Complaint Review: GreenDot Visa, Mastercard - Internet
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- Author Confirmed
- GreenDot Visa, Mastercard greendotonline.com Internet U.S.A.
- Phone: 877-434-3578
- Web:
- Category: Credit Card Fraud
GreenDot Visa, Mastercard SCAM!...THEY KEEP YOUR MONEY!!! THEY WILL NOT DISCLOSE THEIR LOCATION Internet
*Consumer Comment: Green dot not returning money when vendors double charge
*Consumer Comment: BBB will not help with Green Dot.
*Consumer Comment: Green Dot Sucks
*Consumer Suggestion: Tips on how to avoid and resolve
*Consumer Comment: Greendot Is Awesome!
*Author of original report: Green Dot Corporation - Green Dot Financial Network - Columbus Bank And Trust Company Prepaid Credit Card Ripoff Monrovia California
*Consumer Suggestion: Here's their physical information
*Consumer Suggestion: Here's their physical information
*Consumer Suggestion: Here's their physical information
*Consumer Suggestion: Here's their physical information
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I purchased a "GreenDot" Visa Premier card some four months ago and had deposited funds periodically through out. Two months ago I pulled into a "Hess" gas station to put just $10.00 of fuel in Our car and was going to "pay at the pump" with the "Greendot Visa", however, there was a sign on the pump that stated that the card reader was un-available and to please come inside.
I went inside and asked the clerk to please put $10.00 in fuel at pump #2 on "Debit"...the clerk ran the "Greendot Visa" and stated that it did not go through. I asked if they would please check it again, as I knew that We had at least $35.00 on the card. The Manager came over and checked the transaction and realized that the clerk actually punched "Credit" rather than "Debit"...which I did not know, automatically captures $75.00 until the transaction clears...which can take two to three weeks.
Now there I sit with still no gas and a "Credit" hold for $75.00 on my "Greendot Visa" for two to three weeks, I called "Greendot Visa" and they explained that they could NOT and would NOT release the hold until the transaction cleared...I tried to explian that NO transaction had occurred...yet that point to them was "Mute".
I returned to the "Hess" gas station and spoke with the manager that I had spoken with the day of the incident and explained the situation in full. I told the manager that "Greendot Visa" had put a hold on my account in the amount of $75.00 and would be accessing a service charge to my account for $20.00, due to insufficient funds for a transaction that never actually occured.
The manager was very apologenic and stated that because it was his employee that had initially caused this situation, asked if he could "Credit" my "Greendot Visa" for the amount that was to be held, as well as the service charge fee, so as not to lose us as customers and in good faith. I explained that I did not want anything more than what was mine and the manager again stated that due to his employee's error and the time that I would not be able to access any of my monies on the card, as well as the service fee, that he felt that it was "Good Business" in doing this. (Kudos to the "Hess" gas station!)
The manager asked for my "Greendot Visa" so that he could apply a credit to my card in the amount of $95.00. I gave the manager my "Greendot Visa" and he swiped the card and gave me a receipt which stated that a credit in the amount of $95.00 had been added to the card. I thanked the manager and he again apologized for any inconvenience that I may have incurred.
So, now I leave the store in thought that all is cleared up and that the "Hold" will be lifted and the "Insufficient Funds" fee would be taken care of as well...WRONG! Now it gets worse.
"Greendot Visa" did not release the "Hold"...in fact they had "Flagged" my account for "Fraud" and suspended my card. I called the "Greendot Visa" account line and asked what was going on? and explained what had transpired since the last time that I had called. They stated that I needed to Fax them the receipt from the store, as they believed that I had "Fraudulantly" placed funds on my card!(What!) Anyway, I did fax them the receipt and they stated that they could not read the receipt...so I faxed them again.( I do not have a fax machine at home, in fact I had to go to a store and pay for the store to fax it, not once...yet, twice)
"Greendot Visa" still stated that they could not read the receipt, so I asked if they could just call the "hess" gas station and gave them the managers name that they could speak with to clear this up? They stated that they would not do that and that it was my responsibility!
I again returned to the store and spoke to the manager that I had initially and explained the situation to him in full. He stated that he would call because he was a "Greendot" vendor and that he could clear this up. He called the number that he retrieved from the office for his "Greendot" account and called them. However after several times explaining the situation to enumerous transfers, the manager looked at me and verbatim said "I am so sorry, I see now what you have been going through!"
Finally the manager had spoke with a Supervisor with "Greendot Visa" and they had stated to the manager that all he needed to do was to run my "Greendot Visa" card again and reverse the "Credit" and pay me out in cash...UH, what part of "We have tried that", but "Greendot Visa" has suspended the card and account, so that now nothing can be done to or with the card and account?
"Greendot Visa"s" response was "That is all that we can tell you". The manager hung up with "Greendot Visa" and stated that he was cancelling the vendor account with them as he felt that it was truly a SCAM! As now "Greendot Visa" not only had my initial $35.00 that was in my account, yet now they also have an additional $95.00 that he personally had put on the card, totaling $130.00. He said that he could only imagine how many people that "Greendot Visa" was doing this to and using their legal loopholes to sustain their business.
I could not believe this! I called "Greendot Visa' to ask what I needed to do now? They stated that I needed to "mail" them the receipt because they could not read the receiptand that in two weeks the error would be taken care of..I did so. I waited for two weeks in hopes that the situation was taken care of and just yesterday I treid to use my card at the grocery store for formula for my son and STILL nothing. I called "Greendot Visa" and spoke with a Customer Service Supervisor nammed "Candy" and explained the situation once again. Her response was that I needed to Fax the receipt, I explained that I mailed it as asked...then she started to act rude and all but called me a liar by saying that I did not mail the receipt and that no-one there had received it.
I guess that she was pushing my buttons to enact a response in an attempt to confuse the situation. Well, folks...I had it...I cussed her out and told her that I would be seeking an Attorney and her response to me was very subtle...in fact almost like it had been rehearsed "Go ahead, you don't have an address for Us other than a P.O box and that litigation can not be served on P.O boxes...You also have to have a name, because a Corporation is an entity in itself, I told you that my name was "Candy" or was it "Mandy" or was it "Sandy"...come on do you really think that we give out our names...but go ahead call an Attorney" and with that she hung up. I have tried several times to call back and get the address and in order for you to be put through to a human, you must enter your account number and every time that I do get through, the only thing that is stated over and over repeated to me is " I can not discuss this issue with you, the account states that an Attorney is involved" and then they hang up on me!
If ANYONE out there,is even thinking about purchasing a "Greendot Visa" account...all I have to say is "Don't", unless that is, that you have any amount of money to throw away...I myself do not have that luxury.
Thank-you All for taking time to read this and I hope that I may have helped anyone that might have been contemplating the purchase of a "Greendot Visa or Mastercard".
God Bless.
Mr. FSP
Frank
Clearwater, Florida
U.S.A.
CLICK HERE to read about Credit Card Scams... find out how to get your money back. *Rip-off Report Investigation provides valuable information.
This report was posted on Ripoff Report on 10/26/2006 09:27 PM and is a permanent record located here: https://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/greendot-visa-mastercard/internet/greendot-visa-mastercard-scamthey-keep-your-money-they-will-not-disclose-their-loc-217877. The posting time indicated is Arizona local time. Arizona does not observe daylight savings so the post time may be Mountain or Pacific depending on the time of year. Ripoff Report has an exclusive license to this report. It may not be copied without the written permission of Ripoff Report. READ: Foreign websites steal our content
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#10 Consumer Comment
Green dot not returning money when vendors double charge
AUTHOR: putting you on blast - ()
SUBMITTED: Thursday, March 06, 2014
I am extremely upset, that it has taken me five weeks now, and Greendot still hasn't returned the $164 that Hertz double billed my credit card in error. The first charge was deducted, but for some reason, Hertz then charged the same amount the next day. When I called Hertz, after a week or so, they could see it was an error on their part, and they faxed in the "release form" for Greendot to recredit my card - since this was my money.
Six weeks later, 8 calls later, several faxes, letters to Greendot, they continue to see the error, but give me the run around by "continuing to open ticket numbers," everytime I call. I conferenced Hertz on one day - and even they told greendot to release the funds back - as it was an error. This was the 8th call today, and after another hour - the rep on the phone for Greendot said the same thing...."I have to open a ticket." WTF???? She even told me that she got my fax explaining the error. On top of it, the written letter I wrote, the rep said was denied?
How can my money mistakenly double billed by Hertz be denied for me to receive back???
This is the most stressful, unprofessional, inefficient customer service, and disgustingly immoral company I have ever experienced. If it were a bank or another card..my money would have been credited in 3 days. This is 6 weeks later. DO NOT PURCHASE, OR DO BUSINESS WITH GREENDOT. All of their custormer service reps are in another country, reading from a script, and never there TO HELP YOU - THE customer!!!!
#9 Consumer Comment
BBB will not help with Green Dot.
AUTHOR: Curt D - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, August 17, 2011
BBB wont help with GreenDot. The BBB is in the pocket of Green Dot. If you look at these sites, people often wonder just WHY Green DOT has an A+ rating. Including ME! http://www.trustlink.org/Ask-The-Com...-A-rating-4598
http://www.trustlink.org/Reviews/Gre...tion-205924704
I purchased a Green Dot card to have my direct deposit. At that time, I lived at the YMCA here in Phoenix, AZ. I had no problems but, as soon as I move to a real apartment complex, they cancel my card and say, "I'm sharing my personal information and that at least 10 other people have Green dot cards at my apartment complex." Greendot obviously don't recognize individual apartments as ONE household! I am only the second person to ever occupy my apartment as they are kind of new. Well, they sent back my direct deposit and it took over three weeks for me to be reissued my money. However, I incurred $75 in late fees and, an eviction notice that goes against my credit rating. MAJOR damages! No, the BBB does not help! Green dot did however offer me $25 for my troubles (Cara Almon) called me and she offered that. Humm, $75 out of pocket late fees and a damaged credit. Do they really think that $25 will ** me off? NO! Green dot are thieves, scammers and they discriminate!
If any one wants a good card, get Bank Freedom! bankfreedom.com I've used them since Green Dot and, I have had no problems with them at all!
#8 Consumer Comment
Green Dot Sucks
AUTHOR: Sxxecriss - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, July 01, 2009
I'll agree Green Dot is sorry a*s all hell. They never actually took my money. But they did imput my address wrong and sent my card somewhere else. then charging me with the monthly fee, for a card i didn't even get yet. I couldn't use the card online because the address was wrong. I gave Grenn Dot a chance 3 times and had similar problems everytime.
#7 Consumer Suggestion
Tips on how to avoid and resolve
AUTHOR: Sergeirostov - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, February 10, 2009
First, it's not just Greendot, this kind of thing happens all the time with debit *and* credit cards, especially when renting a car or being at a hotel.
From the cardholder agreement (which is linked to on the site noted above; direct link is
https://www.greendotonline.com/AcctMgmt/Controls/MyMCCARD/Support/CardholderAgreement.aspx?siteid=MyMCCARD#terms) :
"Authorization Holds. When you use your Card to pay for goods or services, certain merchants may ask us to authorize the transaction in advance and may estimate its final value. When we authorize the transaction, we commit to make the requested funds available when the transaction finally settles and may place a temporary hold on your Card's funds for the amount indicated by the merchant. We also may add an amount for certain merchants to ensure that sufficient funds will be available to cover the final transaction. Transactions at certain merchants that authorize high dollar amounts, especially rental car companies and hotels, may cause an authorization or a hold on your available balance for up to 90 days. Until the transaction finally settles or we determine that it is unlikely to be processed, the funds subject to the hold will not be available to you for other purposes. We will only charge your Card for the correct amount of the final transaction, however, and we will release any excess amount when the transaction finally settles. Please note that we cannot manually release authorizations without a certified letter or fax from the merchant."
So ALWAYS find out in advance what the merchant's policy is as it applies to "authorization holds," , whether you have a credit OR debit card.
Second, relating to above ALWAYS read the cardholder agreement (which for Greendot is linked to on the site noted above; again the direct link is:
https://www.greendotonline.com/AcctMgmt/Controls/MyMCCARD/Support/CardholderAgreement.aspx?siteid=MyMCCARD#terms
The monthly fee is also spelled out explicitly there.
Third, note the last sentence from the excerpt :
"Please note that we cannot manually release authorizations without a certified letter or fax from the merchant."
Even if it was not required, it is highly recommended by experts that you do this when resolving disputes, as it provides evidence of your actions should it be needed.
#6 Consumer Comment
Greendot Is Awesome!
AUTHOR: Debdeb - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, January 26, 2009
I read your complaint and I was in total shock. I have had a greendot visa since 2005 and have never ever had a problem. I don't understand how you got charged $20 for insufficient funds, this is a pre-pay card...they do not have a "non-sufficient fund" fee. Also as far as gas station holds, It is NOT greendot who places the funds on hold for more than the amount you are getting...this is documented at gas stations and on the home page of greendot itself. The gas station applies for more money on the card to make sure that you have money on your card that will cover your gas. The MOST that I ever had on hold was $25.00...NEVER $75.00 that is crazy!! I feel bad if this is what happened to you but honestly, it is hard to believe because most of the issues stated could not have happened with the card (ex. insifficient funds). So please whoever reads this, don't go by just one person's opinion. I love the card and will keep it indefinately!!
#5 Author of original report
Green Dot Corporation - Green Dot Financial Network - Columbus Bank And Trust Company Prepaid Credit Card Ripoff Monrovia California
AUTHOR: Frank - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, October 26, 2006
Yet another victim falls prey!
WHEN WILL IT STOP!
Three other employees and I received a Green Dot prepaid credit card for $25.00 each. We each activated this card approximately 2-3 weeks later online. I used my $25 about a week later. The other employees had not used their card.
A month later, I found my Green Dot credit card in my purse and had forgotten if I had used it. I went online to check the balance and noticed a negative $4.95 balance. Ok, that was fine. I just called the number on the back of the card to close this account since I had other credit cards that had no fees to use them.
The customer service representative tried to get me to keep the card but when I explained I had other cards that I did not have to pay to have, she closed my account.
A week later, I informed my co-workers of the monthly maintenance fees so they would know since they hadn't used their cards yet. Of course, their cards all had at least 2 months worth of maintenance fees and they decided they would use their cards that day and then close their accounts as well.
I then decided to call and make sure my account was in fact closed. Called the customer service number and ...... surprise!!! No way whatsoever of actually talking to a live person. No matter what button I pressed or wrong info I entered did it take me to a live person. It would just say to try your call again later. I did not have this problem a week earlier when I closed the account.
I then went online and finally found where my account was closed but they decided to add a $.75 balance inquiry fee, which I did not inquire upon, plus another monthly maintenance fee of $4.95. They also listed my funding date of 4-10-06, which I know is totally wrong. I didn't activate my card at least until the first day of May.
Tammy
Denton, Texas
U.S.A.
#4 Consumer Suggestion
Here's their physical information
AUTHOR: Robin - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, October 26, 2006
I would DEFINITELY file a report with the BBB. They are a paying member and seem to respond to their complaints.
Per the BBB:
DBA: Green Dot Corporation
Address:
605 East Huntington Drive, Suite 205
Monrovia, CA 91016
Primary Phone: (626) 775-3806
Primary Fax: (626) 775-3704
Primary Contact: Mia Smith,Senior Research Specialist
E-mail Address:
mias@greendotcorp.com
Website:
greendotcorp.com
Company ID: 13164092
Business Start Date: 10/1/1999
BBB Created Record on: 12/11/2001
Here is their info per the state of CA:
Corporation
GREEN DOT CORPORATION
Number: C2326294 Date Filed: 1/9/2001 Status: active
Jurisdiction: DELAWARE
Address
605 EAST HUNTINGTON DRIVE
SUITE 205
MONROVIA, CA 91016
Agent for Service of Process
C T CORPORATION SYSTEM
818 W 7TH ST
LOS ANGELES, CA 90017
Good luck!!!! I'd keep trying to get my money back if I were you!
#3 Consumer Suggestion
Here's their physical information
AUTHOR: Robin - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, October 26, 2006
I would DEFINITELY file a report with the BBB. They are a paying member and seem to respond to their complaints.
Per the BBB:
DBA: Green Dot Corporation
Address:
605 East Huntington Drive, Suite 205
Monrovia, CA 91016
Primary Phone: (626) 775-3806
Primary Fax: (626) 775-3704
Primary Contact: Mia Smith,Senior Research Specialist
E-mail Address:
mias@greendotcorp.com
Website:
greendotcorp.com
Company ID: 13164092
Business Start Date: 10/1/1999
BBB Created Record on: 12/11/2001
Here is their info per the state of CA:
Corporation
GREEN DOT CORPORATION
Number: C2326294 Date Filed: 1/9/2001 Status: active
Jurisdiction: DELAWARE
Address
605 EAST HUNTINGTON DRIVE
SUITE 205
MONROVIA, CA 91016
Agent for Service of Process
C T CORPORATION SYSTEM
818 W 7TH ST
LOS ANGELES, CA 90017
Good luck!!!! I'd keep trying to get my money back if I were you!
#2 Consumer Suggestion
Here's their physical information
AUTHOR: Robin - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, October 26, 2006
I would DEFINITELY file a report with the BBB. They are a paying member and seem to respond to their complaints.
Per the BBB:
DBA: Green Dot Corporation
Address:
605 East Huntington Drive, Suite 205
Monrovia, CA 91016
Primary Phone: (626) 775-3806
Primary Fax: (626) 775-3704
Primary Contact: Mia Smith,Senior Research Specialist
E-mail Address:
mias@greendotcorp.com
Website:
greendotcorp.com
Company ID: 13164092
Business Start Date: 10/1/1999
BBB Created Record on: 12/11/2001
Here is their info per the state of CA:
Corporation
GREEN DOT CORPORATION
Number: C2326294 Date Filed: 1/9/2001 Status: active
Jurisdiction: DELAWARE
Address
605 EAST HUNTINGTON DRIVE
SUITE 205
MONROVIA, CA 91016
Agent for Service of Process
C T CORPORATION SYSTEM
818 W 7TH ST
LOS ANGELES, CA 90017
Good luck!!!! I'd keep trying to get my money back if I were you!
#1 Consumer Suggestion
Here's their physical information
AUTHOR: Robin - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, October 26, 2006
I would DEFINITELY file a report with the BBB. They are a paying member and seem to respond to their complaints.
Per the BBB:
DBA: Green Dot Corporation
Address:
605 East Huntington Drive, Suite 205
Monrovia, CA 91016
Primary Phone: (626) 775-3806
Primary Fax: (626) 775-3704
Primary Contact: Mia Smith,Senior Research Specialist
E-mail Address:
mias@greendotcorp.com
Website:
greendotcorp.com
Company ID: 13164092
Business Start Date: 10/1/1999
BBB Created Record on: 12/11/2001
Here is their info per the state of CA:
Corporation
GREEN DOT CORPORATION
Number: C2326294 Date Filed: 1/9/2001 Status: active
Jurisdiction: DELAWARE
Address
605 EAST HUNTINGTON DRIVE
SUITE 205
MONROVIA, CA 91016
Agent for Service of Process
C T CORPORATION SYSTEM
818 W 7TH ST
LOS ANGELES, CA 90017
Good luck!!!! I'd keep trying to get my money back if I were you!
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