Conference 7.286::dcu

176.0. "micro-film of checks unlegible" by 2EASY::PEZZULO () Thu Jun 01 1989 12:06

    
    Recently, I had the 'un'-pleasure of calling DCU for a copy of
    a cancled check which I needed to show proof of payment.  I was
    told that I would recieve a card in the mail for me to sign
    which would authorize the $1. fee for the service and then I
    would recieve a copy of the cancled check.  Up until this time
    I was always under the impression that this was free for the
    purposes of proving a payment was made.  In fact less than a year
    ago I was given a free copy of a cancled check for this same
    purpose. (Incidentaly, for the same account at N.E. Medical center.)
    So, I argued this point with some supervisor at DCU.(This check
    was only for $10 then minus the $1 fee it was beginning to seem a
    waste of my time to pursue this).  Finally, the supervisor gave
    in and told me she would send me the copy free THIS TIME ONLY.
    
    Okay fine, now I'm alittle happier, until I recieve the copy
    of the cancled check in the mail.  THE COPY OF THE CANCLED CHECK
    IS ALMOST COMPLETELY UNLEGIBLE.  The only readable parts of this
    copy is the printed name/address, check# and DCU logo and the back
    of the check is just as unreadable as the front.  Accompanying
    the check was the following form leter:
    
    To whom it may concern...
    
    This letter is to verify that the check ____ payable to the _____
    for ____ cleared _____ account at Digital Employees'.... on _____.
    Unfortunately, the quality of our film on this particular day is
    not quite clear.
    
    
    Reading this form letter I'm thinking several things:
    
    	Had I been charged for this I would really be p*ssed-off!
    
    	Fortunately this check is incidential but what if it was
    	something really important?
    
        This form letter lends me to believe that this happens often
    	enough that they need a form letter on which they then type the
    	specific account information.
    
    	Do I want to continue using DCU for all my checking tranactions?
    	Is the convenience worth the aggravation and risk?
    
    	Shouldn't DCU verify some random sample of micro-film before
        destroying the original checks?  Is any type of validation done?
    
    	"NOT QUITE CLEAR" is the biggest understatement I've heard in a
    	while.  Totally worthless would be closer to the truth.
    
    So now I have to locate the dupliacte slip for the check which will
    show to whom, for what amount and to which invoice this check
    was made in payment for and mail this along with the DCU letter
    and check copy to a hospital billing office which is more screwed-up
    than you can imagine.  
    
    Will I ever get my $10 credit or should I just give up now...humm,
    I've come this far....
    
    I DON'T NEED THIS AGGRAVATION!!! 
    
                                                            

    
    There is also a discussion on cancelled checks in note 148.*
    
    NJS