Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Predatory Banks Go Agressive On Fees


With the credit markets dried up, and losses to banks mounting to the tune of 9000 foreclosures a day, banks are getting more aggressive. One of the ways I personally experienced banks raising money is on their "fee income." These fees come in the form of Late Fees, Unavailable Funds Fees, Over Draft Fees, Service Fees, Etc.. These banks could also care less that you are unemployed, on welfare, or just lost your home.

No fee, however is more profitable than the predatory Bank Fee, and employees at at branches are being trained in public combat. When the public complains about a Fee often bank tellers have a system of keeping their money down pat, it's called "No, No, and No" again and again to any refund of their predatory fees.

My personal experience at my own bank had to do with a check that was bounced to me, due to an honest mistake by a friend of mine. The unmentioned bank I no longer deal with, has a policy of maximizing their predatory fees. They do so by clearing the bigger checks first and then ratcheting up lots of overdraft fees on all the smaller checks that did not make it.

Sadly the photo above is true I ended up paying an exorbitant amount for a simple pizza. That aside, keep in mind that banks expect us all to be perfect. They know this is impossible, so they take advantage of our mistakes, they embarrass you, and then keep even more of your money. Peoples, bank keep in mind, recently lost many of their customers personal information and you got nothing for their mistake.

Anyone who feels their bank has been abusive does have some recourse by contacting the Banking Commissioner in Hartford. If your bank is desperate for money and has begun criminal and unethical fee practices call the Banking Commissioner and file a complaint.

Click HERE for the official website.

No comments: