Consumer complaint received 2018-03-24
Product: Checking or savings account — Checking account
Issue: Managing an account — Cashing a check
Company: U.S. BANCORP (WI)

Several months ago I received a dividend check from my electric cooperative. The check was made out to me and my ex-wife. I asked her to sign it but our relationship is not equitable so she refused. I also I had a refund check here from the IRS from the previous year for almost the same amount written out to both of us. I offered to sign checks and send them to her with the agreement she would sign one and give it back so I can cash it. She signed the IRS refund check and gave it back. It turned out that check was no longer valid because too much time had elapsed. My ex-wife contacted the IRS and had them reissue another check and send it to her. She signed the check and forwarded it to me. I was suspicious at her helpfulness so I put the check away for a few months until I needed the cash. I brought that check to the bank about a month ago and tried to cash it. The bank manager refused to accept the check without my ex-wife present for verification purposes. I said some things I should not have said and left angry. The bank manager explained that verification was bank policy but had no answer for me when I asked why I was not approached to verify my signature on the previous check which I gave to her. I found out a few weeks later that the bank manager ( XXXX XXXX ) contacted my ex-wife claiming I had tried to cash a check without her signature. I responded that the bank manager better get her facts straight and I would be pursuing the matter. Bank policy I can understand but customers need to be treated fairly and equally. There were also confidentiality issues with the bank manager communicating as she did with my ex-wife. I believe bankers should be above reproach and honest but conscientious of confidentiality issues. At the very least that branch of the bank was guilty of impropriety. I should mention at this point that I am a quadriplegic unable to use my hands or my feet. Traveling 14 miles to the bank to cash that check was no small undertaking. I did have two caregivers with me who witnessed the entire event. They actually heard the manager say she recognized my ex-wife 's signature. Because of the different treatment I believe I was discriminated against due to the fact that I could not take care of my business as an able-bodied customer would have been. I have since moved my safe deposit box to a different branch of US Bank. I have filed an official complaint with the bank but have been told the manager would be handled internally. For resolution, I want two things. Number one, I want my check cashed. I need that money to pay my gas bill. Then money is rightfully mine and the check has been endorsed by myself and my ex-wife. I also want a written apology from the bank manager who crossed the line. I was told by conflict resolution that customers were never told the outcome of any disciplinary action and that I would not be allowed to cash my check without my ex-wife being present. I asked the bank conflict resolution person to send me a response in writing but it's been a week and I have not seen anything. I hope that you can assist me with this matter. There are more than enough frivolous lawsuits in this country that I should not have to seek legal recourse. Thank you for taking the time to read this.