Can Collections Make Unauthorized Withdrawals from My Checking Account?

[bj21]

What is the name of your state? NY

I have had a Credit Card with Capital One for many years and recently have fallen behind in payments due to a severe change in my financial situation.

On 5/6/2008 Capital One Collections submitted a $300.00 "Virtual Check" to my banks checking account taking my existing $19.00 balance down to MINUS $281.00.

This "Virtual Check" was NOT authorized by me and I figure the way they got my checking account information was because when I was making payments, many times I paid online, which necessitated me giving Capital One my Checkin Account Info.

On 5/7/2008, my bank reversed the check, I assume due to lack of funds.

What I would like to know is... How can they do this without authorization?
Is it legal?
How can I stop it?
What else can I do about it?

I have not yet been hit with overdraft fees but I'm sure they'll hit in a day or two.

Any advice anyone can give would be greatly appreciated!What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state?

 

[Zigner]

Check out what you agreed to when you made your prior "virtual payments"

 

[bj21]

When you get to the page were it asks you to approve a payment, it says

"By clicking the "Approve" button, I hereby authorize CapitalOne to initiate an electronic debit to my payment account in the amount listed above. I understand that this is a one-time authorization and must be completed each time I wish to make a payment."