Consumer complaint received 2019-03-19
Company: HSBC NORTH AMERICA HOLDINGS INC.
State: CA
Product: Checking or savings account
Sub-product: CD (Certificate of Deposit)
Issue: Managing an account
Sub-issue: Deposits or withdrawals

Complaint:
Complaint re HSBC branch address : XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX, CA XXXX Dear CFPB Supervisor : I am writing to report an on-going retaliation from HSBC against me for filing a complaint about HSBCs local XXXX XXXX branch manager to CFPB. ( Complaint # XXXX ) On Friday, XX/XX/2019, I received a shocking voice message from the same HSBC local branch, that they will close my account. They ordered me to provide a utility bill to prove my address ; or else. I explained to HSBC representatives that I did not have a utility bill, since I live with a partner and have never paid for utility. ( Follow-up # XXXX ) I fully cooperated and offered other reasonable proof, e.g., DMV registration ; tax records ; paycheck documentation ; or an affidavit under penalty of perjury ( from me and my partner, confirming my address ). Additionally, I even offered to add my name to the utility bill for the sake of HSBCs utility bill request.

HSBC rejected all of the above last week. Worse, now they even added MORE RESTRICTION. Now, HSBC would only accept proofs dated within the last 60 days.

This latest requirement was added AFTER I contacted HSBC multiple times last week and discussed ways I could meet their proof. Once they learned from me what available documentations I have, HSBC specifically created a new hurdle to overcome : last 60-day correspondence requirement.

I spoke to HBSC customer service representative, XXXX, on XX/XX/2019, to explain why HSBCs latest requirement was excessive and unduly burdensomeespecially in light of the available options that could be provided HSBC as proof. 

In XXXX, I originally came to HSBC because of a special program they offered : a {$370.00} bonus plus {$100.00} referral to open a checking/savings account. I deposited {$10000.00} usd. I also opened a {$100000.00} certificate of deposit ( CD ) for one year, earning 2.5 % monthly interest. I was NEVER advised of these extreme proofs at the time of enrollmentotherwise, I and my friend would never have joined HSBC, and suffer these on-going cruel tactics.

It has become very clear to me and my family that HSBC is trying to close my account as a way to cut off any responsibility for the grievances I submitted to the CFPB. I have spent countless hours to resolve their sudden request -- as they kept moving the goal posts. Prior to this, I suffered even more aggravations from the branch manager, XXXX XXXX, for his mishandling of my account, subjecting it to a heavy hit credit check. 

I urge CFPB to stop retaliation from HSBC directed at me and advise HSBC to accept reasonable forms of I have offered. These proofs have been customary forms of accepted documentations by numerous institutions.

If HSBC forcibly closes my account, then the fair resolution would be to compensate me for the bonus {$470.00} dollars and annual 2.5 % CD interests that I would have accrued had my account been left in peace. 

Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation