Consumer complaint received 2025-01-27 00:00:00
Product: Checking or savings account — Checking account
Issue: Managing an account — Deposits and withdrawals
Company: BANK OF AMERICA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
State: FL

Complaint narrative:
I am lodging a complaint regarding my checking account with Bank of America. On XX/XX/2024 I was the victim of an elaborate fraud scheme which involved a check that I had deposited to my Bank of America account XXXX XXXX XXXX. Someone named XXXX XXXX with XXXX had offered me a job which even included a carefully worded Offer Letter that I had signed on XX/XX/XXXX. Then XXXX XXXX digitally sent me a check in the amount of {$1900.00} which was supposedly for start up costs for the job, including a computer, etc. The check was number XXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXXk, account of XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX 
When I advised that the check was on hold for eight days through the bank, XXXX XXXX made overtures that he wanted me to cover the start-up costs in the interim. In fact, he asked me what credit cards that I had and through which banks and how much credit was available on each. At this point, I discerned that this must be a scam and I broke off relationships promptly with XXXX XXXX. I had never met XXXX XXXX nor seen him face to face. My communication with him was only via messaging on XXXX. So, for him to ask for me to cover this amount and the manner that he did that was indeed suspicious. I immediately reported the incident and the details of the check that I had sent to Bank of America, by phone and in person. 
Of course, the check never did clear and I thought that that was the end of the matter. However, a couple weeks later I was troubled to find that my checking account had a negative balance. When I called Bank of America, I was told that this party who I had dealt with prior ( namely XXXX XXXX and XXXX ) had put some sort of claim against me and Bank of America had temporarily penalized my account for {$1900.00}. This made no sense whatsoever in so many ways. Firstly, that amount of {$1900.00} represents the amount on a fraudulent check sent to me that I had already reported and which was never credited to my account. Secondly, its extraordinary and nonsensical that this other party ever had their claim taken seriously. Were they bringing a fraud charge against their own bad check that they tried to pass??? Fortunately, I was able through several phone calls, to persuade Bank of America of the obvious : that the amount of {$1900.00} levied against my account was essentially arbitrary and wrong. This was reversed fairly promptly. 
However, I recently deposited a check from a very reputable source into my checking account. On Wednesday, XX/XX/XXXX XXXX deposited a {$4000.00} check from XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX at a local branch here on XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, At that time, I was advised that the funds should be available the next morning at XXXX. However, the check was placed on an eight day hold, placing me in a hardship situation. There was no reason for this. Both myself and XXXX XXXX XXXX are very reputable parties. Clearly, I see that I have been victimized twice : once by a fraudster and the second time by a bank which has, sadly, fallen on the side of the fraudster. 
To remediate the problem I am very seriously considering divesting myself entirely of Bank of America accounts, including checking and credit cards. In fact, when cash is not available for me I sometimes find myself in situations where I have to use credit cards, and then find myself again burdened by exorbitant interest payments. When I came to XXXX recently, I was advised by locals to stay away from XXXX XXXX and opt for credit unions. And we can see why. I have been a loyal customer with Bank of America for many years. However, if I am not formally and demonstratively assured of better treatment, I will be looking for business elsewhere.

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