Monday, June 03, 2013

What the Heck?

I've been carrying a little check around for a couple of weeks for $43.52.  Today I decided to go through the drive-thru at Chase and cash it.  Didn't expect any problem  Signed the check - put the account # on the back.  Gave my Texas Drivers License for ID and photo ID.

The woman came back to the window and said she couldn't accept my drivers license because it was expired.  Really?  She wanted to see my renewal request.  Told her I didn't have one but I have a current Mexican Drivers License which is legal in the USA with a photo on it.  So, I gave her that.

She came back and said that was not acceptable.  She needed my Voter Registration Card.  To which I replied, "You're kidding right?"  At which point she got indignant and said she was trying to protect me.  I said, "It's only $43.52 and I've given you two forms of ID.  Both of which have my photograph on.  Look at me, it's me!"

She then said she would have to check the signature verification card.  I'm not kidding.  It took her forever.

I absolutely was in a state of shock.  At least five minutes later she came back and said that anything to do with Mexican ID was not acceptable to their bank.  I told her as quietly as I could, so that I wouldn't jump out of the car and strangle her,  that last I checked Mexico is acceptable at every other branch of Chase.

She then handed me my envelope with my two forms of ID and the $43.52.

Thank you Blondie, you made my day!

Thinking I must have gotten a new employee or someone who doesn't get out much, I moved on to AT&T to check on my cell phone plan.  I'm here to tell you it is easier to do on the phone after my experience today.

You walk in the door.  There were five employees standing there waiting to help me but they couldn't!  This was due to the fact that a woman was stationed at the door to take your name and cell phone # and input this into her IPad or whatever it was. ......then it goes to an employee and then they call your name.  What?  Am I crazy or are they?  This exchange with the woman who couldn't spell BARBARA took at least 3 or 4 minutes instead of me just walking up to an idle employee.  Then the icing on the cake was SHE needed to see my drivers license to verify I am who I say I am.........Really?  Twice in one day?  Twice in less then an hour?

Then the person who was going to help me couldn't figure out what the North American Plan is that I have been on since 2004 and couldn't figure out if she could save me money or not..........Lord, help me!  I quietly left.

I was hesitant to go into the grocery store to get some food items after that whole episode.  I cautiously looked to see if someone in the bakery department was going to jump out from behind the buns to check my ID or at the meat department or wherever.  Heck, even when I paid CASH for the groceries, the cashier knew how to handle it.

My day has been saved...........I came home, weak at the knees. I'm NOW trying to see the humor........
Not there yet...........

7 comments:

Steve Cotton said...

I really appreciate Mexico's cash economy in our little area of the coat. No checks. No credit cards. No silly requests for ID. And no lies about protecting me. I know who I am.

Babs said...

Steve, as far as I can determine, most of Mexico is a cash society. I only use ATMs for money and then pay bills in cash. Of course, if you go to the bank in Mexico, they too ask for id but not like that episode this morning.
I'm STILL shaking my head.........

Tancho said...

Welcome to the US, everyone is there to protect you.
I almost had a corrinary last time I was dealing with a person at Wells Fargo in California. It's exactly the same, where they are not allowed to use their own common sense, perhaps because very few have that nowadays. Simple logic never works so quit trying to fight the system, it will only make them call the police because you are terrorizing them.
I quit complaining about Mexico many years ago when I found out, the US was getting a lot more difficult to comprehend.....because it was for my own protection. Let me worry about my own protection please....

Babs said...

Tancho, you're right. I did feel my blood pressure rising!

Whew.

AshevillesHot.com said...

So just to be clear this took place in san miguel? So scary - the US. Stopped using those big criminal banks years ago only use credit unions who at this point are still independent from big brothers "care"

Babs said...

NO, this took place in Houston.

Christine said...

Yes. This is why I bank only with a small local bank. Those big banks are horrid!