Consumer complaint received 2023-08-02
Company: FIFTH THIRD FINANCIAL CORPORATION
State: IN
Product: Checking or savings account
Sub-product: Other banking product or service
Issue: Closing an account
Sub-issue: Company closed your account

Complaint:
Without explanation or warning I received a letter from 53 Securities and Insurance ( XXXX XXXX ) stating they were closing all my accounts. No reason was provided. That's issue # 1. 

The most important issue however for this complaint is that they are going to liquidate all my funds in annuities, IRAs etc and send me a check. They have ignored and not addressed penalties or tax repercussions that may result from their actions. That's issue # 2. 
They did not ask me how I want my accounts distributed ; They did not take into consideration that I am already taking payouts from an annuity - and what this liquidation will do to those annuities ; They did not attempt to get my permission or ask for any other recommendations They refuse to provide a name and number so I can ask someone these questions, directly AND possibly request an extension. 
They simply made a decision, refused to discuss it, showing no concern for the severe harm this is, and can cause me financially. 

Although their actions are shocking and inconvenient, I am in the process of researching where I can move my funds. This is not an easy task and I don't expect it to be completed quickly. My main concern is still what other impacts are in store for me because of their actions. Additionally I have no way of knowing that I can complete all the transfers I need to do by the XX/XX/XXXX date they've given me. I attempted to reach out to the author of the letter that was sent to me, but 53 will not provide phones # s or emails. When I finally heard back from the author of the letter ( through a cc of an email to another 53 employee ) XXXX XXXX response regarding an extension was " at this time we have no appetite to extend the 30 days ''. This is not a professional response, it is simply vengeful. Evidence that 53 treats customers with contempt. 

Although I do not know how/why they made this decision, I suspect it has something to do with my many calls and emails, due to them not responding to my initial request of XX/XX/XXXX to assign a different Advisor/Consultant to my accounts. I made the request on XX/XX/XXXX and never received any response until a " tess '' called me on XX/XX/XXXX to tell me my 'issue ' was assigned to " XXXX '' and she will contact me within 15-25 days. This would bring the grand total of WAITING for a new advisor/consultant to nearly TWO MONTHS. 

I was given no information regarding the closing of my accounts- I can't explain why 53 avoided my calls and emails over the course of a month. I am confident 53 will have a shrink wrapped response that they will send you- it won't address the obstacles or problems I've encountered over the past month. Not to mention the malicious, spiteful, vindictive way I've been treated. 

I hope this gets the attention of the OCC. 53 BankXXXX XXXX XXXX it's customers ; ignores customers that demand answers ; has executives that hide in their offices and refuse to address issues. 

For the record I have sent emails to : ( all the following have known about the problems and obstacles I've encountered - perhaps some of these people do not even address operational issues, but NOT ONE OF THEM ever responded to me to address POOR customer support issues AND providing an advisor ). 

XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX ( this was the original person that promised he would find me a new advisor/consultant- I spoke with XXXX in XXXX - he supposedly manages the advisors- so this is where the problems started ) XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX I've had issues with 53 in the past. They never see the flaws in their processes, communications or behaviors. They never even come close to an apology, and never implement improvements. They certainly have their share of complaints at OCC ; Federal Reserve and CFPB. I noticed an excessive amount of complaints about 53 are related to customer service/treatment of customers. Don't get me wrong, people have complained about products, services, business practices and ethics- but today customer service has my attention. 

I am baffled by the behavior of a bank that does NOT provide the service that they promise to provide. 

I am hoping that your involvement in this nightmare will encourage 53 to consider the impact their decision has on me - AND other customers. As stated above, their actions can cause FInancial HARM TO ME.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation