This is a fundamental distinction between debit cards and credit cards that many people simply do not understand. By statute, had this been a credit card, all this guy would have to do is notify the credit card company that he was disputing the charge, and send in whatever documentation he had. Then the vendor has to prove to the bank that the charge is legitimate.
With a debit card, this statutory protection does not apply (statute passed long before debit cards were created), his money is gone, his linked account is overdrawn (with whatever other ripple effects that has to keep him hopping), and he has to beg the bank to do the right thing. And we all know how warm-hearted and customer-oriented the Obama TARP banks are, don't we?
Even if it is a debit card, there is a 1% commission paid.
So that is still 230 TRILLION dollars.
Surely that should buy this customer some love.
If someone gave me $230 TRILLION, I would buy them a nice steak lunch. Even a glass of wine. Maybe even dessert.