Charged off Checking Account...will this affect my score?

[Anonymous]

Hi,

A while back someone broke into my place and stole my debit card among a few other things. I was out of town, so by the time I got back a week later and realized what had happened, the DB had used my debit card about 6 times at like McDonald's and Subway and Chevron, places where you don't have to use a PIN. In total they only spent about $60, but I had $4 in my checking acount at the time, so every transaction put my account farther into the negative, racking up overdraft charges and insufficient funds fees.

anyways, i filed the appropriate paperwork with my bank but they lost it and now refuse to refund the fradulent charges. So I owe like $450 bucks but seeing as it wasn't my fault and I did everything I was supposed to do I refused to pay it. My checking account is now charged off and they keep calling and leaving messages about how I need to pay them.

My question is, what happens if I just never pay them? Since it is a checking account and not based on credit, can this affect my credit rating? I've told them I would pay for the fradulent charges (the $60) just to be done with the mess, but not the extra charges (the other $400), but they just continue to say I have to pay it all. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

Message Edited by joseu on 11-22-2009 09:03 PM

Message Edited by joseu on 11-22-2009 09:04 PM

[llecs]

Did you ever file a police report? If they ever report, you can use that report to get rid of it off your CRs. Did you ever cancel the card?

The bank very likely won't report to EQ, TU, or EX. However, they likely would report to your Chexsystems report and that will make it much harder to open a bank account in the future. And the bank might hire a collection agency and they can report to each of the 3 CRAs.

[Anonymous]

I had a situation with a bank and overdraft fees caused by, IMO, their negligence.  I disputed and refused to pay the $569.  They sent it to collections, and it showed up on all 3 reports plus Chexsystems.  It's paid now (PFD), and I'm waiting for it to drop off the last report. 

I hate banks.