I wrote a check of $1000 to AMEX to pay my bills and they cashed out $9000 from my checking account.  That left my checking account with negetive balance of $5000 and the bank froze my account.   So, right now, I don't have any cash and living a misearable weekend.  When I called them, they said, we made a mistake and mail you back a check.  That made me mad.  I talked to the manager in charge, she said we can wire it back but it will take two / three days.  So, my life stops for 5  days!!!!!! How can I make them pay for their mistake? Any body had similar experience? Please advise.

Be sure to follow through and determine who the responsible party is, and get a copy of the cancelled check.  Also find out where you & your accounts have derogatory information reported at.  Your bank and/or the responsible party need to pay (or refund) every single overdraft/returned check fee you incur as a result of their screw-up.  Also, every item of derogatory information attached to you and your accounts as a result of this screw-up needs to be removed immediately from all credit bureaus, from your bank records, and all check-writing verification companies.  I would also insist on an apology letter that clearly shows that they, not you, are at fault.

Good luck & godspeed with this issue!      

a.

If you want someone with power, you first contact the corperate office.  You'll usually talk to a senior executive, which is probably the most power you'll get until you do something to make a dent.  To make a dent and scare them, right a letter detailing the account and the required restitutions you need and FEDEX it to the corperate headquarters.  Make sure you send it the senior executive you spoke to.  You may have to put a clause stating that you will take the matter to court in order to gain back whatever you lost, but it works..so try