Judson E. Crump, PC

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Alabama Woman Sues Comerica Bank over Direct Express Debit Card Dispute – Alabama Consumer Credit Attorney Judson E Crump

by 95 Comments

Last Thursday, we filed suit against Comerica Bank, issuer of the popular Direct Express Debit MasterCard, alleging that the bank failed to investigate purported errors, despite my client having disputed the errors both orally and in writing.  The allegations are summarized below:

The Direct Express card is a debit card that carries the funds of federal benefit recipients.  My client attempted to use hers at a local Triton ATM machine, but due to some sort of error, did not actually receive the money she requested.  But Comerica still deducted the money from her Direct Express account.  This caused her account to be wrongfully reduced by $500, which prevented her from being able to pay her bills and obtain her necessities for several weeks.

 

She disputed their accounting of her money by telephone, with no success.  Then she came to me and I wrote them a notice of error.

 

Under the Electronic Fund Transfers Act, the financial institution is required to investigate a notice of error within 10 days and inform you in writing of the results of their investigation.  If they don’t do that, they must provisionally credit your account for the disputed money and conduct a longer investigation, which can’t last longer than 45 days.

If a financial institution is found liable for violating a consumer’s dispute rights under EFTA, they can be held liable for three times the damage they’ve caused plus be forced to pay your court costs and attorney’s fees.

This is the first case I’ve filed under the EFTA, so I’m very interested to see how it plays out.

Comments

  1. Mr. Crump. Please call ntact me about a problem I am having with Direct Express. Over 6,000 was stolen from my card. [number hidden] That k you, Douglas J.

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  2. This should be a class action. There are multiple thousands of SSecurity and disabled vets (the ones the keep our freedom) that are being treated illegally and rudely when a complaint is made. Moreover, they make up excuses to delay payment so they can ‘play’ the markets with poor and disabled people’s money/benefits. This is the tip of the iceberg. There’s more. Just google direct express comerica and pass up the first page. Unbelievable amount of people complaining on various websites. One major problem is the customer service reps disrespect and lie to the customers and convienently hang up like it was accidentally disconnected. This bank deliberately makes it very hard for customers. Something strange is amiss with comerica

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    • you can’t even get a hold of them half the time they don’t even answer the phone I disputed a payment and they never put the balance back on my card like they were supposed to I’m still waiting to find out if I’m going to get my money back Direct Express is a joke I’ve canceled my service and changed over to my regular Bank basically your money is being put on a prepaid debit card you can’t even order Groceries on instacart or use it like a regular debit card I would suggest an advice anyone that’s having problems to get a real bank account and use that debit card and don’t use Direct Express there sucking in millions and millions of dollars and making money off of our money

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    • I believe Comerica is using consumers funds to cover their debs or the governments overspending such as stimulus, rampant fraudulent unemployment claims etc..without explanation they lock accounts, alter information, los e information, hang up. They have nothing that shows legally they are following any guidelines or policies. Who is in charge? Why is no one accountable. Why do they sound like automated robots? Where is my money and why do I get different answers depending on what customer representative I talk to and is the fraud prevention department really a group of people educated in the law? I bet they have a two week training course to screw us over and use our money as they see fit. Scandalous and embarrassing for this country!

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  3. Did your client get her money back? I am having a similar problem with Direct Express. Unauthorized withdrawals were made to my account yet Direct Express denied my claim.

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      • I am having this same exact problem with Direct Express and Comerica. I received my dispute letter stating that i would receive $1029 provisional credit within 10 days and I never received it. I finally escalated to Comerica via fax and telephone on 08/15 and again on 09/2 and was ignored again. Please advise, I can’t recover from the domino effect that this unauthorized transaction has caused and I am in financial ruin and literally penniless. I reside in California but any assistance that you can give me will be VERY much appreciated.

      • Kathryn,

        I may be able to find you some legal help, but I’d need to know more about your specific problem. Particularly, I need to know whether or not Comerica made an error, or if there were unauthorized charges or debits against you. Call me at 251.272.9148 to discuss this.

        JEC

      • I need a lawyer in Arizona. In March 2 different hotels were charged. I never got a provisional. I have recieved 3 letters telling me it was investigated there was no error. They said they would provide me with copies upon my request. I did just that. Stating I want to see my signature, my Dl. I got the same letter. No proof of any investigation. I was told they weren’t aware it was fraud they never got the required paperwork. Relaxed from the city mayor. I got the same letter they completed their investigation. Every call recorded. Everything faxed and mailed. Could not have been me. I was staying at a hotel in a different city and state. Please a referral. They just don’t care.

    • Z I’m having the same problem they took $700 of my money I have a receipt showing a received no money from the cash machine it took going to the Social Security office and calling the Better Business Bureau to get somebody to call me back from Direct Express my sister’s an attorney she’s trying to help me work on this I’m going to show her this website

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      • Mary,

        Are you in Alabama? If so, I can possibly represent you in obtaining compensation from Direct Express. You’ll need to get proof of the failed transaction, and a list of any witnesses. You should also ask the financial instititution for the video clip of the transaction, because Direct Express will deny any wrongdoing and say that you’re just lying about not getting the money.

        Also, you will need to write Direct Express a letter explaining your dispute and demanding a refund of your money. If they send you a dispute package to fill out and return to them, do what they ask and keep copies of EVERYTHING.

    • I can’t contact the direct express with a dispute and they didn’t even check it out and turn the dispute down they didn’t investigate whatsoever please call me

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  4. Mr Crump, I have had well over 5000 taken out of my account over the course of 3 years. I am disabled and a veteran and have been fighting with this Comerica and Direct Express for months. Please help. Atlannta,

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  5. This bank (Comerica/Direct Express) has ripped us off too. Took our SSDI and refused to cooperate with law enforcement investigations or Inspector General complaints. Lied to us, refuses to provide documentation required by federal banking laws. we want to sue these bastards for the anguish and financial losses. they target SSI/SSDI recipients like us, just google them and see.

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  6. I had money on my card and then when I checked my balance to pay bills it said I only had 74.00 dollars on my card. That’s has happened for 2 or 3 months I need some help. They told me “you didn’t fill out the paper work” and I did. Then they said that they closed my case.

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    • Jennifer,

      I need to know more about your situation to see if I can help you. You have rights to correct any errors involving electronic fund transfers under the federal Electronic Fund Transfers Act. If you live in Alabama and want to discuss this, call me at 251.272.9148.

      JEC

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      • I am the payee for my son and mother and on the 8/1/17 I went to withdraw rent out the ATM and it said invalid pin I did it 3 times and the 4 time it said unauthorize usage so I call direct express and changed the pin then I went to another ATM and it said my available balance was 116.00 someone had did a ATM withdrawal of 1606 dollars in Florida and I live in wisconsin I call right away and file the dispute now it’s the 8/14/17 nothing I need help my mother rent is not paid I keep calling direct express they say 45 to 90 days to get a decision

  7. I am having a issue called direct express multiple times 47 days still have not returned funds. PayPal did charge back September 22 so basically they are withholding my funds. Please help me

    Reply

    • The Electronic Fund Transfers Act requires them to respond to your disputes. If you have not done so already, you may want to write a letter explaining your dispute and asking them to fix it. Even if you’ve already disputed things with them 47 times, unless you recorded the telephone calls, there is no way to prove that you notified them of your dispute and what information you provided. This is why I advise my clients to send all disputes in writing.

      JEC

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  8. went to take 600 out of atm and no money came out call direct express and they said it could take 45-90 days and never mention provisonal credit they were nasty

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  9. My ex-wife had been wanting over a year for back pay for our children. Initially the money came through on 2 cards. We went to the Direct Express site and one card has the funds but the other (totaling $9,400.00) says the card status has a fraud suspension on it. She never used the card and when she calls to check the balance, it acts as though the card doesn’t exist. It obviously does as it shows up on the site.

    What should I do? We have 3 kids and are both disabled. 9,000 doesn’t seem like much until it’s seemingly gone or non-existent.

    We do reside in Alabama. 205 three five three one zero one six.

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    • Damon,

      If they aren’t letting you use the card, then you should probably initiate the EFTA dispute resolution process. This involves writing them a letter (be sure you use the correct address, which should be on your statement or contract). The letter should a) tell them exactly what they have done wrong, b) demand all information and documentation supporting the reasons they are not letting you use the card, including all statements or evidence of charges or use of the card, and c) request a response in writing. Send the letter by certified mail and keep a copy.

      They are supposed to resolve the error in 45 days. If they request more information from you, provide it in writing. If they don’t fix it, send another letter and try again.

      If they refuse to fix a bona fide error after two documented attempts, it is time to take legal action. You can call me to discuss that.

      JEC

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  10. Money was stolen from my account May 1 2017 a total of $763.00 was stolen from an ATM in Alabama.
    The customer service was rude when I told them what happened.
    I received a letter in the mail stating they have finished the investigation and they posted credit to my account but I never received the money. I called them and they said they don’t know why they closed the case and haven’t given my money. They said they would write a email to upper management and investigate why I never received my money. It’s been over 30 days. I have a letter in writing stating they posted credit to my account.I currently reside in California.

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    • Ms “Lady Brain,”

      I can’t represent you in any California court, but if they still haven’t returned the money, and you’ve documented your requests they fix the error, then I may be able to find someone who can help you in CA. Direct Express should be willing to give you all the info they have regarding the thief. If so, I may be able to help you take action against the ID thief in Alabama.

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  11. MY NAME IS BRENDA SIX THREE TIMES NOW I HAVE HAD FUNDS DISAPPEAR OFF MY DIRECT EXSPRESS CARD THE SECOND TIME THERE WAS 342.00 DISAPPEAR OFF OF IT I WAS LUCKY I GOT 55.00 BACK ON IT THIS TIME THERE HAS BEEN OVER A HUNDRED DOLLARS DISAPPEAR OFF OF IT I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET AHOLD OF DIRECT EXSPRESS TO QUESTION THIS AND NO LUCK CAN NOT GET AHOLD OF ANY ONE THERE WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT THIS SITUATION IAM ON FIXED INCOME V.A WIDOWS PENTION EVERY MONTH NOW I HAVE NO FUNDS TO FINISH GETTING THE BASIC THINGS I NEED FOR THE MONTH.

    Reply

    • I’ve just went through the same thing with them. I called 3 days in a row couldn’t get through from high call volumes I called early morning afternoon and evenings. Yesterday I finally talked to a level 1 person she was really good about dealing with the situation and getting me a new card then she transfer me over to a level 2 person I literally listened to elevator music for over an hour I got frustrated and hung up. Well I called again today got transferred again listened to elevator music for a very long probably an hour and a half or longer then finally it was a human. My advice is just be patient put your phone on speaker and enjoy the elevator music. Someone will eventually answer. Whatever you don’t hang up or you will be doing it all over again

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      • Jamie,

        That may work for some people, but it is important to know that if you send your dispute in writing rather than over the telephone, they can’t waste your time all day with elevator music. That’s why I always advise my clients to submit all EFTA disputes in writing.

        JEC

  12. Hi Mr Crump
    I am a resident of Pensacola, Florida I am visiting my aging father with Dementia in California, I live paycheck to paycheck I am on social security having my funds deposited into Comerica, direct express debit Mastercard. I get my funds every month on the 3rd, my funds were deposited, at midnight Pacific time and 32 mins later there was a IVR money transfer of all my funds. $860.00 plus a IRV money transfer fee. I have made a police report, I contacted direct express within mins of this transaction taking place, paper work for fraud is on it’s way to my parents place. I needed that money to help my dad’s bills, to pay for my plane ticket home, to purchase food, and of course my bills. I am pretty far from home and don’t know what to do but keep looking up every website and make noise!! I will write them a letter again using the letter as a reference above. Is there a address u could pass along to me or is it the address they give to me San Antonio,Tx

    Reply

    • Karen,

      I’m very sorry to hear that. It’s an extremely difficult position they’ve put you in. But let me give you a bit of advice: Don’t wait for the fraud packet. It may take weeks to arrive. You need to do 2 things:

      1) send them a letter ASAP telling them exactly what went wrong and exactly what they need to do to fix it. Keep a copy and send it certified to prove they got it. You can find their mailing address on the account agreement here: https://www.usdirectexpress.com/content/dam/comerica/en/stylelibrary/directexpress/docs/Terms_And_Conditions.pdf

      2) Make a complete and accurate log of all telephone calls and conversations you’ve had with them. Be sure to note if you’ve disputed with them and what they have done in response.

      They have 2 weeks to correct this or provisionally put the money back into the account while the investigation is pending. If they don’t, then you could potentially sue them in federal court.

      You’ll need a local lawyer, tought. I can help you find one if you need. But first you MUST send that dispute ASAP. I hope this resolves the matter, but if not, you can call me once you’ve gotten their response to your written dispute. Best of luck, Ma’am.

      JEC

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      • i too am in a similar spot, nearly identical scenario. i have called them three times in eleven days. still no packet to send in. i did try the link you included above for the PDF however it is no longer valid. i do not live in alabama. sans the form suggestions or a new link for the pdf form? thanks mike

  13. Hi, I have a financial company not steal by going once but twice on my account and this is direct are rudely even telling me that my money wouldn’t of been stolen if I didn’t give my card number which I never then made the dispute and told not only by that person but by multiple personals when I called a few times cause I didn’t get my packet that I will get a credit once I send that packet N proof within ten day from receiving the packet now they are telling me it was ten day from the dispute call and giving me the runaround, and that I have to wait 45-90 days and I have multiple bills unpaid and services disconnected. Is there a number to call some one higher than the customer service or the investigation number? Please help me, I’m in Tennessee

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    • Ms. Toledo,

      I don’t know if they have a special number to call. If they’ve made a mistake, then you need to write them a letter telling them exactly what they’ve done wrong and that you want your money refunded immediately. Telephone disputes are very hard to prove in Court. Keep a copy of the letter and send it by certified mail to the address listed on your Direct Xpress service agreement.

      JEC

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  14. I have a case with the BBB and they did not even investigate my card being stolen at all the reason why they where not refunding me was because my pin was not with my card and I had used the same atm they used when all they would have to do is look on the atm and store camera they have exact time and address card was used at but they will do nothing how can they get away with this?

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    • April,

      You would think that the ATM camera would be the first place they’d look, wouldn’t you? But that actually requires a bit of work on their part, so they rarely do it. If you did in fact use the exact same ATM, it is not crazy for them to think that maybe you were just mistaken and that the charge they withheld was one that you authorized. Regardless, you should talk to a lawyer in your area about this.

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      • I am filing a police report today because who ever stole my card also stole my. SS card I did not find out until last week when I needed to Bring in my SS card to get hired luckily they took a copy

  15. From the start of getting this card I knew there were going to be problems. The agents are rude. They never allow you to talk to a manager and they act as if your money is theirs. I have had money stolen off my card and sent in proof that it was not me and my whereabouts at the time and they still never put my money back. I wish I could get the check back. I hate the card. I rather deal with Social Security. I am going to file a lawsuit call the Better Business Bureau and make sure everyone that uses this card knows they are scams.i sent document that I was in the hospital during the time of the transactions and they never investigated they closed the case please help

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    • Tamecca,

      If you’ve been the victim of identity theft and disputed the unauthorized charges with Comerica, then they have to give you a refund of the money. If they haven’t, you need to speak to a lawyer ASAP. If you’re in Alabama, I may be able to help you. What state are you in?

      Reply

  16. I AM NOT CERTAIN IF THE LEGAL ASPECTS OF CLASS ACTION, WHICH I KNOW IS NOT SETTLED OVER NIGHT VS. A PERSONAL LAWSUIT AS COAMERICA IS BASED IN TX. I AM A RESIDENT AND VICTIM OF IDENTITY THEFT, SOMEONE CALLED IN CANCELLED MY CARD, ORDERING A NEW ONE W EXPEDITED MAIL, I HAVE SPENT OVER 20 HOURS TO NO AVAIL. THE FIRST TIME ACCT WAS RED FLAGGED, THEN ANOTHER CARD REQ, THIS TIME THE IMPERSONATOR FAXED IN A DRIVERS LIC. AND SS CARD- WHICH I REQUESTED PROOF OF, NO THAT IS PERSONAL INFORMATION THEY SAID.. SENATOR WARREN OF MASS. HAS PUT FORTH BEFORE THE SENATE THIS ISSUE OF LACK OF TRANSPARENCY ETC. MEANWHILE SSA DOESNT KNOW WHAT TO DO AND AS A RESULT I WILL NOT GET MY STOLEN MONEY BACK AND HAVE TO WAIT CLOSE TO 60 DAYS TO HAVE ACCESS TO MY BENEFITS BECAUSE I CLOSED DIRECT EXPRESS AS SUGGESTED BY A SSA AGENT. I LIVE IN PA. WHY IS THIS NOT NATIONAL NEWS? 33 MILLION DOLLARS LOST ALONE LAST YEAR, SOMEONES POCKETS ARE BEING PADDED

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    • Carlos,

      Your situation sounds a lot like that of a former client of mine. A complete stranger in Florida (my client lives in Alabama) called Direct Express and got them to send her his debit card, and she spent his entire month’s benefits. They refused to give it back, and made up some excuse about thinking that the identity thief was his daughter or relative or something. So we sued them. We eventually settled the lawsuit for a confidential amount. If you live in Alabama or the identity theft occurred here, then I may be able to help you. If so, call my office at 251.272.9148.

      JEC

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  17. the same thing happened to me on nov2,I went to wells Fargo atm to withdraw 600 the atm dispensed 600 but in the process the atm shut down,closing slot to dispensor ,leaving me with only 120.00 that I was able to grasp on to as the slot closed.iwas able to grasp the corner of some of the bills witch equal to 120 shorting me 480 dollars that the machine ate back up again.the representatives at direct express are really rude .they don’t let the customer speak,nd if the customer doesn’t agree with what they say ,they hang up on customer.they have not credited my acct.can there be a lawsuit against them ?I’m in HARDSHIP ND ABOUT TO GO HOMELESS BECAUSE OF THEM

    Reply

    • Silvia,

      An ATM error like that should qualify as the sort of error that requires prompt dispute resolution under the Electronic Fund Transfers Act. If this happened in Alabama or if you live in Alabama, feel free to give my office a call, at 251-272-9148.

      Reply

  18. I have a question, I have been using direct express for 8 years . all my cards were mailed to my house in n.c as well as any mail from them.someone from Florida called and changed my address and phone number to a Florida one and they allowed it. I called to check my nallance and it would not let me so a operator told me I just requested a new one with all new info and it was mailed. I told them it wasn’t me they froze my account after two hours of arguing. They still have the person who tried to take my account I’ve all that info in there computer and will not mail me a new can d because they said that hey don’t have my address and I don’t k ow the phone number that the thief changed it to . so I am locked out the lady told me to go to social security office it is far from me about two hours and treated me like I was the thief. They claim they don’t have the past 9 years off info my phone number and the 1 address I lived at in there computer and just hung up on me blatantly..I called back and someone else told me that I hey don’t prosacute the thief and they will not give the I do to any authorities. State or federal. And will not give me my mom ey or mail a card to the address that every pieces of mail went to for the last 9 Yeats. I should have had my mom ey Friday its now Monday morning and they didn’t Eben mail me a card yet but they mails one to the Florida person .who stole my account. What can I do. I’m calling social security today when they open . iis this legal what direct express is doing and the way I was treated. .. Why would they switch a nc disability to a Florida address and not have any red flags. It when I asked to switch it back it did and I was spoken to by the supervisor lime I was the thief. I have her name . if you ha e any answers s or van help I would be great full.

    Reply

    • James,

      That sounds similar to what happened to another client I represented in the past. We were able to take them to court and achieve a good result for him. However, I’m not licensed to practice law in North Carolina, so you’ll need to find someone local to represent you. If you need help finding a good local lawyer, you can call my office and we can discuss this. 251-272-9148.

      JEC

      Reply

  19. My mom card was stolen, but she had not missed it due to her thinking her benefits had been cut off. When i called late in March on my mom’s behalf and found out that her benefits had not been cut off; it was to late there person that stole her card had been taking the money and using the card around town. I file a fraud alert with Direct Express and they stated that they could not give her money back because she waited to late. They stated that you only have three months to file a lost or stolen card. She had no reason to do that because she was unaware that she was still getting her benefits! I’m now looking for a consumer attorney to file suit.

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  20. hello Mr. Crump… I have been fighting with director and express for months… due to their neglected efforts to safeguard my account.. .I lost $ 25,000…. i need any help I can locate… Melanie

    please help me

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  21. Yes my bank acct was just compromised by direct express for $1500 and they sent someone, not myself a new card. I live in Fl and the card was used in Ga. they tell me it will be up to 90 days before I can get my money, if them. I think it’s someone in the company that did this to me! All my bills are late, etc. what can I do?

    Reply

    • Pam,

      It is important for you to dispute with them quickly and keep documentation of your disputes. You should identify each unauthorized charge and action on the account and demand that they fix it immediately. They should not take 90 days to return your money. They have to provisionally recredit your account if they’re going to take more than 10 days to resolve your dispute. Document everything and keep copies of everything.

      JEC

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  22. Mr Crump I was wondering about a timeline from when case was filed in Alabama. Comerica’s inaction to respond to actual fraud case is alarming. Furthermore there call center Conduent is a joke. Someone stole my Direct Express debit card info and drained my funds the mourning they where posted into account . I am in South Carolina fraud happened in Virginia. Only one card issued they actually swiped card and entered my pin#. This Company Conduent needs to be under BFS investigation. Have police reports as well as copies of cash register receipts. Keeping records and have mailed out error reports. Can you help!!

    Reply

    • Very interested in the good work your firm is doing. Have legal counsel in Anderson Sc. Thank you for your work on behalf of all that have to go through Comerica/ Conduent clear disregard for the law. Thank you Sir you are truly a good guy!!

      Reply

  24. Direct express is giving me the run around, told me they couldn’t verify my identity after had my money taken from an atm in Florida. I live in wa st and was in a store and used my card at the same time. Reason they wouldn’t verify wasn’t because I answered sucurity questions wrong but because my wife was talking in the back ground and that maybe she was coaching me. Told me I had to email them a photo of my license and card. And that after I’m verified it would take 45 to 90 days for them to do an ivestigation before I could possible get my money back. What can I do? My bills won’t get paid, I don’t even have money for food. The cleaned me out. If anybody has any ideas my email is eatonvillebowler@mail.com

    Reply

    • Nathanial,

      If they take longer than 10 days to investigate your dispute (assuming that you’ve properly disputed the fraudulent transactions), they should provisionally recredit your account while the dispute is pending. If they don’t, they could be violating the EFTA. Please feel free to call my office and I’ll see if I can help you find an attorney who can assist you in Washington.

      JEC

      Reply

  25. I just recently went through this same exact experience, and let me just say it’s absolutely AWFUL! Not being able to pay my rent, having 2 kids and being threatened to get kicked out of our home because someone decided to steal $400 off of my card is really upsetting. DirectExpress is doing nothing about this, except for issuing me out a new card and that’s it. I’ve been online researching for hours & hours about this, and what’s really bothering is seeing so many others with this same issue and nothing being done for them.

    Reply

  26. Me Crump, I’ve talked with you before. It has been past the ten business days in which Direct Express was going to send thire dispute form. Nothing came. I tried to call , waited on hold for an hour, then was put on hold for 2 hours after being sent to the dispute department just to be told it was in the mail. I was not allowed to talk with the supervisor. The fraud happened around 25 days ago, and I havnt even been able to file my dispute. I would appreciate some advice. I know you are a busy man, but this company has caused me severe financial suffering to the point I’m having health issues because of it. I want to know about any class action lawsuits against them, and if not who to talk to about starting one. My name is Nathanial Hargis. I live in Washington st, and my phone is 4254205372. My email is Eatonvillebowler@mail.com

    Reply

  27. Yes my name is Eddie and I live in Mobile Alabama and my money was stolen off my Direct Express card and it was over $500 and it was my only income now I’m going to lose my home I’ve been staying in for 30 years and I don’t have nothing to eat and I’m a diabetic and on insulin and I got high blood pressure I’m 59 years old and I never had nothing like this happened to me before I call Direct Express and made the claim and sending the papers and everything and that they’re not my quest I’ll need my money bad I’m in bad shape I don’t know what to do but I know they will not replace my money on my Direct Express Card for something I did not do please I beg someone to help me I don’t know what to do I don’t know whether turn please help me thank you

    Reply

  28. Definitely needs to be a class action suit against this . There is so many people out there that have stories of their money being stolen . It’s absolutely unbelievable that these thief’s controlling the direct express card can’t just rob whatever they want off your card and you literally can’t do anything about it .

    Reply

    • Melanie,

      I’ve considered filing a class action, but the reason I have not is that in most cases, you don’t have the right to sue them until they’ve handled your dispute improperly. Each individual’s case is different, so it isn’t appropriate to file a class action, because in a class action case, you have to prove they’re doing the same exact wrong thing to hundreds or thousands of customers. Since each dispute is usually based on different facts, that isn’t the best way to go. However, I have handled these cases on an individual basis, and am continuing to do so. If you’d like to talk about this, feel free to call my office at 251.272.9148.

      JEC

      Reply

      • Oh they handled it wrong sir. I want to thank you for the advice early on. It was helpful on recovering my funds back. It was a fight but I did receive it. I’m not done I’m staying in touch with my state rep. If enough people push maybe when they renew the contract for s.s. Funding Coamerica won’t be awarded it.

  29. I am wondering if any class action suits against Direct Express are going in Wa St , or if anyone is interested in joining one? Judson Crump was very helpful to me. Gave me good advice. I did receive my funds back after a fight. I have incured personal and financial damage because of this criminal company. My email is eatonvillebowler@mail.com

    Reply

  30. For anyone who wants to file a complaint and have an investigation done on your accounts we have been working with OIG TREASURY SONJA SCOTT , HER CONTACT INFO IS
    ASAC Sonja L. Scott
    US Department of Treasury
    Office of the Inspector General
    Office of Investigations
    875 15th St NW
    Washington, DC. 20220

    202 927 5874
    Also google SEN.ELIZEBETH WARREN DIRECT EXPRESS FRAUD AND READ WHAT WE HAVE DONE SO FAR

    Reply

  31. I’ve posted on here before. I received my money back from direct express, it wasn’t easy. I just wanted to post how I got it back so maybe it will help someone else. This worked for me. First I contacted direct express and got the run around. Then they were suppose to send a dispute form, after 10 business days, it never came. They claimed it was an error on their part. At that point I realized that they were not going to help me. I called the social security Dept and immediately changed my payment to a different bank. Other than that they were no help. Then I filed a police report. Then I called my Congresswoman and was assigned a case worker and they were working on it. Then I Called Sonja Scott at the U.S Treasury Dept 202-927-5874 . She called back and had me email her a statement on how I was frauded. Then last I signed up for a service call Legal Shield. It cost 25 dollars a month, and they connected me with an Attorny here in W.A. St who drafted me a demand letter and informed me to break contact with direct express. They gave them 30 days to respond. Just shy of that 30 day deadline direct express called me to inform me my money was returned. At that point I ran to the bank and withdrew it out as fast I could.
    To make it clear, this wasn’t easy, and I was a bit naive going in, I thought that it was a government card because it was sent to me through S.S. So I spent hours on the phone with direct Express at first. Days and days waiting for mail and action .By no means was I fully compensated. All the late fees I had to pay, not to mention the new black marks on my credit because of late payments I had to make. What’s worse than that has been the stress and strain on my mental and physical health. They misrepresented the security and safeness of their card. They are preying on the elderly, disabled, and veterans. People who they think won’t fight back.
    Anyway I hope this can be helpful to someone. I don’t know what worked. I think it may have been the demand letter. I know though that one or more of these actions worked. So good luck and don’t give up, because I believe that is their goal.
    Feel free to email me with any questions, or if I can help.

    Reply

  32. i was defrauded by Direct Express for 700 over two occations They gave me wrong phone numbers and different reasons for not covering it one being that it fit my normal habits even though i had never used these companies and they arent in my area the other was that because i said there was fraud when i first called and the man told me no it fit my regular spending habits he did nothing so when it happened again they wouldnt cover any of it because i knew there was fraud and should have done mroe to prevent it. I called and reported it. I have them giving wrong numbers and different answers all on video i prob will never get my money back but i want them stopped

    Reply

  33. Omg I’m behind! I have had so many issues! Who should I contact ?I live in Michigan. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve called about a dispute. I’ve lost a lot of money. I’m on mental disability I take their word for it they’re supposed to have all their ducks in a row!. Someone help me please.

    Reply

  34. I had my resident duplex house illegally foreclosed and loss 175K . i had Legal Aid helping me- Comerica mn/ tx Vp actually called Legal Aid and threatened to ” have their Government funding cut off if they continued to help me” – they gave me my file back! Its one scam after another with this bank . Google – Comerica 1.2 Billion Ponzi scheme – its just from 2019 along with the Michigan Comerica executive arrested for CHILD sex trafficking!,

    Reply

  35. Direct Express has knowingly issued me a new card without informing me in any manner while my present card was still valid until 2/29/24.. They say the card was issued on June 18th and I have yet to receive it.. In the meantime all my owed monies are now delinquent, as the old card I have isn’t valid any more and I have creditors wanting to be paid.. Calling the number on my card is useless as is their website.. It seems all avenues of recourse are hidden very well by ALL concerned.. We are forced to go paperless and then defrauded!!!! This is criminal and needs to be treated as such!! If I did this, I would be arrested!!

    Reply

  36. Hello Mr. Crump. I disputed charges on my card when I found that my card had been drained down to $47. Roughly $600 plus dollars was taken out of my account by online sites. I called and they told me that I needed to close the account and that they would expedite a new card to me, and investigation paperwork to fill out. That once I received the paperwork and returned it to them a credit would be put on my account until the investigation finished. Well, I never received either, the paperwork or the card. I have been locked out of my account because it is closed and I am unable to get thru on the phone. It has been over three weeks now and I believe I was suckered by a “copycat” company pretending to be Direct Express Customer Service (and I stupidly gave them my information trying to rectify things). I have no access to my money. When I called, repeatedly, the automated answer responded that “due to high call-volume” you have to call back later, click, end call; no other options. Then, it changed and it said to try your call after the 7th of the month. So, I did, and I waited on hold for over an hour (I took screenshots of my call). I have called the complaint line and left messages on two different numbers for Comerica, and know that I am going to use all of the avenues available to file complaints, like thru the Attorney General for instance. But, it would be great to know if you have a suit, or if there is a class-action suit that I could take part in. I have seen that at least one class action suit was dismissed without prejudice. Please, and thank you in advance. Also, I am part of a FB group (Victims of Direct Express), there are many going thru this at this precise moment. Kind regards.

    Reply

    • Charity,

      I’m very sorry to hear this. If Direct Express won’t answer your phone calls, then you need to write them a letter. They make it very hard to find their address, but you can write them at the correspondence address on this website: https://www.comerica.com/site-tools/resources/contact-us.html

      The letter should identify yourself and your account, and should briefly identify the unauthorized charges and request that those charges be refunded ASAP. They have to fix the problem within 10 business days, or provisionally recredit your account while they finish your investigation. Which can take up to 45 days.

      Reply

  37. Before calling your Office , I’d like to be sure there is something you can do. Twice in a year, my Direct Express card has been blocked, for unspecified reasons. The first time, it took me nearly 3 months to get it unblocked (and many phone calls). This time, it’s been 3 weeks, I called several times, and three times, DE told me (after checking my id thoroughly) that my card was unblocked and that I could use it. But it’s still declined when I try to gt cash at an ATM. I am now retired in Europe, which may complicate the situation. Thanks in advance for your answer.

    Reply

  38. Direct express has taken out $140.04 for tmobil I don’t have and account with T-Mobile I went without thanks giving dinner or for that food at all until I get paid again I am on disability ex retired nurse I never thought I’d see such low life greedy people in my life low life looser s stealing from people that have nothing they need to be behind bars with one bar up there ass

    Reply

    • Did you read this article or watch the video? Everything you need to know is in there. Write a letter. Tell them what they did wrong. Tell them you want your money back. Send it certified mail and keep a copy of everything. If they don’t fix their mistake, then you can sue them.

      Reply

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