Monday, February 23, 2009

How to politely deal with people who get college drunk at a casino and accuse ATM's of being pyramid schemes

Dear Mr. Poole,

Thank you for the email regarding your recent ATM withdrawals. Our records indicate that the two transactions you mentioned in your message occurred on the same day but the attempts were separated by more than an hour. If you still wish to dispute one of the withdrawals, please let us know at your earliest convenience.

Thank you for trusting USAA and the opportunity to serve all your financial needs.

Thank you,
USAA

Notification sent to: stuart.poole@work.com

Monday, February 9, 2009

ATMburglar

(Editors note: This was an email written to my bank)

Hello,


I would like to inquire into the timing of two ATM withdrawals on Feb 9, 2009. My online account doesn't offer this information. I went to an ATM to withdraw $200, however, after entering my PIN number, selecting the amount of money, and the Machines saying "please wait for your money" (or something to that effect); Nothing came out.

I called an attendant over, who said the transaction didn't register, etc. I then went to the adjacent ATM and took out $184.99. However, I firmly believe the first transaction DID register.
Thus, I am hoping you can confirm the timing of the two transactions copied below. If they are within 5 minutes of each other, then I believe the $204.99 was deducted from my account, and I never received the funds. (I spent +-5 minutes standing next to the ATM waiting for attendant)

If the two transactions are separated by more than 5 minutes, then I do not remember taking the money out, and that is my own fault.

First Transaction:
Feb 9, 2009 3850 LAS VEGAS ATM
WITHDRAWAL ($204.99)
Second Transaction:
Feb 9, 2009 3850 LAS VEGAS
ATM WITHDRAWAL ($184.99)

I am not trying to weasel my way out of casino losses. There are two things that support my argument: 1) No sane person would pay $5 atm fees multiple times if they could avoid it. And 2) While I may suck at gambling, I'm too risk averse to play $200 in 5 minutes at a blackjack table. (Pls. see credit card payment history, my USAA Brokerage holdings, credit report and/or whatever else may help in this argument).

Thanks for looking into this and I look forward to your reply.

Thanks,

Stuart