Consumer complaint received 2023-08-08
Company: Block, Inc.
State: FL
Product: Checking or savings account
Sub-product: Other banking product or service
Issue: Closing an account
Sub-issue: Company closed your account

Complaint:
In XXXX of XXXX, I embarked on an exciting journey by opening a Square payment processing account to manage the financial aspects of my budding retail business. Square 's comprehensive services, which included a checking and savings account under the protection of the FDIC, resonated with me, and I entrusted them with the task of safeguarding and managing my hard-earned funds. 

Around XX/XX/XXXX, I decided to treat myself to a well-deserved vacation in XXXX, Florida, after tirelessly dedicating myself to my business. During my leisure time, I made a completely legal and personal purchase at an adult store, an action that I considered to be well within my rights and certainly nothing to be ashamed of. To my shock and dismay, immediately following this purchase, Square without any prior notice or explanation, made the sudden and arbitrary decision to close my checking account and freeze all of my accessible funds. 

The unexpected closure of my account and the subsequent freezing of my funds left me utterly bewildered and in a state of complete disbelief. What compounded the distressing situation was the sense of discrimination that I felt. I firmly believe that it is not within Square 's rights to make moral judgments about their customers ' transactions. I had not committed any wrongdoing, nor had I engaged in any illegal activities. My experience with other financial institutions had never led me to expect such an intrusion into my personal choices. This ordeal left me feeling humiliated and unjustly labeled, as if a completely lawful purchase had suddenly cast a shadow over my character. 

The consequences of Square 's actions were not only emotionally devastating but also perilous. Stranded and left with no means to access my funds, I found myself in the unthinkable position of having to spend a night sleeping on the streets. The vulnerability of my situation took a harrowing turn when I became the victim of a violent assault by a group of criminals seeking money. The brutal attack resulted in XXXX XXXX  and XXXX XXXX, leading to a week-long hospital stay in XXXX and necessitating XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX. The physical and emotional scars I bear are a direct consequence of Square 's decision to freeze my funds, a decision that ultimately placed me in harm 's way. 

In the immediate aftermath of this traumatic event, I reached out to Square multiple times in a desperate attempt to find a resolution. However, my pleas were met with an unwavering stance to withhold my funds for an unjustified 90-day period, even when I explained the dire circumstances I was facing. 

Words can not adequately express the humiliation, anguish, and lasting damage that I have endured as a result of Square 's puritanical terms of service. The very company I had trusted to manage my finances and provide a secure financial haven had instead thrust me into a nightmarish ordeal. My appearance has been irrevocably altered, and the emotional toll has been immeasurable. Square 's actions were not only an affront to my dignity but a direct catalyst for the painful events that followed. 

In light of these events, I firmly believe that Square must be held accountable for the turmoil, suffering, and life-altering consequences I have experienced. Their actions have caused immeasurable harm, and I believe they are responsible for compensating me for the XXXX XXXX XXXX, emotional distress, and upheaval I have endured. 

I implore you to investigate this matter thoroughly and ensure that justice is served. No one should have to endure the devastating repercussions I have faced due to the arbitrary and unjustified decisions of a financial institution. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation