Consumer complaint received 2025-05-23 00:00:00
Product: Checking or savings account — Checking account
Issue: Managing an account — Deposits and withdrawals
Company: SOUTHSTATE BANK CORPORATION
State: NY

Complaint narrative:
Absolutely here are your * * final, clean versions * * with the added detail that * * you were incurring and paying monthly service charges for nearly 15 years * *, even while the account was marked dormant. This underscores both the longevity of the relationship and the unjustified nature of the banks actions. 

-- - # # # CFPB Complaint SouthState Bank To the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ), I am submitting a formal complaint against SouthState Bank for the mishandling of my trust account and for engaging in conduct that I believe constitutes XXXX discrimination, in violation of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act ( ECOA ) and federal consumer protection laws. 

Account Type : Personal Trust Account Bank Name : SouthState Bank Issue Category : Account access denied / XXXX discrimination / Privacy violation Timeline of Events : On XX/XX/year> ( XXXX  ), I contacted SouthState Bank after discovering that my account had been marked dormant. I was told to expect a callback that day. No one contacted me. 

On XX/XX/year> ( XXXX  ), after a lengthy hold, I spoke with XXXX, a representative in SouthStates XXXX  department. She said the account could be reinstated if I submitted my government-issued ID and a completed form. I immediately complied. 

On XX/XX/year> ( XXXX  ), without warning, the requirement changedI was told I needed a notarized version of the form. I obtained and submitted the notarized documentation the same day. My account was deactivated shortly thereafter. 

On XX/XX/year> ( XXXX  ), my attorney spoke with XXXX and confirmed there was no fraudulent activity. 

On XX/XX/year> ( XXXX  ), believing the issue resolved, I provided trust account information to an escrow company for a wire transfer. 

On XX/XX/year> ( Friday ), the funds were receivedone day late, after unnecessary delays and reputational harm. 

Escalation and Invasive Conduct : In addition to deactivating my account without legitimate cause, SouthState Bank began contacting employees of my firm, XXXX XXXX, which has no involvement in my fathers estate or this trust account. Even more egregiously, they contacted a former employee of my father 's businesswithout my authorization. This individual had no current or legal role in the estate or trust administration. These unauthorized contacts represent serious breaches of confidentiality and demonstrate a pattern of overreach that appears targeted and discriminatory. 

Discriminatory Context : I am a XXXX professional who has served as Successor Trustee of my late fathers estate for my entire adult life. Both my father and I had longstanding, positive relationships with SouthState Bank. I have maintained the trust account in good standing for nearly 15 years, * * incurring and paying monthly service charges throughout that entire period * *, even while the account was marked dormant. 

The way I was treatedhaving my account marked as fraudulent despite valid ID and notarized documentationsuggests XXXX bias and profiling, especially given that the account was handled by XXXX, a representative from SouthState Banks mortgage department, which has a documented history of discrimination against XXXX borrowers. 

Requested Resolution : 1. Full investigation into SouthState Banks conduct and internal policies.

2. Written explanation and formal apology.

3. Assurance of enforcement and oversight related to anti-discrimination and privacy laws.

4. Regulatory consequences as appropriate to prevent recurrence of this type of misconduct. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation