Consumer complaint received 2024-05-15 00:00:00
Product: Checking or savings account — Other banking product or service
Issue: Closing an account — Company closed your account
Company: FIFTH THIRD FINANCIAL CORPORATION
State: IL

Complaint narrative:
I am writing to report a series of violations of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, and, my civil rights.

Here is a short list of the federal violations 42 USC 408 SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS ARE NOT REQUIRED 15 USC 1611 CRIMINAL LIABILITY 15 USC 1602 ( G ) THE CONSUMER IS THE CREDITOR 12 USC 1431 BANKS BORROW MONEY 12 USC 1002 EQUAL CREDIT OPPORTUNITY ACT 18 USC 241 CONSPIRACY AGAINST RIGHTS 15 USC 1691 ( d ) ( 6 ) ADVERSE ACTION 15 USC 1962E ( 9 ) FALSE AND MISLEADING REPRESENTATIONS 15 USC 1691 ( E ) DISCRIMINATION I have been a customer of Fifth Third Bank in XXXX, Illinois for several years. I have been denied business credit multiple times despite the information presented in their business Account policy. 
On XX/XX/2024 I visited the XXXX Illinois branch for information regarding business services, and I was met with the same discouraging information. The bank manager insisted for my business to qualify for finances I would have to sign a personal guarantee, and as I stated above, the policy states there are NO COLLATERAL REQUIREMENTS. I then asked the manager if could she direct me to where the policy states personal guarantees are a requirement, and she couldnt. 
She contacted someone named XXXX to help her with this particular request, and they decided that offering me a credit application with the word XXXX was sufficient proof. I then informed the bank manager that I had begun XXXX XXXX XXXX  that I was aware that she violated the Truth In Lending Act, that, and had told me false and misleading statements, and that it appeared that her actions were intentional. 
She asked why did I believe that, and as I began to recount the events of our last exchange, she began to yell at me, the bank manager accused me of yelling first, and when I disagreed, she blamed her response on my attitude. At this point, another female associate began to yell at me, and when I asked What are you doing? She became defensive and said I had brought her into it by retelling what happened during my last visit.

I asked them both to not yell at me and began to leave. The Bank manager and the associate insisted that I refused to be the guarantor and that any difficulty I was experiencing was a result of that. I then told her that I would be reporting this exchange and that I was certain I was correct in this matter. I then told her that it was insulting to offer an application as proof of policy, and she replied, That's all I have for you As I began to leave, I told her that I was sure that she was being dishonest and I was glad that it was on the record She then asked me if I was recording her, and I replied, What?

She then stated, Since youre recording me without my permission, I am going to use my bank protection. I had no clue what she was talking about, and how she concluded I was recording her.

Side Note : I went to the bank specifically to get confirmation of fraud being committed, and in her panic, she forgot that she was surrounded by cameras, when this goes to court, I would like the footage to be subpoenaed.

Also in Illinois, if you're suspicious of a crime being committed, you can record another person without their consent. Even though I didnt record the bank manager, lawfully I could have. 











For Your Consideration : Illinois Compiled Statues Chapter XXXX XXXX ( i ) Recording of a conversation made by or at the request of a person, not a law enforcement officer or agent of a law enforcement officer, who is a party to the conversation, under reasonable suspicion that another party to the conversation is committing, is about to commit or has committed a criminal offense against the person or a member of his or her immediate household, and there is reason to believe that evidence of the criminal offense may be obtained by the recording ; On XX/XX/2024 I received a letter by certified mail informing me that my accounts had been closed due to inappropriate behavior, and, that I was banned from all Fifth Third Bank locations, and, that I would be prosecuted for trespassing if I didnt obey the order. 
I am disappointed at the fact that the bank manager could so easily and intentionally affect my business, break federal laws, and fabricate some events to protect herself. The fact I can be slandered my character defamed and falsely accused of inappropriate behavior without investigation, is quite disturbing.

The bank managers reaction seems a bit extreme, and considering the situation, I am led to believe was done maliciously.

I would appreciate it if this situation could be investigated, or if I could be directed to the agency or individuals that could assist me in this matter.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation