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Illinois Banking Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Banking, Consumer Law and Identity Theft for Illinois on
Q: What steps can I take to recover stolen $400 from my bank?

I had $400 stolen from my bank account using an ATM at a Walgreens location 4 hours away from where I live. I've reported the theft to my bank, filed a police report, and contacted the FDIC. Despite being completely innocent and not authorizing the transaction, my bank is refusing to reimburse... View More

Matthew McKenna
Matthew McKenna
answered on Jul 24, 2025

Think about contacting a consumer protection attorney familiar with the Electronic Funds Transfer Act (EFTA). If there is a claim that falls under EFTA, there's a chance that an attorney would take the case without taking any un front fees. If you haven't done so, I would also complete a... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Banking, Business Law and Small Claims for Illinois on
Q: I disputed a transaction involving 2 charges with my credit card co. A credit was given for 1 charge but not the other.

This dispute involved the same set of facts and documents. Since it involved 2 charges, 2 separate reviewers were assigned to my dispute. One reviewer granted a permanent credit for 1 charge. The other reviewer closed the dispute for the 2nd charge without a credit and said I was responsible for... View More

Matthew McKenna
Matthew McKenna
answered on Jun 13, 2024

I would contact a consumer protection attorney that is familiar with the Truth in Lending Act. Depending on the circumstances, you may have a case and a consumer protection attorney will likely offer you a free consultation and may not charge you anything up front if there is a case to bring.

1 Answer | Asked in Banking for Illinois on
Q: It’s it wrongful repossession if I call the 4 days ahead and told them I lost my job I would like to voluntary repo

After the conversation the non voluntary 4 days after I had to find someone to follow me to take the car back as they requested

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 21, 2024

Based on the information provided, it does not appear to be a case of wrongful repossession. Here are a few key points:

1. You proactively reached out to the lender 4 days prior to the repossession, informing them of your job loss and your desire to voluntarily surrender the vehicle. This...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Banking for Illinois on
Q: Hi! I’m asking on behalf of my grandfather. His late sister left him money in a CD along with his niece. The bank is

Located in Texas and they are stating that we have to travel to Houston and be there at the same in order to sign documents and dissolve the CD. We are in the dead of winter and my grandfather is not up for travel. Can’t the bank make concessions and complete this virtually or send the proper... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 5, 2024

Based on the situation you have described, here are a few suggestions that may help:

- Contact the bank and explain your grandfather's health/mobility issues and the challenges of traveling at this time. Politely request if there is any way the bank can accommodate getting the required...
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2 Answers | Asked in Banking, Immigration Law and Tax Law for Illinois on
Q: As an international student, can i convert money from my home country into US dollars and buy crypto on daily basis.

Also, after buying the cryptos, can i trade them back to my home country. And doing such will i face any immigration issues?

Syed Ali Hussain Lahooti
Syed Ali Hussain Lahooti
answered on Jan 21, 2024

Can you do what you are doing from your home country, such as converting your currency into dollars and then converting it back to your country's currency? Being on student status, having a social security number, and a US bank account, and using it to trade crypto—all of these fall under... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Banking, Immigration Law and Tax Law for Illinois on
Q: As an international student, can i convert money from my home country into US dollars and buy crypto on daily basis.

Also, after buying the cryptos, can i trade them back to my home country. And doing such will i face any immigration issues?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 22, 2024

As an international student in the U.S., you are generally allowed to convert money from your home country into U.S. dollars and invest in cryptocurrencies. However, it's important to be aware of several factors. Firstly, ensure that you comply with the foreign exchange regulations of your... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Consumer Law, Banking and Lemon Law for Illinois on
Q: I have a car that I owe more than 10 thousands of dollars that I cannot drive because of numerous mechanical problems.

What are my best options since I cannot afford to pay to fix car and make my loan payments. I live in Loves Park, Illinois.

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answered on Jan 3, 2024

In your situation with a car that's costly to repair and still under a significant loan, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, check if your car is still under any kind of warranty. If it is, some or all of the repair costs might be covered, reducing your financial burden.

If...
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1 Answer | Asked in Banking and Tax Law for Illinois on
Q: How to secure a personal loan with poor credit using "underwriter s6e2 under Title 15 subsection 1611"?

I was informed that using "underwriter s6e2 under Title 15 subsection 1611" is a potential way to secure a personal loan despite having poor credit. I am not involved in any transportation agreements, and I haven't experienced any problems related to this statute. Could you please... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 10, 2025

You have been fed bad information. “Underwriter s6e2 under Title 15 subsection 1611” is not a real program or loophole to get you a loan; 15 U.S.C. § 1611 is a federal criminal-liability provision of the Truth in Lending Act that punishes willful, knowing violations. It does not authorize any... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Banking and Civil Litigation for Illinois on
Q: How can I claim funds from an old IRA certificate after bank acquisitions?

I have a Fixed-Rate, Fixed-Term 12 Month IRA/KEOGH Certificate from Talman Home Federal Savings & Loan Assoc. issued on 1/23/86 with a rate of earning 7.650% per annum. Talman Home was sold to another bank, which later transferred its paper to Bank of America. I've contacted Bank of... View More

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answered on Oct 8, 2025

It can be frustrating to deal with an old account like this, especially after several bank mergers and name changes. Since your IRA certificate dates back to 1986, it’s possible that the account was either transferred to a successor bank or turned over to the state as unclaimed property. When... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Banking and Consumer Law for Illinois on
Q: Bank closed my account, refunded less than balance. What are my options?

My bank closed my checking account, alleging suspicion of fraud, but has refused to provide any details about the closure. I was told that I'd receive my funds in 10 business days, but instead of the $57,000 shown in my last statement, I received a check for only $5,000. When I contacted them,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 30, 2025

What you are describing is serious, especially given the large discrepancy between your last statement balance and the check you received. When a bank closes an account for suspected fraud, they are usually required to provide notice and may hold funds temporarily, but they cannot simply make tens... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Civil Litigation and Banking for Illinois on
Q: Mom refuses to return money from joint savings account

My mom kicked me, my boyfriend, and our 2-year-old son out of her house. We had a savings account with over $15,000, which is all my boyfriend's money. Both my mom and my boyfriend's names are on the account, but she has control over it, and we do not have access. There is written... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 27, 2025

That’s an incredibly painful and stressful situation, especially with a child involved and your access to that money cut off. Even though the account is jointly held by your mom and your boyfriend, both people on a joint account usually have equal rights to the funds, regardless of who deposited... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Banking, Business Law and Contracts for Illinois on
Q: Finance company closed, unable to find new car loan owner in Illinois.

I am located in Illinois and my finance company closed down, leaving me unable to find the new company it was sold to after they wrote off my car. I tried looking on my credit report for information but haven't found anything helpful. What steps can I take to resolve this issue and find out... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 26, 2025

It’s stressful when you’re left in limbo like this, especially when it involves something as important as your car. If the finance company closed and the loan was written off, the account may have been sold to another lender or collections agency. Sometimes it takes a while for the new owner to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Banking for Illinois on
Q: How to reverse a refused cashier's check?

I sent a cashier's check from a bank in the USA to a receiver in the USA for payment, but the receiver refused to accept it because their policy only allows for wire transfers. The check has no restrictions. How can I have the unused cashier's check reversed and obtain a refund in the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 26, 2025

Since the cashier’s check was refused and never deposited or cashed, you should be able to request a refund or cancellation from the issuing bank. Go back to the bank where you purchased the check and explain that the recipient rejected it due to their payment policy. Bring the original check... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Banking and Arbitration / Mediation Law for Illinois on
Q: Legal issues with Citibank account frozen and funds withheld, seeking arbitration guidance.

I recently became a U.S. permanent resident after moving from Canada and opened a Citibank checking account in Illinois where I deposited $100,000 from my Canadian accounts. The account was opened in person with valid ID. Within three days, Citi froze the account, claiming it was opened... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 6, 2025

You’re facing a serious banking dispute with high stakes, and arbitration is the right next step given the account agreement. You should seek a lawyer with experience in financial institution disputes, especially those involving consumer arbitration under agreements governed by the Federal... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Banking and Consumer Law for Illinois on
Q: Secured credit card closed by Bank of America causing direct deposit issues and negative balance—liability concerns.

I had a secured credit card closed by Bank of America, which they subsequently placed in the archive. This credit card was linked to three different direct deposit accounts. Since the linkage, no checks are deposited on the 1st of the month as expected, and the direct deposit accounts show a... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 1, 2025

You're right to be concerned—this situation involves more than just a closed credit card, especially since it's interfering with your income and causing financial damage. If Bank of America closed the secured credit card and failed to properly notify you or provide a clear path to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Banking and Civil Litigation for Illinois on
Q: How to cash an IRA Keogh certificate from 1986 issued by a now-defunct bank?

I have a Fixed-Rate, Fixed-Term 12-Month IRA Keogh Certificate issued in 1986 for $300.00 by Talman Home Federal Savings and Loan, which matured in 1987. I am unable to cash it in as it seems Talman Home was acquired by another bank and eventually by BMO. Despite having the original certificate,... View More

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answered on May 15, 2025

Since your IRA Keogh certificate was issued by Talman Home Federal Savings and Loan, and the bank has since been acquired by BMO, it’s understandable that the process of cashing it has become complicated. While BMO has informed you they can't assist, there may still be options for you to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Banking for Illinois on
Q: Inquiry about status and redemption of old IRA/KEOGH certificate.

I have a fixed-rate, fixed-term 12-month IRA/KEOGH certificate, issued on 1/23/86, with an opening balance of $300. The initial maturity date was 1/23/87. It is non-transferable and issued by Talman Home Federal Savings, which was sold to another bank, eventually acquired by Bank of America. I... View More

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answered on May 15, 2025

You’re in a challenging situation, but there are a few options to explore. First, reach out to One Main Financial and explain that you’re unable to pay off the loan in full, but you are still making regular payments. Ask if they would consider releasing the title temporarily so you can scrap... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Banking, Consumer Law and Identity Theft for Illinois on
Q: Unauthorized withdrawals by my niece using my information caused my bank account to be flagged. How can I resolve this?

I allowed my niece to use my information to make one withdrawal, but she used it to make multiple unauthorized withdrawals between March 3rd and 6th, totaling $13,000 over 40 transactions. I reported this to my bank, and their response was to freeze my account and label me as bad for business.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 8, 2025

First, contact your bank again and request to escalate the issue to a higher authority, explaining the situation in detail. Clearly state that while you allowed your niece to make a single withdrawal, you did not authorize the multiple subsequent transactions. Ask them to investigate the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Banking, Identity Theft and Consumer Law for Illinois on
Q: What actions can the FDIC take to recover stolen funds involving Chase, CashApp, Wells Fargo, and Coinbase?

I had funds stolen involving multiple transactions from Chase Bank to CashApp, and then to Wells Fargo and Coinbase, which took place between September 28, 2024, and January 17, 2025. I have reported this to law enforcement and the banks involved. What actions can the FDIC take to help recover my... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 8, 2025

The FDIC can provide assistance by helping you navigate the recovery process, especially if the financial institutions involved are insured by them. They will look into the specific circumstances surrounding the theft, including whether any regulations or protections related to FDIC-insured... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Banking, Contracts and Consumer Law for Illinois on
Q: Need lawyer for dental procedure loan refund in IL?

I took out a loan through a third-party financial institution arranged by my dentist for a dental procedure I no longer want to undergo. I've been paying on this loan for about 8 months, but I don't recall the contract details and did not discuss any refund or cancellation policies with... View More

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answered on Mar 24, 2025

Your situation with the dental procedure loan requires careful consideration before deciding whether legal representation is necessary. You should first contact your dentist's office to discuss cancellation options and review any paperwork you received when taking out the loan. Many dental... View More

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