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2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Banking and Real Estate Law for South Carolina on
Q: How to handle credit report errors and obtain vehicle title after loan settlement?

I'm experiencing issues with an auto loan I settled as paid in full in December 2023 with a South Carolina company. Despite the account being closed on my credit report, late payments are still reflected, impacting my credit score. I've attempted to dispute these negative marks twice... View More

Daniel Cohen
Daniel Cohen
answered on May 16, 2025

As a consumer protection attorney, here’s how I’d advise handling this situation:

First, regarding the credit report errors: Since the late payments remain after your disputes with Equifax, escalate the issue by sending a formal, certified dispute letter to Equifax, clearly stating that...
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2 Answers | Asked in Banking, Securities Law and Internet Law for Texas on
Q: Legality of hiring for crypto trading with 30% commission online in the US.

Is it legal for a financial institution in the United States to hire a company to recruit people who buy cryptocurrency and immediately sell it for a 30% commission, with the intent of stabilizing the crypto market? This is all conducted over the internet, and I am unsure about the type of company... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on May 13, 2025

I strongly sense that this is a scam. Buying and then immediately selling cryptocurrency would not stabilize the crypto market especially with a 30% commission coming out of every transaction. If anything, it would disrupt the market and contribute to its volatility. The amount of the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law and Banking for California on
Q: Can my sister-in-law sponsor me for immigration despite planning to buy a house soon?

My husband, who is an American citizen, does not meet the economic requirements to be my sponsor in the immigration process. My sister-in-law, also an American citizen, is considering sponsoring me but she wants to buy a house in January and is concerned whether being my sponsor might affect her... View More

Stephen Arnold Black
Stephen Arnold Black
answered on May 14, 2025

The requirements for a joint sponsor include demonstrating a minimum income level to support the immigrant. The sponsor must factor in household size, including their own family members plus the immigrant, to meet the financial threshold. This is not a cash flow or asset-liability evaluation; it is... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Probate and Banking for North Dakota on
Q: Do I need the EIN confirmation letter to open a probate estate account at a bank in ND?

I obtained a new EIN number for my grandmother's estate. I want to open a probate estate account at her bank in Mandan, ND. The bank representative mentioned she would inform me if the IRS EIN confirmation letter is necessary, but since it will take 8 to 10 weeks for the IRS to mail it, I am... View More

Nina Whitehurst
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answered on May 9, 2025

An EIN is needed to open a bank account. Your narrative states you already have one so this should not be a problem.

If you actually do not already have one you can obtain one online instantly.

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2 Answers | Asked in Probate and Banking for North Carolina on
Q: How to access a deceased uncle's unclaimed US bank account after 20 years?

My deceased uncle has a bank account with Bank of America in the US, which has been unclaimed for 20 years. I am helping my cousin, who cannot speak English well, to address this matter. My cousin has a single bank account document but hasn't reached out to Bank of America yet. We are unsure... View More

Angela L. Haas
Angela L. Haas
answered on Apr 27, 2025

Check the clerk's office (Estates) in the county where your relative last resided, to see if an estate was ever opened. If so, look to see if the account was distributed. Also, you can check online at NCCASH to see if the money was handed over to the state. If so, you'll need to follow... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Gaming, Banking and Internet Law for California on
Q: CashApp account locked despite verification and no response; seeking resolution.

I use CashApp to gamble and receive money through Bitcoin. My account was locked three weeks ago, despite having completed the verification process as requested. CashApp created a case number but has not responded to my inquiries or provided any updates. I’m concerned about the delay and its... View More

Nicholas Arthur Matlach
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answered on Apr 16, 2025

Typically, platforms like CashApp reserve the right to suspend accounts if they suspect fraudulent activity or violations of their terms, which may include using the service for gambling if it is prohibited. Additionally, the Bank Secrecy Act (31 U.S.C. § 5311 et seq.) requires financial... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Banking, Business Law, Civil Litigation, Stockbroker Fraud and Securities Law for North Carolina on
Q: Advisor stopped communication after transferring money; $1,350 taken. What to do?

I hired a personal advisor who arranged to house my money at Schwab. Initially, communication was good, but once the money started transferring, the advisor stopped communicating. I attempted to contact her several times without any assistance. Although we haven't lost any money, $1,350 was... View More

Ryan K Bakhtiari
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answered on Apr 24, 2025

If your financial advisor stopped communicating after the transfer of funds and $1,350 has been taken from your account, you should take the following steps immediately to protect your interests:

Document Everything: Keep records of all communications with the advisor, including emails,...
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3 Answers | Asked in Banking, Consumer Law and Contracts for Florida on
Q: Can I sue a Miami car dealership and bank for fraud related to a car purchase?

I would like to know if I can sue a bank and a car dealership for fraud. My wife and I purchased a used car at a dealership in Miami, FL on February 15, 2025, and encountered several issues: my last name was spelled incorrectly on the documents; the down payment was recorded as $4,200, despite us... View More

Barbara Billiot Stage
Barbara Billiot Stage
answered on Apr 3, 2025

You should take your documents to a lawyer right away. We do not have any way of reviewing your purchase agreement and contracts in this forum.

Most used car sales are "as is" and it's up to the buyer to have the car inspected prior to purchase irrespective of what the...
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2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Contracts, Banking and Real Estate Law for Ohio on
Q: Overpayment issue with rental company & bank endorsement requirements in Ohio

I accidentally made an overpayment of approximately $2,000 from my bank account to the rental company for last month’s rent. Approximately $500 of that amount was used to pay for my ex's portion of the rent, even though he had agreed to cover his share. The rental company sent a check with... View More

Todd B. Kotler
Todd B. Kotler
answered on Mar 28, 2025

Many more facts are needed to answer this question. When you refer to your ex, are you referring to an ex boyfriend or an ex husband? If it is an ex husband, is there a final divorce decree including a separation agreement, or is this a pending matter? When you say that your ex agreed to cover... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Banking, Civil Litigation and Real Estate Law for Virginia on
Q: Tracing 2008 judgment from title search for Chase Bank in Augusta County, VA, JDL number 080001170.

I am tracing a judgment from 2008 that appeared on a title search related to Chase Bank, filed in Augusta County, Virginia. We want to know the particulars of this judgment. The JDL number is 080001170. The lawyers who handled the case have gone out of business. I haven't checked public... View More

Dominic Paul Lascara
Dominic Paul Lascara
answered on Mar 24, 2025

You may be able to get the information directly from the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Augusta County, but you will probably have to go there directly or have a title examiner in that area research it for you. If the judgement was docketed in the Circuit Court it will attach to any real property... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Banking, Civil Litigation and Real Estate Law for Virginia on
Q: Tracing 2008 judgment from title search for Chase Bank in Augusta County, VA, JDL number 080001170.

I am tracing a judgment from 2008 that appeared on a title search related to Chase Bank, filed in Augusta County, Virginia. We want to know the particulars of this judgment. The JDL number is 080001170. The lawyers who handled the case have gone out of business. I haven't checked public... View More

Richard Sternberg
Richard Sternberg
answered on Mar 24, 2025

You know who holds the lien -- Chase Bank. So, contact them. You might want a lawyer to do that, because, if it is an old lien, it might be invalid or arguably so, and you might be able to negotiate it down using a lawyer, especially with all the interest and penalties that likely apply.

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2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Identity Theft and Banking for California on
Q: How to verify legitimacy of email claiming to be from Federal Reserve Bank?

I received an email from someone claiming to be Mr. Powell, Chief Officer of the Federal Reserve Bank, stating that I owe a lump sum of money. The email includes his contact information and offers three methods for me to receive funds but requests my bank account and routing number. There were no... View More

William John Light
William John Light
answered on Mar 22, 2025

The Federal Reserve Bank doesn't collect money from taxpayers. That's the IRS. If you must, the contact info for the Federal Reserve for the western US is here:

federalreserve.gov/aboutthefed/federal-reserve-system-san-francisco.htm

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3 Answers | Asked in Banking, Civil Litigation and Social Security for New York on
Q: How to obtain legal representation to access account info related to a settlement in NY?

As an infant, I was involved in a legal case where Stewart T Schantz and Franklyn Engel represented and won a settlement due to an accident that killed my mother and injured me in Ulster County and Poughkeepsie, NY, between 1985-1995. I'm currently facing a significant hardship, and banks... View More

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Mar 21, 2025

If the accounts are in your name (or for your benefit), you shouldn't need any legal representation whatsoever. Proof of identification should be sufficient, i.e. driver's license, along with a copy of the court order pursuant to which the account was opened. That said, it's likely... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Banking, Civil Litigation and Social Security for New York on
Q: How to obtain legal representation to access account info related to a settlement in NY?

As an infant, I was involved in a legal case where Stewart T Schantz and Franklyn Engel represented and won a settlement due to an accident that killed my mother and injured me in Ulster County and Poughkeepsie, NY, between 1985-1995. I'm currently facing a significant hardship, and banks... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Mar 22, 2025

I'm sorry about your tragic accident. Try to find information about the file for your award as an infant. In New York, awards for infants involve hearings before judges and infant compromise orders - if you could track down that paperwork, it should be helpful to the bank in ascertaining your... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Banking and Consumer Law for California on
Q: Chase bank account locked, unable to verify identity. Can't obtain passport, didn't receive balance check. What can I do?

I opened an online Chase bank account years ago and transferred money from my E*TRADE account. Chase locked my account in December 2021, asking for proof of identity. At the time, I didn't have the requested documents. Over time, I obtained my ID and presented all required documents at... View More

Scott Richard Kaufman
Scott Richard Kaufman
answered on Mar 20, 2025

Sorry for your issues. Seems really odd. For 'easy' fix, try going in based on the following:

"Despite having documentation from Chase stating a check for the remaining balance would be issued, I never received it." Go into any chase branch, note that they said they...
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2 Answers | Asked in Banking, Real Estate Law and Consumer Law for Florida on
Q: Can a lender change lien position without owner's authorization in Florida?

I have a Home Equity Installment (HEI) that was in the first lien position on my property. Recently, I discovered through emails that my mortgage lender instructed my homeowner's insurance agent to change their position to first lien without notifying me or the HEI company. No Subordination... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Mar 17, 2025

Whichever lender filed their security instrument first has priority unless there is an executed subordination agreement recorded. Hire a FL to search the title and determine your title's exact status. Such a so called "HEI" mortgage is almost always second or third in priority, as... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Personal Injury and Banking for Oregon on
Q: What kind of lawyer do I need? Me vs. defendant

engaged in a pattern of deceptive practices, including misrepresentation of terms, mishandling of payments, and wrongful fees that culminated in significant financial harm and distress.

• Claims Against Defendant:

• Breach of Contract: Specific breaches include:

•... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Mar 6, 2025

An Oregon attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a month. You outline a long list of grievances, but it looks like they share a common thread of being related to individual consumer lending practices. Therefore, your question of what kind of lawyer you need could cover the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Banking, Contracts, Employment Law and Family Law for Texas on
Q: Is my spouse's transfer from our joint account to his savings legal?

I have been in the U.S. for over 10 years, and my spouse and I have a joint account. Recently, I discovered that he has been transferring money from our joint account to his personal savings account, claiming it's for his bonuses. However, I've found instances from bank statements where... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Mar 5, 2025

Yes, it is legal. Because it is a joint account, each of you has the right to make withdrawals or transfers of funds. It may, however, be a breach of his fiduciary duty to you as his wife if he uses any of the funds he transferred into his separate savings account without your permission... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Banking and Public Benefits for Washington on
Q: Can I use funds from a joint account with grandmother's survivor benefits?

I am on a joint bank account with my grandmother, who receives survivor benefits as the primary source of funds in this account. She added me to the account to ensure her needs are fulfilled, and she has explicitly told me that I can use the account for myself if needed. Am I legally allowed to use... View More

Merry A Kogut
Merry A Kogut
answered on Mar 4, 2025

If your grandmother has added you to joint bank account as a co-equal member of the account, you can use funds from the account.

HOWEVER, if it were me, I'd first get something in writing to this effect from my grandmother, witnessed and notarized, to avoid any allegations two years...
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3 Answers | Asked in Business Law, Estate Planning and Banking for Georgia on
Q: What attorney handles trustee fiduciary duty breach?

I believe that representative trustees of a bank-held trust fund have breached their fiduciary duties over the course of 15 years, either negligently, deliberately, or both, in the administration of the trust and its express and sole purpose. What kind of attorney should I consult for this matter?

Jake  Slowik
Jake Slowik
answered on Mar 2, 2025

I agree with Nina's answer and I'd also recommend you find a law firm with specific experience litigating against corporate trustees (e.g., banks or financial institutions) who understands how to navigate these complex cases, including obtaining financial records, forensic accounting, and... View More

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