Certegy Reviews

The reason? Reason 2 according to the declined to cash check print out we were given by Walmart. He (hubby) was furious and so have I been all day! (This just happened today, August 13, 2009, Thursday.) Then when we called Certegy, the representative who sounded foreign and was hard to comprehend, stated there was nothing wrong with the check or us but their computer had randomly accessed that this check cashing could possibly be fraudulent activity. And to top off insult and injury to us, he (the Certegy Representative) added that their check approval system would not allow my husband's payroll check to be cashed at any Walmart anywhere for a full seven days in between checks. That Certegy would only approve one payroll check per seven day period for him and he must go on the same day each week and at the same time to Walmart to have his payroll check cashed.

In heaven's name who gives this stupid company, Certegy, the right to decline cashing any man/person's payroll check which is company issued, especially when they have no valid reason and even according to their own representative the check is good and clear? What American governmental agency/body has given Certegy Check Services their authority and why on earth don't they have their business license revoked? Certegy is a scam. We are speaking with a law firm to form a class action lawsuit. Anyone interested please email me at: ** with your first name and a valid email address, (but none of your personal information) and I will pass your name and email on to the attorney, and let them do the contacting or you them, after I find out more. We have to call them back tomorrow or Monday.

We have been humiliated 3 times in the Hammond Walmart money department over the last 4 weeks because of Certegy Check Services declining to cash my husband’s company issued payroll checks. It is embarrassing, humiliating, stressful, and very hurtful. My husband had to go to work today, and ran by there to cash his payroll check and pick up his blood sugar medications from the Walmart Pharmacy, because of not having much time, before work. He left without being able to pick up his meds, because Certegy declined cashing his check. How utterly ridiculous is it to decline cashing a payroll check just because of reason 2, which is never the same reason, and cannot be logically explained to anyone that has had a check declined, be it payroll or personal. We are very angry, hurt, embarrassed and humiliated in Louisiana.

The woman at Certergy said there was nothing wrong with my pay check or personal information but the check fit the profile or pattern of fraudulent activity. I told her I never had this problem before ever, to which, she proceeded to say she was sorry for the inconvenience. I told her, "So was I," and hung up the phone before she could finish offering me their gold membership.

I asked her if she was saying that my government employer had issued a fraudulent check to me. She denied this. I asked her if she was saying that I was not the individual to whom the check was written, as I was happy to provide my driver's license, social security card, checking account information and my debit card to prove that I was who I said I was. She denied that this was the case either. She just said that the transaction itself was the problem. I informed her that the "transaction" only consists of three parts - the check itself, the unfortunate person attempting to cash it, and the cashier who facilitated the transaction. She was clearly pointing to one of those aspects as problematic. She continued to deny that the cashier, or I had done anything wrong and denied that there was anything wrong with the check. She said it just "matched some patterns that we monitor for to prevent identity theft and fraudulent activity."

So much for attempting to help the economy. Consumers can't spend money if businesses continue to allow ** like Certegy employees to make decisions for them.

I received the same gobbledygook explanation others have received. They said it had nothing to do with me or my credit. They were monitoring situations of credit fraud that had similarities to my transaction. This store has been open five days. How many transactions can they be monitoring? Why was my check denied? No one could give me a straight answer. I had to go to the ATM and get cash (with a transaction fee) to pay for my purchases. Certegy's system is flawed and I would discourage any company from using them. They can never compensate me for my humiliation in front of guests and co-workers through no fault of my own.

We have made many purchases at the above named Target store. I had called the store yesterday, and they had the three items I was going to purchase all loaded for us when we arrived. We did some additional shopping, then went to pay. I wrote a personal check and gave the proper ID required, my driver's license. I thought perhaps the young lady waiting on me was new, in training, whatever. She called her supervisor over and I again had to give her the information I had already provided. The supervisor called on the phone; then informed me as I was standing in the checkout line that my check was denied! I was livid. I told her that could not be correct!

The account had over $1,000 in it, and I had only written the check for $298.22. She said I would need to speak to the person on the phone, as she was not allowed to act in my behalf. I was handed the phone, still in the checkout line with other customers, and spoke with a lady with an accent so thick I could barely understand what she was trying to tell me. I got that she was saying something about activity on my account, and I would have to call the Certegy company. I said this cannot be right. She could not even make it clear to me over the phone how in the world to spell "Certegy".

Thank goodness, there was an 800 number on our receipt. We had to take all of our purchases over to guest services, so I could call the 800 number. I was put on hold by Certegy, and finally spoke with a gentleman after several minutes. I asked him what was going on and he "pulled up my information" after giving him the check number, the account number and the routing number plus my driver's license again. I told him I had more than enough money in my account to cover this check. My husband and I are in our 60s have never had a bad check, have never been late with a payment on anything, and have never had a bad check. Our credit scores have been excellent as well. We do not pay by credit card, as we are credit card debt free, and want to keep it that way, although we certainly could have used a credit card if desired.

When I was on the phone talking to this man, a couple from our home town happened to walk in and ask what in the world was going on! They could not believe this incident was taking place, as they have known us for many years, and know that we absolutely do not have financial difficulties of any kind. Finally, the man from Certegy told me that the problem was my check number was written out of sequence. I said it absolutely was not! He said the last activity shown on our account was last Sunday in the amount of $27 to our local Dollar General store. I told him we have written six other checks in the time period since last Sunday, and the check I had just written was number seven!

He finally "pulled up" more information - whatever that meant - and informed me I could now write a check as he had "upgraded" my account! Having that sort of information on my checks is more than frightful! How do they get all this information?! I had to void a check and rewrite it for the same amount for no good reason.

My husband and I were humiliated, and inconvenienced over this experience. Nothing has ever happened like this to us in our lifetime. This company is a disgrace, and as we have both been reading the comments posted on this website this evening after returning from our shopping trip, we can see that others have suffered at the hands of Certegy. There should be lawsuits filed against this company for public humiliation, or whatever else could be thrown at them.

The sad thing is, the supervisor visited with me afterwards to ask if we got things straightened out and in conversation with her, she told me they are seeing this happen more and more with this company. They also are the company that "watches" checks not only for that particular Target store in Kearney, but also for Wal-Mart, Office Max, and several other businesses in that city. My husband and I are so upset over this matter.

Thank you for letting me vent, and I am very glad you said to use as much space as I needed! Thank you for your time and consideration of this matter.

I have been doing business with Best Buy for over 10 years and my purchase history with them is extensive. I intend to seek advice and/or assistance from the State's Attorney General's office about this experience as well as submitting a complaint to the Better Business Bureau in the state they are doing business. A local area news station offers a Problem Solver Investigation hotline for matters of this nature and I intend to contact them. Something needs to be done about Certegy Check Services; Certegy can have a negative impact on customer loyalty and repeat business. Customer retention should be at the core of Best Buy's goals and mission statement.

What is the basis of a Code 2 denial? It is my right to know why Certegy can call me a potential fraud with no explanation. I have been with my credit union for 39 years and have never written a bad check. My credit is excellent. I pay my bills on time and qualify for 0% interest when I purchase cars. I have never been subjected to public humiliation as I was yesterday. Dick's was having a sale and 4 lines of consumers could hear that my check was not accepted, with no explanation except a Code 2. The clerk called Certegy and gave my personal information aloud as she tried to obtain a reason with no result. I was on display for 10 minutes and still didn't have an explanation. I requested a listing of merchants in the state of Indiana who uses Certegy's services to ensure this never happens to me again and was told that it is not available.

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

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

When I called and got a customer rep (I did not have anything to write on so I did not remember her name), she asked for verification information: my name, address, phone no., check no. denied, amount of check, bank account number, etc. I knew she already had that info but I stupidly repeated it. She seemed puzzled and could not understand as it showed I had no negative check writing. When I pushed her further, she stated it was for my protection, etc. She stressed that I needed to update my information on their Certegy Gold Application and she would mail one to me. I told her I would look it over and may or may not fill it out. Yesterday, 6/22/09, I received the application and after looking at the questions it asked (all of which they already had), I decided to research them on the Web, thus, leading to this complaint.

I have not called the Sands (the Bethlehem Sands parent is the Las Vegas Sands and therefore has to do what they tell them). I do intend to complain to them about how Certegy is treating their patrons. I plan to tell them I had to leave that day because of frustration and exhaustion. I know it probably won't matter to them but I will report it to them. I do not write bad checks, never have, never will and there was money in my account to cover the $100 check I wanted to cash. Certegy's rep even told me it was not a negative report from my bank. It was just their computer telling them not enough info on me. Definitely, I want to be a part of any class action suits. This makes me afraid to even use a check anywhere now as it would put bad marks on my credit report. Enough is enough!

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

The second incident was when I was in another Jewel and I did the same thing, wrote a check and then when I came to the register with my goods I wrote a check to receive $50 back, now mind you, the day prior I did the same thing and it went through. This time, the cashier told me it declined you because your ID address doesn't match your check address. I said I use this all the time, no one has ever said a word about that and this is a valid ID, it hasn't expired or anything like that. She then told me to see the manager, I did, and he said the same thing.

I left, went to another Jewel, my purchase was able to go through but I couldn't get money back, so then I was humiliated, so I called Certegy. They told me it was because if it's a pattern then they reject it because of supposedly "identity theft", I said, "It's not identity theft. I'm calling you this is in fact me and the amount you can write over/receive over in all Jewel is $50, so yes it would be a pattern." The lady told me, "Well, I don't know anything about how much Jewel offers over in cash back." I said I'm telling you and maybe you should find out so next time you won't think it's identity theft, because this is actually me writing my checks. I've never had a bad check and my account was in good standing and "VIP" supposedly, so why deny any transaction. She then went on to say that I could send you the 'gold status' and maybe this won't happen again. I'm so disappointed in Certegy, Jewel please find someone else, this is getting out of hand. I'm a single mom with children who don't like to use debit cards. Do something or you might lose a customer!

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

Needless to say, we were both heartbroken with not being able to surprise my husband for Father’s Day. We left the store in tears and so very humiliated. I told the woman on the phone from Certegy (when she said it was a special protection for a VIP customer) that it was a punishment and that the stupid company ruined Father’s Day for my husband. I will never do business at Sears or any place that uses this company again. I am going to write the BBB, the Attorney General, and congressmen and anyone I can to see what I can do to remedy this and put this company out of business. I would be first in line in a class action suit. Any info I gain, I will share.

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

Now, after speaking with person #5 on 6/11/09, the information I received was that something on the check matched to another incident and that is why it was declined. That every check is processed separately and to avoid this happening in the future, we can complete their gold free and confidential application to elevate us to Certegy Gold. She also stated they can not give me any more information as they all write checks there and they can not be privy to what was a red flag, error or preventive measure but she will send a letter.

I do have the CEO's name or at least the name. They told me the CEO is Lee Kennedy and I will send a letter to them directly. Our company is a well established company and has never had any problems with checks and then this embarrassment happens and Certegy's response is "preventive measure but your account is in good standing." I knew that and I didn't need Certegy to confirm it. Needless to say, Sears will not be receiving any future business from us.

The representative gained all the information I gave at Hibbett Sports. All she told me was that I fell into a risk category generated by a computer and that it could be a possibility that I "do not" write checks on the whole. I always use a check card when purchasing and pay my bill online through my bank. I have misplaced my check card and used a check. No resolve, but that I told this person that I will write a check again tomorrow. This situation has caused me to come across as a shady character in other's eyes. The frustration and anger is very real when accused in an indirect way such as this. I do not practice writing bad checks. To my knowledge, my checking account was not used to verify funds by this company. I have been pegged a risk because of what? My checks have never been turned until today.

Yesterday, my check was declined. Not more than a week prior, I wrote a check to the same company from the same bank account for more money and it was approved. I could make a point for the embarrassment, but really I'm not embarrassed easily. I was however quite angry. The account from which this check is written has a very substantial amount of money in it. The check was for a measly $175.00. I made a case out of it and demanded to speak with the manager. I too was given the 800 number for Certegy, and called them immediately. I spoke with the rep, and was told that it wasn't for any bad check writing on my part, but because my check matched some particular pattern that they are monitoring for that indicates fraudulent activity. Okay, what pattern is that I asked? They cannot disclose that information. Matter of fact, the rep doesn't even know what patterns they monitor for. Okay, so what? What can I do? I explained that the account was in great shape, and that I had written checks to Home Depot recently for a larger amount from the same account with no problems. Sorry, they told me there is nothing that they could do. They could send me an application for their "Gold Membership", this was prior to doing a little research on the net and finding out that Certegy has a class action lawsuit for one of their employees selling personal financial information to a third party. Okay, I told them to send me their application; I would take a look at it.

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

I’m not sure of what possibilities exist in that area as I am not a merchant and do not need such a service. There doesn’t seem to be a lot of complaints on the board regarding debit transactions, but there is a couple. Okay, so what happens when our ability to pay for goods and services with debit cards become compromised? Is that when they will start to imbed the little microchips under our skin or in our forehead so that we can be scanned, and pay for our goods and services, and have money deposited in our virtual accounts, and when real paper and coin money will no longer exist? That particular technology has existed for some time now, we microchip our pets all the time, and that little silicon chip hold all kinds of information. Is that the next security step to address all of the identity theft, and loss to merchants, and all of the other problems relating to money and payments and transactions that is coming in the near future? Hmm, scary stuff.

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

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

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

Following this conversation, I walked outside, brought my truck and trailer around to the loading dock, walked back inside to the customer service desk, and returned everything I had purchased less than two hours previously. I hate to talk bad about Home Depot, however, during the return process, the customer care associate determined that the ticket did not match the items, and that I had not returned a tube of roofing cement.

To be sure, I had only purchased one tube, but by mistake, the tube had been scanned twice. Now, not only do I have the sales associate at the register, and the floor manager thinking I have no money, or at least am a financial delinquent, they now think I am a thief. The looks of disgust were apparent. Had I not already wasted 2 hours with this matter, I would have requested proof of the register transaction via video (the cameras are there, be sure).

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

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

I was standing in front of the Target associate with my ID, not to mention the fact that I used my pin #. After arguing with Sam, I asked to speak with her supervisor. I then got Emily, who repeated the same script that Sam had. She basically said that even though my bank had confirmed availability of funds, they didn't care. I asked her who she was to determine how and where I spend my funds. She tried to pass off this line about it being for my own protection. Okay, if that were true, that would be one thing, but first of all, I never reported a lost or stolen card. The amount I spent at Target was totally normal for me.

I used my PIN for the transaction, and I was standing in person with photo ID in front of the Target associate who was verifying that I am who I say I am! So if the whole purpose is to protect me, then their fears should have been alleviated. That was not their agenda at all! I was completely and totally humiliated, not to mention that I was so upset and crying that my 3-yr-old daughter was crying hysterically also. Believe me, if there is ever a class action lawsuit, you can sign me up!

The customer service rep said that they were unable to do anything about it and that I would not be able to write any more checks. I did not have any cash with me and had just spent an hour shopping with my one-year-old daughter who was having a meltdown while I talked to them on the cell so I left the store. I called back and spoke with a manager. Again, I was told that I would be unable to cash checks. I asked them to call my bank. I gave them information verifying my account. They told me it was for my own protection. I told them I have fraud protection on my checks. They said they have no way to verify that and that again no checks would be accepted. They offered to upgrade me, as they have with the previous complainants. I finally hung up.

I would also be interested in a class action lawsuit. It was an exhausting couple of hours dealing with this company. I cannot believe that stores use this service - they are the ones who are perpetrating fraud.

Now, how an isolated check can exhibit a pattern is beyond me. But I could fix this in the future, I could sign up for their gold checking cashing service to reduce the likelihood of this happening again. I feel these people are doing some Choicepoint scam that existed in the 80s gathering information about people and then trying to sell them something they need to use anyway. I hope someone starts a class action lawsuit so I can get in on it. If you find any business you do business with uses this check verification company, use some other form of payment if you really need their services or refuse to do business with them at all and tell them why you are leaving.

I called Certegy and spoke with a Derrick. I was put on hold for a few minutes so he could research the problem. Derrick told me that there was no problem with my account, started to go into a lengthy explanation. I stopped him and said that he was going to tell me that I was rejected because Certegy "did not like my spending pattern". He said that was correct. I have contacted Academy and left a message for them to contact me (I have no doubt that they will). I will post updates as I get more information.

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

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

I asked to speak to a supervisor which took ten minutes (2 hours in cell phone fuming mad time). She explained that because I don't write checks, they have none on file for me and the amount was considered too large ($143) for them to approve. I wanted specific information, this again was nonsense. This company is a joke and should not be allowed to do business in this way. They state they do not look at your credit report or your bank account balances. Well that's fine, but what do they use, a crystal ball? I want an explanation and a letter written to myself and Kmart apologizing for what they did.

The past week (4/28/09), we had tried writing a check at Academy Sports and Outdoors. The check we were writing was for $81. Again there was more than enough in the checking account. We called Certegy and my wife was told that we did, in fact, have more than enough money in the account, that our credit rating was great, we had not ever had late payments. We had tripped some kind of flag and were denied. Certegy would not tell us what this flag was. This, to me, is like being accused of something and having to prove you're not guilty. This is the second time we had to stand in line and have people think we were deadbeats and trying to write a bad check. I did call Certegy today but since my wife was the one who wrote the check, they had to speak with her only. I told them that once she wakes up, I will have her call.

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

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

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

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

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

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

I left the store, called the number immediately and, of course, I got an automated system but because, lucky for me, the system couldn't identify my zip code, it rolled my call over to a live rep. I had to give the rep all my info to verify yet again. Then he went on to tell me that no negative information was on my file, but for security reasons, Certegy could not approve my transaction! Of course I said, "What reason is that," and of course he couldn't tell me anything specific. He gave me a list of things it could have been but assured me I did nothing wrong and nothing was wrong with my check or account. Okay then, what the hell? Then the kicker was that he offered me the opportunity to become a Certery Gold Member which guarantees a better check writing experience - my checks will be accepted in more retailers. Again, what the hell?

Although I already knew I wasn't filling it out (they have more than enough info on me already), I still asked them to send me a copy so I can see it. It's ridiculous. They asked for a voided check, DL#, household income, average daily account balance, and much more... No way! So here it is, weeks later, and I still haven't a clue as to why my check was not accepted. Oddly enough, I wrote my next check on 4/11/09 at Walmart and it was the very same thing, but was with Telecheck! It was the same process. The rep told me to write them a letter requesting a specific explanation but I refused to write them anything, but still demanded a written explanation. They agreed and told me I should receive the letter by 4/17/09. I am scared to write checks anymore. What's going on? Are the retailers having the check services do this to make us swipe our cards or something so they can get funds immediately? Something is fishy about this and it needs to be investigated big time!

I want to initiate a class action lawsuit if one hasn't already been started. I was so embarrassed I could have died. Then on top of it, they sold my couch to someone else because the check wouldn't go through. Well, that happened to be the last one and it was discontinued, so they would not get any more and this was the last day of the sale. I want a class action suit so that they cannot do this anymore. Because of this mishap, I had to call other locations of this store wasting my cell phone minutes and then had to drive an extra 20 miles out of my way to go and purchase the sofa. I then had to pay the delivery guy I had hired an extra fee for going even further out of his way.

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

I gather that this is not a new problem. I would like to know if there is a class action suit for public embarrassment against this company. I would like to join the action. I am also writing to the Office Max CEO about their business associates. I am a former CFO of a large corporation, and I would never do business with unethical people.

I was not humiliated once, but twice in the same day in two different stores. I must say they were of no help on the phone. They just kept repeating themselves and telling me it will go away if I fill out their paper.

I can not even begin to say how angry and embarrassing this was!! My account had a balance of over $2000.00 at the time (this check was for only $28.99) and I am 51 years old and the only time I ever had a returned check I believe I was 22 years old! I have a very good credit rating, presented proper I.D. with the same name, address and information that is on the check. After spending 30 minutes on the phone and speaking with a supervisor, I was told they could not tell me any reasons and it was nothing personal, just some pattern that my transaction fit. My time and the time of those behind me in line was wasted. I will never shop at Marshalls again and if I can find out what other stores use this company, I will avoid them also.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Public embarassment, undisclosed defamatory information?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

so I thought was a fun place to shop.

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

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

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