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>> I don't think any responsible bank would let you withdraw using just an account number. That is literally how checking works in the united states. You can w

>> I don't think any responsible bank would let you withdraw using just an account number. That is literally how checking works in the united states. You can withdraw money from a bank account if you have a routing number and bank account number and "permission." The permission could be a signed check, it could be an auto-pay ACH you set up by handing a paper form to someone, it could be a web-form you signed without looking over the fine-print. Most extractive companies (e.g., gyms, verizon) have so many fine print and so many lawyers that they can literally take anything from you without recourse. You'd spend tens of thousands in lawyer fees without getting the money back. You could go to the attorney general's office for your state. Good luck with that, unless its a common issue, you just have to eat the cost as part of being American. Or it could be nothing. In this case, its still on you to figure it out and get the money back in time.

KennyBlanken 5y ago
My state prohibits gyms from requiring ACH exactly to prevent this sort of abuse. It doesn't stop them from trying, or structuring their fees. The gym industry is very predatory and it needs far more regulation. It should be noted that in the US, some banks will allow you to request a default ACH block/lock on your account, and I highly encourage you to ask for such.
jokethrowaway 5y ago
That's not only a States thing. Direct debit works similarly in Europe. That said I haven't heard of companies or fraudsters abusing it
- Symbiote 5y ago
  Direct Debit in Europe has strong guarantees in favour of the customer, e.g. reversing charges. "A no-questions-asked, fast and simple Refund procedure available within eight weeks of the debit date." Within 8 weeks of the charge, you just phone (or otherwise) your bank and ask them to undo the charge.
- CRConrad 5y ago
  > That's not only a States thing. Direct debit works similarly in Europe. Maybe it still works that way in some parts of Europe, but in others it has been changed to work differently, or doesn't exist anymore and has been replaced by other systems, depending on how you want to put it.

KennyBlanken 5y ago

My state prohibits gyms from requiring ACH exactly to prevent this sort of abuse. It doesn't stop them from trying, or structuring their fees. The gym industry is very predatory and it needs far more regulation. It should be noted that in the US, some banks will allow you to request a default ACH block/lock on your account, and I highly encourage you to ask for such.

jokethrowaway 5y ago

That's not only a States thing. Direct debit works similarly in Europe. That said I haven't heard of companies or fraudsters abusing it

Symbiote 5y ago
Direct Debit in Europe has strong guarantees in favour of the customer, e.g. reversing charges. "A no-questions-asked, fast and simple Refund procedure available within eight weeks of the debit date." Within 8 weeks of the charge, you just phone (or otherwise) your bank and ask them to undo the charge.
CRConrad 5y ago
> That's not only a States thing. Direct debit works similarly in Europe. Maybe it still works that way in some parts of Europe, but in others it has been changed to work differently, or doesn't exist anymore and has been replaced by other systems, depending on how you want to put it.