Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Just Keep Swimming

We have $14 and rent is due on Saturday.

This is the joyous news of the day. It all started when I went to check my bank account balance and discovered that the online banking system didn't recognize my account number. I figured there must be an outage (it happens alot) so I tried to get my balance via the phone...which still didn't recognize my account number. So I talked to a person who told me my bank account had been closed.

UH WTF?!

After talking to that person's supervisor, who sent me to another department, which sent me to another department, which continued the finger pointing to yet another department, no one could tell me why my account was closed. The closest explanation I've gotten was "there are a number of reasons why your account would be closed, but I don't want to speculate".

Why should they have to speculate?! They're the ones that closed it-presumably they have a reason. Right? RIGHT?

I can only think of two reasons that the account would have closed. I was in Check Systems five years ago, which prevented me from getting a bank account for a long time, but they opened the account knowing that and it's already been open for two months. The other reason I can think of would be that something went wrong with the check I deposited from my employer (you know the work at home thing I've been doing) last Friday. Still, I've already deposited one check from them and everything went through fine. And the check from them is written on the same bank I go through-so you would think that if there was a problem they wouldn't have cashed it to begin with. Right?

I am at a total loss. We make "too much" to get rent assistance and our families are as (un)helpful as they've always been. The bank did manage to say that they would mail us whatever was left in our account after fees for our unknown transgression-in SIXTY DAYS. I just don't see how this is going to work out and I'm pretty sure my head is going to explode.

I'm just trying to keep my head above water. I'm trying to remember that so many people are living in a lot worse situations right now. I'm trying to remember that I am blessed with three beautiful children and a loving husband and we all have an amazing home life. Personally, when it comes to love, I am blessed to overflowing.

If only love really was all you need.

10 comments:

Vodka Logic said...

That's terrible. I would go in person and make a scene until someone answered me..

I hope it works out for you. There may be people worse off but your feelings are just as important.

Lisa in Oz said...

OMG I'm so sorry you're going through this! It sounds so crazy...I really hope you can get something worked out. (((hugs)))

Beth in NC said...

That is horrible (and scary that they can just close an account). I'm sorry.

Unknown said...

I honestly don't know what to say. All I know is that some new federal regulations will be enforced next month and the banks, lenders, etc. are working overtime to nickel and dime their customers until that time. Maybe you got caught in the cross hairs. I am so sorry.

Unknown said...

Umm technically they have to supply you a valid reason for closing your account period. Nor can they keep your funds that long. Basically they are holding YOUR money cause they have used it to "loan " someone else who is a customer and they don't have it as such. I would go in personally and not leave till I had my money in hand AND if they opened the account knowing you had an old one on that system they cannot close it now.. stand your ground mama and get your money

Kirsty said...

WHAT the HELL??? They cannot do that to you. If I were you, I'd show up at the bank ASAP with 3 screaming kids in tow and demand to speak with a manager. That should get you some answers in a hurry.

If they aren't to your satisfaction and you don't leave with your money in hand, then you need to get on the horn to your local news station (tell the bank your intentions first) and invite them to get to the bottom of it. "Bank closes account, withholds funds, no reason given??" It's news magic and should cause major hysteria in the public at large. They will want to avoid that.

They can't withhold your money for that long without even telling you why. That is absolutely ludicrous.
Damn that makes me mad.

I'm sorry you have this fight on your hands. Don't take it lying down.

Keep us posted!!! (Who do you bank with?)

Samantha said...

Banks are such a pain in the butt. I'd be angry. I'd be at that bank raising all kinds of hell!

We have money issues too, and I, like you...have to remind myself that there are people a lot worse of than I am. There are people sleeping under news papers in downtown, and I sleep in a warm bed at night.

But I'd still be going crazy about that crazy bank. I hope it gets worked out before Saturday!

Bossy Betty said...

I just hate these kinds of things. Good luck with it all!

j said...

you need this like a hole in the head. it is horrible and while you try to count your blessings during this situation, it still sucks!

Nicole said...

Excuse me lady but you should be plowing down the door at this bank!! omg you need an answer rent is due! I hope everthing works out! =D