Consumer complaint received 2025-04-22 00:00:00
Product: Checking or savings account — Checking account
Issue: Managing an account — Deposits and withdrawals
Company: BANK OF AMERICA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
State: CA

Complaint narrative:
I am a victim of a XXXX fraud scheme in which a scammer impersonated my internship supervisor, a licensed attorney and public official, and instructed me to deposit a check and send XXXX transfers totaling {$2300.00}. 
Although I initiated the XXXX transfers from my own device, I was acting under deception and manipulation. The scammer used a spoofed professional email account and posed as a senior figure in a legal setting, instructing me to urgently fulfill a work-related task involving reimbursement and tax-related explanations. I believed the request was legitimate and acted in good faith. 
Critically, the check I deposited did not contain my signature, and I never physically signed anything. The image I uploaded was not a paper check in my possessionit was a digital image file sent to me by the scammer. I uploaded it through Bank of Americas mobile app, assuming it would go through proper verification. Before uploading the check, I actually questioned whether it was legitimate, as it lacked my signature and seemed suspicious. I assumed the system would reject it but when it was accepted and the funds showed as available, I was genuinely shocked and misled into believing the check had cleared. 
Despite lacking a signature and being only a digital copy, the bank system accepted the image as valid, and the funds were shown as available the very next day, which strongly reinforced the impression that the check had cleared. I reasonably relied on this system message when fulfilling what I thought were valid employer instructions. 
After realizing the scam, I immediately filed a police report ( XXXX XXXX. XXXX ) and contacted the bank. I was informed that the investigation might take up to 45 days and that temporary credit might be issued. I proactively asked how to submit my documentation ( police report, communications ), but no channel was provided to upload anything. 
On XX/XX/year>, I received a letter stating the check was fictitious and that I needed to immediately repay {$2300.00}. I mailed a formal dispute letter with documentation via certified mail on XX/XX/XXXX. However, when I called that day to follow up, I was told that the claim had already been closed without ever speaking to me or reviewing the documents. I was put on hold for 20 minutes and no representative ever came back to help. 
I acted in good faith and cooperated throughout. I was not given a fair chance to explain or provide evidence. I respectfully request : A pause on all collection activity or credit reporting until this matter is fully re-investigated ; A reinvestigation of the fraudulent origin of the check and the induced nature of the transfers ; Consideration for full or partial reimbursement under CFPB consumer protection guidelines.

I have attached supporting documentation to substantiate my claims, including : 1. Front and back images of the unsigned check I was misled into depositing 2. The return item notice from XX/XX/year> 3. My police report ( XXXX XXXX. XXXX ) 4. The claim denial letter dated XX/XX/year> XXXX. My formal dispute letter to Bank of America 6. Screenshot of process the check 7. Certified mail receipt showing timely submission 8. My IC3 cybercrime complaint report 9. Successful depost the check

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