Consumer complaint received 2020-03-28
Company: Netspend Corporation
State: WI
Product: Credit card or prepaid card
Sub-product: General-purpose prepaid card
Issue: Problem getting a card or closing an account
Sub-issue: Trouble closing card

Complaint:
On XX/XX/XXXX I purchased a Netspend PrePaid Debit card with a deposit of XXXX. 
My intention was for a single use. On XX/XX/XXXX I used the Netspend PrePaid Debit Card to pay XXXX payment to XXXX XXXX XXXX. XXXX XXXX XXXX could not get an authorization for the transaction although indicated to me it had gone through. They returned to card to me. As previously stated, I never had any intention of opening or maintaining any account with Netspend. I  never activated the account cards they sent me, as far as I was concerned my business with them was complete. When my XXXX Social Security Deposit was made to my PayPal Prepaid Mastercard, 1 month and a half later, I am unable to use my funds. It is at this time I find out that A ) Paypal in in cahoots with Netspend and Netspend had come across to all of my paypal accounts including my Paypal Prepaid Mastercard locking them. When I call to find out what was going on I am told I owe XXXX. Impossible, I go on to find out that XXXX XXXX XXXX Force Posted XXXX on to a XXXX prepaid Debit card to which NETSPEND Authorized. Now, a month and a half later, they come knocking on my door, freeze my Prepaid Mastercard which held all of my Social Security Money telling me I was going to pay them that money. That email is attached - I didn't take kindly to them threatening me that they would shut down all my accounts if I didn't pay the {$740.00} The whole point of a PREPAID card to to avoid overdrafts, overdraft fees or charges. Yet Netspend seems to think differently. I don't know of a single bank account or credit card account would allow someone to overdraft a XXXX account by 300 %! Having had another situation with them regarding another prepaid card I purchased at the same time in XXXX, I reached the end of my rope. I submitted the following letter, filed a complaint with the XXXX  demanding they retract the approval for XXXX immediately. I never authorized that, I never approved it, I never even knew about it. I bought a freaking PREPAID DEBIT CARD THAT IS ONLY GOOD FOR THE AMOUNT OF MONEY ON THE CARD! 

Two days ago I received a letter and a bill from XXXX XXXX XXXX   for {$1100.00}, indicating that the bank had rescinded the authorization. The date alarmed me because it was before XX/XX/XXXX and this is the XXXX of XXXX and I have yet to receive the original XXXX deposit I had on the card. I immediately start combing through my emails to find an email sent to me on XX/XX/XXXX with a bunch of gibberish that suggested I may or may not get my original XXXX back. I will file a lawsuit against them if this is now the game they are playing. They take people 's money as if it belongs to them They place irrelevant holds on money putting people through hoop after hoop after hoop. At the end of the day - NETSPEND authorize a 300 % overdraft on a XXXX prepaid card. Not once did they catch it, contact me, stop the transaction, find suspicion because of the ungodly  amount. Not ONCE did they protect me, their supposed " customer ''. Instead they approve such an egregious transaction and them try to make me pay for it. When I refuse and demand they cancel that approved transaction, they apparently do while continuing to HOLD MY MONEY! Any prepaid debit card company advertises no overdrafts, no fees. The definition of a PrePaid Debit card is the card is good for the amount of money loaded to it. Not according to Netspend. THIS COMPANY NEEDS TO BE SHUT DOWN! 

Below you will read the first letter I sent them when I found out they had my Social Security Deposit., Per their request. I am also attaching the email correspondence from the person who is sitting on my XXXX 3 weeks after they reversed the transaction jabbering some 20 day XXXX for per a customer agreement. I told him I AM NOT HIS CUSTOMER. I never activated the card they sent me to replace the one from the gas station. I want my XXXX NOW! and I want some action taken against these crooks. I am XXXX years old, XXXX on a fixed income and this company is a bottom feeder on people like me and people who don't have bank accounts. Usually it's because they are poor. 

I have subsequently closed all PayPal accounts except the last remaining until I verify the transfer of my Social Security Deposit to another institution. Where I never had a problem with paypal and have used them for 7 or 8 years, the meer fact they have brought Netspend into their business cost them their business with me. 

I will keep taking what ever action I have to to get my money. Now with the nation in crisis, idiot companies like this see it as an even better opportunity to steal, take, hold, money that does not and never did belong to them. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX XXXX after XXXX XXXX CST attachment groups - My initial response to them when I couldn't access my Social Security in XXXX, and Netspend 's email exchange before and after I find out through XXXX  - NOT NETSPEND that they reversed the charge. 

If you are unable to see the message below, click here to view. 
Netspend Email Security Information : Email : XXXX Update Card Ending : XXXX Dispute Claim Confirmation Account Number : XXXX Claim Date : XXXX XXXX CST Claim Number : XXXX Claim Amount : XXXX Dear Valued Cardholder, Thank you for reporting this transaction error. We have opened a dispute claim for you. Your claim number is XXXX and should be used for future reference. 

We will begin your investigation promptly. We will attempt to complete the investigation within 10 business days ( or 20 business days if this is a new account ). If we need more time we may take up to 45 calendar days to complete the investigation. For errors involving a new account, a point-of-sale transaction, or a foreign-initiated transaction, we may take up to 90 calendar days to investigate your claim. If we determine more time is needed, we may issue a temporary credit so you have use of your funds during the investigation. 

If you wish to be eligible for a provisional, or temporary, credit to your account while we complete our investigation, you will need to send us a written notice of your dispute within the next 10 business  days. The written notice should include your name, account number and claim number ; transactions you believe are in error ; and the dates when the errors occurred. If we do not receive your written notice in the next 10 business days, we are not required to provisionally credit your account while we complete our investigation. Please note that for new accounts, we have up to 20 business days to provisionally credit your account. 

Additionally, you may provide other information that you think would be helpful to our investigation - such as a police report, cancelled transaction receipts, or a copy of your agreement with the merchant. The written notice and any additional information should be sent to XXXX or faxed to XXXX. Please include your claim number & account number with all correspondence. 

If we do not receive the written notice or any additional information from you, we will complete our investigation with the information we have available to us. 

The results of the investigation will be sent to you in writing within 3 business days of completing our investigation. 

Thank you for your patience as we investigate your claim. 

If you have additional questions, please contact the NetSpend Customer Service Department at XXXX during normal business hours. 

Sincerely, NetSpend Dispute Resolution Department XXXX. XXXX  XXXX XXXX, TX XXXX This message was sent to you because of changes, updates, or transactional activity on your Netspend Prepaid Card Account. Netspend is required to send you such notifications regardless of your unsubscribe status. Please do not reply to this message. 
Netspend.com | Privacy Policy | Update Email To ensure inbox delivery of Netspend Card emails, add XXXX to your contacts. 

The Netspend Visa Prepaid Card is issued by XXXX, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. Netspend , a  XXXX XXXX , is a registered agent of XXXX  . Card may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. Certain products and services may be licensed under U.S. Patent Nos. 6,000,608 and 6,189,787. Use of the Card Account is subject to activation, ID verification, and funds availability. Transaction fees, terms, and conditions apply to the use and reloading of the Card Account. See the Cardholder Agreement for details. 

& copy XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX All rights reserved worldwide. XXXX and Netspend are federally registered U.S. service marks of XXXX XXXX XXXX , XXXX All other trademarks and service marks belong to their owners. 

Netspend XXXX. XXXX  XXXX, XXXX, TX XXXX The letter I sent when I find out I have no money - It was emailed XX/XX/XXXX to PayPal and to Netspend : Account Number : XXXX Claim Date : XXXX XXXX CST Claim Number : XXXX Claim Amount : XXXX Inbox x XXXX XXXX Mon, XX/XX/XXXX, XXXX XXXX  to disputedocuments, me Re :  Account Number : XXXX Claim Date : XXXX XXXX CST Claim Number : XXXX Claim Amount : XXXX To Whom It May Concern, This letter was just sent to PayPal and will be sent shortly to all the names listed below. 

Here is some VERY important information that you should take very seriously - I will be sending this same information to the folks at Netspend as well. Once I do that, I will be taking all the information surrounding the freezing of my PayPal Prepaid Mastercard Account and the other accounts affiliated with the account to : 1. Social Security Administration 2.The Consumer Finance Protection Bureau 3 . National Consumer Law Center, Washington DC 4. XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX 5. XXXX XXXX XXXX 6. State of Wisconsin Office of Attorney General 7. The Department of Financial Institutions - Division of Banking Why? Because the  PayPal Prepaid Mastercard Account olds my Social Security Income and my Social Security Income is EXEMPT ACCORDING TO FEDERAL LAW FROM BEING WITHHELD, GARNISHED, LEVIED under ANY circumstances by ANYONE with the exception of the Federal Government and Child Support. Second to that is Netspend nor PayPal followed ANY of the procedures stated by law necessary before simply locking me out of any source of income whatsoever. Thirdly, Netspend 's reason for doing this is nothing more than a continuation of unethical, unprofessional and unprincipled business practices. By illegally authorizing a rental car company to force post {$1100.00} on to a prepaid debit card containing a {$500.00} balance in XXXX. A transaction I knew NOTHING about until yesterday and a transaction I never approved nor authorized. Netspend, a company becoming fastly known as disreputable, never once notified me of a 300 % overdraft on a {$500.00} prepaid debit card intended for one use. NEVER! Instead they have snuck around the last several weeks slowly cutting access off to all of my PayPal accounts, my XXXX XXXX and as of yesterday, I find my MAIN account, my Paypal Prepaid Mastercard Account LOCKED. This account receives my Social Security Deposit EVERY SINGLE MONTH! As a result of this stunt, I have NO money, my rent check bounced today, I've two bills that have already bounced with a slew more lining up. This will damage my credit. Currently I don't even have a XXXX  to go buy milk, if milk cost a XXXX. I am in need of food for my XXXX animals, medications for myself and the right to continue living like anyone else in this world does. 

Why? Why would ANYONE approve a 300 % overdraft on a prepaid debit card that has been registered less than an hour. WHY? WHY would anyone approve a prepaid overdraft of that magnitude in the first place ANYWAY? WHY, WHY did Netspend not contact me immediately after the transaction occurred? WHY? Why did/does Netspend think I'm the one who is supposed to pony up to someone's authorization of such and egregious amount, not to mention action. WHY, WHY did Netspend not see red flags and fireworks or when they DID see the red flag and fireworks, protect me - ME their customer? WHY, WHY am I being chased for a transaction I did not know about much less authorize? WHY? Does the Prepaid Debit Card not have Visa 's Zero Liability Coverage? If it does, WHY is Netspend trying to get money out of me? WHY didn't Netspend reverse a charge of that magnitude IMMEDIATELY? WHY? More importantly, WHY was it let through to begin with? WHY, WHY didn't PayPal due their DUE diligence by seeing the fact my account was/is exempt from this unprofessional activity by virtue of the fact it contains GOVERNMENT BENEFITS! WHY? Doesn't anybody do their jobs anymore? WHY, WHY did neither company comply with the laws surrounding the freezing of someone's bank accounts? WHY? They had/have a legal obligation AFTER receiving a notice of garnishment ( which never existed ) or notice of Judgement from a court ( which never existed ) to provide me with the results of it's review! The law clearly states that my accounts can not be frozen without a court order. PERIOD. May I remind you here that I DID NOT HAVE A SINGLE CLUE  ANYTHING HAD OCCURRED - NOT A SINGLE CLUE SOME FOOL MANAGED TO OBTAIN {$1100.00} off a {$500.00} Prepaid Debit Card. Moreover, it was also PayPal 's job aside from informing me of some sort of court order, but the date the order was received, a brief explanation of the garnishment, an explanation of PayPal 's responsibility to protect my federal benefit payments that are direct deposited during the look back period and keep them accessible to ME. ( Yes, PAYPAL and NETSPEND need to learn a lot here! ). PayPal and Netspend, particularly PayPal was supposed to protect my account. PayPal DID NOT. I have been locked out of this account along with my PayPal accounts for some time it would appear. As far back as XX/XX/XXXX when I woke up to a strange email message that someone has cancelled their billing agreement with XXXX. It was odd and I had begun having trouble logging in to that account around the same time. Then within the last 10 days I get another strange email telling me my Prepaid MasterCard for THIS account was no good and couldn't be used in XXXX XXXX. NOW I am growing concerned over these odd occurrences. Jump forward to this weekend and everything becomes apparent starting with my intent to list auctions on XXXX - The email address I had formerly used at PayPal to get paid wasn't any good. Then I see a hold on my XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  XXXX PayPal account, followed by coming to this ( my PayPal Prepaid Mastercard account ) after 4 attempts to make an online purchase Friday night was declined with a XXXX balance in the account. My anxiety over this series of events started mounting. It wasn't until I spoke with PayPal yesterday, that the entirety of Netspend 's deceptive practices came to fruition. Out of know where I am told I owe Netspend 700+ dollars from another account!! I don't HAVE a Netspend Account. I ask myself how is this possible, I used a XXXX PREPAID card. 

According to Netspend 's website, and disclosure notice : 1 ) your account is LIMITED to the funds you have loaded on the card. 2 ) You may not exceed the available amount in your Card Account through and individual transaction or a series of transactions - unless WE DECIDE ( meaning you- NETSPEND ) in our sole discretion, to approve such transaction ( s ) and that is only true if you have qualified for " Purchase Cushion Coverage ''. 3 ) If you do not have enough funds in your account you can instruct a merchant to conduct a split transaction. If you fail to inform the Merchant that you want to do this, your card is likely to be declined. 4 ) In bold letters No OVERDRAFT/Credit Feature. 5 ) If you meet our eligibility requirements, we may authorize negative balances resulting from PIN-based and signature based transaction initiated through our third party bill pay service providers ... .... you may receive only one XXXX negative balance allowance at a time.  Negative balances are approved at our discretion on a per transaction basis. We approve ... .on our authority ... ... ..if we decide, if we authorize ... ... ... That's prevalent throughout your paperwork. No Credit. No Overdrafts, Spend only what's on the card followed by any and everything happens with your approval or authorization which leaves me to ask, WHO THE XXXX THEN, AUTHORIZED AN {$1100.00} CHARGE AGAINST A {$500.00} PREPAID LESS THAN AN HOUR OLD DEBIT CARD? then did NOTHING to protect much less notify AT ANY POINT along the way, me, your customer. 

Why is a prepaid debit called a PREPAID Debit card if ANY amount can be taken off it while XXXX  the individual who owned it. WHY? What is the point of the XXXX card? I intended for the card to be used ONE time and one time only. The merchant was having trouble getting her computer to accept the forms of payment and finally after much struggling said she got it through but did not get any authorization. She handed me back the card, told me the number of the debit card was on file in the system. She furthered her statement by saying she had XXXX  out the contract so the car could be re-rented however she would get in trouble for doing so but she had to clear the car for rental and things would need to be continued. She KNEW the card had a XXXX maximum limit. Unintending any further usage of the card, I had no reason to check it. I cut it up, disposed of it and did not activate the printed version of the card that came to my home. 

What concerns me all the more is Netspend blocked another card I purchased within 24 hours of my purchasing it insisting on more intensive proof I was who I said I was. It took me weeks of fighting to get my money back, and not without incurring financial problems, unpaid rent, forced to travel with no money, exacerbated health issues and countless hours of no sleep while doing just what I am doing now - fighting to not get ripped off ONCE again. Netspend, the company who put me through identity XXXX just a mere 6 weeks  ago authorized someone to come in an overdraft another card by 700 + dollars, doing nothing about it, other than 6 weeks later illegally intercepting my Social Security XXXX Income bank account, cut off any and all access I had to get any money by blocking all my paypal accounts followed by now attempting to extort the overdrafted amount THEY caused, out my my own funds. 

How disgraceful is it for a corporation to have XXXX complaints registered with the XXXX XXXX XXXX over the last 3 years. How disgraceful is it for a corporation to be plastered all over the web as the only company to take great steps to fight the placement of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau 's PrePaid Debit Card Law ( April 2017 ) designed to protect consumers from any hidden terms or overdraft fees on prepaid cards. How disgraceful are you to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to solicit political favors from the Republican party so in term you could use them as a way of getting rid of it. Some would call that a quid-pro-quo wouldn't they. 

Bottom line, Netspend NOR PayPal should have EVER Frozen/locked ANY of my accounts. And the process by which they chose to do so clearly violates my rights and the law. 

My Social Security is protected by the Federal Government! therefore, PayPal/Netspend has until XXXX XXXX today, XX/XX/XXXX to restore complete and full access to my accounts - ALL my accounts, including access to my money or all XXXX is going to break loose because I will go to any and every source I can, any source I think may have a hand in restoring access to my GOVERNMENT PROTECTED ACCOUNTS followed by any source that will take action to stop this unprincipled behavior against any other individuals and any source that will advise and assist me in the filing of charges against Netspend and any other parties deemed involved for damages I have sustained from Netspend 's unprofessional, shady and self servicing practices since XXXX of XXXX. You should be advised that this letter will be distributed to all parties listed above, not just PayPal and Netspend and will be done almost immediately after I sign it. 

Very truly yours, XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX After XXXX XXXX 


This was also sent to the XXXX  : XXXX  Complaint Case # XXXX ( Ref # XXXX ) Inbox x XXXX XXXX XXXX   <XXXX> Tue, XX/XX/XXXX, XXXX XXXX to me Complaint ID # : XXXX Business Name : PayPal , Inc . 

Thank you for contacting XXXX. Your complaint was received by XXXX  on XX/XX/XXXX and has been assigned case # XXXX our files. Please make a note of this number for future reference. 

Your complaint has been applied to the following business : PayPal , Inc . 
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, CA XXXX The case has been reviewed and has now been forwarded to the business for their response. This business has until XX/XX/XXXX to respond to your complaint. You may contact our office after XX/XX/XXXX to check the status of your complaint. 

We encourage you to use our ONLINE COMPLAINT system to keep up with the progress of this complaint. To view the details of your case please go to the following website address : http : XXXX. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX Complaint Specialist XXXX  Complaint Department This is the first response from Netspend : On XX/XX/XXXX, at XXXX XXXX, Corporate Customer Response Team <XXXX> wrote : >> >> Account Reference Number : XXXX and XXXX >> Dear XXXX, >> Hello my name is XXXX and I am part of the Presidents Corporate Response Team. I will be assisting you any concerns or questions you may have. 


>> The reason that your account is overdrawn {$730.00} is because XXXX XXXX force posted a transaction on to your account. Since the merchant has obtained your card number, the merchant can sometimes force a transaction to post ( collection ) on your account. In the event this happens, we can open a dispute or you can contact the merchant to resolve the agreed payment. 


Do keep in mind that the block has been removed from your account ( XXXX ) however, our team can potentially close all your accounts if this balance is not paid. 


>> If you have additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at the phone number below. 


>> Thank you, XXXX XXXX Sr. Customer Experience Analyst Netspend, a XXXX XXXX XXXX, TX Office : XXXX Hours : Monday- Tuesday : XXXXXXXX XXXX to XXXX XXXX CST Thursday- Friday : XXXX XXXX to XXXX XXXX. CST Confidentiality Notice! This electronic transmission and any attached documents or other writings are confidential and are for the sole use of the intended recipient ( s ) identified above. This message may contain  information that is privileged, confidential or otherwise protected from disclosure under applicable law. If the receiver of this information is not the intended recipient, or the employee, or agent responsible for delivering the information to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, reading, dissemination, distribution, copying or storage of this information is strictly prohibited. If you have received this information in error, please notify the sender by return email and delete the electronic transmission, including all attachments from your system. 

This is the last correspondence between myself and Netspend as of today - Important Account Information XXXX  XXXX XXXX Ref. #  XXXX << Reference ID : XXXX >> Inbox x NETSPEND RIP OFF x Corporate Customer Response Team <XXXX> Wed, XX/XX/XXXX, XXXX XXXX  to me, XXXX, XXXX Dear XXXX XXXX Although I have been unable to speak with you, I wanted to follow up on your dispute claims. 

1. When investigating dispute claims reported by our cardholders, we adhere to the processes as defined in both Regulation E and in Netspend cardholder agreements that our customers receive when opening an account. We have reviewed your claims and have determine they are being handled correctly. 

2. The dispute claim XXXX was opened on XX/XX/XXXX. The claim will be updated on XX/XX/XXXX. The update timeframe for a new account is twenty business days. The letter of dispute must be received in the first ten business days for you to be eligible for provisional credit. 

3. The letter of dispute has been received for the claim XXXX. 

4. Due to the large negative balance on account XXXX, ( {$730.00} ), our Recoveries Team blocked your other Netspend accounts on XX/XX/XXXX. Those blocks were removed after you opened the dispute claim. 


If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at the number below. 


Thank you, XXXX XXXX XXXX Customer Experience Specialist Netspend a Global Payments Company XXXX XXXX Confidentiality Notice! This electronic transmission and any attached documents or other writings are confidential and are for the sole use of the intended recipient ( s ) identified above. This message may contain information that is privileged, confidential or otherwise protected from disclosure under applicable law. If the receiver of this information is not the intended recipient, or the employee, or agent responsible for delivering the information to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, reading, dissemination, distribution, copying or storage of this information is strictly prohibited. If you have received this information in error, please notify the sender by return email and delete the electronic transmission, including all attachments from your system. 


XXXX XXXX <XXXX> Wed, XX/XX/XXXX, XXXX XXXX  ( 3 days ago ) to Corporate I received a bill from Budget to the tune of {$1100.00} with a letter stating you rescinded approval for the charge they placed on account XXXX. Where is the original {$500.00} I paid for and put on that card on XX/XX/XXXX? Why hasn't it been returned to me? XXXX XXXX letter is dated XX/XX/XXXX which means you reversed the charges prior to XX/XX/XXXX. Today is XX/XX/XXXX. Do I need to file more complaints with the XXXX  and The Consumer Financial Protection Agency, The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, The Federal Trade Commission and the State of Wisconsin Attorney General 's Office? That money should have been returned to me immediately once you rescinded the force post XXXX did to that account without my authorization, approval or knowledge. You have until Friday to get my money returned to me or I will begin contacting all the agencies listed above. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX <XXXX> Wed, XX/XX/XXXX, XXXX XXXX  ( 3 days ago ) to Corporate One last thing - I do NOT have any accounts with you. I purchased 3 cards for ONE time use. I have not activated any permanent card ( s ) you sent me nor do I intend to. I have never had an account with you - I have only purchased your prepaid gift cards for a single use. Therefore please stop referring to my having an account with you like it's ongoing and we have some sort of relationship - it isn't, it never was. I have subsequently closed all my PayPal accounts except one which will also be closed once my Social Security Deposit hits my new bank accounts. Because of your business practices,  PayPal lost a customer of 8 - 10 years. I will not do business with any company associated with you in any shape or form whatsoever. Stop holding money that isn't yours to hold, at least that's what your email suggests by some claim updates by XX/XX/XXXX ... .and 20 days something or other for account holders. Let me repeat myself - I DO NOT HAVE AN ACCOUNT WITH YOU. If my money hasn't been refunded by XXXX  Thursday night, XX/XX/XXXX, I will proceed with the filing of this entire fiasco to the appropriate state and federal agencies already mentioned in my prior email. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX I want my money NOW - enough of this crooked company! Someone needs to please put them out of business!. 

Thank you, XXXX XXXX

Company public response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation