Desert Schools Credit Union CAN'T TAKE OF ALL 133,000 MEMBERS Phoenix, Arizona

Opened a checking/savings account on 10/12/2011 at Desert Schools Credit Union, 1949 W. Ray Rd, Chandler, Az.

I deposited $1000.00 into checking and $140.00 into savings.

No one mentioned that any probation period as a new member existed and I was able to tap into my accounts immediately.
On 11/03/2011 I went to my branch in Chandler to cash a check I received from an employer through Careerbuilder.com. The check of $2700.00 was drawn on a credit union in Texas. Texans Credit Union. Prior to taking the check to the bank to cash I called and verified that the check and the bank were legitimate.

I found that the bank was legitimate but I could not get any information on the check as it was not my account. Being skeptical about check and its origin I wanted to make sure of its legitimacy.

When I gave the check to the teller I asked to cash it. He told me to wait and went into a backroom for a lengthy period of time. Upon his return he told me because I was A new member that I could not cash the whole check but could receive $500.00 of it and the check would have to be deposited so as to clear, probably two to three days maybe more.  I asked, jokingly, was I on probation, he stated "I didn't say that". I  refused the $500.00 and told him to deposit the whole check, as my suspicions kept at me, I figured the bank would process the check and determine if it was good or not. He printed out my deposit slip and I left the bank.

The next few days I monitored my account online as well as called the bank to follow the check. I also made numerous purchases with my debit card around town including dinner dates with my wife. At the time of depositing the check I had $1045.00 in my account. As I followed the check it was on hold till 12/03/2011 at 0700AM AZ time at which time it cleared into my checking account.

I called the bank and verified that it was deposited and they supported the fact.

As my employer's request the money was transferred via Western Union to his agent in Texas. A total of $2376.00 was transferred through my debit card. I proceeded into the grocery store and made some purchases.

I constantly monitored my account online and by calling the bank for verification of my funds. All was well. On 12/4/2011 I purchased fuel, hardware and a lunch and dinner. I checked my account, no issues. On 12/5/2011 I  made a food purchase of $58.00  came home checked my account and called the bank all was good. That was 1:22PM AZ time. At 2:30 I went to Office Max to purchase a ink cartridge for $15.00. I used my debit card and it was declined, I tried it several times. I told the clerk that I had just checked my account and I knew I had $960.00 in the account. He tried the card as a credit and it came back insufficient funds. I paid cash and left the store. When home I checked my online account and was shocked to see a backcharge of $2700.00 plus a $15.00 backcharge fee. i immediately called the home office to find out what was going on. The representative told me in so many words, it was my problem, I had deposited it the check so it was my issue. I told her that the bank had the check on hold for several days then deposited into my account what were they doing with the check the whole time. She could care less, I explained that the check could be a fraud and connected to a possible cyber crime. She told me if I had  problem to take it to my local branch manager.

At 5:11PM AZ time I went to my branch to see the manager. I was introduced to Kathi Severson, service manager. I asked why after several days on hold was my account backcharged for a check they cleared and depositied into my account. She didn't understand. I gave her a quick run of the check and its origination and the fact that because of my suspicions I deposited so the bank would determine if it was legal. She still didn't understand. All she would say is I deposited the check into my account. Yes, but you had it on hold to clear. You cleared it into my account. I asked her to call their fraud department. She did. I did not speak to the fraud agent but he told the manager that the check was possibly FRAUDULENT/ALTERED. I asked what did that mean. She said the check could be bad. I asked why I was taking the hit for the banks error. She told me that the bank can't possibly track every check in its system, nor could they possibly take care of every 133,000 members. Prior to that she stated thatt they keep close scrutiny on new member accounts for large transactions. She finally told me there was no way the bank could track every check that came through. I told her but that is what members expect and that they had the resources to do so. Also wasn't it the financial institutions responsibility to make sure bad checks don't get into the system. She could care less and finally told me I would have to pay it back. Also when I asked if I should report it to the police the fraud agent said it wouldn't do any good and that they wouldn't do anything about it. I told the manager I was not going to pay the monies back and I would report it to the police.

On 12/6/2011 I made a report with the Chandler Police and while conversing with the officer he stated that they were having difficulties investigating this crime because the banks were not cooperating and that was hindering the investigation. He also stated that a similar cyber crime was occurring through Monster.com and the same bank in Texas. I asked if that was so how were the banks not red-flagging the checks when they got into the system. Again he reiterated that the banks were not cooperating.

I have reported this crime to many different agencies and have yet to have anyone jump on this situation to get to the bottom of it. My frustration was heightened when the police officer showed his frustration with the ordeal. 

The Texans credit union fraud agent I spoke with told me she was sending a report to the US Postal Inspector.

My case has been filed with the FBI, AZ AG's office, NCUA and the BOARD OF DIRECTORS of my bank.

As of 12/21/2011 I have received no pertinent information as to who is doing what in this matter. Yet my bank continues to tack on non-sufficient fund fees of $35.00 whenever it wishes.

JUST LOOKING FOR SOME GODD**N JUSTICE! ANYONE AWAKE OUT THERE! Will keep all posted.