Consumer complaint received 2022-11-06 00:00:00
Product: Checking or savings account — Checking account
Issue: Managing an account — Deposits and withdrawals
Company: JPMORGAN CHASE & CO.
State: FL

Complaint narrative:
To whom it may concern : Please help! Chase bank is holding my Social Security XXXX Income direct deposit hostage. 

On this past Wednesday, XX/XX/XXXX, I saw on my online checking account a deposit I didn't recognize. I called Chase Bank. The first representative put me on hold for 15 minutes and then disconnected me. I called back and spoke to a second representative. He said there was a check causing the hold and my account was restricted. I found out that someone tried to deposit 7 fraudulent checks into my account.. I still don't understand how the scam worked unless they were coming back at a later time to get the money. That still does not make sense to me. 

I was transferred to the claims department. I filed a claim saying the checks were fraudulent. 

I informed them that my Social Security XXXX Check was due in the next day. We start having a discussion because my pay check might be delayed. I said XXXX can not be. I have a XXXX scheduled, bills to pay with fines and fees of {$200.00} starting on XX/XX/XXXX, I have no food I id after the XXXX  of XXXX, I have animals to feed and care, medicine to purchase and so on. She called starving an inconvenience. I was insulted and provoked by this callous comment. 
Then, she tried to deny what she said. I know what I heard. I asked to speak to her boss and she said it would be a XXXX minute wait. I said that is unacceptable. I requested her boss 's boss and she said I had to deal with her boss. I had already been on the phone for 2 hours continuously. I asked for the location of the home office. She claimed that they didn't have one. Then, she tells me there is nothing else she could I called the XXXX XXXX XXXX because I had talked to them before I was transferred to that lady in the Risk Department. They were going to try to help me but then they decided to transfer me back to the Risk Department. He kept calling me a ma 'm. When I confronted him about it. He said that is not an insult. Well I felt insulted and he ought to be more focused in his job performance. Whether he meant to or not, he insulted me. They incite anger in you and then they deny they did it. After we went round and round about my check, he finally told me that I could withdraw my XXXX tomorrow and open a new checking with Chase. That was all i wanted to do. His solution to all my problems was go to the branch and they will resolve everything. All of this information proved incorrect. 

The next day, XX/XX/XXXX, I went to the branch. They could do nothing to help me. I began to realize I was being treated like dirt. I told the branch manager it did not pay to be honest with them. I told her I was the one who first made Chase aware they were fraudulent checks. I was the one who called claims and did what was necessary to file a claim. I would have been better off keeping quiet. They said my direct deposit from XXXX did not come in yet. I called Social Security while I was there and they informed me that my direct deposit had gone into the account. Someone in Chase has my direct deposit and it will be one to two business days before it posts. I had gone to Chase planning to withdraw my.paycheck and open a new account. That did not happen. I told them I was now stranded and I had a mile to walk back home. I am XXXX and I did not think I could do it. They didn't care. They said there is nothing they can do about that. I walked it. It took me a long time to get home. My pain level is off the charts. I am still hurting today. I discovered last night my XXXX XXXX account is suspended because of what is going on with Chase. This morning I tried to open a XXXX XXXX checking but was declined because of what is going on with Chase. Chase has put me on a deserted island without any resources. 

I spoke with Chase this morning, XX/XX/XXXX. I was initially told my direct deposit will be in on Monday. Toward the end of the call I was told my checking was being closed permanently and I could no longer be a Chase customer. In addition, i was told when the bank closes my account, they will mail me a cashier 's check in the amount of whatever is in my account. That will be XXXX to XXXX business days. I told the boss that I felt persecuted. I did what was honest, right, and responsible, and look at the world of hurt i bought on myself. Why is honesty never rewarded and liars are in this country? I told him that the bank is showing no compassion, kindness, and empathy. I never once raised my voice with him this morning. His representative I spoke to before I spoke with him I had to caution her twice about raising her voice at me and she got a defensive tone once in her voice. I just can not believe how I was treated. They say in their speeches they want to protect the bank and the customer. I have had bullies treat me better. They do this and get away with it because I am poor. 

thank you very.much for your time and interest. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX P.s. I had nothing to do with putting those checks in for deposit. The checks has some credit union in Oregon listed. I have never been or lived in Oregon. I have been in XXXX 40 years or more. None of this is my doing. I do not know how to.make an online deposit. I honestly thought you couldn't do that. A junkyard dog is treated more humanely than I have been at Chase.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation