Consumer complaint received 2021-12-17
Product: Checking or savings account — Checking account
Issue: Closing an account — Company closed your account
Company: BMO Bank, N.A. (IL)

On XX/XX/21, I made a deposit to BMO Harris at my local branch. I deposited XXXX echecks for {$23000.00}. I proactively noted to the clerk, although idential amounts, they are separate checks. My friend told me he sent separate checks in case I had a deposit limit of {$25000.00} on phone app or otherwise. 

I received a deposit hold notice, which is fine. I get it - compliance on large deposit. 

I receive phone call the next day from XXXX ID # XXXX who asked a lot of questions, some with sacrasm as he found it unbelievable from his preconceived point of view that these checks are legit. He flat out told - literally - that these checks are fraudualent and THAT THE WILL BE RETURNED to BMO Harris within 48 hours. He also told me that HE IS CLOSING MY ACCOUNT without any proof or actual return. I specifically questioned his sacastic comments to me as well as " what happens when the checks clear '' and he responded " We will cross that bridge if it happens '' with sacastic tone. 

I am concerned for several reasons 1 ) XXXX had preconceived idea before actually speaking to me and was quite frankly, a bit unprofessional. 
2 ) XXXX was JUDGEMENTAL that his preception was right and ruled to close my account before a proper investigation - namely - will the checks clear. 
3 ) I understand that a bank can close my account for any reason, I am concerned XXXX is over dramatizing this situation. 

Facts 1 ) I can not control how someone pays me. I deposited the electronic checks I received in good faith as they are legit from someone I know. 

2 ) XXXX XXXX, the check writer, told me he can get on the phone with BMO Harris and his bank on the phone to verify that funds are present and that he authorized the checks. XXXX, never asked or followed up at all on the legitimacy of the checks. 

I understand the electronic checks are new and thus a complaince concern, but BMO Harris need to adjust to the flow of electronic payments. I find it unethical that XXXX from complaince PREJUDGED me as fraudalent depositing checks. A deposit hold of 5 business days is punishing enough as BMO Harris waits for the checks to clear.

In addition, I am not confident that when these checks clear that BMO Harris will timely release the funds to me nor reoepn my account. XXXX seems very firm in his judgement and literally said he is closing my account. People like this rarely admit a mistake unless a superior or social pressure is involved. I am concerned that he will stick to his opinion irregardless and promote to his superiors that he was doing the right thing when I am confident the facts ( the check clearing ) will bear out otherwise. 

The fact remains that BMO Harris and XXXX DID NOT actually perform a proper investigation regarding these checks. They are closing my account before they clear and never even attempted to verify with the receiving bank or my friend. It clearly seems to me he called me to document some distored view point he has to prove his point and " note the file ''. At whatever circumstantial evidence he believes is out of my control- I did not issue or write the checks, I am in good faith depositing them. 

I would like BMO to investigate his investigation. This includes reopening my account once the checks clear, acknowledging their mistake and compensating me {$500.00} for my time and damage to my reputation. 

Thanks for your time.