ChexSystems is a nationwide consumer reporting organization that maintains a database of individuals who have abused their ability to use a checking or savings account, such as by writing a check that was returned unpaid or not paying a due charge. ChexSystems is a tool that may be used by financial institutions such as banks and credit unions to decide whether or not a new client is desirable.
What Is In My ChexSystems Report?
Check Overdrafts
- Spending more money than you currently have in your bank account is considered overspending
- Signing a check that your current balance will not allow you to cover. If the bank discovers that your account has been abused or if the person who owns the account has a pattern of writing bad checks, it may shut the account as a precautionary measure due to the risk of fraudulent conduct
- Attempting to deposit checks written by other persons without being aware that the checks have been altered or are otherwise invalid
Fraudulent Check Deposits
Over one billion dollars are lost each year due to check fraud. Losses for a single victim are between $3,000 and $4,000 on average. On top of that, according to pymnts.com, the number of fraudulent check attempts increased by 43% in only the last two years. The issue is that not all fake checks may be readily recognized as such. Even the people who work at the banks have trouble determining whether or not they are fake. The standard plan is carried out in the following manner:
- You are asked to deposit someone's check
- You deposit a check
- Someone invites you to purchase gift cards
- The bank doesn't discover that the check is a fake for a few days, or even weeks after it has already been cashed
- The problem is that you are accountable for repaying the money to the bank, even if you are not a dishonest person
Debit/Credit Card Abuse
This involves making fraudulent purchases using your debit or credit card to generate financial advantage. It occurs when an unauthorized person uses your card to make a transaction after gaining access. Hackers do not need to get their hands on an actual plastic card to steal your information; all they need is the information stored on your cards, such as the number, the expiry date, and the CVV code.
How To Avoid Being Blacklisted By ChexSystems
If you want to prevent getting your name blacklisted by chexsystems, banks, and other financial organizations, the best thing you can do is appropriately handle your checking account. The advice that follows was taken from the ChexSystems website in its entirety:
Know Your Account Balance
If you handle your checking account online or using the mobile app provided by your bank, this procedure is likely already automated in most of today's checking accounts. You should not only constantly check your balance but also sign up for any notifications that will assist you in staying on track.
For instance, if your account falls below a certain threshold, you may configure low-balance notifications to notify you. You should establish payment reminders for forthcoming payments at least a few days in advance. You can either add money to your account or reschedule a payment to prevent overdrawing your account.
Review Your Bank Statement Monthly
Always make it a habit to check your bank account at the end of each month to look for any mistakes or double charges. Additionally, there is a plethora of accessible budgeting software that may assist you in keeping tabs on your expenditures. In this manner, there is no chance of a mistake being noticed, which might lead to adequate cash being available.
Check Your Account Balance Regularly
While it is vital to go through your whole bank statement once a month, you should also make it a habit to check your balance frequently online, at an ATM, or by calling your financial institution. You can also set up transaction notifications at many different banks, which will send you a text message or email whenever a transaction is made on your account.
Make Sure You Are Familiar With The Fees And The Rules Of Your Bank
Ask about the monthly maintenance costs that certain banks impose before signing up for an account with that bank, or seek a bank that doesn't charge maintenance fees. Find out how your bank handles the processing of checks, as well. Some banks prioritize the processing of the larger check. If the first check of the day is returned as unpaid, then all checks processed on that day will be returned as unpaid. Because of this, your chances of having a check bounce and of paying greater costs are increased.
