chexsystem

[mich]

could someone tell me how chexsystem works.
I closed my bank accounts at wells fargo and B of A in August.
but I am getting overdraft charges from them because they are
still doing auto debit to these closed accounts to the credit cards that I quit paying 3 months ago (in preparation for BK) they have restricted my online and automated phone access. How do I find out if I have been reported to chexsystem? I had no outstanding checks when I closed these accounts.
thanks,

[tylalee]

you could call them. they could run your report right away or they could send you the report in the mail. check the "rebuild credit" section. a post is in there with some info.

[BK2008]

I found this:


How to Dispute Information on Your Chex Systems Report

One of the most effective ways to solve your Chex Systems problems is to get off the Chex Systems list completely. Remember, Chex Systems is not perfect—they make errors. If they have made any errors in your Chex Systems report, you may be able to remove the errors and clean up your Chex Systems record. This article explains how you do it.

First things first. To find an error on your Chex Systems report, you need to get a copy of it. To order a copy, call ChexSystems Inc at: 800-428-9623 and follow the automated instructions to order a copy of your Chex Systems consumer report. It will take a few days to get it. You may want to bookmark this page so you can return once you have your copy.

Once you have your copy, spend some time reviewing it. Your report will include the following sections: your name and “consumer identifier”, one or more items of “Reported Information” (this is the bad stuff Chex Systems is reporting about you!), one or more “Inquiries Initiated by Consumer Action” (these are things you have allegedly done that caused someone to pull your Chex Systems report), one or more “Inquiries Not Initiated By Consumer Action” (these are reports pulled by others about you without your direct permission), one or more “Retail Information” items (from other checkwriting databases such as SCAN), one ore more “History of Checks Ordered”, and then personal information about you, including your Social Security Number, and Drivers License.

Go over each of these items with a fine tooth comb! Look for any errors or inaccuracies. If you find any errors or inaccuracies, think about how you can prove that the items are wrong. You should especially focus on the items in the section called “Reported Information”. If there are reports of debts you owe to banks that you know you have paid, gather your proof (do you have a receipt for paying the debt?, etc.). Collect all this information.

Now, lets go on the offensive and get that incorrect information removed from your report. There is a law called the “Fair Credit Reporting Act” (or FCRA) in the U.S. that requires Chex Systems (and other consumer reporting agencies) to allow you to dispute all incomplete or inaccurate information in your consumer report. You dispute the report by sending Chex Systems a letter detailing the errors. The FCRA requires that Chex Systems reinvestigate the errors that you point out to them! This is very powerful. In fact, the FCRA requires that Chex Systems look into the errors within 30 days (or 45 days if you send Chex Systems additional info during the 30 day period) from receipt of your letter. Here’s the most powerful part of it—if Chex Systems can’t verify the information you are disputing, they must remove it from your record!

So, if you are stuck in Chex Systems limbo and can’t open a bank account, it is worth it for you to spend a few minutes to dispute any errors. It doesn’t cost you anything, and if you succeed, you may end up with a completely clean record.

We recommend that you use a letter such as the one shown below. Follow the instructions in the letter, and make sure to be clear about all errors. Also, make sure to replace all of the comments in brackets and italics. Be clear, helpful, and accurate. Make sure to send the letter by fax or by certified mail (return receipt requested) and keep a copy for your records. We’ve also put together a sample letter (see the second link below) to help clarify how you should write, and the type of information you may want to include.

Once you have mailed the letter, you may get contacted by Chex Systems for more information. Make sure to remember when you sent the letter, and put a note on your calendar to follow up with Chex Systems if you don’t hear back from them in 30 days or so. Check back at this website in a few weeks, and we will post some sample letters that you can use to follow up with Chex Systems.

Remember, it only takes a few minutes for you to do this. The benefits can be huge—imagine getting your name completely off the Chex Systems list!