Amazon can do this with my bank?!

chaichaoyi · #1 03-11-2014

Built a new seller account, accumulated $700 account balance in the first 5 weeks, nothing happened, and I thought the coast was clear.

So I added a bank (Citi), the deposit occurred smoothly. Fund was settled in 2 days. Then 8 days later, the exact amount was deducted by Amazon -- in other words, withdrawn by Amazon.

My Amazon account was stealth. ⊗⊗⊗⊗ name, citizenship, address, etc.

Three points stand out:
1. Amazon discovered something was wrong 6-7 days after the first deposit. How? Did someone manually look at the generated deposit receipt (This may be misinformation, but I read that such receipt always prints actual name on file).
2. Given that the fund was already settled at that time, Amazon had the guts to initiate withdrawal! Is this even legal or covered by terms of use?
3. Last but not least, given the withdrawal is probably done in my ⊗⊗⊗⊗ name, Citibank still let the withdrawal go through!

This is actually the second time this happened to me. The first time I thought I was merely unlucky (and the amount at stake was smaller, just $300). This time round, I am truly outraged!

kockedoff · #2 03-11-2014

I have never heard of this before... Many people use citi bank here.

kockedoff · #3 03-11-2014

Is your account and bank both in same county ? Maybe it was pending what you saw and was bounced back cause of mismatch info...

GreenBean · #4 03-12-2014

Quote:

Originally Posted by chaichaoyi

Three points stand out:
1. Amazon discovered something was wrong 6-7 days after the first deposit. How? Did someone manually look at the generated deposit receipt (This may be misinformation, but I read that such receipt always prints actual name on file).
2. Given that the fund was already settled at that time, Amazon had the guts to initiate withdrawal! Is this even legal or covered by terms of use?
3. Last but not least, given the withdrawal is probably done in my ⊗⊗⊗⊗ name, Citibank still let the withdrawal go through!

This is actually the second time this happened to me. The first time I thought I was merely unlucky (and the amount at stake was smaller, just $300). This time round, I am truly outraged!

Did you NOT read the T&C of amazon when you made your account?

I nearly feel outraged when there are posts like this and users have not taken the step to understand what amazon can do.

This is the real life world. Not some company conspiring against you. It's a corporate entity that will protect itself first, second and third.

In case you think I am joking here is a recent thread that outlines a similar problem. Please ensure you read carefully the post by jeffweico ( in blue writing). He defined what amazon can do & what amazon does DO.

http://www.aspkin.com/forums/amazon/...d-my-bank.html

rsot · #5 03-12-2014

Amazon can do this and has done been doing to few users here -it's not outrageous at all, sadly - part of the agreement you make with the platform when you sign up

Make sure you keep a VALID live balance on your vcc at all times

GreenBean · #6 03-12-2014

Quote:

Originally Posted by rsot

Amazon can do this and has done been doing to few users here -it's not outrageous at all, sadly - part of the agreement you make with the platform when you sign up

If users do not read the T&C the point is moot.

Pointless having threads moaning if no care has been taken to understand the game.

kockedoff · #7 03-12-2014

How old was this account,? I believe Amz is doing this with newly made accounts.

kockedoff · #8 03-12-2014

This is in Amz terms
"You authorize us to use any or all of the foregoing methods to seek reimbursement, including the debiting of your credit card or checking account"

So this must be some kind of reimbursement, did a buyer open AZ where your account went negative?

htz · #9 03-12-2014

Not happened in the UK as yet? Must be a new thing? As happening only on new accounts ?

kockedoff · #10 03-12-2014

OP mentions this is the 2nd time this happened to him, so need a little more info on this...

He might be using a debit card on his personal amz account (not pro) which might explain this.. as on personal deposit is done every 7 days (his account was debited on 7th day so maybe he has negative balance)

incniu · #11 03-12-2014

I donot think amazon can do that.. especially the transfer has been cleared for many days...

Amazon will cancel the transfer if it thinks it suspicious. And, it will cancel it right now..

chaichaoyi · #12 03-12-2014

Quote:

Originally Posted by kockedoff

This is in Amz terms
"You authorize us to use any or all of the foregoing methods to seek reimbursement, including the debiting of your credit card or checking account"

So this must be some kind of reimbursement, did a buyer open AZ where your account went negative?

Nothing was wrong. No complaint, A-to-Z case, not even return request. That's why I am surprised why Amazon felt the needs to "protect itself".

On the withdrawing from my checking part, now I understand that it is within their rights, but the question remains: the withdrawal was most likely done in a name from my actual name on file with Bank, why didn't Citi reject such withdrawal request when it contained inaccurate error? Probably withdrawal only needs to get Routing and Account numbers right (like making deposit in most banks)?

chaichaoyi · #13 03-12-2014

By the way, for all those who are interested, I used VCC to validate the account opening. It hasn't been a problem so far, but now it may be becoming the cause of many problems...

GreenBean · #14 03-12-2014

@chaichaoyi

Which VCC?

GreenBean · #15 03-12-2014

Quote:

Originally Posted by incniu

I donot think amazon can do that.. especially the transfer has been cleared for many days...

Amazon will cancel the transfer if it thinks it suspicious. And, it will cancel it right now..

Nope, amazon will do whatever it wants to protect itself.

Even if this means varying methods that we are all aware exist, amazon will act for themselves.

kockedoff · #16 03-12-2014

Op what do you think the reason is ? Your best guess ? You said it happened to you twice .?

chaichaoyi · #17 03-13-2014

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greenie

@chaichaoyi

Which VCC?

Not sold here....

chaichaoyi · #18 03-13-2014

Quote:

Originally Posted by kockedoff

Op what do you think the reason is ? Your best guess ? You said it happened to you twice .?

It should not be due to bank. One is Citi, the other is Wells Fargo. Both are solid banks

Most likely: I think I just fell under manual review, and a rep looked at the system-generated deposit receipt, saw my bank-account name, and did a database search... No surprise, my name came up as a banned user...

How to avoid manual is a mix of art and luck... I thought I was already doing my best to stay under the radar.

(I am not a newbie BTW, I have 20+ old Amazon accounts smoothly running...)

kockedoff · #19 03-13-2014

Quote:

Originally Posted by chaichaoyi

It should not be due to bank. One is Citi, the other is Wells Fargo. Both are solid banks

Most likely: I think I just fell under manual review, and a rep looked at the system-generated deposit receipt, saw my bank-account name, and did a database search... No surprise, my name came up as a banned user...

How to avoid manual is a mix of art and luck... I thought I was already doing my best to stay under the radar.

(I am not a newbie BTW, I have 20+ old Amazon accounts smoothly running...)

Name is not that big of a issue, if every thing else is different same names pass easily, it's not yet Amz's 20th anniversary since it starting operating online so I believe you are referring to Amz buyers account Being old... How old are these sellers account ? ... Did they debit the account 1st then suspend you? Did you receive any communication via email from them? Also were you selling any Amz trademarked stuff some thing like kindle related ?

rsot · #20 03-13-2014

Quote:

Originally Posted by kockedoff

How old was this account,? I believe Amz is doing this with newly made accounts.

Sadly they do this with ALL kinds of accounts

chaichaoyi · #21 03-14-2014

Quote:

Originally Posted by kockedoff

Name is not that big of a issue, if every thing else is different same names pass easily, it's not yet Amz's 20th anniversary since it starting operating online so I believe you are referring to Amz buyers account Being old... How old are these sellers account ? ... Did they debit the account 1st then suspend you? Did you receive any communication via email from them? Also were you selling any Amz trademarked stuff some thing like kindle related ?

By 20+, I was referring to the number -- I have two dozens of solid seller accounts running. So (I hope) I did not lose those two accounts due to some noob mistakes...

The two accounts were deleted (at the same time withdrawal is done) one week after the first deposit. No communication at all -- typical account deletion. The only only twist is just the one-week lag and the bold move to withdraw from my bank account.

I am selling OEM, safe items.

GreenBean · #22 03-14-2014

Quote:

Originally Posted by chaichaoyi

I am selling OEM, safe items.

Why are you thinking this?

OEM can give issues.

Had you had a break from listing OEM? amazon changed its game last November.