Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Koreabound2004]

My boyfriend's account in Canada was deactivated due to a bank scam. So now he cannot pay bills online...he called them today. They told him he now has to open a new account...in CANADA at one of their pavillions. He explained the situation(that he is in Korea till next Aug), and they told him they might be able to reactivate his account, but its highly unlikely.

Also, they told him that since he is out of the country, after 6 months, they will close his account anyways. How do they know if you are out of the country? Do they track where money is coming from, and if you are withdrawing in Canada?

What should he/we do? I also have PC bank, and I don't want my account to be closed if they find out I am abroad...this is a crazy situation!

[Gregarious Monk]

I contacted TD Bank and they said that the status of my accounts and credit cards was at the discretion of my branch. Since I've been a customer for almost 10 years at that branch they'd be unlikely to do anything. In any event they wouldn't do anything automatically, the catch is that you'd have to apply in person I think. Not sure if you can apply online and get an account that way if you're out of the country. Perhaps there's a way that a relative can set up a joint account here in Canada and get the signatures and so on faxed to the branch? Shop around and see what you can get from a better bank.

I'm not over there yet, I'm just looking at my options for a move in January. This forum has been a useful source of information and opinion.

Cheers,
gMonk

[theatrelily]

My friend used to work for the PC Financial Customer Contact Centre and I asked him about your situation...this is what he had to say:

If your boyfriend's account was closed because of a bank scam, then it was probably a case of attempted identity theft and if he wants to reopen the account he will have to go to the pavillion...or if he is really lucky and talks to someone in the security department who is having a good day, they may reopen it over the phone.

As for the 6 months issue...PCF was set up initially as a no-frills, domestic bank. When you open your account with them, it is a part of the speil they give you..."should you leave the country, your account will be deactivated after 6 months..." . It is a domestic bank, and because you moved, you are no longer a domestic client.

He also mentioned that you might want to try your bank cards (if you haven't already) from here in Korea....they shouldn't work because they aren't set up for International transactions...which also raises the question of whether or not you'd be able to wire money to that account...

My advice would be to deal with another bank. you'll need an international bank......otherwise, good luck with it all...

If you have any other questions, let me know and I'll ask my friend...

[Koreabound2004]

Thanks for the info,

I successfully transferred money into my account last week. So that's not a problem. I added my boyfriends bills to my list, and he can transfer to my account too, and I will pay his online, as I do mine.

Can they find out that I am in Korea though? I have given them my parents address in Canada...so if I don't tell them, can I assume that I will be fine??

If they do close my account, who should I set up an account with? Can I set up an account with a Canadian bank online?

I pay for storage back home, Visa, alarm system, and 4 student loans, so this is going to be a huge problem if they do close my account!!

PLEASE ADVISE!

[deeluvskitties]

i'm a president's choice customer and i wire money every mont to my canadian account from korea - i was told they would close my account after 6 months so i just got them to forward my monthly statement to my mum's address in canada. i'm not sure if they'll catch on, but i take my chances..

[Bulsajo]

[Koreabound2004]

[SarcasmKills]

I opened a PC account over 2 years ago.. and honestly, until I had read this post I had forgotten all about it

What are the chances that my account is still alright?

I had just over a grand in it..