Consumer complaint received 2021-11-17
Company: PNC Bank N.A.
Product: Checking or savings account
Sub-product: Checking account
Issue: Problem caused by your funds being low
Sub-issue: Overdrafts and overdraft fees

Complaint:
Dear Sir My son, a student @ XXXX NJ., Had opened an account with PNC bank, XXXX nj. 
On XX/XX/XXXX he was the victim of a scam from a job recruiter posing for a very reputable bank and who provided him an appointment letter after an interview and a printed check [ emailed ] for XXXX $ for expenses part of which [ XXXX ] was to be paid to a vendor for training material. He deposited the check and the funds appeared which he used to pay off the vendor using XXXX. The next day he was notified that the check was rejected. He called me and In turn I called up the bank and explained the matter to them. The representative told me that these things happen occasionally as she verified the check and issuing party and saw no reason for caution. So my son reached out to his supposed employer and he was emailed another check for the same amount. This process repeated 3 times before he realized that it was a scam. All 3 checks cleared and bounced resulting in an overdraft of XXXX XXXX I went to the bank personally to get some clarification as to how they allowed a student account to go into overdraft, why there are no fraud control in place for incidents like these where an attempt has been made to solicit help as well as why they could not provide guidance or caution when I called the first time. Even on that visit the banker was still not convinced it was a fraud. 
My sons account was then frozen. On the banks recommendation I made a Complaint with the police @ XXXX providing all the transcripts of the conversation between my son and the fraudsters. I was also asked to provide the same info to PNC bank. I was then contacted by a representative of the bank. I asked for the next steps since my family has suffered great distress and anxiety through this incident. I was told that the bank would get back to me after their investigation and that I should open a new account for my son till then After waiting for 3 weeks without a resolution I open a new account for my son on XX/XX/XXXX depositing XXXX XXXX Yesterday XX/XX/XXXX he called me in a panic at around XXXX and noticed his account was in overdraft for XXXX XXXX Needless to say after a harrowing and painful experience, this was a real panic for us again as we tried to figure what is going on. After many calls, I was able to get a representative this morning [ XX/XX/XXXX ] at XXXX. After explaining everything, she told me that the amount was used to pay off the overdraft on the original account. 

This is a blatant disregard of trust in the bank and system in general for me as I was given an assurance that I could operate the account for my son who is in a college dorm and needs to have access to funds. 

I have no clue inspite of visiting the bank today afternoon as there are no Managers or supervisory staff willing to help or provide any guidance. These incidents in its totality from the overdraft facility for students, to the give a XXXX attitude of the bank have left me helpless. 
Any help or suggestions you provide are helpful Regards XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation