Q: Banking help for person from United States that is stuck in Canada from pandemic shutdown.

A: Banks have systems that "red flag" accounts when certain events happen, such as uncommon account usage or access from new locations. Banks will have procedures in place to identify the person and ensure that there is no identity theft. Depending on her bank, talking to someone that can resolve the situation may be easier or not. Smaller banks where the account officer knows the customer well and can identify her over the phone by asking her questions only she should know, would be enough. Another alternative, is for her to have a power of attorney executed in Canada, in favor of a friend in the US that can go to the bank and be entitled to talk on her behalf. A Michigan attorney could explain to you if under Michigan law the bank must accept the power of attorney. This would require the expense of an attorney in Canada and probably one in Michigan. Another option, which I recommend, is to contact her local Senator or Representative to Congress (State or Federal). The office of the Senator or Representative can contact the bank directly to resolve this problem, or they can get the FDIC involved. The advantage of going through her politically elected representatives is that the banks have a shorter period within which to resolve this issue, just a few days. She can check her representatives' websites and might even be able to fill-out a request for help online. She can also contact directly the FDIC and file a complaint, but the bank would have a longer period of time to take care of the matter.

Good luck.

My response provides only general information and is not intended to provide you with specific legal advice, nor create an attorney-client relationship. You should not use or rely on this information without first consulting with your own lawyer and discussing your specific facts and available options in detail.