I just had a situation last night (posted on the credit boards) where a check was declined at Walmart that I wrote on my dad's acct (I am an authorized user - have been for years). I have written checks at Walmart for his groceries for about 8 months now with no problems and never showed ID. When I called the Telecheck number to find out what the problem was, they told me I personally had a bad acct for NSF with Suntrust from Sept 2004. Ok, I know this, but it has not been pursued and the actual amount was around $250 at the time and 90% of that was the NSF fees. Now it has ballooned to $1000!!! Anyway, I am in Virginia and I am sure that there is no judgement out there and we are past SOL.

I am not sure what to do.... if I get a check card for his groceries now, will that be declined too if I try to use it? Will he be flagged in chexsystem too because my name is linked to his acct? I could easily get a check card for his acct, dad is just a little old fashioned and was mostly using checks. He uses the ATM card to get $20 out of the bank every once in a while - that is it.

After some reading here, it seems that on 9/24/09, I 'should' be dropped from chexsystem anyway for this debt. Correct? My biggest concern is why now?? Why after all this time did it just become a problem?

I am definitely worried that something will happen to his checking acct at this point. Dad is understanding, but I hate to have him worry because of my screw up. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Oh, I am also going to get the chexsystem report if I can find the link.

Anyone?? I am mainly wondering if I can use a check card without fear when I have mysteriously appeared in chexsystems.

It sounds like you are reported to both telecheck and chexsystems. Telecheck is showing that you have been reported by Suntrust bank. Yes get a free copy of your chexsystems report as well www.chexhelp.com Chances are that with Suntrust that you are also reproted there.

If you get a debit card you will have no problems using it at all. It is not the same as writing a check at a retail store. You dad should not have trouble writing checks at these stores if he has not been reported.

Sorry for the delay in responding, I just had a wisdom tooth pulled

Thank you so much!!!! My logical mind didn't think there would be a problem with a check card, but this is so out of the blue (and in an area that I haven't researched yet). Also VERY glad to know that dad won't have a problem if he goes to write a check somewhere.

I still don't understand how all of a sudden it is an issue. Did the Walmart register scan the check and it just picked up my name and then compared it - with no id?

Hope that tooth feels better - I know the pain!!

ooops I missed that part



If you didn't show ID and they denied the check..the account has somehow been reported. Is your social security number on your check anywhere or your DL number ? I thought WalMart always did ask for an ID but it has been a long time since I wrote a check anywhere.

Nope, no social on check and no id. I did show ID the very first time I wrote check there 8 mo ago, but have been writing them weekly ever since.

Oh well, I will order a check card for that acct and just deal with it.