FISGlobal.com / Certegy review: declined checks! 620

I think u need to go back to school and learn how to spell, before you hit the net buddy!

I went to K MArt and wrote a $50 check and it was denied! I was very surprised because I knew there was money in my account and I had written only one other check that day in the amount of $10 at JCPenneys. So when they told me that my check would not go through, I was not only extremely humilated, I was afraid that someone had tampered with my account. K mart did nothing to ease my frusteration and the inconvenience they caused me. I went to my bank to find out what happened and my account was fine, I had plenty of funds to cover the check. I was informed by the teller that this was a regular occurance for Certegy to unnecessarily decline checks. I am still very upset by this situation that happened one week ago for I was unable to make my purchase because I had no other method of payment. I am old fashioned and did not request a debit card until this incident. I am now worried about going shopping for the time being in fear that something else stupid and senseless will happen to me at the checkout counter. I would like to see the stores who use Certegy to post signs or something of that nature to warn people about writing checks (that are turned down for no good reason) so that people like myself can know ahead of time and have a back up method ready. I will never go back to K Mart and avoid other stores I know use Certegy. I agree that these stores, using Certegy, will lose business because of this and hope to see changes in the near future.

I, too, had an unwelcome encounter with Certegy declining a check I had written to Macy's. Plenty of $$ in the account, no fraud flags, no negative reports. I was actually told that Certegy would not tell me the basis for the decline, but that I had engaged in "suspicious activity" (writing checks) and that they existed to protect ME! I don't remember hiring Certegy to do anything on my behalf. Despite three additional phone calls, I could not get any explanation of any sort concerning why the decline occured or how to prevent it from happening in the future. I was told it was a computer-generated matter over which the employees had no control. I was told it could happen again or not happen again or happen twice and not for three times, and blah, blah, blah. Every person I spoke with was reading from a script. The ultimate solution was to use another form of payment. Can you believe it?

I don't even understand why Certegy is involved in non-credit transations and why rights under the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act are cited in the blurb on my Macy's receipt. The last time I checked a check was a negotiable instrument, not a credit card application.

The best way to attack the problem immediately, I would think, would be to inform the retailer that you will not do business with them until they sever their relationship with Certegy, and put it in writing. Maybe if enough of us complain the retail industry will catch on.

In the meantime, is anyone interested in exploring the feasibility of a class action lawsuit?

Friday night I wrote a check for $182.16 at Super Kmart, and it was declined. At the time, my balance was just over $5, 000.00. I had never heard of Certegy before this, and I was steamed! I have only used either checks or cash for quite a while now, and have never been declined. The cashier was understanding and apologetic. I sent my family out to the car (my children were wondering why we had to leave all of our stuff in the store), and called Certegy from my cell. I was told by the automated system that it had nothing to do with my banking, blah, blah, blah. So I called the manager and explained my frustration and embarrassment. She actually chuckled a little. My father works at a local Autozone, and he says Debit cards are declined there all the time, although I don't know if they use Certegy or not. So Debit is not the solution, and the interest rates of Credit Cards are ridiculous. What then? Does Certegyrule the world, along with the three credit reporting agencies? This is America, and I have the right to use a check if I want to. I shouldn't be forced to resort to credit cards. And I shouldn't have to risk carrying an exorbitant amount of cash with me all the time. This is a violation of my rights as a U.S. citizen, in my opinion. Thanks for reading.

I just wrote a check at Kmart. for just under $80 and they said I was declined i'm 29 i've never been declined in my life for anything that I have payed for I had my two boys with me who had gotten a few things there 1 and 4 you know how hard it is to tell them no you can't get it when you just told them they could my 4 year old cried and you can't explain to them that you were declined. they have no idea what that means. So I went to my bank after Certegy told me that it was because of fradulant type behavior on my account. I went to my bank and they said everything was fine. I've always gotten payed and spent like I do every two weeks so I don't see what the deal is and i'm not ever stepping foot in Kmart ever again. I went online and got to there customer service and let them know that. It sucks to because they are a legit company I checked them out at www.BBB.org and they have an A for there practices. Here is the information I have on them.

Certegy is a subsidiary of Fidelity National Information Services, Inc., which is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. Certegy's customer service and complaint handling are based in St. Petersburg, Florida, and use numerous Post Office Boxes in Tampa. Because of this, all consumer complaints filed with the BBB are handled by the BBB of West Florida, per the company's request.

Look I tried I am going to through the same thing, I was with my home gurl yesterday and we was trying to right a cheeck at target, stator bros, and sallys beauty supply, and was denied at all three and I want to o why? I have never been through something like that how embarrising, I have had more than than enough money to cover the transaction we need to stop thease people as sson as possible

I just got back from Walmart... Took a Maryland State Unemployment and my ID with me... Got in line, gave the clerk my unemployment check, keyed in my Social... Checked was declined... Called Certigy.. After getting through that Automated Attendant.. Got through to a person... Was told literally that "the sequence of numbers on the check were flagged as possibly being fraudulent, and that this check would not be able to be cashed... " However, she also told me literally that "you should try your next unemployment check, as the next sequence of numbers may be accepted.. "

Guys, Gals, this IS why our country is just ###ed up right now... No God damn common sense... Am I angry? Not really... Frustrated - yes.. Here i am with a State Issued Unemployment check... and I cant cash the ###er at Walmart because their Malicious Logic Algorithms are poor and in production..

Just beyond words.. Especially given everything our country is going through..

There truly needs to be a mass fireing of executives and decision makers... put the hard working, low totem poll people in places of responsibility... Half this ### would go away over night...

I think as a Certified Network Engineer and Designer this pisses me off even more...

Good Lord. *I'm laughing now, my wife is leaning over my shoulder laughing while i am writing this "

Enjoy Guys.

We had an exact problem with Certegy and Walmart. Our employee, working out of town, was denied being allowed to cash a printed valid payroll check using his valid correct driver's license. Same thing, handed a reciept told to call the number on the reciept to find out why. I am one of the manager's with our company which is a nationwide industrial construction company. I called Certegy, finally ended up with a real person. Even thought the reciept says they are bound by law to give us the reason the check was denied being cashed, they never really gave us a reason, just said it was due to security reason's (DUH!). Several other employees cashed their payroll checks at the same Walmart, at the same time, but this one and one other was denied. Certegy rudley said that they will have to cash their check somewhere else.

we need to start a class action suit against certegy for profiling. what they are doing cant be legal. If companies continue using them we should boycott them. we are really pissed.

K-Mart declined our check using Certegy. We called them, they said we were profiled and didnt pass. Plenty of money in the bank and HAD been shopping there for years. We intend to take stern legal action!

I went to Wal-Mart today, the mail didn't come until after the banks were closed, because it was the only place that everyone said that I could get it cashed. But, man were they wrong. I've had one hell of a day trying to get my check cashed. The cashier ran my check and I thought that she was going to cash it until a piece of paper came out from Certegy saying that it had been denied. Well I know that my check was good because it was from VIrginia College. It was $1, 550.00 and I know that if anybody had the money to cash it then it was Wal-Mart but anyway back to this little paper or reciept that came out, it said that it was declined and that I had to call the number on the paper in order to "maybe" override it and then they could go ahead cash it, but of course if it's going to happen to anyone it's me. And sure enough I had to call theis # to the Certegy Check Service to see what the problem was. Long stoty short they couldn't instead she told me that a pattern had shown up 2 or 3 times something about me having identity theft and then I flipped. I was so upset that I didn't get to talk to her much and plus I was in Wal-Mart, but I'm going to call them back and request my file. It says that I have 60 days to request it. All I know is that they have really stressed me out, I'm a very nervous person anyway and I just can't handle it if soemone had stolen my identity. When I explained it to the cashier, she said that it soulded like to her that someone had stolen it and had used it.
Oh! I just can't handle it so they better hope that it's not true at all.

Hello. today iwent to the dress barn. i wrote a check for $50.00. certegy declined my ckeck, I was told by certegy that I fit a certain profile, I have no bad check out, certegy refused to give me any information.., I am afraid certegy will declain any future checks. Please lets do a class action.

I was recently in a situation where I thought I lost my checkcard and immediately cancelled. I had to resort to writing checks for casback (I never use checks, only once per month for rent). I went to a local 7-11 and write a check for gas and was denied by Certegy Check Services. I was shocked. My check writing history is clean and being that I work for a software company which provides this information, I understood this does not seem right. Most companies use tele-check, which is accurate and legit. I recently applied for an apartment and my check writing history provided be tele-check returned clear. I'm working to resolve this issue and find more information.

Today, April 24, 2009, I went to Murphy's Gas (the station linked with Walmart) to buy a carton of cigarettes for my husband. The cashier ran my check and told me in front of 5 other customers that my bank would not honor my check. I said "WHAT? You're mistaken. Run it again." She said she can only run them once. I said well I guess I'd pay with my debit but considering bank account it probably won't go through either. She told me my debit card doesn't go through them. So I paid by debit card. I went to my car and called my bank. they told me they have been getting alot of complaints for the same thing. She told me that my check should not have been declined. So I went back in and asked the girl for the phone number and the code that she gave me (a Code 20). I went back to my car and called the 800 number. After several minutes and an interrogation to obtain every piece of information possible about me, this is what I was told "Your check was declined because we put it through a risk model. Your check fit certain patterns that deal with identify theft and unauthorized use". So I ask "What are the patterns?" "Ma'am, I will re-read what I just explained." I told her she need to, she needed to tell me what "the patterns" were that made my check be declined. She couldn't tell me. I told her that I wanted a letter stating why my check was declined and it needed to be very specific. I aslo told her that I refuse to patronize Murphy's or Walmart because I will not be unduly humiliated again. Did I mention that my check number is ELEVEN THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED AND SIXTY NINE? If I wrote bad checks that would be one thing, but I don't and I haven't. Honest people don't reach that high of number if they are writing fradulent checks. Banks won't keep them!

I went to T J Maxx today, my total came to $398, I wrote a check and was denied, I advised the rep that I had well over 50K in my account and there is no way my check could decline for $398.. she then told me that the system could not read the numbers on my check, she proceeded to run my check through several times..the line was extremely long and I was sooo embarrased, I took my check and walk out of the store, this incident has given me so much anxiety, I don't ever want to take a risk of writing another check and being embarrassed again!

I too was a victim of Certegy's check acceptance policy. I attempted to write a check for $90 at Dick's Sporting Goods and was declined. I called the customer service line, and did not get what I thought was a logical reason. I went to my bank, and the manager of the bank called to find out where the problem was, and they refused to discuss my information with him. He explained that he could easily verify the funds for them, but they were not interested in hearing what he had to say. I was asked if I would like to become a Gold Member of Certegy. I agreed to have them send out the paper work, but after seeing how much information they wanted, decided not to apply. I figured this was a one time event and went on with my life. Two weeks later, I was at Target attempting to write a check for $106 and again, this same company declined my check. I just don't understand how this company is getting away with this sort of practice. Hard working, tax paying, bill paying Americans are trying to access their own money, and are being told they cannot. When will this stop?

I too was a victim of Certegy Check Services. I agree there needs to be a Class Action Lawsuit against this company. I have file a complaint against Certegy with the FTC. I have also obtain legal services. I wrote two different checks at two different establishments with two different checking accounts on two different days and both times I was declined. The first check it took my bank two hours and a bank manager to resolve, but one week later another check was declined from another bank. I spoke to the supervisor of Certegy and he told me that no matter what establishment I went to, if they used Certegy that my checks would be decline no matter how much funds I had. He also said that I could become a gold member and that might inable me to write checks without a decline. I found this web site and read all the complaints. I did not realize there were so many people with the same situation as me. This situation embarrassed me and cause me a lot of grief. I feel like I have been discriminated agaisnt and I have become distraught over this situation. I am hoping that something legally can be done regarding Certegy.

I just had the same thing happen to me at Dick's Sporting Goods! And, it was extremely embarrassing. I have never bounced a check in my life and have adequate funds in my account. (And, no I don't have multiple credit cards or bad credit!) I called Certegy for an more detailed explanation. They assured me there was no negative information on file for me but still didn't give me a valid reason for being declined. It also upset me that they asked for a lot personal information from me with out providing any significant information in return. The most they would say is there was not enough information and it was outside the check writing perimeters set by the store. What does that mean? It was a $28 check! While I left the store with the item I was purchasing by paying with my debit card, I intend to take the time to get the same thing at a different store just so I can return it to Dick's Sporting Goods. I plan to point out to them that they will not get my business again. They are the one's who lost the customer not Certegy!

To all of you that have become a victim. I reported Certegy to the FTC, BBB of Florida and the Attorney General. I spoke to many lawyers to take action agaisnt this company but it would cost me too much. I tried reporting them to Dateline and the local news papers but have not received any answers. I encourage anybody that has become a victim to do the same. The public will listen if there is enough of us that yell. The businesses will listen if there is enough of us that yell. There needs to be a Class Action Lawsuit but it will take us all to get one against this company. I encourage all of us as victims, tell the FTC, tell the BBB, tell your State Attorney General, tell your State Congressman and tell anybody that you think will listen, because there is power in numbers.

I, too, experienced the same problem! I wrote a check in Belk's, a store I shop in VERY frequently, but my check was declined. When I called in to this Certegy company Belks said had made this decision, I had to call 3 times before reaching someone, and I was on hold a total of 179 minutes and 36 seconds! (I timed it on my cell phone.) I have never been so humiliated in my life! THEN, if THAT wasn't bad enough, I was told that the reason my check was declined was because I fit a 'fraudulent profile.' When I was shocked and asked for specifics, I was told this had nothing to do with me or my check writing history, but was based on other people who DID have fraudulent activity, and for some reason, my check was randomly flagged in the profile for that category. This Certegy company was not able to give me any specific reason that my check was flagged, and neither could they offer any explanation as to why my checks in the SAME story had NEVER had this issue before. This service is going to end up costing the merchants who use it more in the long run because they will lose customers. I, for one, will NEVER shop in Belks again! I really hate that because I love the store, but I refuse to be treated like a common criminal when I have done NOTHING wrong, and when I have been a loyal patron of Belk's for over 20 years. And in the future, any other store where I encounter this problem will be added to that list. I will not shop where this Certegy service is used.

Payroll check declined at Wal-mart thanks to Certegy. Have been using check cashing and money order services for months with no problems until yesterday. Given a slip with REASON 2 and a phone number to call, don't waste your time it is automated and you will not get the explanation you seek from the machine. Probably some arbitrary piece of software making the decisions IF/THEN=GO/NO GO. New Meijer just opened, looks like my business will be going to them.

I was declined at an albertsons when I called I got a very nice customer care agent named Braxton. He did let me know it was a number pattern inside of the transaction. Maybe you people should learn checks havent been a guarenteed form of payment for over 20 years. They are pretty much an i.o.u. They are the easist form of identity theft. Certegy has been in business for over 40 years and they help prevent more then 80% of identity theft. Maybe you people should learn that info before you start talking bad. Goodbye
ps. DEBIT AND CHECKING TRANSACTIONS ARE DIFFERENT

should I cash a refund check from Certegy Check Services?

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

I was also a victim of this I had 15, 000 in my account trying to purchase cabinets at Lowes via a checking account that I have had over 30 years and have never bounced a check. I called my bank first to make sure the money was available to pay them. Then went through the run around to get my check cashed. Five days later I went back to Lowes to purchase other items and went though the same one day later I went back to purchase some more items to finish my kitchen and my check was declined because the way I use my checking account. Can we file a class action suite? put me on your list
marcy_smile@yahoo.com and I will join it.

I too was declined by lowes I spent over 15, 000 buying cabinets etc. and then more items by check the next day and on the third day going in to by lumber I was declined because of my check writing habits. Well I called the bank and lowes got their money I have never bounced a check or anything like that. There has to be a class action law suite we can file against this company

I have recently had a check that I was going to cash on May 11th, 2009. however, it was denied? I got a Code 1? and was told by the customer service lady to call that number and someone at certegy would explain why? I immediately called and waited for at least ten mintues using up precious cell phone minutes until I had a rep come on the phone. She had asked me a series of questions and stated that there was no problem with my identity or id, or the check, but that they needed to have the check issuing company call them to give more information? I asked what information and she states that she could not give any further information? Now I know for a fact that Aflac is one of New York States Highest acting businesses financially, so I know that there was no problem with that check. And it was only for One Hundred dollars? The store I go to Bkwik in Buffalo, NY used to have a check verification service called telecheck, and they were no different. I could completely understand if a check from a certain bank or company had problems and would be looked closer at. But to just deny a check for basically no reason? And I still never got a comprehensive understanding of what a code 1 is. I definately think there should be a lawsuit for this type of treatment.

I also am irritated with the arbitrary check decline done by Certegy based not on fact but on "check profile" and when I have a complaint, I want it addressed in a fair logical manner. The representative I spoke with at Certegy, indicated that she would be happy to send me an application to get approval for check writing! I don't plan to complete this intrusive requirement from a firm hired by businesses to check it's customers checks! Instead I intend to send a Registered Signed Return Receipt to the CEO of Certegy but, alas, that proves difficult because Certegy does not readily provide necessary information. I have discovered that it is part of Fidelity Information Services and I will copy paste this post to them. As I told the rep, I appreciate the fact this service is necessary but to simply reply, "Your check fits a fraud profile" is both insulting and most irritating given that I have a credit rating of just under 8 and I have been writing checks for nearly 45 years without incident! Their PROFILING system needs to be readdressed. Below is contact information I found for this business.

* 1.800.633.9454
* product.info@fnis.com

Listing Information
Name: Certegy Check Services
Address: St Petersburg FL
Telephone: [protected]
Website: http://www.certegy.com

Today is the second day that I have gone to Wal-mart to cash my payroll check and it was denied by this Certegy. Now, I have cashed my payroll checks from the same company that I work for at Wal-mart SEVEN times previously. None of my information or the companies information has changed yet this is the second time that I have driven all the way out to Wal-mart only to have my check denied for reason 2. I called them while at Wal-mart and the first time I was told that the reason it was denied was because the check showed signs of fraud which can happen with perfectly normal checks sometimes but unfortunately there is nothing they can do about it and I won't be able to cask my check there. The second time this happened I called again and the woman told me the same thing basically. That it was denied for security reasons because the numbers on the check didn't match up and there was nothing wrong with my information personally but there was nothing that could be done about it. The clerk at Wal-mart told me that this has been happening a lot lately and it's probably a glitch in the system but when I said this to the woman from Certegy she coldly told me that that wasn't the case and there was something wrong with the check. She had no sympathy at all. What is wrong with this system that it can deny a perfectly good check that it has cashed SEVEN times before?

I have had checks denied so far at three different locations due to the poor business / check processing procedures of Certegy. The last time was at Walmart. I used my credit union account and my check was denied. I then tried my 'regular' bank account check, and it was denied. Finally I used my debt card which pulls from the same account as my bank account, and the purchase went through. Clearly this was not an issue of sufficient funds, as the debt card was authorized but the checks were not. And it was embarrassing.

I made another call to Certegy to find out why both checks were denied but the debt card authorized from the same account. Before they would even speak with me about it, they wanted my bank account numbers, license number, name, address, etc. They said they were 'verifying' the information but as I did not have confidence in the company, I wanted them to verify with me that they already had this information and were truly verifying, not inputting. They would not confirm or prove they already had my information and I did not get any confidence that giving them my information was secure.

Is this company secure? Do they have a database full of names, addresses, bank account numbers, license numbers, etc.? Is there a way to have all my information removed from their database? They do not give me any confidence at all.

We have had numerous problems with Certegy as well. There is no company as good as TELECHECK ...so who is this Certgegy and why are they being allowed to take over America ? They are not helpful when you call. One time I called them as I was denied a check and they said because I had had checks stolen 15 years ago I couldn't write a check...OMG ! What is this ? AMERICA needs to speak out quick on this company !

Boy 'O' Boy here we go again. Brian from Michigan writing to also tell everyone one I have had two recent problems with Certegy. I had a little over $10, 000 in my checking account and needed a new Lawn Tractor. Decided to go to Home Depot after banking hours. Gathered some gardening supplies wrote my check and it was declined. I of course asked for the manager whom stated that there was noting he could do. I explained to him that over the past 5 years I had spent over $25, 000 at Home Depot and never had a problem before. A cocky and obviously naive you girl behind the counter whom was listening shouted out "You must have some bad checks outstanding". Insulted by this I comment by saying that I am a retired Police Officer and have never bounced or written a bad check in my life. I then told the manager he could keep everything as I pushed the cart in his direction and will NEVER shop there again. I also called the 800 number I was given and was told that I had written a check out of sequence and that was why it was being denied. I loudly laughed and told the service person "yes I voided a check due to an error in writing a check. She did not care and it was useless to discuss it with her further. I got over it after a few days and went o Petsmart a week to the day later and wrote a check for $275. It was declined and the clerk handed me a card with, you guessed it CERTEGY. I could not beleive it. I really beleive thhat if you call and complain they flag your account and basically BLACK BALL you. I called the 800 number again and requested a list of the businesses they deal with. They refused to supply me with the information. I intend to check into this further with my Congressman since we all have bailed out the banking industry. I had a problem with my Mortgage company and my local Congressman has an aide that handles banking problems. She did a Congressional Inquiry and the problem was magically fixed the next business day with managers tripping over themselves to help me. I understand that some of these companies have signed agreements and could be fined or have no further bailout money given to them. CALL YOUR LOCAL CONGRESSIONAL MEMBER. I will be and I will be printing these complaints to take with me.
And by the way from reading these complaints I plan to boycot any store that deals with Certegy.

I have just sent the following to Walmart on their customer service websit. Everyone that has dealt with this ripoff company needs to do it also.
I had a very embarrassing and degrading experience at my local Wal-Mart yesterday. The store location doesn't matter in this complaint. I have shopped at Wal-mart since 1983 when I worked there about a year in a new store. The amount of money I have spent can not even be calculated. I have written checks, used my debit card and cash.
I received a State of Alabama child support check in the mail yesterday. For $740.08 As it was Saturday my bank was closed and I have heard Walmart cashes checks. I went to customer service and they said yes we will cash your check. Apparently Walmart uses a completely inept cash verification service called Certegy Check Services. They requested my Social Security number (uncool) and then said they couldn't cash the check. They gave me a piece of paper with all of Certegy's information. When I got home, I called Certegy and the reason was the transaction followed a pattern of fraud. Oh my God. I am your average middle aged white woman with no criminal history or background. I write checks all the time and do not have bounced checks. EVER> Do you think the State of Alabama child support agency is in the fraud business?
I then went on the internet and found the place on scam websites. They have lost you a lot of faithful customers and one of there representatives posted a comment about the low intelligence of anyone who would even shop at Walmart. They said the complaints were end of the day jokes. Keeping Certegy employees entertained. You and Certegy have insulted all types of people. Since you have now taken over the grocery store market and most people are forced to buy groceries at your stores, there is no telling how much revenue has been lost because of this company. If they think your customers are so low life and ignorant WHY would you do business with this company?
If you don’t want people writing checks or cashing them, then why don’t you just say so?
You should take a look at the complaint website for this company.
Most people are talking class action lawsuit. I will be the first in line. I will come in right after Walmart.
This isn’t an isolated incident. It happens every day in your store’s and anyone else’s that uses this company. You have had people standing in your checkout line and called these people on the spot and they say, sorry, we will fix it right now. The check gets run back through and walla, denied again.
Several people mentioned taking this to the news media and I think that is a very good idea.
How dare you treat faithful customers this way. I will not ever shop at Walmart again.
My intent yesterday was to buy a wedding ring set for $498.00. I will buy one at a jewelry store, because only ignorant people shop at Walmart, right?

Okay, it's 2009 ... Why are you wasting your time and breath trying to resurrect a form of payment that has been obsolete for decades when a debit card linked to that same checking account is so much more convenient and reliable, not to mention much more courteous towards the poor shoppers that have to wait behind you while you write your $0.47 check for a pack of gum only to have it turned down?

I live in American and have the right to choose how I pay for items I buy and if you don't like that Mr. Whinner you can leave and go so where else to live. I stand up for my rights and so did the forefathers before me and that is what America is all about. The right to choose. Now you get real. Certegy just might deny your debit card as well, then you'll be back to whine. Who'll listen then?

I agree with Judy on the above response. What's worse about this, this Whiner fellow (who posted above Judy) has 2 dollar logic.. he writes "Why are you wasting your time and breath trying to resurrect a form of payment that has been obsolete.. " hmm, if your standing in line paying for an item, in a store that supposedly uses electronic means for verification (Certigy), then it would make sense that you are following a legal, prescribed means of payment, that has been in the economic system as an approved method of payment for years.. But what this whiner person does is belittle the issue and attack a post with literally hundreds of similar complaints. And we wonder why America is falling behind... Whiner needs to Go watch Jerry Springer so you can he can be sure everyone on this thread is poor and mentaly challenged.. Nice whiner.. love the comment on the person writing a check for .47 cents to have it turned down. Next time be more complete in your sociological presumption and economic status of these people who complained against certigy.. If your thinking this way i can't image what Certigy is doing in their boardroom. pfft.. Read the comment on pg 1 by initial poster.. There is the "target" audience Certigy is pissing off..

I am President of Franklin Bank, a small bank in central Illinois. I too have customers with significant balances whose checks have been declined. I frequent violator are Walgreens and Home Depot. I got no satisfaction from calling Walgreens, Home Depot or Certegy. I have now put a message on all customers bank statments to avoid doing business with Home Deport and Walgreen. I notified these companies of this and they have replied that they do not care. They have enough business without my customers. I will continue to ask customers to boycot companies that use Certegy.
KB

I'm a small business owner of 11 years that needed to purchase a few items at Home Goods for a photo shoot for a client. I wanted to use a check so I could keep good accounting records and bill my client back. In addition, I wanted to give my company credit card a rest, and see about weaning my company away from credit, especially with everything that is going on with the economy.

So here I am at Home Goods with my 8 year old son, and I write a check for $176.41 from an account that has well over that amount. I waited, and waited and waited while the cashier tried to get my check to go through, and then she said sorry my check has been denied and here is this card which has the Certegy number you can call. I was furious and humiliated, and not to mention just beside myself because here I am with my son doing errands for my business. I bundled my son up in my car, went to my bank and proceeded to raise hell. How dare this happen when I have done nothing wrong, I was so mad I was shaking. So sitting down with my banker, we called Certegy, practically told them my life story, then was put on hold. When the man came back on the line, he started to talk then he actually hung up on us! This tactic has been done to me before and it made me all the more determined.

We called back again and were told that my information somenow fit the Certegy's Profile for fradualent checks and that's why my check was denied. "What profile?" I asked and I was told that this was private information and that they couldn't give this information out. But they could send me an information packet which I could then fill out so my checks "may not" be denied in the future. I demanded a list of companies that use Certegy services but was told that since there were thousands of business there was no way she could provide me with that list. What got me the most was that my banker just sat there and bascially shrugged her shoulders saying that there was nothing that they could do.

As I left there with my son, he's asking me what is a "profile", and I'm still shaking with angry when it hit me that Certegy was the same company that denied another check of mine from a different account. This one a private residential account that I used for my home remodeling, and that the check was denied while I was buying appliances at SEARS. They accepted one check for $5000 but turned another down for $4000. My favorite was overhearing the Sales Manager tell the employee to get me to open a Sears Charge. Which I then said very loudly, "No thanks. I don't want another credit card." At this time, I thought it was my banks fault because my check wasn't accepted, and I had my bank called. But my banker explained to me that Certegy was the company and the amount of checks I was writing and whatever else they had as their list of criteria was considered suspicious.

Well I'm through taking this humiliation sitting down. I'm willing to give them a fight. After reading all of these other stories I'm even more fired up than ever before. I have to wonder if I've been blackballed because I make a stink out of my checks being denied. I'm not only contacting my Congressperson, but I'm going to see about actually getting this Class Action Lawsuit in motion. I also think I'm going to go to every single one of these companies that use Certegy and document if they take my checks or not. My feeling is that at each store I'll be turned down. I refuse to sit here and let this bogus company get away with humiliating all of us. Because even though I knew I had the money in my account, , I still felt like a thief trying to pass a bad check. And here I was trying to do the right thing and spend money that wasn't based on credit!

Watch out because I'm going to find more people in my area and get something started that will have Certegy running for cover.

I recently tried to make a check purchase of around $28.00 from KMart. My check was declined. I was so upset. There were other people in the line and they were staring at me like I was a criminal. I was given an 800 number for a company called Certegy. I called and an automated system stated that I had an unpaid check out. I knew I didn't. I contacted my bank and was told that they had no idea where that information came from, but it was not accuate. I called Certegy again and started pushing buttons and was finally connected to a live person. I was informed that my file contained no derogatory information, but because I hadn't written a check in awhile that is the reason it was declined. She used this lame excuse that not only were they trying to protect the merchant from fraud but the customer too. I was informed that I needed to carry some other form of payment to back my purchases up for just such incidents. I normally pay with my debit card, but I received a new one and hadn't activated it yet. I don't carry cash. How can these companies dictate how often you can write a check or how much it can be written for? As long as you have the money to cover it, it's none of their business how we spend our hard-earned money. I know I'm not the only person that this happens too. Can something be done about this company?

WE've been getting the run-around from certegy since march 12th. we proved our bank NEVER denied a check from Kum and Go.. yet certegy just gives us the run-around. we 've faxed proof THREE times and all they say is "call us back in 5-7 days" they totally suck.. I'll never write a check where I see the Certegy logo EVER again. They are liars.