ComplaintsforAlabama One Credit Union

• Initial Complaint

  05/14/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  In February 2024, I went through the drive thru at Alabama One (West location) to deposit $400 cash that I formerly took from my ***** Fargo account. However, the bank teller told me that the machine would not 'take' the cash and she suspected it was fraudulent. I told her it couldn't be because it came from another major Bank. She then proceeded to tell me that she could not give the money back to me at the drive-thru, and she would have to send it to the *************** to verify if it was real money. I asked her how long it would take and asked for printed confirmation that they had taken my cash and for a plan of action outlining the process, and the teller told me that she could not offer me anything. When I asked how long the process would take, the teller told me 2 weeks. I put a note in my cell phone to follow up with the bank on March 11, 2024. When I called back to Alabama One in March, they were puzzled about my entire experience, and it took them a while to track down the cause and reason for my dispute. They finally referred me to a branch manager, who shared with me that she was unsure of the process, but she knew that it takes longer than 2 weeks. She told me there was nothing I could do but wait to hear back from the ***************. After many calls and conversations over the next couple of months, I understood that the bank tellers as well as the mangers did not know where my money was or how to fix this problem, nor did I get the feeling that it was a priority. My checking account over drafted because of this issue and Alabama One did nothing to assist with eliminating those fees, even though they did nothing to assist with helping me get my money back. I don't feel I can trust this institution, and as soon as this issue is resolved I will take my business to a more reputable and trustworthy bank.

  Business response

  05/22/2024

  Good Afternoon,

  I have spoken to the Market Manager that ************** conducted business at and was informed of the situation.  There is documentation that we are required to fill out and submit to the US ************** when we have reason to believe we have come in contact with a counterfeit note.  Given we had not received any correspondence back from the US **************, I advised the Market Manager to reach out to the local field office to see if they could offer any assistance.  We were told that if we haven't received the bills back then they were deemed counterfeit.  In addition, the form used states that a genuine note would be returned to the bank.  While a timeline wasn't provided, the amount of time that has passed makes it unlikely that Alabama ONE will receive the bills back from the US **************.  ************** is welcome to contact them for further information, but once we send the bills off for inspection we aren't able to control the process.

  I reviewed ************** account information and I see no indication she overdrafted her account as a result of this situation.  However, I'm happy to speak further to better understand that statement.  There would be no issue refunding fees on her account at ********************** ONE, if needed.  I can be contacted at **************************************** or ************.

  Alabama ONE sincerely apologizes for the inconvenience.  However, we followed the protocols in place to submit potential counterfeit bills to the US **************.

• Initial Complaint

  10/14/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I owed a credit card that was charged off over a year ago at this credit union. On October 7 I had a check that was deposited to my account for $2350 the day after the deposit the bank locked access to my account and blocked access to my funds that was available in the amount of $2345. On October 14th I went to the bank to check my balance and make a withdrawal because they still had my funds and account locked. The available balance was $2345 but the bank then called *********************** on the phone and she removed $1718.11 out my account without my consent to pay a charged off credit card account. They then told me I would get my credit card back then they called my phone and told me I couldnt have access to my card. To sum up everything the bank used unfair collection tactics and blocked access to available funds for 7 days that already posted and was available for withdrawal so they could take my $1718.11 without me knowing. They cause a financial hardship with no care in the world I dont even have enough money to pay my car note and bills.

  Business response

  11/22/2022

  I just had a second attempt letter come across my desk for a complaint with the ** of ********.  Im unsure if the first attempt ever made it or just didnt make it to the appropriate party.  The complaint has been reviewed.  It appears the check in question was accepted with a hold.  After that hold period, Alabama ONE offset funds to pay the charged off credit card.  **************** states that Alabama ONE did not have his consent, but the Membership and Account Agreement that governed his accounts has language that states Unless prohibited by law, you pledge and ***** as security for all obligations you may have now or in the future, except obligations secured by your principal residence, all shares and dividends and all deposits and interest, if any, in all accounts you have with us now and in the future.  The check deposited wasnt protected funds such as Social Security.  While the credit card had been charged off for some time, **************** still owed the balance and Alabama ONE enforced the right to offset as provided in the Membership and Account Agreement.  Therefore, Alabama ONE will not be providing any refund to *****************  The right to offset is typical for any credit union.  Also, given a potential fraudulent check was deposited earlier this month, Alabama ONE wouldnt mind speaking to **************** about the source of funds from the check in question.

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