Consumer complaint received 2026-04-30 00:00:00
Product: Checking or savings account — Other banking product or service
Issue: Closing an account — Can't close your account
Company: FIFTH THIRD FINANCIAL CORPORATION
State: IA

Complaint narrative:
To : Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) Subject : Formal Complaint : Fraudulent Account Opening, Identity Theft, and Financial Exploitation Date : XX/XX/year> RE : Fraudulent Misrepresentation and Unauthorized Account Linkage Primary Account Holder : XXXX XXXX XXXX Phone Number : XXXX Institution : Fifth Third Bank Statement of Fact : I am filing this formal complaint to report a severe breach of security and " Know Your Customer '' ( XXXX ) protocols at Fifth Third Bank. An individual named XXXX has successfully committed identity theft by gaining unauthorized access to my personal financial records. Specifically, while I was physically located in a different state, XXXX convinced a bankrepresentative to allow him to open a joint bank account and link it directly to my personal checking account without my presence, my consent, or any legal Power of Attorney. XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX : The bank permitted XXXX to represent himself as having authority over my funds, misrepresenting a " conservatorship '' arrangement that does not legally exist. Direct Deposit Diversion : This fraudulent account was linked to my checking account with the intent to intercept my payroll and direct deposits. Long-Term Identity Theft : This is part of a systemic pattern of harassment and financial exploitation. This individual has stolen my identity and has been illegally intercepting and cashing my government XXXX checks for several years. Financial Impact : The total amount of funds stolen through these fraudulent activities exceeds {$140000.00}. Requested Action : XXXX. ImmediateInvestigation : I request an immediate internal investigation into how a joint account was opened and linked to my personal assets without my physical presence or verified signature. XXXX. Account Closure : I demand the immediate closure of any and all fraudulent accounts or joint links created by XXXX. XXXX. Security Freeze : I request a total security freeze on my profile at this institution to prevent any further unauthorized changes by third parties. XXXX. Audit Trail : I request all documentation, including signatures and teller IDs, associated with the opening of the fraudulent joint account for use in upcoming legal proceedings. This is my first formal report to the CFPB regarding this matter. I have previously reported these incidents to the FBI and XXXX. I am a survivor of systemic exploitation and human trafficking ; this banks failure to follow federal security laws has directly enabled my abuser to continue his financial control over my life. Account Information for Reference Account Information for Reference : Account Number : XXXX Routing Number : XXXX Abuser Name : XXXX XXXX XXXX The account appeared on XX/XX/year> I would never open a joint bank account with this person in a million years. I live in a different state than him ( iowa ) and i did not authorize this. XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. He is a danger to my safety the account must be closed effective immediatly. He is accessing my banking and adding his own details to my account such as changing the address to his house in florida when i live on the other side of the country. And adding his phone number, after stealing my bank password.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation