Consumer complaint received 2025-12-09 00:00:00
Product: Checking or savings account — Checking account
Issue: Managing an account — Deposits and withdrawals
Company: JPMORGAN CHASE & CO.
State: NY

Complaint narrative:
I am filing this complaint because JPMorgan Chase Bank closed my bank account and wrongfully kept approximately {$1200.00} of my earned wages, which were deposited via direct deposit from my employer in XX/XX/year>. These funds are my salary, belong exclusively to me, and were not connected in any way to the check that Chase claimed was under investigation. Despite multiple attempts to resolve this directly with the bank, Chase has refused to return my money.

Detailed explanation of what happened : I was the sole owner of a checking account with Chase. In early XXXX, I deposited a check on behalf of another person as a favor. Chase placed that check on hold and later decided to close my account, claiming that the check was being investigated.

Even though the check did not belong to me, was not issued to me, and was unrelated to my personal funds, Chase froze my account and permanently kept the money that was inside at the time of the closure.

The funds that Chase kept were not related to the check under investigation. 
They were solely my earningsapproximately $ XXXX to me by my employer. These were direct deposits of my regular wages, deposited legally and legitimately. 

Once the account was closed, I immediately contacted Chase numerous times by phone and in person at different branches. I clearly explained that the money being withheld was my salary and that I had nothing to do with any alleged issue regarding the third-party check. Despite this, Chase repeatedly refused to release my wages. 

Why this is a serious problem : My wages are legally protected, and banks are not allowed to confiscate or retain a consumers earned income without a lawful reason. The money Chase kept was not fraudulent, was not part of any dispute, and had no connection whatsoever to the check deposited by someone else.

By holding my salary, Chase deprived me of access to essential living funds, including money needed for rent, food, childcare, and transportation. This caused me significant financial stress and hardship.

Chase has never provided a valid justification for withholding my wages. Their actions appear to violate federal consumer protection laws, including : Regulations governing unauthorized holds and account closures Rules requiring banks to release funds not involved in an investigation The basic requirement that financial institutions act fairly and transparently What I am requesting from the CFPB : 1. The immediate return of my {$1200.00} in earned wages.

2. A complete written explanation from Chase regarding why they kept my salary and under what authority.

3. A full review of Chases handling of my account closure and the improper retention of my personal funds.

4. Assurance that Chase will correct this issue and prevent similar harm to other consumers. 

I am respectfully requesting the CFPBs help because I have exhausted all efforts with Chase, and the bank continues to deny me access to my legally earned money. I believe I have been treated unfairly, and I am seeking justice and the return of the wages that rightfully belong to me. 

Thank you for your assistance. 



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Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation