Consumer complaint received 2026-01-09 00:00:00
Product: Checking or savings account — Checking account
Issue: Problem with a lender or other company charging your account — Transaction was not authorized
Company: FIFTH THIRD FINANCIAL CORPORATION
State: GA

Complaint narrative:
XXXXI emailed fifth third bank " Dear Fifth Third Disputes Department,  XXXXMy name is XXXX XXXX XXXX . I am writing to kindly ask that you reopen and reconsider my fraud claim for a $XXXX transaction at XXXX  on XXXX XXXX XXXX at XXXXThis claim was previously declined because the transaction appeared to be authorized, but I would like to explain that it was made while I was being tricked and threatened by people impersonating law enforcement and government officials.XXXXWhat happenedXXXXI received a school-zone speeding ticket in XXXX, GA, and a court date was scheduled.XXXXBefore the court date, I decided not to go to court and instead paid the ticket online through the courts third-party payment system, so I believed the ticket was taken care of.XXXXAbout a week later, my dad received a voicemail saying the police needed to talk to XXXX XXXX XXXXWhen I called back, the man claimed to be a police officer from XXXX  Police Department. He knew my name and address and said I had missed court for my speeding ticket, and now I had two options:\n\nbe arrested and held for three days, or\n\npay a $XXXX  bond to handle it civilly.\n\nHe spoke in an intimidating way and kept talking about me being arrested if I didnt cooperate. Because he knew my information and referenced my real ticket, I believed he was actually a police officer.XXXXHow the $XXXX  was sent\n\nHe told me that because it was after XXXX XXXX., banks and offices were closed, and I could not go to the station first.\n\nInstead, he directed me to go to XXXX  and said I could open a government account there.\n\nOver the phone call that lasted an hour and a half, he walked me through scanning a barcode and having me send $XXXX, which he called a refundable bond so I could later go to government property to scan my biometrics and prove I paid my ticket.\n\nI completed the $XXXX  transaction at XXXX  using my debit card from Fifth Third, believing I was dealing with a real government process.\n\nAfter that, he transferred me to someone else claiming to be from the DOT department who asked for an additional $XXXX. At that point I became very upset, told them I could not do that, and decided to call XXXX  because I felt I was being led on.XXXXAfter I called XXXXI told the scammers that I was calling XXXX  and hung up.XXXX told me I would receive a call back from the police.\n\nI went home and explained everything to my parents.\n\nShortly after, I received a call from a private number, and it turned out to be the scammers again. I recognized the same monotone voice and hung up.\n\nThey then spoke to my dad and threatened to come to our house and shoot us and the police.\n\nA short time later, the real police called me back in response to my XXXX  call, and I filed a police report about the scam, the $XXXX  payment, and the threats.\n\nThe police told me this was a scam, that no warrant or arrest existed, and that my ticket had in fact been properly paid onlineXXXXWhy I am asking you to reconsider\n\nI understand that, from the outside, it may look like I willingly authorized the $XXXX  transaction. But in realityXXXXI was deceived by people pretending to be law enforcement,\n\nThey used real details about my ticket and address,\n\nThey threatened arrest and then threatened violence against me, my family, and even the police,\n\nI made the payment because I was scared and believed I was dealing with real authorities, not because I wanted to send money to strangers.\n\nThis was not a normal purchase or personal transfer. It was a government impersonation scam where I was pressured and misled into sending $XXXX.\n\n\n\nDocuments I am attaching\n\nTo help you review the case, I am attaching:XXXXA detailed written statement describing exactly what happened.XXXXProof that I paid the original traffic ticket through the official third-party system.XXXXReceipts or records of the $XXXX  XXXX  transaction.XXXXCall log / voicemail details, the number XXXX was the main scammer. The XXXX  number were the real police investigators, and the private number were the fake police investigators acting like they are here to save me. XXXXPolice report information (department name and report number) showing that I reported this as a scam and that threats were made: XXXXI respectfully ask that you reopen my claim and reconsider this transaction as fraud caused by a government impersonation scam and threats, rather than a regular authorized payment.\n\nThank you very much for your time and for taking another look at my situation. I am happy to provide any other information you may need.\n\nSincerely,XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX after opening a second dispute but after a month  they still are claiming that the merchant have provided me with services without specifying what were those services.XXXXWhat are the next steps i should take?'

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation