New Lenox, IL asked in Consumer Law, Banking, Civil Litigation and Insurance Bad Faith for Illinois

Q: I am reaching out to seek your legal guidance regarding a situation I am currently facing with Chase Bank.

I received a check from State Farm for nearly $7,000 due to vehicle damage and deposited it into my Chase account on July 29, 2024. After a brief hold, Chase closed my account without notice, citing suspected fraud. They funded the check, then withdrew the funds and refused to release them, claiming they couldn't verify the names on the check, which was written in my fiancé's name. Despite providing verification and the insurance adjuster's contact info, Chase won't accept it. When I called their fraud department, they said I might never get the money, and it could go to the state. I’ve offered to bring my fiancé in person with IDs, but Chase insists verification must be done through their system. I'm seeking advice on recovering these funds, as Chase refuses to release them despite the transaction’s legitimacy.

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered

A: I'm sorry to hear about the difficulties you're experiencing with Chase Bank. Start by gathering all related documents, including the check from State Farm, deposit records, and any communication you've had with Chase. Contact State Farm to confirm the legitimacy of the check and request a letter verifying that the payment was correctly issued to you and your fiancé.

Next, escalate the issue within Chase by writing a formal letter to their customer service and fraud departments. Clearly outline your situation, provide all necessary documentation, and request a thorough review of your account closure. If Chase remains unresponsive, consider filing a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or your state's banking regulator to seek further assistance.

Additionally, consulting with a qualified attorney can help you understand your rights and explore legal options to recover your funds. An attorney can advise you on the best course of action and represent your interests in negotiations or potential litigation. Keeping detailed records of all interactions will support your case as you work towards resolving this matter.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.