I had a checking account at a local bank. I used the online bill payment, made it quick and easy. I balanced my check book (even when I used my check card). I alway's knew how much I had in the bank. I would check my balance every 2-3 weeks. I never used my card too often.  Only to pay bills.

 One day, I was getting ready to pay my phone and internet bill and noticed online that there was a large internet charge for $48.00 plus a $75.00 overdraft fee and $8.00 every day on which it carried over. The bank never thought of notifying me in this case.

 I was upset to see this and what set me off is it was from a internet company I've never used before. I looked for the 800# on my statement and comes to find out that someone in Alabame used it. I asked for the person's name who used my card and they told me it was confidential.  I mention how my card was not to be used by anyone other than myself! They hung up on me.

 Well, now I have over a $384.00 bill, I had went down and visited my bank manager immediately after calling the "internet company'. I was so furious! I asked them what can be done since I didn't authorize the transaction. They said I would have to file a dispute and wait for a resolution. 

 In the meantime I had a bill needing to be paid and my card was invalid due to the overdraft bill.  The bank manager pulled up my other statements and realized it wasn't the first time it happened it went on 2 month's prior. How did I overlook something like this.  I felt humiliated and stupid for not catching this sooner. 

 In the end they told me that "The internet provider" refused to give me credit, or to refund my money. My check which was auto deposited was automatically *gone* in a second it went towards the overdraft charges and late fees. They refused to do anything for me and said they could freeze my account until I pay the rest of the balance off. They said freezing my account will hold all late fees. 

 So, I lost my $38.00 which I had left in my bank as well as my $170.00 check. I was upset and dropped the bank and moved on to a new bank, I have been with my new bank for 3years now and very satisfied. It doesn't make up for the lost money due to some ignorant people who thought it would be funny to use someones check card number to purchase internet. 

 The money could've definately helped me alot especially with two children. The bank could've been more understanding and I still feel there could've been some kind of action taken, I felt like I was just a big hassle for them.  Well, to whomever it was who did do this to me, I hope you feel awful after hearing what you did. You took money from not just me but my children.  Living two weeks with no power was much fun, luckily we have bcmw which helps with emergency power.  To others who have thought of doing something like this, maybe you'll think twice now. You never know how or who this kind of action affects. 

 Just remember one thing, The things a person does, (good or bad) will come back to you stronger than ever.. So think twice about your actions!

 --Lisa & kids