Consumer complaint received 2025-11-11 00:00:00
Product: Checking or savings account — Checking account
Issue: Managing an account — Deposits and withdrawals
Company: FIFTH THIRD FINANCIAL CORPORATION
State: IL

Complaint narrative:
I would like to file a complaint against Fifth Third Bank. This is the XXXX incident Ive had with this bank where the bank has either held funds longer than expected or not wanted to release available funds for suspicion of fraud. This most recent incident involves Fifth Third freezing my account and access to my online banking after I made several in person withdrawals from my account over a XXXX day period. I was questioned about the depositor and reason for deposit at XXXX separate locations when the depositor information is visible. The depositor and reason for deposit is of a sensitive nature that involves my medical history. The XXXX bank branches that felt the need to interrogate me with sensitive questions at the tellers stand were the following : XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX IL XXXX and XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX, IL XXXX. XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX bank branch was my first withdrawal. I never suggested that I wanted to close my account but was asked if that was my intention after my first withdrawalstrange. Of note, I was treated with respect with privacy violation at the other bank branches. The reason for multiple withdrawals is reported limited cash availability at certain branches. In fact, I was advised to got to the XXXX XXXX location after visiting another XXXX XXXX location with limited cash availability. I was asked why I had received the funds from the depositor and then asked what I planned to do with the cash withdrawn. I made it clear that I was not under any duress. In an effort to avoid any issues, I initially explained my travel plans to XXXX teller but grew frustrated with the line of questioning. After my fourth withdrawal, the banker at the Fifth Third branch at the XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, IL reported fraud to lock my account. This is AFTER I presented identification and had been verified with release of requested funds. This was retaliatory as I had refused to explain why the social security administration had funded my account or what I intended to do with the funds ( in this public space ). Why does the social security administration pay out? Was it really necessary to explain my medical conditions to the bankers? Is that not a private matter? And why do I need to explain my reasoning for withdrawal of monies when the funds are available to be withdrawn? Is this not another private matter? I could easy make up a reason but why do I need to do any of this. Again, I was not under duress nor did I appear to be under distress. 

After realizing that my account had been frozen, approximately 30 minutes after leaving the bank branch mentioned earlier, I reached out to Fifth Third Bank by phone. A specialist in the fraud department told me that the account was frozen for the following reasons : 1 ) the deposit had come thru from the social security administration with no name or person identified as the recipient 2 ) there had been a fraud alert on the account for this reason ( not true as I had made several withdrawals ) 3 ) the deposited amount was suspicious due to the large balance and 4 ) my withdrawals were suspicious. It is very hard to believe that the deposit had no name attached to it but I will confirm with the SSA. There had been no fraud alert on the account as I had been using the card and making withdrawals so the fraud alert specialist lied. The amount of the deposit is relative. Was it a large amount for a women of XXXX? The payout was for XXXX years of XXXX. I have been paying into social security for over XXXX  years with relatively high earnings over the last decade prior to XXXX. I shouldnt have to explain this to Fifth Third Bank. Finally, I was asked to present my social security documentation to the bank to unlock my account as there was a concern for fraud. This comes after the monies have been deposited for several days without any freeze or fraud alerts. After I presented my paperwork ( same day different branch ), I was again asked by a telephone representative why I was withdrawing the monies? I again stated that my reasons were personal and I was not under any duress. I was advised by this same representative that my banking accounts would be closed. My account remained locked so I was unable to see any activities prior to closure of all accounts. The balances was withdrawn in cash and a cashiers check. To date, I am unable to open the account to review prior activities and payments including XXXX payments and XXXX activities although I still have a credit card with Fifth Third Bank. 

Todays experience is a reminder of why I do not trust banking institutions and chose to limit my activities. There was no respect for my privacy. These bankers have access to all my data while interrogating me about a deposit from a federal agency. During a time when tensions are high with government shut downs and talk of bank closures, I chose to protect my assets by limiting exposure. 

I believe this was motivated by retaliation and racism. I was judged the moment I presented for withdrawal. I was repeatedly told that it was a large deposit. A large deposit for whom? Clearly, these institutions dont really understand how social security backpay works. I was repeatedly asked where the money had come from when that information was visible on their screensand I was repeatedly asked what I was planning to do with the money after I presented with legal identification and bank card. 

Respectfully, XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation