Consumer complaint received 2022-02-09 00:00:00
Product: Checking or savings account — Checking account
Issue: Closing an account — Funds not received from closed account
Company: TRUIST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
State: FL

Complaint narrative:
On XX/XX/2022, I applied for a payday loan through what I thought was XXXX XXXX Bank, at least that's where I was told they were from. The scammers I spoke with gave me false information and stated that they were depositing funds into my account that I would have to pay back via gift card to show a good faith payment. The funds were deposited ( through banking information that I did give out ) via mobile check. The mobile check cleared and I figured it was all a legit bank. I did then purchase the required gift cards to payback and gave the scammers all that information as well. More fake checks were deposited into my account and I had to go through the cycle again. On XXXX, I saw that the first two checks were returned, but was told by the scammers that this was because I didn't do things in a timely manner. I was also threatened at this point and told that I was going to have charges against me and arrested if I didn't continue doing what they told me. On XXXX, I stopped doing what they asked and at this point called the bank to let them know what was going on. Because I had been scammed and had given out all my information, the bank told me that they could not close my account. I had no idea that the checks were fraudulent and that they were being returned by the bank. I truly thought the scammers were pulling the money out of my account. Therefore, I had lost all the money from the gift cards and now my account is negative {$14000.00}. Under the advice of the bank, I was asked to open a new account so my paychecks could be deposited in that account and I could still use that money at least. My old account now sits at {$14000.00} negative, which I am desperately trying to figure out how to amend that, but my new account with a positive balance has now been frozen. I have not been contacted by my bank at all to get any information regarding my case and I now have no idea what else to do. I have filed reports with the FTC, FBI ( internet crime prevention unit ), and the local police department. 

I am desperately seeking assistance to just have access to my last two paychecks that were deposited, but I also want the public to know that this is a serious scam. I had no idea that " cleared '' The people that scammed me were at first extremely convincing with fake profiles and websites and then became very threatening. 

I have spent hours and hours and hours on hold with my bank to try and get through to talk with people about my case and I am told that I need to wait for a letter to arrive with their decision in 15 days. 

Finally, I want the public to know that even if a check clears, it can bounce up to 6 months later and could be returned. I also want the public to know that these scams are out there and to never give out any information no matter what the scammers threaten with. 

I have submitted all the gift cards and all documentation to my local police department.

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