SUCH an idiot!

[RedHead1]

I'm SUCH an idiot! I got served a summons to appear in court for a JC Penney/Portfolio Recovery debt. In a panic, I called and arranged a payment. I had a tiny bit of coherence and remembered to ask for the arrangements in writing. What I didn't THINK about was that I gave them my routing and bank account information!!! What can I do now? I told them that I would be sending the second payment by check, but what do I do about this place having my information. Please help...

[guiness56]

Technically, they cannot do an autodraft unless you approved it.  Did you?

[RedHead1]

I approved the one-time payment of half the settlement. I clearly stated twice that only THAT amount would be removed and that I would be sending a check for the remainder.

[guiness56]

Call your bank and tell them your concern and ask if there is anything they can do, now, to prevent them from taking money you didn't authorize.

[RedHead1]

Just talked to my bank. WHOO HOO!! Thank you! They said that, once the initial payment goes through, they can put a stop payment on any future debits made by that mechant! OR they I can file an "unauthorized use" if they take money out and get it all back.

[guiness56]

Good!  Hopefully they don't even try to take any out.