Consumer complaint received 2025-07-07 00:00:00
Product: Checking or savings account — Checking account
Issue: Closing an account — Funds not received from closed account
Company: CITIBANK, N.A.
State: NJ

Complaint narrative:
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXX, NJ XXXX XXXX ( XXXX ) XXXX Date : XX/XX/year> To : Customer Assistance Group Consumer Financial Protection Bureau XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX Subject : Formal Complaint Against Citibank Seized Funds and Withheld Check Without Justification Dear OCC Customer Assistance Group, I am writing to formally lodge a complaint against Citibank, N.A., concerning the unjustified XXXX and withholding of funds from my business account, following the deposit of a legitimate check. 
On XX/XX/year>, Check No. XXXX, in the amount of {$15000.00}, issued by XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, was deposited into my business account under the name XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX ( Citibank account number XXXX ). On XX/XX/year>, I attempted to withdraw funds, but was unexpectedly denied access and informed that the check had been flagged as fake. 
Immediately, I contacted the check issuer, XXXX XXXX XXXX, who confirmed that he had been called by Citibank. However, during the call, he was asked whether he had issued a check for $ XXXX {$15000.00}, which was the actual amount he had written. Naturally, he declined, as this was incorrect information presented by the bank. 
On XX/XX/year>, I visited the Citibank branch located at XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX, NJ, accompanied by XXXX XXXX, the check issuer, to clarify the situation and present evidence. Despite our effort to clear up the matter and provide confirmation from the issuer, Citibank informed us that a decision had already been made to close the account and that a cashiers check representing the account balance would be mailed to me within 30 to 60 days. 
On XX/XX/year>, I received a bank statement reflecting my total account balance as {$60000.00}. However, the cashiers check I received was for only {$44000.00}, with {$15000.00} missingthe exact amount of the deposited check that had been flagged. 
I contacted Citibanks fraud department seeking an explanation. Their only response was that the check was fake, without providing any documentation or basis for that determination. Seeking further clarity, I visited XXXXXXXX XXXX the issuer 's bank, and met with XXXX XXXX ( XXXX, Branch Manager ). She confirmed that the {$15000.00} check was legitimate, cleared, and fully paid by their bank on XX/XX/year>, and provided printed confirmation of this transaction. 
Despite numerous requests for documentation, clarification, and justification from Citibank, I have not received any consistent or adequate response. No policy, legal explanation, or regulatory basis has been provided for the XXXX of these funds. 
This experience has caused me serious financial harm, disrupted my business operations, and led to unnecessary stress. I believe Citibanks actions are not only unprofessional and negligent, but potentially in violation of banking regulations and consumer protection laws overseen by the OCC.

I respectfully request that the OCC : Conduct a thorough investigation into this matter ; Hold Citibank accountable for any misconduct ; Require Citibank to return or release the withheld {$15000.00} ; Provide written clearance affirming that no fake check was ever deposited into my business account to protect my reputation and future financial credibility. 
Attached are relevant documents, including : My Citibank account statement ; A copy of the disputed check ; Confirmation from XXXX XXXX ; Correspondence with Citibank ; Any other pertinent records. 
Thank you for your attention to this serious matter. I am available at your convenience should you require additional information or clarification. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX

Company public response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation