Consumer complaint received 2023-06-04
Company: BANK OF AMERICA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
State: TX
Product: Checking or savings account
Sub-product: Checking account
Issue: Problem with a lender or other company charging your account
Sub-issue: Transaction was not authorized

Complaint:
Dear Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Im writing to you about a fraud situation that occurred, in which my money was stolen from me. 

I was in the midst of looking for an apartment. I came across a man on XXXX who posed as a property manager. He reached out to me, and we began the process of subletting an apartment. He told me to XXXX him $ $ to an email address, which I did. I have sent money to a landlord before, so this wasnt out of the ordinary. He asked for several payments, adding up to {$1100.00}. He got the payments, wrote up a contract, and I signed it. My lawyer even looked over the contract, and it came up as a lease. The next day, when I went to do an address change, I realized that the apartment wasnt valid. I went straight away to our conversation, and realized that he blocked me. I immediately called the bank, and told them what had happened. They transferred me to XXXX fraud of Bank of America, and told me that they were going to open up a claim. They stated that I would be getting my Money back within 45 days. I called several days to get updates on the case. They said several times on recorded recordings that I would get my money back. Fast forward to XX/XX/2023, the fraud team was on the last step in the process. They told me that they found who took my money, and which bank it went to. They also told me that they sent a deny letter in the mail, stating that I wouldnt be getting my money back. If there are recordings of Bank of America telling me that I will get my money back, several times, then I should get my money back. They sent me information via email about the fraudulent property manager to file a police report because they couldnt take the case any further. 

The fake property manager took 3 payments : - XX/XX/2023 : {$450.00}, {$450.00}, {$200.00} The deny letter was mailed to my house on XX/XX/2023. Claim Number XXXX I just want to know why there is a contradiction when the Bank of America stated that I would be getting my money back to turn around, and say that I wouldnt get it back. They waited a whole 45 days, wasted my time, and had me wait 45 days to get to the end result. By law, shouldnt I be legally binded to have something recorded by your staff to get my money back. The bank cant take any extra steps, but is affiliated with XXXX who is under Bank of America. 

Im pleading to you as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and to do all that you can do to ensure that I am able to get my money back. Policies and laws should be made to protect the individual who has the bank account. 

This goes beyond me. This is for future consumers. This situation should not happen to the next person. I have been humiliated, and have lost my hard-earned money. This is horrible. This fraud shouldnt be able to get away with this, especially since they know who and where he is. Further steps should be taken to charge this criminal. I intended to use this money for other purposes. Again, I will do whatever it takes to get my money back. I would like my money back. I will also be following up with the President of Bank of America, as well. 

Warm Regards, XXXX XXXX XXXX

Company public response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation