Consumer complaint received 2025-05-01 00:00:00
Product: Checking or savings account — Checking account
Issue: Managing an account — Deposits and withdrawals
Company: JPMORGAN CHASE & CO.
State: MI

Complaint narrative:
My name is XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, and I am writing to formally file a complaint against JPMorgan Chase Bank regarding a serious issue that has resulted in both moral and financial harm. 

On XX/XX/year>, I visited my local Chase branch in XXXX, Michigan accompanied by my father-in-law XXXX XXXX, with the intent to deposit XXXX checks made payable to him into my personal checking account. The branch employee informed us that both our signatures on the back of the checks would suffice for the deposit to be processed. She accepted the checks, provided a receipt, and informed us that the funds would be available within XXXX business days. 

However, on the XXXX, I received an email from Chase stating that my account had been blocked due to suspected fraudulent activity. The message urged me to contact the Chase Security Department immediately to prevent account closure. On the XXXX upon calling, I explained that the checks belonged to my father-in-law, who is visiting from XXXX and is temporarily staying at my residence. The representative stated that a U.S.-based phone number registered in my father-in-laws name was required to verify the checks with him. I informed them that my father-in-law is not a U.S. resident
and only possesses a XXXX  phone number. Nevertheless, they insisted that the verification had to be conducted via a domestic line. We then returned to the branch to seek assistance, but the branch manager was unable to help, stating the issue could only be handled over the phone.

To comply with the request, my father-in-law purchased a prepaid U.S. SIM card. However, when we provided this number to Chase on the XXXX, we were told it was invalid, as the account holders name could not be verified. Despite explaining again that he is a foreign national temporarily visiting the U.S., we received no alternative options. He even attempted to obtain a phone plan using his ITIN, but was informed by XXXX that the number was not accepted for this purpose. 

When I contacted the security department again on the XXXX, I was informed that my account had already been closed and that the funds from the deposited checks would be held until direct contact could be made with my father-in-law. I requested that the checks be returned, but this request was denied. I then inquired how we could recover the funds, and was told we would need to contact the check issuers. 

When we contacted the issuers, they informed us that, since the checks had already been cached, they could not cancel or reissue them without committing a duplicate payment, and advised us to resolve the issue with the bank directly. 

As a result, we are currently unable to access the deposited funds, which have been withheld without a viable resolution. Additionally, my account was closed under allegations of fraud that are entirely unfounded. My father-in-law remains present in the United States, and we are able and willing to provide any necessary documentation to verify our relationship and the legitimacy of the transaction. He is also available for in-person verification. 

Just to clarify, my father in law had XXXX checks from the U.S even he lives in XXXX because he sold his house in Florida and these XXXX companies ( XXXX and XXXX XXXX owned him those amount related to the house. 

This situation has caused significant distress and financial inconvenience, and I am requesting an immediate review of this case and a resolution that includes the release of the withheld funds and the reversal of the unjust account closure. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation