I opened a new Bank account, so entered my new debit card # into Spark's system to schedule my october payment. I had already made a check payment for September. The day after my check payment was processed they processed the same amount to my debit card - over $600 for one month of electricity..
I found out my account was overdrawn when at the grocery store my debit card was declined - and i had a cart full of groceries. I went home, logged into my bank account, and identified the double SPARK ENERGY payment. I called Spark Energy right away - about 3:30 Houston, TX time. I was told the only thing they could do is start a process that would return the money to me in 3-5 business days, but since it was after 2:00 PM (Their business hours) the clock wouldn't start until MONDAY. I explained this is ALL the money I have and need it for groceries, gas, and critical medicine. Sorry they say, nothing they can do but the process..
I called my bank for help. I was told that if Spark would fax a letter to Chase, stating that the debit authorization was no longer needed, and the reason, that the money could be back in my account within 6 hours..I called Spark back with this info - still Friday afternoon. NOPE. They can only go through their process of 3-5 business days. WELL I"M SORRY BUT I NEED TO EAT AND USE MEDICINE EVERY DAY - including Insulin. That second Spark service rep I spoke to did put me on hold for a bit, but came back with the same answer. Can't help me.
Six days later I am out of money, out of insulin, and out of gas in my car. I could walk to the grocery store using my walker to help, but I don't have money for the medicine.