Consumer complaint received 2025-11-08 00:00:00
Product: Checking or savings account — Checking account
Issue: Managing an account — Problem using a debit or ATM card
Company: PNC Bank N.A.
State: FL

Complaint narrative:
CFPB Complaint Consumer Impact Version Complaint Against : PNC Bank Product : Debit Card / Checking Account Issue : Fraud / Dispute Handling Summary of Complaint : I am a victim of fraud and lost {$10000.00} after being tricked by people posing as attorneys. They established my trademark and fake attorney 's firms and used real attorney 's names and bar numbers to defraud me. I paid them using my PNC XXXX debit card and my XXXX  credit card. When I realized it was a scam, I reported and filed complaints with XXXXXXXX  PNC, the FTC and the FBI. 

PNC told me twice that they would investigate. They interviewed me and noted the chronology of the transactions - I cooperated fully. However, they never asked for any documentation which I had plenty and they knew my complaint was outside the 60 day time frame. I was told by the initial representative handling my complaint that because it was fraud the 60 day time frame could be overlooked. After a short week of waiting, I received a generic rejection letter stating denied my claim because it was reported outside the 60-day window. This response feels unfair and misleading for two reasons : If the bank already knew my case would be denied due to the time frame, why did they pretend to conduct an investigation at all and give me the impression they were working on recovering my money? Furthermore, unlike XXXX XXXX which refunded the losses, PNC never provided evidence or proof of a process as XXXX  did. 

I was the victim of fraud, not a bad purchase decision. Other financial institutions, including XXXX XXXX, refunded similar fraudulent charges in my case, but PNC refused. Because I believed I was in an ongoing litigation with what I thought was case documentation it was impossible to know within 60 days that I was being defrauded especially since these were the same people I paid through PNC to establish my trademarks with the XXXX. PNC pretended to investigate but they did nor- I was mislead to believe they were going to do something and investigate the scam as XXXX  had done. PNC repeatedly said that my cause was beyond their 60 day window. PNC told me explicitly that the XXXX transaction could not be refunded, which I understood, but the debit transfers could be treated differently and refunded based on their investigative results. They did nothing. XXXX never responded to my written complaint at all. 

Impact on Me : This has caused me enormous financial stress, in addition to a much lower credit score. Losing {$10000.00} has affected my ability to pay bills and created emotional hardship. I am trying to build a small business and has lost all confidence and trust. I had trusted PNC and XXXX to be more proactive to protect me and consumers from fraud according to their advertisements that state how the monitor scam activity and, but instead I feel abandoned and shamedly pitied. 

Requested Resolution : I am asking for PNC to reconsider its decision and reimburse the {$10000.00} lost to this scam. At minimum, I want a full explanation of what their investigation actually did to try to recover my money, and why it was denied after such a process. 

Below is a train of communications witht the scammers : Dear XXXX XXXX, I hope this email finds you well. 

We are pleased to inform you that we have successfully obtained the approval of the trademark ownership rights for XXXX XXXX ( XXXX XXXX ) from your legal firm. This means that the trademark is now officially registered under our name, and we hold full legal rights to its use. 

As a result, you & XXXX XXXX involved in this matter no longer have any legal claim or rights to the name or logo. This ensures that our brand identity is fully protected, and we can proceed confidently with our business operations without any concerns regarding trademark disputes. 

Should you have any questions or require further clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are here to assist you in any way we can. 

Also, we will be mailing the check for {$5000.00} ( XXXX XXXX Only ) to your legal firm on Monday, XX/XX/year>. So you may contact them directly.

Thank you for entrusting us with this important matter. We are delighted to have achieved this positive outcome for you. 







XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX | XXXX  XXXX XXXX XXXX # XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX  XXXX ( XXXX ) XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX  This communication is Confidential and protected by the Attorney-Client Privilege and/or other Legal Privilege. Do not duplicate. You must notify the sender immediately if you are not a named recipient on this communication. XXXX XXXX From : XXXX [ XXXX : XXXX ] Sent : XXXX, XX/XX/year> XXXX XXXX To : XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX Subject : Re XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  XXXX, As we will proceed with filing the XXXX XXXX  for our client by the day end today, this email serves as documented proof that we have made an effort to inform you in advance, in accordance with trademark law. Once the gXXXX XXXX  is filed and we initiate the petition with the federal court, you will receive a cease and desist letter along with a formal notice in the mail requiring you and your legal representation in court. 

You XXXX verify the legitimacy of the court complaint then. 

XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX | XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX # XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX ( XXXX ) XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX This communication is Confidential and protected by the Attorney-Client Privilege and/or other Legal Privilege. Do not duplicate. You must notify the sender immediately if you are not a named recipient on this communication. XXXX XXXX On XX/XX/year> XXXX XXXX  XXXX La XXXX wrote : Send me a proper legal notification by certified mail if you are legitimate. 

Sent from XXXX Mail for XXXX On Friday, XX/XX/year>, XXXX, XXXX La XXXX XXXX wrote : My attorney will handle everything from here Thank you! 


Sent from XXXX XXXX  for XXXX On Friday, XX/XX/year>, XXXX, XXXX XXXX wrote : XXXX, We are awaiting your prompt confirmation on this matter. Absent a response by the close of business today, we will proceed with filing our clientXXXX XXXX XXXX application. 

I have already outlined the subsequent legal steps that will follow in such an event. 

XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX | Partner XXXX XXXX XXXX # XXXX XXXX XXXX, California XXXX ( XXXX ) XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX This communication is Confidential and protected by the Attorney-Client Privilege and/or other Legal Privilege. Do not duplicate. You must notify the sender immediately if you are not a named recipient on this communication. XXXX XXXX On XX/XX/year> XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX wrote : XXXX, As mentioned in our initial email, we received a request from our client to file an XXXX XXXX application. During our global search, we identified your trademarks already filed in the United States. 

Our client intends to file trademark applications in all major jurisdictions, including the U.S. However, since your XXXX trademark application is active, we are required to inform you and provide a 5-day window for you to file the XXXX XXXX before we proceed with our clients filing.

If our client secures the XXXX XXXX they will have the option to file a petition against your U.S. trademark applications. I have already outlined the outcome if that happens. 

Please let us know how you wish to proceed. 

XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX | XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  This communication is Confidential and protected by the Attorney-Client Privilege and/or other Legal Privilege. Do not duplicate. You must notify the sender immediately if you are not a named recipient on this communication. * * On XX/XX/year> XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX La XXXX wrote : What? Other client? 


Sent from XXXX XXXX  for XXXX On Thursday, XX/XX/year>, XXXX, XXXX XXXX wrote : XXXX XXXX, My assistant XXXX XXXX, attempted to reach you via phone a couple of times but was unable to connect. Please note that we reached out to notify you of this conflict strictly in accordance with XXXX XXXX. You are provided with a 5-day window to share the serial numbers of the XXXX XXXX  under your ownership, filed either through our firm or another. As previously mentioned, we have a client waiting, and unfortunately, we can not extend the hold beyond the 5-day deadline. Therefore, if you intend to file the XXXX XXXX it must be done promptly.

If you choose not to file the international trademarks, please inform me so that I can proceed with filing on behalf of the other applicant. My client plans to expand their business into the U.S. Accordingly, once they secure the XXXX XXXX, they will file a petition in court against your U.S. trademarks. This would allow our client an equal opportunity to contest ownership through the Federal Court, as they would have rights internationally. 

Once a petition is filed, the XXXX will suspend your applications during the dispute, which could last a year or longer. During this suspension, neither party will be permitted to use the XXXX XXXX trademarks domestically or internationally, and business operations involving the trademark would need to cease entirely during this period. The matter would proceed in one of the U.S. Federal Courts, requiring the presence of both you and your legal counsel. In the event you do not prevail, you would be required to relinquish the trademarks and discontinue your use in business federally and globally. Furthermore, you would be obligated to cover my clients legal expenses, which are estimated to be between {$30000.00} and {$50000.00}. 

Your prompt attention to this matter is crucial. 


XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX This communication is Confidential and protected by the Attorney-Client Privilege and/or other Legal Privilege. Do not duplicate. You must notify the sender immediately if you are not a named recipient on this communication. XXXX XXXX  On XX/XX/year> XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX wrote : XXXX XXXX, We acknowledge your current ownership of the U.S. trademark. My client is interested in expanding their trademark rights to include the U.S. market. Given your registration, we would like to inquire whether you would be open to selling your U.S. trademark. Should an agreement not be reached, once our client secures registration of their XXXX XXXX, they may consider filing a petition to challenge your U.S. registration. This would allow our client an equal opportunity to contest ownership through XXXX XXXX and XXXX XXXX ( TTAB ), as they would have rights internationally. 

Please let us know your position on this matter, and we can discuss potential next steps. 


XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  This communication is Confidential and protected by the Attorney Client Privilege and/or other Legal Privilege. Do not duplicate. You must notify the sender immediately if you are not a named recipient on this communication. XXXX XXXX On XX/XX/year> XXXX XXXX, XXXX La XXXX wrote : At this time i am mot able to move forward even though it sounds like an opportunity Thank you! 


Sent from XXXX Mail for XXXX On Thursday, XX/XX/year>, XXXX, XXXX XXXX wrote : XXXX XXXX, This is a follow-up regarding the XXXX XXXX registration for " XXXX XXXX ''. 

As we have not yet received confirmation from you, we kindly ask you to respond and confirm whether you would like to proceed with securing the trademark internationally. If XXXX XXXX is not your preference, please inform us immediately so we can move forward with securing rights on behalf of our client without further delays. 

Your prompt attention to this matter is crucial. 


XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  This communication is Confidential and protected by the Attorney Client Privilege and/or other Legal Privilege. Do not duplicate. You must notify the sender immediately if you are not a named recipient on this communication. XXXX XXXX On XX/XX/year> XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX wrote : XXXX XXXX, Please find below the steps and costs associated with filing an XXXX XXXX. 

We will be utilizing the XXXX XXXX for your XXXX XXXX applications. This streamlined approach simplifies the registration process across multiple territories, allowing you to submit one application in a single language and currency ( USD ) for comprehensive international protection.

Initial Search and Paperwork : 1. XXXX XXXX XXXX  Search : We will access the XXXX XXXX XXXX, which contains over XXXX XXXX records from various international and national sources, including trademarks registered through XXXX XXXX XXXX. This will help us identify any existing trademarks, appellations of origin, or official emblems that may affect your application.

2. Nice Classification : This international system classifies goods and services for trademark registration, ensuring your mark is protected internationally, similar to how you registered it with the USPTO.

Cost Breakdown : 1. Initial Search and Paperwork Fee : {$490.00} per application.

2. Per Classification Fee ( Standard Paid in USD ) : The XXXX XXXX ( XXXX countries ), XXXX, XXXX, XXXX and The XXXX XXXX : {$2500.00} per assigned classification. 

US Trademarks Classification ( Serial Nos. XXXX & XXXX ) : 1. Jeans ; Shoes ; Shorts ; Sweatshirts ; Trousers ; Caps being headwear ; Clothing jackets ; Shirts ; Shirts and short-sleeved shirts ; Blue jeans ; Denim jeans ; Polo shirts ; Sport shirts ; T-shirts ; Tank tops ; Tank-tops ; Tee-shirts.

2. Imprinting and use of brand name on pet supplies and on other merchandising items, including, banners, stickers, tags, packaging, shipping boxes, bags, visiting cards and on social media platform and website for marketing and promotional purposes.

3. Online / Physical retail and wholesale store services. 



The total for each XXXX XXXX  will be {$7900.00}. 

For the XXXX XXXX all the information will be extracted from the XXXX XXXX  applications, such as, ownership details, correspondent details, classifications, etc. All the costs mentioned will be multiplied by two if you want to file the logo XXXX XXXX as well. 

To clarify, the total fees for XXXX XXXX filing of name & logo, including our service fee and the XXXX 's filing fee, will be {$15000.00}. 



Important Note : Filing the name in the above major jurisdictions will block others from filing in any other jurisdiction. Additionally, no one can file a petition against your XXXX XXXX XXXX, as they won't be allowed to file an XXXX  XXXX  in the first place. 



Please let me know if you have any questions. 


XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX This communication is Confidential and protected by the Attorney-Client Privilege and/or other Legal Privilege. Do not duplicate. You must notify the sender immediately if you are not a named recipient on this communication. XXXX XXXX On XX/XX/year> XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX La XXXX wrote : Hello! 



Thank you for your communication. Please verify the complete cost and process to do so. 



Have a great rest of your week! 



XXXX XXXX On Wednesday, XX/XX/year> at XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX wrote : XXXX XXXX, I am writing to inform you that a trademark application is being filed for XXXX XXXX in XXXX, the XXXX XXXX, XXXX, the XXXX XXXX, and XXXX through the XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX ( XXXX ). 

As per the Trademark law, we are required to notify you and allow you the opportunity to file for the same trademark in any/all of the specified countries, as you currently hold a name trademark in the United States for XXXX XXXX  with US Serial XXXX XXXX. 

Once our client 's trademark is filed in the mentioned countries, no one else will be permitted to use XXXX XXXX within those jurisdictions. 

If your target market extends beyond the United States, I advise pursuing an XXXX  XXXX  registration to protect your brand globally. Our firm would be pleased to assist you in this matter ; however, you are also free to engage another firm should you prefer. Should you decide to file the XXXX XXXX through another firm, please provide us with the serial number within 5 days. Otherwise, we will proceed with our client 's application. 


XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  This communication is Confidential and protected by the Attorney-Client Privilege and/or other Legal Privilege. Do not duplicate. You must notify the sender immediately if you are not a named recipient on this communicationXXXX XXXX XXXX Reply Forward

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation