Bank has falsely accused me of fraud, what are my next steps?

I first learned about “unclaimed funds” from a friend and decided to check my state’s comptroller website. To my surprise, I had over $5,000 from a bank in 2021. I quickly filled out the verification form, received the check two weeks later, and deposited it at my bank’s ATM. The next day, I found my account frozen due to suspected fraud, and the bank said they’d terminate my account in 15 days. After contacting the state comptroller’s office and visiting the bank, I submitted documentation explaining the check’s legitimacy. Eventually, after several reviews, the bank acknowledged the check was real and unfroze my account.

If you’re curious about unclaimed funds, you can start at missingmoney.com or visit your state’s government site to search for the comptroller.

Hello, The problem with financial crime is that imprisoning offenders prevents them from earning money to repay their debt. Instead, they should face fines and penalties, with a focus on returning the stolen funds. It’s frustrating, though, because taxpayers end up covering significant costs to recover money that was too easily distributed.

Hello Joylyn, Lately, it’s become common for high-value checks deposited via ATM or mobile banking to be flagged as fraudulent. This can quickly lead to account closures, especially if it’s outside your usual banking activity. Always consider depositing such checks in person to avoid issues.

Hey, Each bank has its own risk tolerance. If you don’t already have another account, consider opening one elsewhere, especially if your current bank reports the closure. Keep in mind, even government checks can be fraudulent (we recently caught a fake Social Security check). It’s always good to be cautious in such situations.

Hey Joylyn, Even if your bank reconsiders and keeps your account open, it’s best to close it. A bank willing to shut your account without investigating or asking questions about the check shows poor judgment. It’s time to find a more reliable bank that values customer trust and communication.