Consumer complaint received 2016-05-04
Company: HSBC NORTH AMERICA HOLDINGS INC.
State: MD
Product: Money transfers
Sub-product: International money transfer
Issue: Fraud or scam

Complaint:
My husband had a contract in XXXX, on his way home he was stopped at the airport going through XXXX because he had more than {$10000.00}. His money and passport were confiscated until he paid the taxes and showed proof of how the money was obtained, as well as other requirements. Once the money was returned to him, he went to HSBC to inquire about opening an account so that the money ( {$70000.00} ) could be wired to the XXXX to avoid additional problems going through XXXX. They told him they could help and it would be better to open the account in my name. I filled out an HSBC XXXX application. At no time did they disclose there would be a fee to set up the account. After the money was converted to a check in my name, I was told, to complete the process there was a one time fee of {$980.00}, which I had no choice but to pay because the check was in my name : they could not give him the money back. Money was sent to banks attorney to complete the process. I was told the account would set up with HSBC 's corresponding bank XXXX. XXXX sent an email with login information and stated all questions and inquires were to be directed back to HSBC. The web address XXXX looked a little suspect. I logged on and changed the password. The page showed the account in my name, type of account and dollar amount of {$70000.00}. I tried to transfer the money but was redirected to a page requesting a XXXX number. Contacted HSBC who stated they would send a message to XXXX and they should be contacting me soon with the code. XXXX sent an email saying they noticed I had been trying to transfer the money but had not paid the authorization fee of {$3800.00}. Again the fee was not disclosed up front. I asked what were the procedures to reverse the transaction to give my husband his money back, I was told {$4300.00} ( {$3200.00} to attorney and {$1000.00} to HSBC ). I am locked out of the account until the {$3800.00} is paid. HSBC is holding my money hostage until I pay the authorization fee. HSBC supplies customers with the security device that generates security codes free of charge. XXXX will transfer money between XXXX accounts as a complimentary service to its clients, so why am I being asked to pay absorbent fees. Again none of the fees were disclosed to my husband prior to HSBC taking his money. They suggested putting the account in my name. since I was in the XXXX and not in XXXX, which took away his power and rights in regards to the money. My husband went into the bank and confronted the bank employee that took his money to let him know how he felt about what he did. He went back on XXXX XXXX XXXX time and XXXX XXXX XXXX time to request his money back and was locked up. I do n't know where he is or what 's going on. 
The web address I was given to login for XXXX is not a legitimate XXXX website. The email addresses used for HSBC and XXXX employees are not official bank email accounts. HSBC employee told me if I did n't need the code I can just come get my money, like XXXX is right up the street. I asked for a bank address to come pick up the money, he provided an address of a HSBC branch in XXXX ; however the last part of the address was incorrect. 
I have attached all email correspondence with HSBC, XXXX and the XXXX as well as screen shots. 
This is extortion, fraud, wire/communication fraud just to name a few. The conduct of HSBC and XXXX are vile, contemptible, miserable, wretched and loathsome.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation