Consumer complaint received 2024-06-05
Product: Checking or savings account — Checking account
Issue: Managing an account — Deposits and withdrawals
Company: UNITED SERVICES AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION (TX)

I provide some very modest support for a half dozen or so young students ( ages XXXX ) in various countries around the world, helping them with some basic medical, food, transportation, and school expenses. XXXX young man, purportedly living in XXXX, claimed to be a graphic designer, but despite his requests for money, I never sensed his needs were urgent, so I did not send him anything. After about XXXX  months of chatting and showing me photos of his various design work, he convinced me that he was, in fact, a designer. Toward the end of XXXX of XXXX he told me of a big contract he had just received that was worth {$2500.00}. But the client, he claimed, only paid contracts via check. Since he did not have a bank account, he asked if I would cash the check for him and then forward the funds to him. I refused for a week or so, but he seemed so concerned that he would lose this opportunity if I didnt help him, so I finally ( and foolishly ) agreed. The check came a week later from an XXXX  address and issued by an XXXX  bank. I deposited the check and sent my friend in XXXX the {$200.00} my bank initially released. When the check bounced, this young man gave excuses for his client and promised a replacement check. Eager to recoup my {$200.00}, I agreed, but insisted the replacement be a cashiers check, since I believed these to be a safe bet. The replacement check arrived about XXXX weeks later made out for {$2700.00} this time to cover my {$200.00} loss, and it appeared to be indeed a bonafide cashiers check. I deposited this check as before via my XXXX XXXX on about XX/XX/year>, this time refusing to forward any funds until the check cleared. About XXXX days later, I decided to call the cashiers check issuing bank to be absolutely certain it was valid. I discovered at that time the check did not exist in their system. Within seconds, I was on the phone with USAA to inform them that this second check would also most likely bounce. I explained at this time what I have just relayed above and promised to accept no further checks from strangers. I felt enormously embarrassed and foolish and asked USAA what kind of effect this might have on my account. The agent was understanding and assured me that the worst that might happen would be that future deposits might be held a bit longer to assure clearance before funds were released, but that after only XXXX bounced deposits, he doubted this would happen in my case. Predictably, the cashiers check was indeed returned a few days later. 

On the morning of XX/XX/year>, I received a call from USAA. The agent informed me that they were closing all of my accounts in XXXX days, and that all of my funds there ( approximately {$7000.00}, were frozen, meaning that my checks and debit card would no longer work. They had also stopped my mortgage payment, which was already in process at that time. Furthermore, he added, I would not be able to transfer my funds to any other bank or institution in order to open a new account. My account was to remain open for deposits during this period, but no debits whatsoever were allowed. He finally informed me that the bank would mail me a check representing the total of my balances after 60 days. 

None of my accounts at USAA or any other banking institution have ever been overdrawn. I have a solid reputation in my community and a credit score consistently well over XXXX. I am and have been in the habit of helping those less fortunate than me, and it was this ethic that got me into this mess. I was the victim of a clever scammer, yes, but now USAA has made me a victim twice over and for no reason I am able to understand. 

I will very happily close all of my accounts with USAA and will vow to them and to the world never to do business with them again, because I could never trust them with my money again, anyway. But I would like to do this on my terms, allowing me opportunity to continue paying my bills and maintaining my reputation. 

But what do I do now? My mortgage is late, I cant buy gas for my car or food. USAA was designed to care for military people. It seems to me theyre doing just the opposite.