Consumer complaint received 2024-10-07
Product: Checking or savings account — Checking account
Issue: Managing an account — Deposits and withdrawals
Company: JPMORGAN CHASE & CO. (TX)

40 days ago, my bank froze the joint account I have with my mother, who was hospitalized at the time. I received a call from the bank asking about her hospitalization, suspicious transactions, and large deposits. I verified with Chase Bank Security that we were aware of these transactions. Despite this, the account was frozen the next day without any notice or explanation. 

To date, we havent received any notification explaining why the account was frozen, our rights as customers, or steps to resolve the issue. While my mother was in and out of the hospital, XXXX XXXX questioned the large deposits. I explained that my mother runs a sole proprietorship from her personal account, which had recently seen increased business activity. I provided all necessary documents to validate the business. 

XXXX XXXX reported the situation to XXXX XXXX XXXX ( XXXX ), suspecting unauthorized business activity. XXXX visited my mother in the hospital and later closed their report after verifying the situation. My mother also provided a notarized affidavit confirming she allowed me to use her card. 

Chase Bank insisted on opening a business account to separate the funds before unfreezing the account. Despite explaining my mothers difficulties in visiting the bank, they refused to close the account. We provided a financial Power of Attorney ( POA ) to open the business account, but the review process has been slow. Meanwhile, our family is struggling to keep the business running. 

XXXX XXXX required us to bring in bills for review to issue cashiers checks for payments. We submitted these documents to the branch, but have not received any response. Additionally, my mothers Social Security check is also frozen due to the account freeze. 
While reviewing the XXXX, the bank required a physicians letter to activate it. During this time, they spoke with my mother and seemingly coerced her into saying she could visit the branch to open a business account. They noted this in their system and closed the case. Meanwhile, the security fraud suspicion case was also closed as unfounded. 

When I brought the physicians statement to the branch to resubmit the XXXX for another review, they didnt even take a copy because the case was closed. My mother emailed the branch manager, asking if she could close the account and receive her funds with proper ID and documentation proving she owns the sole proprietorship. She has not received a response. 

When I asked XXXX XXXX the same question, I was told they couldnt write a check to close the account because it was frozen. They said they couldnt unfreeze the account until the POA was approved and the funds were separated, which required me to go through each transaction with them. 

Its been 40 days since the account was frozen. My mothers bills are late, the business is suffering, and it risks closing due to an inability to pay workers or obtain materials. My mother, who is critically ill, is extremely upset and anxious about not being able to access funds. Her medical insurance has bounced and is at risk of being canceled. The account remains frozen, and additional deposits have been made, which the bank has allowed to go in. 



XXXX days ago, my bank froze the joint account I have with my mother, who was hospitalized at the time. I received a call from the bank asking about her hospitalization, suspicious transactions, and large deposits. I verified with Chase Bank Security that we were aware of these transactions. Despite this, the account was frozen the next day without any notice or explanation. 

To date, we havent received any notification explaining why the account was frozen, our rights as customers, or steps to resolve the issue. While my mother was in and out of the hospital, XXXX XXXX questioned the large deposits. I explained that my mother runs a sole proprietorship from her personal account, which had recently seen increased business activity. I provided all necessary documents to validate the business. 

XXXX XXXX reported the situation to XXXX XXXX XXXX ( XXXX ), suspecting unauthorized business activity. XXXX visited my mother in the hospital and later closed their report after verifying the situation. My mother also provided a notarized affidavit confirming she allowed me to use her card. 

Chase Bank insisted on opening a business account to separate the funds before unfreezing the account. Despite explaining my mothers difficulties in visiting the bank, they refused to close the account. We provided a financial Power of Attorney ( XXXX ) to open the business account, but the review process has been slow. Meanwhile, our family is struggling to keep the business running. 

XXXX XXXX required us to bring in bills for review to issue cashiers checks for payments. We submitted these documents to the branch, but have not received any response. Additionally, my mothers Social Security check is also frozen due to the account freeze. 
While reviewing the XXXX, the bank required a physicians letter to activate it. During this time, they spoke with my mother and seemingly coerced her into saying she could visit the branch to open a business account. They noted this in their system and closed the case. Meanwhile, the security fraud suspicion case was also closed as unfounded. 

When I brought the physicians statement to the branch to resubmit the XXXX for another review, they didnt even take a copy because the case was closed. My mother emailed the branch XXXX, asking if she could close the account and receive her funds with proper ID and documentation proving she owns the sole proprietorship. She has not received a response. 

When I asked XXXX XXXX the same question, I was told they couldnt write a check to close the account because it was frozen. They said they couldnt unfreeze the account until the XXXX was approved and the funds were separated, which required me to go through each transaction with them. 

Its been XXXX  days since the account was frozen. My mothers bills are late, the business is suffering, and it risks closing due to an inability to pay workers or obtain materials. My mother, who is critically ill, is extremely upset and anxious about not being able to access funds. Her medical insurance has bounced and is at risk of being canceled. The account remains frozen, and additional deposits have been made, which the bank has allowed to go in.