Lake County Council on Aging

Dear [redacted]:American Heritage FCU would like to take this opportunity to refute and clarify our Applicant's allegations and perceptions as stated in her complaint.The Applicant alleges, American Heritage Federal Credit Union (AHFCU), without her knowledge, erroneously pulled a full credit...

report. She further stated that she was not made aware of the results of that inquiry until she received an Adverse Action Letter three weeks after her application.Contrary to what the Applicant stated, AHFCU's Membership and Account Agreement, Privacy Disclosure, and Membership Application clearly state that potential members authorizes AHFCU to check credit and employment history, and obtain reports from third parties, including credit reporting agencies. Ms. Burden initially acknowledged and authorized the inquiry electronically. Subsequently, a physical application was later completed, at which time the Applicant reaffirmed her acknowledgement and consent. As per AHFCU policy and procedure, and in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA), the Applicant was sent a timely Adverse Action Notice advising her that based on the information obtained, a new account would not be opened at this time. The notice indicated the credit reporting agency used, and how to contact them.AHFCU acted in accordance to the agreed upon terms stated in the Membership and Account Agreement, Privacy Disclosure, and Membership Application signed by the Applicant. As a furnisher, American Heritage has a legal duty under the Fair Credit Reporting Act to report information to the Credit Reporting Agencies that is accurate and complete. To remove a duly authorized credit inquiry would not be accurate and consequently American Heritage cannot remove the inquiry.Sincerely,Thomas D., AVP of Internal Audit

[To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed as Answered]
 Complaint: [redacted]
I am rejecting this response because:
     AMHFCU is cowarding behind a short sentence in one of their 10-13 disclosures that they have crammed into their application for membership. Now this may keep them from being sued but whether I am able to do so through Revdex.com or through other means I am going to bring through slight-of-hand tricks to the light and make sure that anyone I know and can reach know not to do business with a bank that gives credit unions a bad name. This is a big bank practice that is underhanded and devious and has no place at the credit union table. I made no alleged statements in my initial complaint. Every detail was laid out exactly as they took place and yet instead of righting this wrong AMHFCU continues to hide behind their disclosures and even tell the Revdex.com what it won't do. All I can do is shake my head and make sure that the power of word-of -mouth is felt, heard, and understood. How dare you pull someone's credit report as if your account is more special or precious than any other institution that relies on [redacted]Systems. You ought to be ashamed of yourselves AMFCU. 
Regards,
[redacted]

Dear [redacted]:This is in response to the above captioned complaint dated December 28, 2016 in which [redacted] registered a complaint about courtesy pay on her account.Our records show that at the time [redacted] spoke to our representative as mentioned in her complaint, it is our...

understanding based on the conversation with [redacted] that she wished to retain (not remove) the service on her account. Consequently, [redacted] was charged a fee when the service was used. We spoke to [redacted] and explained how the service works, she again reiterated her desire to maintain this service.Please consider this matter closed.Sincerely,Brian H. Sr. Vice President of Branch Operations

March 1, 2016Dear [redacted]:This is in response to the above captioned complaint dated February 24, 2016 in which Mr. Patrick Tucker indicated that he requested a refund of a charge of $300.00 made by [redacted] to his checking account and was denied.[redacted] filed a debit card dispute...

with American Heritage FCU for this transaction. When we investigated his dispute the merchant responded that the sale was a valid transaction. We advised [redacted] to contact the merchant directly to resolve the issue.Upon receipt of this claim, the case was reviewed again and additional documentation was provided at our request to our card dispute processor. This validated [redacted]'s statement. The previous decision was overturned and the member received credit today. We have reached out to speak with [redacted] and make him aware of the new findings. At this time, we are waiting on his return phone call.Please consider this matter closed.Clare P., AVP of Electronic Funds Services

October 13, 2016[redacted] has been a member with American Heritage FCU since January 19, 2016. [redacted] had been issued a $600 secure card, in which was charged by [redacted] $1,797.26 for a rental car. [redacted] filed a fraud dispute February 19, 2016; however, [redacted] provided documentation...

showing it was [redacted] that rented the car on March 21, 2016. [redacted] received a letter from American Heritage FCU dated March 28, 2016, stating the charge was valid. [redacted] made a payment on May 9, 2016, in addition to the payoff payment on August 13, 2016.On August 13 and August 17, 2016, [redacted] received three deposits totaling $5,600, from another American Heritage FCU member's account that [redacted] used to payoff the balance of her credit card (1,655.14). However, the American Heritage FCU member the funds came from filed a police report on August 19, 2016, Stating the transfers to [redacted]'s account were unauthorized. American Heritage FCU informed [redacted] during two phone calls, August 26, 2016 and September 1, 2016, stating the transfers into her account were stated to be unauthorized and the account is frozen pending an investigation. [redacted] stated she had a relationship with the member's son and was owed the money. [redacted] provided documentation; however, the documentation did not include information Substantiating nor supporting the transfers were authorized by the member or court ordered.There is a current police investigation underway. In regards to [redacted]'s compliant American Heritage FCU has informed [redacted] the status on both matters, (1) denied fraud dispute $1,797.26 and (2) unauthorized transfer deposits totaling $5,600.Due to the current investigation, we do not believe this matter should be publicated. If you have questions or would like to discuss please contact American Heritage FCU, [redacted].Kind Regards,Danielle B.Compliance Risk Officer