured me that this would not happen in the future.

I am completely and utterly pissed off that this company has been given the authority whether to accept or decline my check. I have written checks over 25 years - and to have a check in the amount of $19.27 declined! No information was found when I first inquired via the website. That then lead to a phone call to lord only knows what third-world country, only to be given no valid explanation. It is completely unconstitutional and against my rights. After reading many complaints from various websites from consumers with the same frustration, it only makes me scratch my head and ask myself, “How long are we going to let this happen?” I sure hope Certegy enjoys their $19.27 because when I am done with them, it will cost them a lot more than that. I will not just sit back and let this pass by. I am going to start a petition for a class action lawsuit. So if you are interested, stay tuned!

I had my bank send a check to Macy's to pay a bill. Macy's refused the check, thanks to Certegy, and sent the check back to me with a "receipt" stating the "check could not be authorized, blah, blah." I called Certegy, talked to a "Kelly" and was told she could not discuss the situation with me because the check was a bank check, not mine! She told me to use a debit card or send my personal check to pay the bill! I do not have a debit card and very rarely use checks! Incidentally, the payment was an annual payment for fur storage. Now, I have a check made payable to Macy's that I cannot cash or deposit. I haven't talked to my bank yet, but I suspect there might be a charge to reverse the bank check. I have a call in to the executive office of Macy's. Btw, Certegy is for gambling institutions! Anyone else think this is a real scam?!

While renovating my home, I had the opportunity to experience what a worthless and misguided entity Certegy is. I never knew when I walked into Lowe's whether or not my check would be accepted. Certegy uses demographics and risk analysis to determine whether or not the check will be accepted, and nobody in the store can override what Certegy says. I have had them decline a check, and then an hour later, approve one drawn on the same account for twice as much. My policy in the future, and the message I will be sending to Lowe's is, "I won't do business with people that do business with companies such as Certegy." I would encourage everyone who has worked their entire life to build good credit to boycott all businesses that utilize the service of Certegy Check Services.

I have had checking account for 48 years, no problems. I moved and started new account with United Community Bank, and checks are constantly being denied. Certegy gives no reason, will do nothing to correct the problem they created, except to get their gold card. I am a retired police chief with no bad credit. The bank CSR could not get anywhere with Certegy and she spoke with five different individuals.

I have been cashing my payroll checks at Walmart for years. It was always easier to just cash them there rather than wait in line forever at the bank. I work overnight so when I get off of work in the mornings, banks aren't open and I live 30 minutes from a bank. I got my payroll check Friday morning when I got off of work but decided to wait before cashing it because I needed to get home immediately after getting off of work that morning. When I got off of work Saturday morning, I stopped at Walmart to cash it. After walking in and grabbing a cart, I ripped open my check and signed it while walking through the store. I had a few things I needed to pick up while I was there since I avoid shopping at Walmart as much as possible because of their horrible customer service. I even worked at Walmart for a little while before I moved.

On May 9, 2012, my wife and daughter made an 80-mile round trip to Big Lots on Benner Pike, State College, PA to purchase a tent for $126.14. My wife wrote a check on our Federal Credit Union account with a $5,000 balance. She presented two forms of photo ID, her PA driver license and a military dependent’s identification card. The check, unbelievably, was declined by an apparently incompetent company called Certegy who said they had "insufficient information" to approve the check. What does that mean? Our FICO scores are around 780, the FCU account is more than 40 years active and actually has a telephone number, and we have never ever bounced a check or run late with any payment of any kind. We're in the phone book - we're on Google!

Check cashing "Precautionary Measure" - Certegy will not allow my check to be cashed. When contacting them, there is a language barrier, and they indicate no reason as to why they are putting a hold on my check. They indicated that it is not me personally, rather the insurance company needing to provide them information. When I contact a supervisor, they will not wait on hold, nor will they contact the issuer. They simply won’t help me in any way.

This is the second encounter with Certegy that my family has had in the past two years. The first one happened when we moved from East Texas to Carrollton, TX. We opened new bank accounts when we moved. I took my wife's car in for a check-up at the Volvo dealership and the bill was $400. I wrote a check and was told that it was not acceptable and even a number to call which was Certegy. I was told that the account was too new for them to accept my check. Now, there were ten times the amount in the account but that made no difference. I won't go into details on that fiasco.

I filled up at Kum and Go in Springfield, MO. I went inside and wrote a check which was declined. No reason was given. I called Certegy and was placed on hold for 15 minutes at which time I hung up. I know they don't really care, but I will go elsewhere when possible.

I purchased gas and a pack of cigarettes at Kum & Go in Riverside, Iowa. My check was declined. I called and the person told me it was not due to my bank account or social security number, but because a check for this amount, $47.00, caused it to be declined for fraudulent or identity theft! I was 6 miles from my home and have had none of these things happen to me. They could give me no more information. I asked who protected me from this kind of embarrassment and harassment!

We went to Wal-Mart to cash our Federal Income Tax Return check. After the clerk wrote down all kinds of numbers from me and my wife--DL number, SS number, passport number--on the front check, then they ran through the Certegy system and confirmed that they declined to cash this check with Code 2. Then I was asked to call Certegy Check Service where only the machine told me to enter the check amount of $4800 then quickly declined after mentioned, because it fell under their safety criteria. Then, it hung up. Last year, even with larger amounts at the same store, everything was ok. It was very confusing and time-consuming!

I wrote a check at Bellagio Las Vegas for $100. My mistake: I grabbed the wrong check book, which is an account that I rarely use unless I'm traveling for business. As a result, the money wasn't in my account to cover the check. I accept and own that mistake. The check for $100 was put through a second time and cleared my bank account. However, a week later, Certegy (the check processing company Bellagio uses) debited a $25 fee from my checking account, which in turn made the account overdraw. The bank charged me a fee of $35 on top of it. I want my total of $55 back from Certegy. Certegy should notify customers when they will be taking out a fee. Or they should have emailed me, called me, or sent a letter that I owe them a $25 fee for the original returned check. They sucker punched me and just took out the $25 fee, which caused my account to be overdrawn and the bank charged me $35 as a result. Bad business practice. They sideswiped me. I want the $55 back.

My wife and I went to Lowe's to purchase new appliances. When trying to check out, I wrote a check using our home improvement checking account for an amount just over $5,400. I was informed it was declined based on a computer risk based system. I called the toll free Certegy number and spent over 40 minutes on a call with the idiots that had no authority to do anything. I was told to wait another 10-15 minutes and try again, since he had elevated my account to gold status. This is a load of crap! We tried again after 20 minutes and it was declined a second time. At this point, I cancelled my order and Lowe's has forever lost my business for using such a despicable company.

O/A 6th of April 15:30 hours, I presented a check for payment to a vendor. That vendor processed the check through Certegy. Certegy declined the check. I contacted Certegy's assistance line and received a very well spoken, computer generated voice script that advised the check was declined as the proprietary software suggested fraud. Immediate conversations with my bank reflected no negative information against the account or the check in question. I am awaiting any impacts on my credit history or report at this time. I do want to talk with a lawyer on this issue as this appears to violate the fair credit act.

Amica sent me a check to refund me for overcharging me on my insurance. I went to cash the check. Certegy declined it with no explanation on how to get the check cashed. I listened to their automated phone system that told me, "We aren't going to cash it. Thanks for calling." I am just finishing switching my insurance company. Certegy is screwing with me and I in turn drop their client. I can do this all day.

I had an issue with this company last year and again this year when trying to cash my student loan checks. I was given the same runaround of an automated system. Then I got a rep who barely spoke English and gave me the automated responses of a system that has a number of factors they review and it had nothing to do with my credit or check history but to prevent fraud. I asked to speak with a supervisor and same issue. It seems like any check over $1000 they don't want to cash and Wal-Mart should not advertise they will cash checks up to $7500 when their company they use won't do it.

I have written about six checks to vendors and Certegy has refused acceptance. I have a FICO score of 815.

I recently started a job on the road and received my first payroll check. I tried to cash it at Wal-Mart so I could Moneygram some money home to my family. My check was denied, even though I had cashed a check from my boss for fuel, there earlier that day. So then I went to Kroger, same problem. How is a man, who is making an honest living, supposed to support his family if he can't cash a payroll check and send money home?

On Saturday, March 10th, 2012, I went to our local Walmart and used their Money Center to cash my California state refund check. I had no problem doing so. On Monday, March 12th, 2012, I received my federal return in the mail. That evening, I drove back over to Walmart to cash this check. Their system would not accept it. I thought maybe I had entered my SS number incorrectly and asked her to please re-run it. Same problem. She handed me a small slip of paper and circled "reason 2". I walked out to my car and called the number. Just like everyone else on here, I received the same automated response. When the economy tanked back in 2008, I lost my job. I received unemployment checks until I found work again. In that time, while unemployed, I cashed my unemployment checks there without a problem.

On March 9, I attempted to cash a check the IRS sent me, drawn off the United States Treasury, at the local Wal-Mart in Hatfield, PA. After giving all my information, including my social security number and driver's license, I was told the check could not be cashed. I was given a piece of paper with a Code 2 on it and a number to call.

I tried to cash my state of CA income tax refund check at Wal-Mart, La Habra, CA, but I was told they could not cash it due to some ** of having written bad checks. I haven't had a checking account in over 4 years. But the funny thing is that I was able to cash my federal tax refund check at the same time. Something is funny somewhere. I called the number Wal-Mart told me to call and the rep was no help at all. She suggested I go to a check cashing place that doesn't use Certegy system. I also tried Certegy online to see why they would not cash this check and it came back with no information. This is a scam!

On March 8, 2012, I went to store named Marshall's in Houston, Texas and wrote a check for $242.37 and the check was declined. I asked why and the employee gave me a card and ask me to call Certegy. I called Certegy and was told that it was not because of any negative reasons but a preventive reason. The money is in the bank. I have excellent credit history and credit. What is the problem? I never had a bounced check. I feel this company, Certegy, is a scam.

Is this big brother government? This company has private information on everyone from my understanding. When I called, they knew my banking information, driver's license number and could see my bank account balance and status. This is crap. I never gave access like this to a third party.

I wrote a check today and they would not accept it when I had the funds in my checking account to cover it! They said I had an outstanding check with Yall that I don't know nothing about! I usually get mail from Yall when I bounce a check, but I hadn't gotten anything from Yall in a few years because I don't write any checks until now! I do not want an attorney to contact me either, but if I do have a bounced check, send me an email or call me and leave me a message please so I can get it taken care of please. Thank you!

I went into my local Walmart to cash my federal income tax return. The check was declined due to recommendation from Certegy Inc. I called the number that I was given to contact Certegy. They had no explanation of why my check was declined, only that the decline was computer generated. Certegy refused to reverse this issue and told me I will have to find a merchant that does not use Certegy Inc.

I normally use a big bank debit card, but it was not on me. So I wrote a check for purchases at Target Vallejo, CA on 2/27/2012. It was declined without reason. Never mind, I had a valid California driver's license. When I called Certegy, the robot (no live bodies, they know folks are angry when calling) advised that I did not meet the "preventative measure criteria" for check acceptance! This is for an individual with a 6-figure income and a FICO score of 720. Here's my preventative measure: I'll shop elsewhere. There is nothing in my financial profile past or present that warranted declination and I felt humiliated in front of a line of waiting customers as I do not use credit cards and I had to walk away from the cart.

Sold a motorcycle and the buyer went to Walmart to get $3000 in MoneyGram. Went to Walmart the next day to cash them and Walmart would only cash one. Certegy said they could not cash the MoneyGram. They should be investigated. They are not protecting people from fraud. They are committing fraud!

My daughter and I were shopping at Pac-Sun Monroe Ohio, and tried to purchase $173.51 worth of clothing for her. I wrote a check to Pac-Sun for $173.51, and it was denied. I know that I have over $5,000 in my checking account, as I looked at it this morning to verify. I then tried to use my Discover card, and that was denied as well. As you can well imagine, I am very unhappy at this moment. I just used my Discover card a half hour prior at Saks Fifth Avenue, and the transaction went through just fine. The clerk then handed me a card to contact Certegy. I called and they had me on hold for an hour. When I got home, I went to their website, askcertegy.com, to verify my check and the website stated no records found with this check.

A couple of years ago, while Christmas shopping, Target refused to take my credit card because Certegy said my shopping didn't match my habits. Every card I tried got the same result. So I tried writing a check with same result. I tried my other checking account with the same result. I cancelled my sale and went to Best Buy only to find they use the same incompetent process.

I received a check from the California Child Support Disbursement Center. I took my check to Wal-Mart to cash it like I’d some twice before. This time I was told they were unable to cash my checking, gave me a receipt with a number to Certegy with a code number 1. I called Certegy who offered no assistance and was told call the child support office and have them fix it. Child support office has no idea what they are talking about and that the check is fine. Now, I've been unable to cash a $40 check because of Certegy. I've not written any checks in well over 3 years and I only have a savings account. There is no reason for them to deny me all of a sudden from cashing a state issued check!

I took our tax refund check into local Walmart only to be told they could not be cashed . We were given a receipt saying reason was code 2 and call Certegy. Cashier said that had it had been doing this to refund checks like ours all day. I called and got automated operator and was told nothing is wrong with the check. It just did not match their parameters. It is a holiday this Monday so I don't have access to bank until Tuesday. Why should they be able to say a federal check is not able to be cashed?

Cashier in the grocery store declined my check based on Certegy saying I had a returned check. This is not true. When I contacted Certegy to question the reason, clerk asked for driver's license number, bank routing and check number, amount of check, date of transaction, and other personal information. I don't share this information over a cell phone connection, and there apparently is no way to handle this in a secure online format. Guess I just won't be doing business there anymore. Too bad.

My husband and I went to The Shoe Dept in Thomasville, GA. A store that we have shopped in for years for the whole family's shoes and the strip on his debit card would not read. The sales associate stated she could call in for verification, but it was a hassle for her to do so. No problem, we could just write a check. When she ran the check, Certegy denied it. Of course, she couldn't give any information, just a card with number on the back. As we sat fuming in the parking lot, the customer service lady ran all of our information. So sorry, she said. Although there is no history of bad checks, they won't approve it because it could be fraudulent. What the hell. Over $4,000 in the bank and can't even get a couple pairs of shoes. I could understand it better if there had ever been a bad check, but really? This place just cost this store (and any other using them) to lose my business.

I went to Walmart to cash my payroll check from the LDS Church. The banks were closed so this was my only form of option. My check was declined and I had to call a number on a Certegy information thing. It was an automated response which indicates that the check may be fraudulent, poor printing quality, unreadable, or a bad company. So I moved on to my second option at a 7-11 machine where I used in the pass to cash checks. I have a membership there, but the machine declined me.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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 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:

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

It was declined. She gave me a card stating:

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.

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

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 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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Today 6/23/2010 I was shopping at Kohls in Lakewood, Ca. 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.

Somehow certergy has said I can't write checks. I have plenty of money in the bank. I don't know what to do. I can't write checks at my local grocery stores.

I went to use certegy and the check got denied. I have thousands of dollars in account and I haven't cashed a check this week. The customer service said that it's due to prevent fraud, why do they even have a check cashing machine if they are trying to prevent fraud. Seems like their system doesn't work.

I went to H.E.B. to cash my first s/s retirement check. They told me the check was good all my info was in order but a code 2 came up from certegy, the company that ok the check for cashing. When I asked them "whats that," they handed me a green card. I called certegy. They told me they had 250 criteria that they use to ok the check, but wouldn't tell me what was wrong! I went online and I tried to enter the check #, my keyboard stopped working. I reboot and tried another keyboard, the same thing happened. How rude! I hope bas__s are run out of the country!

I went to Walmart to cash my check and my check was denied for reason #2. I was given a piece of paper with Certegy's phone number on it, so I called to find out no definitive answer there. I called the main phone number and was told my check shows fraudulent and counterfeit possibilities which is kind of funny to me seeing that it comes from a non-profit company and that other co-workers go into the same Walmart store and get their checks cashed with no problems. The real funny part is they are all printed on the same paper as mine. Now explain that one to me because I'm confused about it. They told me that I would more than likely continue to have trouble cashing my checks there in a roundabout way

Went to Target, wrote a check and was declined. I have written checks there for year! Never had a bad check! I see from this site Certegy has a lot of bad feed back. The stores that are using their services are going to lose customers! Me for one! Certegy sucks! Lets get together and sue them. Class action. I was very upset. I am 67 and can't take this kind of thing when nothing was wrong!

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

Declined by Certegy - No explanation, just given a white card. Then I just got charged purchase on a credit card. This was stupid. I was not able to reach Certegy by phone. I had more than enough money in the account to cover this small purchase. Very embarrassing. 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 it at all costs even if I have to pay more somewhere else.

I went into PetSmart on 12/20/09 and purchased $199.33 in dog food 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 check writing guidelines. I had over $1,100 in my account! What can we do? Is this a sign of things to come? I will let PetSmart know that I will not shop there anymore until they get rid of Certegy. Certegy is a racket!

On Friday, 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.

I wrote a check to Ross (clothing store) in San Antonio, Texas for $80.74 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. Certegy declined to accept the check. I was mortified and embarrassed! I have never written a check without sufficient funds in my account! I have excellent credit (in the low 800s) 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!

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 number to call and sent us on our way without our groceries. But all the embarrassment 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 number, but there was a wait so we got online and looked it up. Apparently, our account is at "risk" because of a pattern of spending. It's almost Christmas, of course I 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 Certegy, which we paid off. They would not release our driver's license number until we faxed them copies of the driver's 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 Lowe's 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 driver's 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.

I wrote a check to TJ Maxx in the amount of $41.73. The check was never presented to the bank, or it would have been paid. Certegy admittedly had a scanning problem. I sent another check (supposedly check was no longer good) along with letter from the bank, but they refused to clear my credit. As a result, I am unable to write a check. My credit has been damaged through no mistake on my part.

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 was 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. Goodbye, Credit Union and Big Lots.

While purchasing $2,200.00 worth of product from Lowe's where I had already purchased $1,700.00 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 present contractor, but also while I was discussing purchasing a prime piece of property from an individual at the checkout 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 fits a pattern for fraudulent checks because of the number, as well as the amount.

The $26 check that I wrote today to Rainbow 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 system, 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 the 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 appalling.

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 that I had 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 that there's no criteria at all. With the market bad, they decline a lot of checks, just to decline them because they don't want to take the risk and have to pay them back. They said they would continue to decline all of my checks even though I have no bounced checks, it's not my information, and they feel it's their right to decline as many checks as possible. And they actually said if I would sign up for their Gold membership, this would not happen anymore. This seems like extortion to me.

The complaint against Certegy is racial profiling. I went to the counter to complete a transaction. I wrote a check for $168. 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 statistics 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 through 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.

Certegy declined check at gas station where I have written checks for years and spent about $4000 this year.

The last week of 09/09, I called Certegy to make arrangement to pay outstanding bank drafts, a total of five, totaling one and fifty dollars plus fees. Per agreement, on 10/05/09, one check will be submitted for the total due plus overdraft fees. They submitted his check separately and caused my account a total of $200.00 additional fee. Due to financial situation, I can't afford to give that kind of money away.

We switched banks after ours was taken over by the FDIC. We went to Murphy's gas station, as usual, went to pay for our gas and miscellaneous items. The total was about $42.00. We were getting ready to leave and the teller informed me that our check was denied - a code 2. We did not have any other form of payment as we had not received our new bank cards yet. Thank God the teller knew us and let us bring payment back later! I called Certegy, only to get to sit on hold for 1/2 hour, never getting a customer service rep. The automated info stated that no bad check history was on file, but our check did not meet the criteria for their model examples! This is one big conspiracy to get people off using checks and we can all be bar codes! What a crock of **. This company should be investigated and/or put out of business themselves.

On Saturday, November 7, 2009, my wife Naomi and I (Terry) attempted to purchase $125.02 worth of items at the Big Lots store at 8563 Watson Road in St. Louis, MO 63119. Our check after several minutes was declined for a code 2. We ended up paying with my wife's business credit card issued to her by the State of Missouri as a state employee.

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 and hadn't bounced a check. Screw Certegy!

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 received a letter from them, and later did not join the class action suit against them but I wish I had. Now, I go to Cracker Barrel 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 probably 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 was at Shaw's in Plymouth, MA last night and was unable to cash my check for $83.51. I called Certegy when I got home and was given little to no information. I contacted my bank. My account was fine. I called Certegy 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 call last night. I was totally embarrassed, I suffered humiliation and looked poorly in my child's eyes. We went with our supper - carrots and potatoes. I borrowed money to send him to school today. I was totally mortified. When I phoned the bank, they indicated that it had also happened to one of their bank executives.

On October 21, 2009, my husband went to cash a check at Hannaford Bros. To his embarrassment, it was declined. He was given a card from Certegy. When trying to contact them in which I stayed on the phone for over an hour, there was no answer. I listened 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. After 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. I realize many businesses use Certegy. I will not be using these businesses. Thank you, Certegy and all the business that use their 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 was declined by Certegy. The reason they gave me was because this transaction 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 Certegy 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 account. I called Finish Line home office, they told me it's not their problem, and it is Certegy’s problem. Melian ** told me she could not help us out. I am very unhappy the way Finish Line took care of my problem. I still have had no luck getting up with Certegy.

On Sept. 25, I was at a local gas station in Dallas City. I called Circle K. I have done business with them through 3 name changes and over 15 years. I purchased $65 worth of gas and snacks and wrote a check like always. This time, Certegy denied my check and my wife had to use her account to pay for all of this. Granted I did just change banks and my new account has very low check #s, but this isn't the first time I had written a "large" amount on the account. 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.

In the space of the last 48 hours, my wife has had a check declined at two different merchants. The first, Cache (on 09/15 for about $100), declined to accept her check after contacting Certegy and refused to give her the reason for the decline. I had to call Cache and find someone who could give me a phone number to contact. It was not even the correct phone number and I had to be rerouted to the correct department. "Code 2" was the reason. In other words, it was because Certegy did not like my "spending pattern" and declined the check - not because of any returned checks! Then yesterday, 09/16, my wife's check for $163 was denied again - this time at the eye doctor's office. Again, the merchant could not give the reason, but I called Certegy again and got the same response - "Code 2.”

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 (fraud-ID theft) as for protection of the merchant.

I wrote a check at Bass Pro Shop in Richmond, Virginia for $204.69 and it was denied by Certegy. I've not written a bad check, have had this account since 1979, and I couldn't get anything more than "I'm sorry, it's a code 2." Upon calling Certegy, I was told they had no history from any retailers that I've written a check and it followed their guidelines for fraud. What? I will suggest to Bass Pro Shops that 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 and Big Lots in Clarksville, TN. My accounts are in excellent standing. Checks were denied in both stores because Certegy denied them. I had no bad checks ever written. I have plenty of money in the bank and excellent credit. There was no reason whatsoever for the humiliation of having your checks denied for a "Code 2" reason given to these stores by Certegy. I had to use a credit card for one purchase of $800, which I do not like to use (interest). However, I will simply transfer the funds from that checking account that Certegy denied, to pay it off. It is an unnecessary hassle and we will no longer do business with those stores that we hear that use Certegy. I wish I had a list of those stores.

I just moved into a newly constructed home. I have two major checking accounts: one for daily routine expenses and one for both business (I write as a hobby) 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.

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 Certegy based in Florida, my check was declined. I was furious. 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 they are giving all these non-sense about identity theft and cannot give a direct answer on the reason why my check was declined.

On 31 Aug. 2009, I had my check 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 declined a check to be cashed at the Salvation Army. This was done through Cinergy as this is the company used for cash checking. This was ridiculous as I have great credit. I 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 sensed it 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 steal identity. Help.

I went to Dominick’s to cash a payroll check and was denied by Certegy because they said that they were "protecting the store". This was a payroll check, not a personal check, and I don't write bad checks anyway! I was totally embarrassed as people were in line behind me and they all heard that my check was declined. If this is a payroll check, it should automatically be cashed!

My experience falls along the lines of the other complaints: I was trying to buy merchandise at Macy's Walnut Creek and both checking accounts were denied although one had balance of $7000, the other balance of $1000 (I have had the account since 1979). Certegy is bogus; their tactics are 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. It seems I didn't fall into their prescribed "guidelines" - writing multiple checks for increasing amounts. It was a 40% off sale, for God's sake. 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 embarrassing and belittling to me. There is no way they can deny one of my checks for any reason. The bank verified that funds are in the account, and this should have never happened. This was a dealer that didn't know us, and I know he wondered if we were trying to pull one over on him.

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 an ID number. The receipt gave a number 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 wrote a personal check to purchase an iPhone 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 therefore paid for my iPhone in full with my bank debit card which cleared immediately. 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 harassment of decent, honest, credit-worthy citizens.