Consumer complaint received 2024-09-05 00:00:00
Product: Checking or savings account — Checking account
Issue: Managing an account — Problem using a debit or ATM card
Company: BANK OF AMERICA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
State: TX

Complaint narrative:
**Direct Notice of Intent to Sue Bank of America** Bank of America [ Address of Bank 's Legal Department or Registered Agent ] [ City, State, Zip Code ] Date : [ Insert Date ] Subject : Notice of Intent to Sue for Involvement in Facilitating Illegal Gambling Activities with XXXX To Whom It May Concern : This letter serves as formal notice of my intent to pursue legal action against Bank of America ( BOA ) for its role in facilitating illegal gambling activities associated with XXXX. Evidence has shown that XXXX made 26 separate admissions to BOA, explicitly stating that they operate as an online casino and allow over/under sports bets in Texas. These activities are in direct violation of Texas Penal Code 47.02, which prohibits such gambling unless explicitly permitted, and are further subject to federal regulations under the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act ( UIGEA ). 

XXXX ' repeated admissions to BOA outline operations that contravene Texas and federal laws. BOAs continued processing of transactions for XXXX, despite these admissions, indicates a failure to comply with legal obligations under UIGEA, which prohibits financial institutions from processing transactions related to unlawful internet gambling. This repeated involvement establishes BOA 's complicity in facilitating XXXX illegal operations, making BOA liable for damages resulting from these unlawful transactions. 

My claims against BOA will include : 1. **Violation of UIGEA** : BOA 's processing of financial transactions linked to XXXX  illegal gambling activities directly contravenes UIGEA. The 26 admissions provide clear evidence that these transactions involved unlawful gambling, yet BOA failed to take appropriate action to halt its involvement. 

2. **Negligent Misrepresentation and Fraud** : BOA relied on repeated misrepresentations made by XXXX  regarding the legality of its operations. By facilitating these transactions, BOA misled users and financial institutions about the nature of XXXX business, resulting in financial harm. 

3. **Potential RICO Violations** : The pattern of transactions facilitated by BOA, despite clear evidence of illegal activity, may also constitute a violation under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act ( RICO ). BOAs involvement in processing these transactions is part of a broader scheme that includes wire fraud and misrepresentation. 

As part of the relief sought, I demand that BOA immediately release all funds held in connection with this matter. Additionally, BOA is required to provide interest on any funds that were improperly withheld or delayed as a result of its involvement with XXXX ' illegal gambling activities. This demand is made to ensure that all parties affected are fully compensated for any financial losses incurred due to BOAs actions. 

I intend to seek all available legal remedies, including damages, interest on funds withheld, and an injunction to stop BOA from further processing transactions related to XXXX illegal gambling operations. If BOA wishes to avoid litigation, I am open to discussing a settlement that addresses the harm caused by your involvement. However, if a satisfactory resolution can not be reached promptly, I will proceed with filing a lawsuit. 

Please consider this letter your final notice of my intent to sue. If you have any questions or wish to discuss this matter further, you may contact me directly at [ Your Contact Information ]. I expect a response within 10 business days of receipt of this notice. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Based on the detailed analysis of XXXX ' repeated admissions to Bank of America ( BOA ) about operating an online casino and allowing sports bets in Texas, your best course of action is to aggressively pursue summary judgment. Heres a structured assessment and recommended steps to maximize your chances of success : # # # **Assessment and Recommended Best Course of Action : ** # # # # **1. Leverage Repeated Admissions for Summary Judgment : ** **Strategy : ** - **Highlight Consistency and Frequency** : Emphasize that XXXX made these admissions 26 times to BOA, underscoring a consistent pattern rather than isolated errors. This demonstrates willful or reckless disregard for the legality of their operations in Texas. 
- **Show Lack of Genuine Dispute** : Argue that these admissions leave no room for a genuine dispute over the material facts concerning XXXX illegal gambling operations. Focus on the straightforward interpretation of Texas law and UIGEA that prohibits such activities. 

**Action Steps : ** - **Compile Evidence** : Gather and organize all communications where XXXX made these admissions to BOA. Include affidavits, correspondence, and any available documentation showing the 26 repeated statements.

- **Develop a Clear Argument** : Structure your motion for summary judgment to clearly outline how each element of your claims is satisfied by the repeated admissions and how these admissions demonstrate violations of state and federal law. 
- **Request Specific Relief** : Ask the court to grant summary judgment in your favor, including specific relief such as damages, cessation of XXXX ' operations in Texas, and any other remedies that address the harm caused by the illegal activities.

# # # # **2. Include BOA to Expand the Scope of Accountability : ** **Strategy : ** - **Involve BOA as a Complicit Party** : Highlight BOAs role in processing transactions for XXXX. This can add weight to your case by showing how XXXX  ' misrepresentations had broader implications, including potential violations by financial institutions. 
- **Broaden Legal Focus** : By including BOA, you can argue that the financial ecosystem enabling XXXX operations also needs scrutiny, which can pressure BOA to distance itself from XXXX or take corrective actions. 

**Action Steps : ** - **Notify BOA** : Consider notifying BOA formally about the ongoing legal proceedings and their involvement as presented by XXXX admissions. This could potentially lead to BOA cooperating with your case or taking steps to mitigate their own risk. 
- **Incorporate BOA in Claims** : If appropriate, modify your claims or add BOA as a party to demonstrate the interconnectedness of the illegal activities. This can add leverage in negotiations or during trial, as BOAs potential liability may drive settlement discussions.

# # # # **3. Anticipate and Counter XXXX and BOA Defenses : ** **Strategy : ** - **Preemptively Address Defenses** : Be prepared for XXXX  to argue that the admissions were mischaracterized, misunderstood, or otherwise not indicative of illegal conduct. Also, anticipate BOAs potential defense of being an unknowing participant. 
- **Emphasize Frequency and Clarity** : Repeatedly stress the 26 instances of admissions and the direct nature of these statements. Argue that such frequency indicates a deliberate and knowing acknowledgment of their operations rather than any plausible defense of error or misunderstanding. 

**Action Steps : ** - **Develop Counterarguments** : Outline clear, concise rebuttals to potential defenses, using legal precedents and the facts of your case. Show that the repeated nature of the admissions negates claims of mistake or mischaracterization. 
- **Use Expert Testimony if Necessary** : Consider bringing in legal or industry experts to testify on the typical understanding of online casino and sports betting within legal contexts, reinforcing that XXXX statements were clearly out of compliance with Texas law XXXX 

# # # # **4. Prepare for Settlement Negotiations : ** **Strategy : ** - **Leverage Strong Position for Settlement** : Use the strength of your summary judgment motion and the potential liability facing both XXXX and BOA to push for a settlement. Emphasize the risk both entities face if the case goes to trial, including financial penalties and reputational damage. 
- **Define Settlement Terms Clearly** : Outline the terms you are willing to accept in a settlement, including compensation, cessation of illegal operations, and public acknowledgment of wrongdoing. 

**Action Steps : ** - **Initiate Discussions** : Once your summary judgment motion is filed and served, initiate settlement discussions with XXXX  and, if applicable, BOA. Highlight the risk and exposure they face in continuing the litigation. 
- **Be Prepared to Walk Away** : If settlement offers are insufficient or not in line with your goals, be ready to proceed to trial. Your strong legal position based on the repeated admissions provides a solid foundation for litigation if necessary. 

# # # **Conclusion : ** Your best course of action is to aggressively pursue summary judgment by leveraging XXXX ' repeated admissions to BOA as clear, undisputed evidence of illegal operations. Including BOA in the case can further strengthen your claims by showing the broader impact and involvement of financial institutions. By addressing potential defenses preemptively and preparing for both litigation and settlement negotiations, you position yourself optimally to achieve a favorable outcome.

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