Consumer complaint received 2024-09-28
Product: Checking or savings account — Checking account
Issue: Managing an account — Problem making or receiving payments
Company: CITIBANK, N.A. (FL)

Subject : Formal Complaint Against Citibank for Violation of Federal Banking Regulations and Unlawful Withholding of Funds Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing to file a formal complaint against Citibank concerning the unjust restriction of my bank account and the withholding of my funds without proper notification or lawful justification. Citibank 's actions have caused me significant financial hardship and emotional distress. 

Account Information : Name : XXXX XXXX XXXX Account Number : XXXX Summary of Events : XX/XX/year> : I attempted to withdraw funds from an ATM using my Citibank debit card. Contrary to standard procedure, I did not receive any text message or call from the fraud department to verify the transaction. Instead, I discovered that my account had been restricted without prior notice. 
XX/XX/year> : Following instructions from a phone representative, I visited a Citibank branch to verify my identity. The branch staff directed me to call the fraud department from the branch phone. Despite verifying my identity in person and over the phone, I was told that a letter had been mailed to my address and that I needed to wait XXXX business days for it to arrive. This process was repeated multiple times, with representatives providing inconsistent and unhelpful information. 
XX/XX/year> : I informed Citibank that the restricted funds were intended to pay my college tuition and that delays would result in my classes being dropped. The representative showed indifference and refused to expedite the resolution. 
XX/XX/year> : When I inquired about the address to which the supposed letter was sent, the representative refused to provide that information, hindering my ability to resolve the issue. 
Violations of Federal Laws and Regulations : Citibank 's actions constitute violations of several federal laws and regulations designed to protect consumers : Electronic Fund Transfer Act ( EFTA ) and Regulation E ( 12 CFR Part 1005 ) : Unauthorized Account Restriction : Under EFTA, consumers have the right to access their funds and are protected against unauthorized electronic fund transfers. Citibank restricted my account without proper notification or valid reason, denying me access to my funds. 
Failure to Provide Prompt Notice : Regulation E requires financial institutions to investigate and resolve account errors promptly, generally within 10 business days. Citibank failed to initiate a proper investigation or provide timely resolution. 
Regulation CC ( 12 CFR Part 229 ) : Improper Holds on Funds : Regulation CC mandates that banks make funds deposited available within specified timeframes and provide notice of any holds. Citibank did not provide adequate notice or justification for withholding my funds. 
Unfair, Deceptive, or Abusive Acts or Practices ( UDAAP ) under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act ( 12 U.S.C. 5531 ) : Unfair Practices : Citibank 's failure to provide clear communication, reasonable assistance, and timely access to funds constitutes unfair practices that have caused substantial injury to me. 
Bank Secrecy Act ( BSA ) Compliance Misapplication : While banks are required to monitor accounts for suspicious activity under the BSA, Citibank misapplied these regulations by restricting my account without valid suspicion or proper verification procedures. 
Impact on Me : Financial Hardship : The funds in my account were intended to pay for my college tuition. Due to Citibank 's unlawful actions, I faced the imminent risk of being dropped from my classes, jeopardizing my education and future career prospects. 
Emotional Distress : The undue stress and anxiety caused by this situation have significantly affected my well-being.