Consumer complaint received 2022-10-01
Company: JPMORGAN CHASE & CO.
State: WA
Product: Checking or savings account
Sub-product: Checking account
Issue: Managing an account
Sub-issue: Deposits and withdrawals

Complaint:
My father passed away XXXX of this year in XXXX and left me an inheritance. I currently reside in XXXX XXXX. We ( me and my XXXX other siblings ) decided to sell gold he had through an auction house called XXXX XXXX XXXX, or XXXX XXXX, which is based in XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX  The auction sent me a written check in the amount of {$180000.00}. 

I went into a Chase bank branch on XXXX to deposit this check. I opened a new account at this time. I provided proper identification and got a receipt from the deposit showing the date the funds would be available for use was XXXX. Early morning of XXXX the funds showed up in my checking account as " available for use ''. 

I then tried to pay off some bills using my debit card but it was declined and I was told to contact Chase bank. When I called them they informed me my account was under suspension and I needed to provide them with a verified phone number from the company who issued the check. I provided two phone numbers but was told neither of them were on their verified phone number list so they couldn't help me. I asked what my next step is but was told unless I provided a phone number they would not unsuspend my account and it will be closed. 

I decided to go into a branch and speak to someone in person. I was told pretty much the same thing. The banker told me to try and contact the auction house to attempt to find another phone number, have them try to recall the funds, or the CEO of that company would have to come into the bank with me ( which is unreasonable ). 

I called the auction company and spoke with Vice president, XXXX XXXX, and he said since the funds actually left their account on XXXX he is unsure how to help me. He said in the 48 years he has been in business this has never happened before. He also confirmed the two phone numbers I had for him are the only numbers associated with the auction company. 

I called Chase again and asked to speak to a supervisor or someone higher up. She told me the same thing, that they need a verified phone number or my money will be in limbo indefinitely. She informed me that the suspension actually started on XXXX and that my account will be permanently closed on XXXX and the funds will remain suspended until I am able to prove the legitimacy of the check through a company phone number. I asked if it was possible for them to call the auctions bank and verify these funds were meant to be sent to me. I was told they can't do that. When I asked why she refused to give me a reason and continued to tell me I needed to provide a verified phone number. 

They are effectively tying my hands behind my back and telling me to figure it out while keeping my money from me. The check has cleared, I see it in my account, and they are withholding it from me and not doing anything to help me solve this. 

Attached document has what I have found that proves the legitimacy of XXXX XXXX XXXX. When I offered these up to Chase they refused.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation