Rip-Off Alert

Do you know Clark Howard?  Financial whiz extraordinaire, consumer advocate, radio host of  The Clark Howard Show. 

On an errand today I heard him speaking of this despicable action by the HUGE MEGA MONSTER BANKS:


Feb 24, 2010 -- Banks trying to scare customers into allowing fees



RIP-OFF ALERT: Chase and Bank of America are both trying to trick customers into "opting in" for rip-off fees, according to The New York Times.


Beginning this summer, banks will have to get your permission before they're allowed to show you a false balance at the ATM or approve debit transactions that will make you overdraw your account. Good news, right? Yes, but these two techniques generate tens of billions of dollars in fees and the banks are doing everything they can to get you to opt in.


To that end, Chase is sending letters to customers designed to scare them into allowing themselves to be ripped off.


"'Your debit card may not work the same way anymore, even if you just made a deposit. Unless we hear from you,' the message, emblazoned in large red type, warns," according to the Times' report. "'If you don't contact us, your everyday debit card transactions that overdraw your account will not be authorized after August 15, 2010 -- even in an emergency,' with 'even in an emergency' underlined for emphasis.'"


When questioned by the Times about the letter, a Chase spokesman gave a laughable response...(continue reading)

*BOLDED WORDS MY EMPHASIS