It may seem as if having a bank account is a given in life, but actually, it’s not: Some people get rejected and have to work hard (really hard) to attain that privilege. There’s a situation called being blacklisted by banks, and it’s a tough one to overcome.
Granted, for many, having enough money for a deposit and valid ID gives you all you need to open a bank account.
But if you’ve had problems with a bank account before and your screening report reveals those issues, you could be denied. But all is not lost: Take a deep breath and read on. We’ll share:
- What it means to be blacklisted
- Why this happens
- What you can do to earn back the ability to access the financial products and services you need
What Does It Mean to Be on the ChexSystems Blacklist?
Unless you’ve had trouble opening a bank account, it’s possible you’ve never even heard of ChexSystems. Think of ChexSystems as being akin to the credit reporting agencies that determine your all-important FICO credit score. Except instead of keeping track of how well you manage debt the way Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion do, ChexSystems records how well you manage your banking life.
Do you have a history of bouncing checks, overdrawing your account, failing to pay bank fees, suspicious activity, or have had your account closed by a financial institution? If so, it’s likely ChexSystems knows about and is keeping track of those negative activities. Approximately 80% of banks use these agencies’ screening reports when deciding whether to approve a consumer’s application to open a checking or savings account.
Along with your report, banks also may use your ChexSystems Consumer Score to assess your potential risk as a new or returning customer. A score can range from 100 to 899 — and a higher score signifies lower risk.
There’s no official point or score at which consumers are automatically “blacklisted” by ChexSystems or the banks that use its services. Each financial institution determines independently how much risk is acceptable when deciding to open a new account for a client. But if your score is in the lower range, you should be aware that your application could be refused. The reason why: You don’t appear to be someone who will use your bank accounts responsibly.
If you’re planning to open an account and you’re wondering what your current ChexSystems Consumer Score is, you can request it at the ChexSystems website. You’re able to get one free report per year.
What to Do If You Are Blacklisted
So let’s say you’ve applied for a bank account and got rejected. That can be an upsetting feeling. After all, bank accounts — especially checking accounts — are the hub of most people’s financial lives. Paychecks are deposited there, and bills and other debts are paid out of that same account. You may wonder how you will ever get a bank account after being blacklisted.
We have good news: If a financial institution denies your request to open an account, there are a few things you may be able to do to improve your standing. Here are four steps to take.
1. Request a Consumer Disclosure Report
The bank or credit union that declined to open an account for you should inform you which reporting agency (ChexSystems or another) generated the report it used when considering your application. You can then contact that agency by phone, mail, or online to request a free copy of the report. You’ll then take a look at exactly what’s on your record.
2. Report Any Discrepancies
Once you receive a copy of your file, you should be able to see which banks or credit unions provided negative information about you to the reporting agency. If the report doesn’t match up to your experiences, there may have been an error, or the problem could be connected to identity theft. Either way, it’s a good idea to check your own records for any discrepancies and prepare to address what you may uncover.
3. Dispute Any Errors Found
Consumer reporting agencies must comply with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act. That means they are required to ensure the information they provide is as accurate as possible. What’s more, by law, they can’t include certain types of negative information that’s more than seven years old. (ChexSystems typically keeps negative information on a report for five years.)
If you feel your banking report has errors, is incomplete, or that some negative information is out of date, your next move may be to file a dispute. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) provides sample letters. PDF File for contacting both the financial institution that supplied the incorrect data and the agency that included it in its report. Or, you can file your dispute on the ChexSystems website.
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, ChexSystems must verify the negative information within 30 days or delete it from your ChexSystems report.
You also may want to get an updated credit report from one or all three of the major credit bureaus to see if there are similar problems there. You can request those reports for free at annualcreditreport.com. If you find anything amiss, you can dispute those credit report errors.
To be clear, your ChexSystems score is not the same as the FICO credit score lenders look at when you apply for a credit card or loan. And the banking reports ChexSystems provide do not include the same information as credit reports. But if there’s inaccurate information in a report about your checking account activity, there may be similar issues with your credit reports — especially if you’ve been the victim of identity theft. If you can catch discrepancies early, you may be able to head off future questions about your creditworthiness.
4. Pay Off Outstanding Debts and Fees
Of course, there is the possibility that the black marks on your report are valid. Maybe you bailed on an account that was overdrawn or had another negative situation. If information on your report was accurate, you still may be able to improve your chances of opening an account. You will probably want to show that you are trying to rectify past problems.
Check with the bank that declined your recent application for an account. A banker there may have some suggestions. It could help, for example, if you can pay off any old fees you still owe to ChexSystems’ member institutions. Once those past bad debts are taken care of, you can ask the bank or credit union that provided the negative information to update that item on your ChexSystems report.
You still may have to wait five years for the negative information to be completely removed from your report. But ultimately, it’s up to each individual bank — not ChexSystems — to decide if a customer’s application will be approved or denied. If the bank sees you’re making an effort to right old wrongs, it may reconsider your application. That’s why connecting with a banker to explain what steps you’re taking can be a move in the right direction.
How to Avoid Being Blacklisted by ChexSystems
Obviously, the best way to avoid getting a low ChexSystems Consumer Score or a negative report is to avoid the activities that could make you a riskier bank customer. If you want to be a good checking and savings account customer, avoid such things as:
- Bouncing checks or running up too many overdraft fees
- Having an account closed involuntarily
- Committing ATM or debit card abuse
- Being suspected of fraud or illegal activity
- Opening and closing multiple accounts in a short period of time
But there are other steps you can take to further secure your finances and your financial reputation. Consider these options as well to boost your standing as a banking customer. They can help you avoid being blacklisted.
Monitor Your Financial Health
If there’s information on a ChexSystems report that you weren’t aware of, you may have been the victim of identity theft. Reviewing your accounts regularly could help you clear up problems faster. Even if you don’t have this kind of fraudulent activity on your record, it’s still a good idea to stay on top of your financial profile. Here are some key steps.
- It’s a good idea to periodically request and scrutinize your free ChexSystems report.
- You’ll also want to get free copies of your three major credit reports from annualcreditreport.com at least annually. Again, your goal is to make sure that everything is up-to-date and accurate and that there isn’t any fraud or identity theft occurring.
- It’s also a good idea to regularly check your bank account and credit card statements to make sure there aren’t any transactions you aren’t aware of. Many financial institutions offer online tools and mobile apps that can make tracking your accounts easy and convenient.
- You may want to set up a low balance alert for your checking account. That way, you’ll get a text or email when your balance reaches a certain threshold, and you’ll know to stop using the account until you make a deposit. That can help avoid overdrawing your account and bouncing checks and/or triggering fees. You also might consider setting up bank alerts for unusual activity, overdrafts, and new log-ins.
Find an Alternative to a Traditional Banking Account
If you’ve been rejected and are worried that you might be unable to open a bank account, don’t give up hope. If your ChexSystems report seems to be blocking you from getting an account, you may have other options.
- Some banks and credit unions offer what are called “second chance” checking accounts. These typically offer fewer features and higher fees than regular bank accounts to customers who have been blocked by a ChexSystems report or score.
- There are also some banks and credit unions that don’t use ChexSystems when making decisions on account applications. You might be able to enjoy the same benefits as other account holders, with low or no fees, if you choose to do business with one of those financial institutions. A little online research should show you which banks don’t depend upon ChexSystems.
By investing a bit of time and energy, you should be able to find an account that suits your needs even if you have been blacklisted.
The Takeaway
If a bank denied your application for a new checking or savings account, it could be that you were blacklisted due to negative information on your ChexSystems report.
You still have options, though. If the information on your report is wrong or more than seven years old, you can dispute the negative information and have your report corrected. And if it turns out the negative information is true, you can take steps to remedy the situation and possibly open an account elsewhere. The convenience of a bank account may well be within reach.
This article originally appeared on SoFi.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
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Don’t Fall For These 10 Common Credit Card Scams
Credit card fraud added up to $246 million last year, rising 12% from the prior year. As scammers come up with new ways to get sensitive credit card information and prey upon consumers, it can be a smart move to acquaint yourself with tactics they commonly use, from phishing scams to credit card reader scams to threats of arrest.
Read on to learn about 10 of the most popular techniques and find out what to do if you do end up getting scammed.
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A credit card scam is when an unauthorized individual uses your credit card to make fraudulent purchases or steal money from the account. While some credit card scams will take your credit card information right out from under you, others use strategies to entice you to hand over your information.
Given what a credit card is and how easy they are to use, it can be easy for a scammer to rack up debt under the cardholder’s name.
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Becoming familiar with the top credit card scams can increase your awareness and help you better protect your identity from fraud. Here are some of the most common credit card scams to look out for. (As you’ll see, some can involve debit cards as well.)
1. Overcharge Scams
With an overcharge scam, you’ll receive an email, call, or text stating that a retailer or merchant overcharged your card. The scammer will request your personal information to complete a refund for the overcharge. They will then use this information to gain access to your credit card.
Here’s how these scams can work:
- Usually, the scammer identifies a product or service that you already use, so it may not seem as suspicious when they request this information. But, the fraudster may also use a standard service that many people use, such as Netflix or Spotify, so that it won’t raise red flags.
- While it’s always good to scrutinize your incoming calls, it’s especially important to do so when you receive a call from an unidentified number, though scammers are getting more sophisticated at spoofing phone numbers and making it seem as if they are calling from legitimate businesses.
- If you answer, the caller may tell you that you must take immediate action to get a refund, or that it’s your last chance to do so. The urgency should be an immediate sign something is amiss; that’s a common scam warning sign.
- Also, if you do get a call from, say, Netflix saying your account is suspended, it can be wise to hang up and contact the business directly to see if there’s an issue with your account.
- If you receive a suspicious email, compare the email to past emails from the merchant or retailer. Scammers are often good at disguising a false email address, so look carefully for differences in the sender’s address. They may add “pay” or “support” to make the address look legitimate.
- You may also find subtle or major misspellings and incorrect grammar in the email.
The best way to avoid this potential credit card scam is to either hang up the call or exit the email. Again, if the call says it’s from your credit card issuer, you can call them directly to see if this request was legitimate or a scam. You can find your creditor’s number on the back of your credit card or credit card statement.
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One of the most common credit card scams that occurs over the phone is a fraudster calling to tell you that they can reduce your credit card interest rate and potentially save you significant money on interest payments. They will typically state that their company has a relationship with your credit card company; therefore, they can negotiate reduced interest payments.
However, to entice you to act now, they’ll say the offer is only available for a limited time. Then, the scammer will request your credit card information, such as your account number and CVV number on a credit card, for the alleged service.
Legitimate debt relief companies seldomly cold call consumers to get their business. Also, they cannot charge a fee upfront until they reduce your interest rate or settle a portion of your debt. Therefore, this kind of call should set off alarm bells.
If you want to reduce your interest rate, contact your credit company directly. As the cardholder, you have a better chance of reducing your rate than a third-party company with no relationship with the creditor. If you do receive this call, simply ignore it like you would other credit card scams.
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Scammers can use credit card skimmers to lift your credit card information at gas stations. They do so by attaching an external device to the credit card machine at a pump. When you swipe your card, the device can save your information instantly.
So, before you swipe your card, check to see if the credit card reader you’re using at the pump looks the same as all the other ones. If it doesn’t, that can be a tipoff. You also can tug at the reader to see if it easily detaches. Since skimmers are temporary, they’re usually only attached with double-sided tape, making them easy to remove. Don’t insert your card if you can remove the skimmer with little effort. Instead, go to another gas station to get your gas.
Make sure to inform authorities about the skimmers so they can handle it accordingly.
Oleksandr Hrytsiv/istockphoto
Prepaid credit cards, also known as prepaid debit cards, allow you to load money onto them and make purchases. When prepaid credit card funds are depleted, you can no longer use them (unlike credit cards, there is no credit card limit for prepaid cards). You can usually purchase prepaid credit cards at retail stores or online.
Scammers use prepaid credit cards in many different ways to take your money. For example, a scammer may call and say you won the lottery. However, to get your winnings, you must pay the taxes. They may tell you that you can do so by loading a prepaid credit card with a certain amount of funds and sending the card number to the caller. After this is done, they promise to send you your winnings — but, in this case, the scammer may take the card money and never be seen again.
If someone is requesting a prepaid credit card, that’s a red flag. It’s best not to proceed with this transaction as it may be a prepaid credit card scam.
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This scam takes place in a hotel room, where the scammer will call up stating they are a hotel employee. They will inform you that there is an issue with your credit card, and you must verify your credit card information. Usually, these calls take place early in the morning or late at night so that you will be thrown off guard.
If this happens to you, it’s best to handle the matter in person. You can hang up and then visit the front desk to ensure your credit information isn’t exposed to the wrong person.
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The objective of this scam is to convince you to give out your personal credit card information to pay off a debt, fine, penalty, or ticket. While arrest scams may seem unrealistic, the scammer relies on scare tactics to try to get the target to hand over their credit card information. They may target seniors with this scam.
Some points to know:
- Usually, the scammer claims they are from a federal agency like the IRS, FBI, or other government agency that suggests there’s a connection to law enforcement.
- Then, they threaten that if this bill, fee, or ticket goes unpaid, you will be arrested, or other legal action will be taken immediately.
- It’s doubtful that actual law enforcement or federal agencies would request sensitive information during a phone call, especially an abrupt one.
- Another sign that this is a scam is that the call may sound like a robot or like it’s pre-recorded.
- The caller may also have a sense of urgency, claiming authorities are on their way to arrest you.
- Even if you do owe outstanding fees, have a ticket, or were a part of some similar activity recently, authorities or federal agencies wouldn’t request payment information over the phone in this manner.
Don’t share any personal information with the caller. Just like with other scams, the best way to address your concerns is to hang up and call the alleged agency directly to get any information straight from the source.
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When nonprofit organizations ask for donations, it may pull at your heartstrings. But scammers can use this strategy to swipe your credit card information right out from under you.
Scammers who use this strategy usually call you pretending to be a part of a nonprofit or other charitable organization. They will then request donations using everyday anecdotes or narratives designed to influence their targets. It’s also common for scammers to use this tactic when a natural disaster strikes or another current event requires aid.
Although it’s common for nonprofits to solicit donations over the phone, you should still be wary when receiving one of these calls. If you want to donate to the organization, jot down information from the caller, such as their phone number and the name of the charity. Then, you can look up the phone number online to determine if it’s already identified as a scam.
If it isn’t, you can visit the IRS’s Tax Exempt Organization Search and CharityNavigator.org to research the organization to determine its legitimacy.
Overall, it’s wise to avoid donating to unsolicited callers. Instead, consider visiting an organization’s actual website to determine the best way to donate.
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Whether you’re connecting to a public WiFi hotspot via your phone or on your computer, scammers can try to access your credit card information when you sign on. In fact, they may prompt you to enter your credit card information to access a particular hotspot. Given how credit cards work, this is very risky. This can mean the scammer gets access to your card’s credentials.
So, when attempting to access the internet in public, be wary if you’re asked to enter your credit card information. Instead, if you’re at a restaurant or retail location, ask an employee to share the establishment’s hotspot or wifi information. Check that the connection is secure. This way, you’ll know you’re not exposing yourself to credit card fraud. But remember, it’s always wise to avoid conducting financial business on public WiFi.
Ridofranz / istockphoto
Like gas pump skimmers, scammers can also use skimmers at ATMs to obtain credit card information.
The only way to identify a skimmer is by checking the scanning device. For example, if the card reader easily detaches, it’s likely a card skimmer. In addition, you can spot other things to identify a skimmer, such as graphics that don’t align or colors on the machine that don’t match the reader. Another clue is if the keypad seems cheap or too thick.
Before entering your card into a reader, investigate for a skimmer. Familiar places skimmers hide are usually in high-traffic areas (a mall or a sports stadium, say) or tourist locations. Don’t use your credit card if you’re unsure whether a skimmer is present or have a feeling something may be off, potentially indicating a credit card reader scam.
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Like the name suggests, a phishing scam involves fraudsters phishing for your personal information. Scammers contact their targets through the phone or over email, posing as an honest company. They then provide fraudulent links or instructions to help them access your personal credit card information.
For example:
- The scammer may impersonate your credit card company (simply saying they are “calling from your bank and there’s a problem”) and state that your account details must be updated due to a compromised card.
- They will request your card information (your credit card number, expiration date, and CVV code) over the phone or email to resolve this issue.
- The scammer may request the answers to your security questions for protection purposes.
Don’t provide any of this information. Even if they suggest this is a sensitive matter and must be addressed immediately, it’s best to hang up, and call your credit card company right away.
Andrii Zastrozhnov/istockphoto
To keep your credit card information safe, here are some steps you can take:
- Select a credit card with 0% liability on unauthorized purchases. The Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) limits your financial responsibility for credit card fraud to up to $50. In other words, you will only have to pay $50 if you’re a victim of one of these credit card scams and request a credit card chargeback. However, some credit card companies offer 0% liability as a perk, which means you aren’t responsible for any fraud.
- Keep tabs on your credit card activity. Regularly looking at your credit card activity and checking your credit card balance can help you spot any suspicious activity. If you do notice anything, contact your credit card company right away.
- Request transaction alerts. Usually, credit card companies let you sign up for transaction alerts, such as for balance transfers, large purchases, and international purchases. Using alerts is a great way to monitor your card activity.
- Ensure your information is secure. When making purchases online, over the phone, or in person, ensure your information is secure. For example, only use sites with “https” in the URL when shopping online. Also, avoid using public WiFi where your personal information may be in jeopardy.
Kritchanut / istockphoto
If you’re a victim of a credit card scam, follow these steps:
- First contact your credit card company to let them know about the fraud. Per the Fair Credit Billing Act, you have 60 days after receiving your billing statement to report any fraudulent activity on your card.
- After informing your creditor of the incident, make sure to change your password for your account.
- You may also want to contact the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Request verification of your identity, and ask for a fraud alert to get linked to your report.
- Additionally, if you’re a credit card scam victim, you can contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to report the crime. You can report your incident online or over the phone at 1-877-382-4357 (FTC-HELP).
- If you’ve discovered a fraudulent website, email or another internet scam, report it to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
- Unfortunately, not all scams originate in the US; if you believe you’re a victim of an international scam, report it through econsumer.gov.
All reports help consumer protection agencies pinpoint trends and prevent other consumers from falling victim to credit card scams.
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Unfortunately, it can be easy to become a victim of credit card scams. But, if you monitor your account, set fraud alerts, and keep your information confidential, you’ll have a better chance of avoiding getting duped. Pay attention to what kinds of protection your credit card issuer may offer, too.
This article originally appeared on SoFi.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.
Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.
External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.
Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.
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