3 posts shown.
I might also throw this in there:
Some folks just seem to have more luck than sense.☕
I made my exit with some dignity, telling my wife I’d get back to her once I’ve had some time to think it over. I made it clear that if I decide to show up, it’ll be on my own terms to sign the papers—which, by the way, left her absolutely fuming and silent.
The thing is, I honestly have no clue what the fallout will be if I refuse to sign, because my wife wouldn't give me a straight answer on that.
I'm speechless!
Well, of course she didn't tell you anything, because there isn't even a move to make. Look, the bank can't just take whatever they want, and she can't exactly file a lawsuit either since it wouldn't be worth the legal fees for her. If things really went down the way you described, the bank's approach is completely flawed. And I have to wonder, how exactly do you plan on dipping into an unauthorized overdraft? Based on what authority? It's not legally possible for you or a bank teller—even with the bank's permission—to just pull $1000 and leave you in the red. With your own consent, sure, because the bank's software manages the balance (deposits vs. withdrawals) and sets those limits automatically. However, the bank could choose to work with their employee by approving an authorized overdraft of $1000. Now, you'd be on the hook for interest. But honestly, you'd likely face much worse problems with a garnishment anyway, so you might actually come out ahead. That said, the bank has the power to revoke your overdraft privileges through extraordinary measures and initiate collections to get their money back. Hmm! It's a real game of cat and mouse. My advice? Draft a contract notarized at their expense where everything is laid out in black and white (the exact amount of the overdraft, the repayment schedule, and a clause stating they can't revoke the overdraft for at least one month—though they could after five). I would only agree to go from an unauthorized state to an authorized overdraft under those specific conditions. Don't forget, this whole mess is going to hit your credit score with the Federal Reserve.
stormyraven14 said:Give JP Morgan Chase a call and sign the authorization to clear out the remaining $500 from your account right away—just get that part settled immediately. As for the other 1,500, try to negotiate a payment plan with installments that actually fit your budget. They can't really turn you down since you're holding all the cards here... and if they get pushy, just politely ask to speak with someone more reasonable and professional.
Look, this was their mistake, not yours. Pay back what you can now and show them you're acting in good faith regarding the rest. In the end, you'll just be paying off that Verizon bill in installments, which honestly isn't the worst outcome...
You aren't a thief, but don't let them walk all over you either.
I’d suggest sending them an email first to propose this arrangement and request a meeting. That way, you have a paper trail proving you did everything possible to fix a situation that wasn't even your fault in the first place.
I can weigh in from a legal standpoint.
Look, if you want to be difficult, you can hold your ground and refuse to pay anything because: you didn't do this on purpose, and legally, they aren't allowed to touch the funds in your account labeled $3333. This entire thing boils down to your own willingness to cooperate.
If the clerk was being unprofessional, here is how you handle it. From a moral and ethical perspective, you have to make things right (don't take what isn't yours). Honestly, she probably lost enough sleep over her own rudeness that it serves as its own punishment. Legally speaking, she is obligated to rectify the deficit, and if she were to face a private lawsuit for damages, she'd likely lose and end up footing the bill for court costs plus all your expenses and attorney fees. What I recommend is reaching out in writing first to express your desire to repay the amount. It's up to them to figure out the logistics. You won't get a loan from a bank for this because there's no legitimate basis for one. Your best bet is to settle it by having her cover your travel costs (like gas or whatever) and then agreeing to pay her back in installments whenever you have the cash. That is the only way to stay honest, ensure justice is served, and prevent the telecom company from trying to seize your computer through a garnishment. You could even offer to trade some labor or a service if you have a skill she needs. There are a hundred ways to do this, but there is only one way to be truly fair.