Stark

Ian Gaugler

6 months ago

If zero stars were an option, this credit union would receive them. My experience on 12/4/2025 revealed conduct that raises serious concerns regarding professionalism, regulatory compliance, data security, and respect for consumer rights. I arrived with the straightforward intention of closing my account and exercising basic, legally recognized privacy rights. These requests were clear, lawful, and entirely reasonable. Here is what I specifically requested: (1) Permanent deletion of all personal data associated with my account. (2) Immediate termination of all promotional emails and communications. (3) A complete and accurate disclosure of what personal information the credit union still retains and the lawful duration for which it is held. (4) Written confirmation that copies of my divorce documents were fully destroyed. These documents contain extremely sensitive identifiers, including my children’s Social Security numbers. Any institution that copies such documents has an obligation to verify their secure disposal upon request. The credit union refused to do so. Rather than respond professionally or lawfully, the staff became confrontational and dismissive. The manager did not attempt to assist, explain, or address any of my concerns. She came out solely to argue, and when I referenced federal privacy rights, she replied, “We’re not playing that game,” and instructed me to contact their attorney. This reaction speaks volumes about the institution’s disregard for consumer protection obligations. This conduct raises legitimate questions about how customer information is stored, accessed, and safeguarded. Refusing to confirm destruction of sensitive documents (especially those containing children’s personal data) is unacceptable and dangerous. No parent should have to wonder whether their child’s Social Security number is sitting unsecured in an institution that refuses to acknowledge basic privacy rights. Additionally, staff members avoided providing their names, and one employee intentionally avoided engaging altogether. This lack of accountability only further undermines confidence in the institution’s internal practices and transparency. Because the conduct I experienced was so unprofessional and so inconsistent with the obligations of a federally regulated financial institution, I have filed formal complaints with the following agencies: • Better Business Bureau • Federal Trade Commission • Consumer Financial Protection Bureau • Ohio Attorney General Further action will be pursued as appropriate. Consumers should not have to fight for their legal rights or for basic transparency regarding their own information. Based on my experience, this credit union has demonstrated a clear unwillingness to comply with lawful requests and an alarming disregard for data privacy. I strongly advise others to avoid this institution entirely.

Eric Moore

3 months ago

This 2 star is not because of service, the front counter people always give wonderful service. Today while trying to deposit some rolled quarters I was told there is now a $2 service charge to Deposit any change over $100. The 2 star review is for your service charge. I will be closing my account

Emily Megarry

4 months ago

I went in there today had the worst experience I have ever had with Eliza there. She was the one who “helped” me but did the complete opposite. Eliza the “assistant manager” the “investigator” failed at her job miserably. I don’t know how she got that position from her attitude, not listening to customers, and her very irritable and rude demeanor. She was even yelling on the phone to somebody while I was in the room waiting for her to get off the phone yelling at that person. Very unprofessional and just plain rude. 50-60$ came up missing out of my account and it was not on her paper of statements she printed off. I swear 110% I know my funds and check them probably more than anybody else on this planet. I mark down every single transaction I have. 2 transactions were charged and put in an authorization hold a week ago. Then, 2 nights ago I wake up and they are dropped down on my statement TOOKEN OUT AGAIN. They should have been dropped down but kept my remaining balance the same because they were already subtracted from my balance. They did not put them back into my bank then take them again but instead minused the 2 charges again from my bank account. They already took the pre authorization a week prior never dropped it back down to my bank and took it again. I know what I am missing and stark federal credit union owes me $50 and she refused to have my account investigated beyond her. I will be taking this matter to corporate or I hope corporate responds to this to help resolve this issue to get my money back. Eliza just stressed me out so bad because she was not listening and you can tell she was irritated. As a “professional” you should never show that you are irritated along with the customer. As your position, you should be deescalating the situation and she failed to do so. Furthermore, when I went to my car and started it the whole time I didn’t know Eliza’s name (one with the glasses just incase there’s 2) I went back in to ask what her name was because the whole time I didn’t know her name. I went in and ask the tellers and every teller including a man and 2 women (who worked on the date of this review) just sat there and looked at me like I was crazy and stared at me and didn’t say a word until Eliza screamed her name from the room. It was all just so rude in every way. I felt like I wasn’t valued at all. I no longer trust these people to hold my funds and I will be taking all my money out tomorrow. They definitely need to improve their customer service and get some extra training on how to handle and deescalate situations properly and learn how to treat consumers with respect. They don’t know know how to handle criticism either. If I could give my experience today -100 stars I would. Worst experience I ever had with a bank. Edit: Lastly, I knew Eliza didn’t even know what she was talking about when she said when a pre auth charge falls back on your bank statement she said the merchant cannot take it again without your permission…well guess what Eliza the merchant just took the funds again that you said they cannot take. Now my account is -125$ because I withdrew all my money because of my experience today and she assured me that they cannot take it after they didn’t take it the first time. Eliza needs to learn some more to be properly equipped for that position because spreading false information is very unprofessional. She even argued with me about it and still was wrong. Eliza, you deserve -1,000 stars and you need to be held accountable for your actions.

Teresa Purses

5 months ago

Customer friendly, community-minded, and offer a wide variety of valuable services and financial resources.

Lisa

a year ago

So far my experience with SFCU has been great. Easy to sign up, deposit, and pay bills. The refinance on my recent car purchase was FLAWLESS! Nearly half the interest rate of my original lender, gap insurance was also more than half the cost of the dealership. Thank you, Debbie & everyone at SFCU.