Consumer complaint received 2022-07-20
Company: CITIBANK, N.A.
State: LA
Product: Checking or savings account
Sub-product: Checking account
Issue: Closing an account
Sub-issue: Funds not received from closed account

Complaint:
I will like to file a complaint against Citibank or XXXX. The scam happens when they claim they have 30 days to review new accounts. Seems to me this predatory practices directed towards people of XXXX. Basically, they lure you to deposit your money only to tell you your account is being closed for unverifiable information. I used the 2 key Authenticator to access my account and send other sensitive documentation. Once I tried to transfer money out because of predatory practices. Im told my amount is being closed. This is clear manipulation to get insured deposits and hold on to them. Basically, another way to hold on to cash longer from low end customers. Clearly taking advantage of people while were in a recession. Ive been reading scary reviews about citibank holding onto funds for 2 years. In my state of Louisiana we should receive a check with 4-10 business days On XX/XX/XXXX received XXXX, welcome to your XXXX checking account. That same day I funded the account with a initial deposit. I received a message right after saying Hi, XXXX. Great News! Your Citi Online UserID XXXX is now active and linked to your ATM/Debit card. You can use it to login to the Citi Mobile App or Citi Online to easily manage your account.Hi, XXXX. We shipped your replacement Citibank ATM/Debit card ending in XXXX on XX/XX/XXXX and should arrive shortly, so keep an eye out. While you wait, please note the important information below : XX/XX/XXXX Hi, XXXX. Your XXXX Debit Card card ending in XXXX has been successfully unlocked using Citi Quick Lock through a customer service representative and is now ready to use! XX/XX/XXXX I used the card for a total of XXXX. My ending balance was over XXXX dollars. On the XXXX of XXXX. I tried to send a wire transfer for free to my XXXX XXXX, the transfer was approved. Today. You're now set up for Wire Transfer Services right after I receive an email that disappeared from my email. Showing the approval information. Next I receive another email. 
Hi, XXXX. Now that you're enrolled, you can easily send money from the Citi Mobile App or Citi Online to almost anyone with a bank account, almost anywhere in the world.Your wire transfer was canceled Hi, XXXX. We were unable to reach you to verify the information you provided for the following wire transfer from your CHECKING account. As a result, this transaction was canceled and the funds were returned to your account. 
Wire Transfer Details Amount XXXX USD Payee XXXX XXXX  Date XX/XX/XXXX Transfer Type Domestic Reference Number XXXX You can view the updated status of this transfer or resubmit it in the Citi Mobile App or Citi Online. Please confirm your recipient 's wire transfer details before you do so. 

Right after this email went out I was denied access to my account. I was told to reach out to a special department who handles this type of stuff. Since, then, They have hung up on me every time Ive called. I need your help to make sure I get my funds out of this bully who is taking advantage of people. They also closed my account without notice. They tried to say the letter was in the mail. I asked if it was certified mail. They said no but the letter would be dated XX/XX/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