Consumer complaint received 2025-02-21 00:00:00
Product: Money transfer, virtual currency, or money service — Money order, traveler's check or cashier's check
Issue: Problem with customer service — 
Company: JPMORGAN CHASE & CO.
State: GA

Complaint narrative:
[ XXXX A XXXX ] [ XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX ] [ XXXX, Ga, XXXX ] [ XXXX ] [ XXXX ] [ XXXX-2025 ] RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED JPMorgan Chase Bank , N.A . 
Attn : Legal Department Re : Formal Complaint and Demand for Arbitration Violations of the False Claims Act, TILA, and Regulation Z To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally lodge a complaint against JPMorgan Chase Bank , N.A . ( Chase ) and four of its customer service representatives for multiple violations of federal law, including the False Claims Act, Truth in Lending Act ( TILA ), and Regulation Z, arising from Chases willful noncompliance and disregard for FTC and other federal guidelines regarding the handling and availability of my funds. This matter pertains to the deposit of two money orders at a Chase branch, the subsequent unlawful hold placed on one of them, and the unacceptable conduct and misinformation provided by Chase representatives. 

Summary of Incident and Violations On [ XXXX ], I deposited two XXXX XXXX money orders, each in the amount of {$500.00}, at a Chase branch. The first money order was processed and made available the next business day. However, the second, deposited just two minutes later and marked as return of security deposit, was placed on an unreasonable seven-business-day hold without a valid or legally justifiable reason. 

I made it explicitly clear to each Chase representative that these money orders represented the return of my security deposit, which was critical for securing a new residence for my family of XXXX, including XXXX XXXX XXXX  ( ages XXXX and XXXX ). The timely availability of these funds was essentialnot only for meeting my financial obligations but also for providing proof of funds to hotel employees and potential landlords. The vague explanations and misrepresentations provided by your representatives, which effectively reclassified my cash as a check or credit instrument accruing interest for the bank yet inaccessible to me, have placed me in a severely compromised position. 

During my interactions with Chase representatives, the following statements and actions were noted : 1. First Representative : Claimed that my second money order couldnt be verified, which was used as justification for the hold. ( Violation : False Claims Act Misrepresentation regarding fund availability and verification requirements. ) 2. Second Representative : Alleged that the hold was imposed because it was the first check deposited into my account. Despite, the first check would have been the accepted and deposited first money order. ( Violation : TILA and Regulation Z Failure to provide a clear and accurate explanation of deposit hold policies. ) 3. Third Representative : Asserted that attempts to verify the money order with XXXX XXXX were unsuccessful, although I later confirmed directly with XXXX XXXX that both money orders were valid and fully paid for at XXXX. ( Violation : False Claims Act Dissemination of false or misleading information regarding verification attempts. ) 4. Fourth Representative : Exhibited unprofessional and aggressive behavior upon learning that I was aware of my rights under TILA and Regulation Z. She refused to provide her identifying information, falsely maintained that Chase had sole discretion over deposit procedures, and claimed that my money orders were outstanding, contradicting the confirmation received from XXXX XXXX. ( Violation : False Claims Act, TILA, and Regulation Z Intentional misrepresentation and refusal to provide required disclosures. ) It should be noted that the veracity of these statements and allegations can be independently verified through recorded conversations, which were collected and verified by the branch supervisor and are available as evidence. 

When I escalated the matter to a supervisor, I was finally informed indirectly, that due to alleged fraud concernsexplicitly, that I am a XXXX man who deposited two concurrent money ordersmy second money order was flagged and placed on hold. This racially discriminatory practice constitutes a gross violation of federal banking and civil rights laws. Additionally, Chase denied my request for a written explanation of the hold as required under Regulation Z and TILA, thereby impeding my ability to secure a refund from XXXX XXXX. 

Additional Violations and Financial Hardship Chases mishandling of my deposit has caused significant financial and emotional hardship. By treating my money order as a check or credit instrument rather than as cash at face value, I have been deprived of funds essential for securing immediate housing. This situation has left me unable to provide a credible explanation to hotel employees or potential landlords regarding the inaccessibility of my own fundseven though they remain credited in my account accruing interest to the bank. 

The combination of vague statements, misrepresentations, and discriminatory practices has placed my family in jeopardy by directly affecting our housing security and financial stability. The failure to provide the legally required written documentation further exacerbates the situation, denying me the opportunity to remedy this matter through appropriate channels. 

Legal Violations and Grounds for Arbitration Chases actions constitute willful violations of the following federal statutes and regulations : The False Claims Act ( 31 U.S.C. XXXX ) : Chase representatives knowingly disseminated false statements regarding my deposit verification and fund availability. 
Truth in Lending Act ( TILA ) ( 15 U.S.C. 1601 et seq. ) : Chase failed to provide clear, accurate, and timely disclosures regarding the deposit hold.

Regulation Z ( 12 C.F.R. Part 1026 ) : By converting my money order into electronic currency without proper disclosure, Chase violated the protections afforded under Regulation Z.

Civil Rights Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1981 ) : The racially discriminatory treatment exhibited by Chase in handling my deposit constitutes a violation of my civil rights.

Demand for Resolution Through Arbitration Pursuant to Chases Arbitration Agreement, I hereby demand resolution of this matter through arbitration, including the following relief : 1. Immediate release of the funds held on my second money order.

2. A formal, written explanation detailing the specific reasons for the funds availability hold, as required by federal law.

3. Monetary damages to compensate for the financial hardship, emotional distress, and discriminatory practices resulting from Chases unlawful actions.

4. Disciplinary measures, including retraining, for the four customer service representatives involved in the misrepresentations and regulatory breaches.

5. A public commitment by Chase to fully comply with all federal regulations regarding deposit handling and fund availability, and to ensure nondiscriminatory practices moving forward.

If Chase fails to comply with this demand within [ 3 days ] of receipt of this letter, I will proceed with formal legal action, a CFPB complaint, and escalation to federal regulatorsincluding the FTC, OCC, and DOJto address Chases noncompliance with banking laws and its racially discriminatory practices. 

Please confirm receipt of this letter and provide a response by [ XXXX-2025 ]. I expect Chase to act in good faith to resolve this matter promptly. 

Sincerely, [ XXXX XXXX XXXX ] Account # [ XXXX ]

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation