PokerStars fraudulent check???
 

i tried to cash a check i received in the mail today, and the bank told me the account was fraudulent and they couldn't cash the check, nor could they return the check to me as they needed to keep it to comply with the terms of the fraud protection policy or some such thing (i got a copy of it though)

has anyone else had problems with a PStars check? i've never had a problem with them in the past.

is anyone from PStars support on 2p2, that could address this issue for me?(i did send an email to support but have yet to hear back from them)

Re: PokerStars fraudulent check???
 

Why are you posting this? Why don't you just email stars? To be honest I even highly doubt this is true. Stars has rarely ever let anyone down, and if they see the check isn'
t cashed, I'm sure they will take care of you.

Re: PokerStars fraudulent check???
 

[ QUOTE ]
(i did send an email to support but have yet to hear back from them)

[/ QUOTE ]

as i said i've never had a problem in the past; i was curious if there was some recent devolopment that is causing problems and wanted to find out if anybody out there had any info/similar experiences recently.

Re: PokerStars fraudulent check???
 

I'm a little green on banking matters, but even if the account were somehow fraudulent, how could the bank know immediately? Do they seriously verify every check on the spot? That seems a bit ridiculous.

Re: PokerStars fraudulent check???
 

I would demand they call the police and we/I file a report if they are keeping my check.

Re: PokerStars fraudulent check???
 

What good could come of that? I'm not berating you, I just I dunno. What do you say to police? They took my online poker check?

Re: PokerStars fraudulent check???
 

[ QUOTE ]
What do you say to police? They took my online poker check?

[/ QUOTE ]

Sure, why not? WHAT WE ARE DOING IS NOT ILLEGAL!

I would have had to think about it, but I think I would have called the police and said the back stole my check. (I'd tell the bank manager first and give her a chance to give me my check back.)

The bank can refuse to handle the check, but take it????

----------Meow

PS. Not a lawyer, YMMV

Re: PokerStars fraudulent check???
 

[ QUOTE ]
What good could come of that? I'm not berating you, I just I dunno. What do you say to police? They took my online poker check?

[/ QUOTE ]

is this a bad level attempt?

Re: PokerStars fraudulent check???
 

Main Entry: re·source·ful
Pronunciation: ri-'sors-f&l, -'zors-
Function: adjective
: able to meet situations : capable of devising ways and means <a resourceful leader>
- re·source·ful·ly /-f&-lE/ adverb
- re·source·ful·ness noun

Re: PokerStars fraudulent check???
 

The stars check I deposited on tuesday has cleared.

Just like the last 20 or so...

Re: PokerStars fraudulent check???
 

[ QUOTE ]

The bank can refuse to handle the check, but take it????


[/ QUOTE ]

If you take a fake $100 bill to the bank, do you expect to get that back too if they realize it is not real?

Re: PokerStars fraudulent check???
 

I deposited a check on wednesday and it cleared yesterday. No problems like always. Maybe it helps that the bank who issues the checks is the same on I deposit them at?

Re: PokerStars fraudulent check???
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]

The bank can refuse to handle the check, but take it????


[/ QUOTE ]

If you take a fake $100 bill to the bank, do you expect to get that back too if they realize it is not real?

[/ QUOTE ]

Fake United States Currency not equal to Valid Check.

---------------Meow

Re: PokerStars fraudulent check???
 

I got one recently, haven't cashed but looks fine. I know they use different processors for different regions though, countries anyway, maybe people like me who have no clue why it looks fake are just getting from different processors than you. Hope you get this taken care of though, what a weird situation, with the bank keeping it and all. I also don't see how a bank can just say a check is fraudulent by looking at it and without trying to process it. I was always taught in school that technically if someone writes all the relevant info on a napkin and signs it, it's legally as good as a normal check.

I have had some CHEAP looking checks cashed in my life no problem. My old work had these oversized ones that were like 150% the size of normal checks (had to fold in like 5 to fit in wallet) and had a clip art picture of a pizza slice on them for no reason. Classy.

Re: PokerStars fraudulent check???
 

to all-

they did attempt to process the check, i waited for about 10-15 minutes while the teller was off doing something; she returned to inform me the account the check was from wasn't valid, and that she couldn't return my check.

i should have requested to speak to a bank manager, etc, but i was on my way to work and already running a bit late. however, i did ask for a copy of the check to be made, and i also have the stub left from PStars.

i've yet to hear back from Pokerstars support, other than "this issue has been forwarded to the proper department". which is quite frustrating, i've always been impressed the Stars support team handling matters very effectively and effeciently....

if anyone in the know has a way of bringing this to the proper support personnell at PStars i would greatly appreciate it.

-kp406

Re: PokerStars fraudulent check???
 

just got some responses from PStars.....

[ QUOTE ]
I believe this is a mistake on your bank's part as there have not been any
other reports of problems cashing checks. Our Accounts Department will be in
contact with you as soon as possible on Monday to help you resolve this issue.

Regards,


MarkW
PokerStars Support Team

[/ QUOTE ]

[ QUOTE ]
I have checked withour processor and the cheque is perfectly valid,please
request your bank to call this number for verification.

ABC DEF 123 246 7890

We could not possibly re-issue another cheque and have a delivery date of July 05th as a target.

Best Regards

John
Pokerstars Payments

[/ QUOTE ]

hopefully i can get this resolved monday morning....F#@%wells fargo......

Re: PokerStars fraudulent check???
 

It's difficult to believe it's anyone's mistake other than your bank's.

As far as I know, cheque-like payments can be written fairly basically, and until the bank sends it through the clearing system it would be difficult to tell on-the-spot that it wasn't legitimate.

(Interesting snippet of vague relevance.)

Re: PokerStars fraudulent check???
 

I've had past and current issues (although relatively minor) with Pokerstars checks. The bank manager says they don't look authentic. However, I always bring the check to the bank it is drawn on and it appears to minimize problems (as well as no fees). Unfortunately, they treat me like a criminal during the entire process even after it clears.

I've waited up to twenty minutes before while they've taken my check back and made a series of calls. This is after they interrogate me and treat me like a lowly criminal. I just flip them the bird in my mind and play stupid. Unlike the OP, I've never had my check confiscated and only once had a different bank refuse to cash it.

I guess I would just be very assertive with the manager, don't offer them unnecessary details, demand a high level of customer service. You really have to grow a set of balls when dealing with some of these bank employees. If calling the bank manager or talking to them in person doesn't work, maybe you can work some sort of agreement with Pokerstars to get a new check after some specified period of time (even if it's 180 days it's better than nothing).

Good luck,

JeffreyREBT

Re: PokerStars fraudulent check???
 

[ QUOTE ]
just got some responses from PStars.....

[ QUOTE ]
I believe this is a mistake on your bank's part as there have not been any
other reports of problems cashing checks. Our Accounts Department will be in
contact with you as soon as possible on Monday to help you resolve this issue.

Regards,


MarkW
PokerStars Support Team

[/ QUOTE ]

[ QUOTE ]
I have checked withour processor and the cheque is perfectly valid,please
request your bank to call this number for verification.

We could not possibly re-issue another cheque and have a delivery date of
July 05th as a target.

Best Regards

John
Pokerstars Payments

[/ QUOTE ]

hopefully i can get this resolved monday morning....F#@%wells fargo......

[/ QUOTE ]

The fact that they are like ok, we will issue another phony looking check is unacceptable. No compensation, nothing??

We should not have to deal with this hassle PERIOD.

Re: PokerStars fraudulent check???
 

I had no problem with the check I deposited yesterday. Get a new bank?

Re: PokerStars fraudulent check???
 

"We have switched to a new check processor as a result of recent events. This switch has come with a few notable changes for all players in the USA:

1) The maximum you can request on any one check is $10,000. If you wish to cash out more than this, you will need to use an alternate cashout method. Please contact [email protected] for more information about which options are available to you.

2) All checks, regardless of the amount, are sent by Express Mail - we can no longer deliver checks via UPS, FedEx or any other courier service, even if you are willing to pay the fee. Please note that Express mail does not come with tracking numbers for their deliveries, so we cannot provide tracking data for your check.

If you have any further questions, please let us know.

Regards,

PokerStars Support Team"

Re: PokerStars fraudulent check???
 

Everyone,

PUT YOUR CHECKS IN THE ATM

PUT YOUR CHECKS IN THE ATM

PUT YOUR CHECKS IN THE ATM

PUT YOUR CHECKS IN THE ATM

PUT YOUR CHECKS IN THE ATM

PUT YOUR CHECKS IN THE ATM

PUT YOUR CHECKS IN THE ATM

PUT YOUR CHECKS IN THE ATM

PUT YOUR CHECKS IN THE ATM

PUT YOUR CHECKS IN THE ATM

Re: PokerStars fraudulent check???
 

First of all whatever you do, DO NOT GO TO THE POLICE WITH THIS. Absolutely no GOOD will come of it for anyone (especially you!). If you discuss this matter with ANYONE do not bring up online gambling, poker or anything related. The worst case scenario is its a merchant refund check or a commission for a service.

Here is what you need to do to avoid any trouble at all. You email Poker stars about the issue (which you did). They will without question put a stop payment on that cheque and pay you out another way (or they will send a new one which you obviously will deposit at a different branch). When you get these cheques just use an ATM to deposit. I would however suggest in this case you receive funds another way. No matter what however you will get your money back unless you decide to do something incredibly stupid like get the police involved.

Thanks

Re: PokerStars fraudulent check???
 

the only way your bank would know right away is if you deposited the check at a branch that the check was written on.

Re: PokerStars fraudulent check???
 

Dude, if stars says it isn't their fault, I'm pretty sure it isn't their fault. It's not like they ended the email with a Enjoy!

Re: PokerStars fraudulent check???
 

[ QUOTE ]
What good could come of that? I'm not berating you, I just I dunno. What do you say to police? They took my online poker check?

[/ QUOTE ]

I think it is interesting because obviously oweing money is a civil money but taking property is a criminal matter.

but what i meant is that I would throw such a fit that it would be inevitable that the police be called in any case, so I think it would be best if I were the one who wanted the police, rather than the bank threatening me with having the police escort me out for throwing a fit.

Re: PokerStars fraudulent check???
 

Please Please Please just ask Stars to cancel the check and have them pay you out another way. Never get the Police involved as they will cause more harm personally for you then you know. If anything arises from this to you in the future don't ever bring up gaming and challenge them on the legitimacy of the check. you can always call the processor and they will vouch that the check is legitimate. this obviously would leave anybody questioning the check with no case assuming you did not give unnecessary information (GAMING, INTERNET GAMLBING OR POKER)

Thanks

Re: PokerStars fraudulent check???
 

[ QUOTE ]
Please Please Please just ask Stars to cancel the check and have them pay you out another way. Never get the Police involved as they will cause more harm personally for you then you know. If anything arises from this to you in the future don't ever bring up gaming and challenge them on the legitimacy of the check. you can always call the processor and they will vouch that the check is legitimate. this obviously would leave anybody questioning the check with no case assuming you did not give unnecessary information (GAMING, INTERNET GAMLBING OR POKER)

Thanks

[/ QUOTE ]

thats not the issue. if someone steals your wallet you don't need to tell anyone where you got your wallet before you either take it back or go to the authorities.

personally i've had it with beaurocrats and if they initiate violence with me they're gonna get it back. actually the more I think about it if this happens to me I will start yelling at the top of my lungs (I've sung opera before just messing around so I can be pretty loud) help! I'm being robbed! until they give me my check back.

[censored] i gotta practice before I go to the bank next time so I'm ready.

Re: PokerStars fraudulent check???
 

first of all....why would it be a problem getting the authorities involved? i'm not going to, nor did that even cross my mind, but as i understand it the legislation wasn't passed against the individual users of gaming/poker sites...??

i went back to Wells Fargo today and talked to them for about an hour, attempting to get in touch with Bank of America (the bank upon which the PStars check was drawn) to no avail....we could not get in touch with a BoA represetative.

PStars was supposed to contact my via phone today, but they did not come through with that. I've sent multiple emails, all with responses such as "your request has been forwarded to the proper department", "we contact you as soon as possible" etc etc. However, when my credit card wouldn't work to make a deposit last night, i had a support representative on live chat within 2 seconds, w/o me requesting any support.....

all very frustrating to say the least

Re: PokerStars fraudulent check???
 

I'm just curious - why do people insist on cashing the entire check instead of depositing it into their bank accounts?

Jeff

Re: PokerStars fraudulent check???
 

[ QUOTE ]
I'm just curious - why do people insist on cashing the entire check instead of depositing it into their bank accounts?

Jeff

[/ QUOTE ]

because i prefer to deal in cash only. i have 2 small credit cards, just in case, no debit cards, and only a handful of checks

Re: PokerStars fraudulent check???
 

Ok two things. Telling you not to go to the police is moreso to protect the processor and future payouts for all customers (including yourself). Nothing good will come of it for ANYONE.

Secondly, as I have first hand experience about this, this situation is EASILY RESOLVED if you ask Poker Stars to cancel the check. If it truly was not cashed they can easily find that out and ask for it to be cancelled. Once that is confirmed (within a short amount of time) they can pay you out another way (preferable) or issue you a new check with which you would NOT GO TO THAT SAME BANK.

All this communication you are having is just rediculous. I do understand you're upset about somebody accusing you of something you are not guilty of. However, the bank will investigate and will find out that you are innocent. Why not let them do that on their own time as you know that its an eventuality? Forcing the issue isn't going to help besides making you feel better about being right. As I said, you're not guilty of anything and they will learn that soon enough when they investigate the check regardless of your pressure. Sometimes the bigger picture of helping to protect today's unstable and fragile industry is better then being right.

Please follow this advice. Poker Stars will eventually get back to you and that is by far the best way to resolve this situation. Lastly, do not EVER BRING UP POKER, INTERNET GAMBLING or anything related to it to anyone. You're just asking for trouble for everyone.

Thanks

Re: PokerStars fraudulent check???
 

[ QUOTE ]

Bank of America (the bank upon which the PStars check was drawn)

[/ QUOTE ]

Have PS cancel the first check and send you another. When you get it, got to BoA to cash it.

Re: PokerStars fraudulent check???
 

I have heard that Wells Fargo is blocking gaming site checks. Although the source is somewhat blocked in these checks the bank can trace the transaction back enough to create an effective profile of gaming site checks. I suggest you go to BOA and or/get another bank.

I hope everyone has sent in their FBAR's, as tonight is the deadline for filing and there is no extension for FBAR's, (Foreign Bank Accounts). There is a maximum penalty of $500,000 and/or 10 years in prison for criminal non-filing of FBAR. As the federal goverment now has access to Neteller accounts, this is really something that poker players shouldn't gamble on. Please see my long post in legislation if you have any questions on FBAR's.

http://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/showfl...part=1&vc=1

Re: PokerStars fraudulent check???
 

I haven't pressed the issue at the bank; most of my effort has been focused on getting in contact with someone at pokerstars over the phone.

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]

Bank of America (the bank upon which the PStars check was drawn)

[/ QUOTE ]

Have PS cancel the first check and send you another. When you get it, got to BoA to cash it.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'll probably end up having PS cancel the first check. However i can't cash it at BoA, as the nearest one is about 4.5 hours away from me; wells fargo is the only bank i have an account at.

Its not like i went in to the bank with guns blazing and demanding my check be cashed. Quite the opposite; i just spoke to the bank reps about some questions that i didn't have the time to ask on friday.

Re: PokerStars fraudulent check???
 

Mail your checks to the bank, people. No driving to the branch, no talking to the clerks, no fumbling at the ATM. Some banks will even give you postage paid envelopes. And if you don't want to mail your checks to your local branch full of morons, mail it to one 3 states away.

Re: PokerStars fraudulent check???
 

As an european, I am only an onlooker, hoping the best for you guys to be able to play without any problems.

But what I don't quite understand is the following:

I know that it is not illegal for you to play, the only thing that is illegal is for banks and credit card companies to move money to and from internet gambling sites.

But when you get a check from a such site how come it is not illegal for you to take it to your bank, as you then try to trick them into committing a crime by handling the check, which is from an illegal, according to US law, internet gambling site? And if said check has already been handled by Bank of America, as someone has stated, does that not make you an accesory to the crime comitted by Bank of America handling money from an illegal internet gambling site?

There might be legal reason why it is not so, but this seems to me to be the same as if you are under 21 and asks someone to buy you liqour or selling liqour to a person, you know is going to give it to under 21s (as you have seen him getting money from persons under 21 and he is only bying liqour in your store).

Any thoughts?

Re: PokerStars fraudulent check???
 

[ QUOTE ]
I know that it is not illegal for you to play, the only thing that is illegal is for banks and credit card companies to move money to and from internet gambling sites.

[/ QUOTE ]

nono, only illegal for banks to transfer to gaming sites. money from gaming sites is fine, from what i understand.

Re: PokerStars fraudulent check???
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I know that it is not illegal for you to play, the only thing that is illegal is for banks and credit card companies to move money to and from internet gambling sites.

[/ QUOTE ]

nono, only illegal for banks to transfer to gaming sites. money from gaming sites is fine, from what i understand.

[/ QUOTE ]

That would be strange, but it would explain a lot, thanks.

Re: PokerStars fraudulent check???
 

[ QUOTE ]
i went back to Wells Fargo today and talked to them for about an hour, attempting to get in touch with xxxxx (the bank upon which the PStars check was drawn) to no avail....we could not get in touch with a xxxxx represetative.


[/ QUOTE ]

I know you just want your money, and understand the posting here for advice and what not. Please, though, understand you can post all the information generally without identifying PS's bank. That information is not needed for the story, and only can make things harder for everyone else in the future.

Why so many people fail to understand this is beyond me, but the fewer processors out there, the sooner the remaining ones will come under heat and close shop as well.