Consumer complaint received 2021-07-13
Company: JPMORGAN CHASE & CO.
State: CO
Product: Money transfer, virtual currency, or money service
Sub-product: Traveler's check or cashier's check
Issue: Fraud or scam

Complaint:
I am contacting you in regard to the closure of my checking and savings accounts. I am filing this complaint because 1 ) Chase verified checks I deposited, made the funds available and then later returned the checks and 2 ) proceeded to arbitrarily close my account. The returned deposits that initiated the closure of my account was a result of a scam that I was a victim of. I wanted to take the time to explain the situation, submit evidence to be reviewed, and ask that the decision to no longer do business with me be re-evaluated and the funds recovered. 

Since XX/XX/2021 I have been a victim of a scam conducted by my former neighbor and business partner. From XX/XX/2021 to XX/XX/2021 there were multiple instances of returned checks, many of which were involving my Chase account. They are listed below : 1.On XX/XX/XXXX, I received an eCheck from him for {$100000.00} via email and checked to make sure it was verified on the XXXX XXXX XXXX ( XXXX  ) site. I also verified with he that he had the funds to cover the check. On XX/XX/XXXX, I deposited the check from he which he sent through XXXX. On XX/XX/XXXX, the check returned. All evidence pertaining to this transaction is included. 
2. On XX/XX/XXXX, he wrote me a check for {$10000.00} and asked me to give him the cash. He went to the Chase branch ( XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX, CO XXXX ) with me where the teller verified the check. I then cashed the check and gave him the cash. In addition to proof of this transaction, I have even included a photo of him holding the cash. On XX/XX/XXXX, the check for {$10000.00} returned.

3. On XX/XX/XXXX, he issued me a cashiers check for {$25000.00}. He came to the Chase branch with me to deposit this check ( XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX, CO XXXX ). The check went through as verified and funds were made available on XX/XX/XXXX. Then on XX/XX/XXXX, the check returned. 
On XX/XX/XXXX, I visited a Chase branch in XXXX, IL where I was visiting my family at the time. I spoke to branch manager about the situation and he opened up a case. I then submitted all evidence to him via email on XX/XX/XXXX. 
Since XX/XX/XXXX, I have called Chase multiple times about the status of my case and have just been told that my account is restricted and will eventually close and I will no longer be able to do business with Chase. I have called Chase multiple times about this matter and each time have spent 2 hours on the phone being redirected to different departments. I have not been able to resolve this matter in person or over the phone. I received a call from the escalation team ( XXXX ) the persons extension is : XXXX. She left me a voicemail and said to call her back regarding case ID XXXX, I have called her multiple times with my case number and have left over 5 voicemails with no response or a call back. 
On XX/XX/XXXX I mailed the Chase Headquarters with all of the attached evidence I am submitting now to you. On XX/XX/XXXX, I received a call from Chase notifying me that that they received my letter with the evidence and were going to start the investigation. Later that day I attempted to log into my Chase account and noticed my accounts were closed. I then immediately went to local Chase branch in XXXX ( XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX, CO XXXX ) where the manager tried to help me but was unable to do anything about my account closure. 
Chase has unfairly closed my account and did so before taking the time to even investigate what had happened. I have been a victim of a scam and as a result am being punished. These returned checks were all from the same person and Chase verified them and the funds were made available. Once they returned Chase froze my account and then later closed it. 
I am a loyal Chase account holder and do not want my reputation to be tarnished due to the unfortunate situation I have become a victim of. I want to make it clear that I did not do anything wrong, I was just trying to be a trusting and caring person. I was taken advantage of and am now trying to repair the damage caused. 
The multiple instances of returned payments, bad checks, and lack of cooperation from him has resulted in this case escalating from a civil resolution to a legal one. He has failed to respond to the demand letters sent via certified mail notifying him of the dishonored checks. I also have filled a complaint against his bank, XXXX, to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( cfpb ). I have already reported XXXX to the local XXXX  Police, FBI, Trade Commission, IC3, and XXXX  District Attorneys Office I have attached all of these reports, his information, and proof of returned payments in this letter. 
I ask that you review the evidence attached and finally take this case that I have presented multiple times seriously. For Chase, the nations top bank, after having verifying these checks and making the funds available, should take responsibility to recover the funds. Furthermore, they should not make assumptions to close my account prior to investigating the situation. Lastly, they should have the decency and courtesy for their customers to return their calls and evaluate the evidence submitted. I have taken every measure possible to criminally prosecute him. As opposed to Chase, our nations leading bank provider, supporting their client, they have taken the side of the criminals by punishing the innocent. I ask you, does this sound like the practices of a bank in America? How corrupt has our nation become that a bank can legally do this to one of their customers? Does Chase not hold themselves to higher standards?

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation