Legal Question in Banking Law in California

I am a banking customer in California. I went through some tough times over the last couple of years; divorce -- and the financial mess that comes with that -- job loss, foreclosure and, in the process, lost the ability to have a checking, savings and financial strength (some because of me; some because of my ex; and some because of the marriage. Well, I've since started to claw my way back to normalcy, and, in the process of settling some of my known - and some hidden debts -- came across a small ($330) debt owed to Washington Mutual. Since it was so small an amount, I inquired with WaMu (now Chase) as to my standing now with them, and, if I settled my small debt to them, would they, in there infinite grace, be able to allow me to open a new account with them, and thus, bring me closer to financial respectability. Since I am just starting to rebuild my finances, I was weighing what financial obligations I should start to settle with the little money i now have. After some discussions with the financial person at Chase, I was assured that, although they couldn't open an account with them today, if I settled my $330 debt with them, let the paperwork process through the system this past week, thereby giving the system time to erase the debt, I could -- and did -- make an appointment 7 days later to come in and they would be happy to open an account for me. Well, seven days later I come in for my appointment with the same gentleman. And, lo and behold, he informs me that Chase/WaMu have "black-balled" me for life, and I can never have an account with them again!

My question is this: How honest do bank staff have to be to a potential/former customer regarding inquiries like the one I discuss here... I was assured by this gentleman -- through all our discussions, chex-systems check, and questions with additional Chase/Wamu staff that, once they had my money they would start over with me from scratch.

I want to start clearing my financial blemishes, but, had they been honest with me, I could/might have been able to use that money for purposes that could have helped me in the immediate time-frame. Please advise me as to how I can vent my frustrations regarding this, what I consider, an out-and-out lie to recover money owed to the Institution; Whom do i write my letter of complaint to... Call... and just generally make sure this will not happen to more people.

Thank you.


Asked on 9/26/09, 12:00 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert F. Cohen Law Office of Robert F. Cohen

I have found that often there is a lack of communication among different personnel at some banks. (People have told me that when attempting to refinance their home loans, for instance, each time they speak to different people at some banks, who have no record of prior conversations, lose paperwork provided, and give contradictory information.) You can speak with the branch manager, but more than likely the decision was made at a different level. Customer service is probably the area to which the issue should be directed. Make sure to obtain all promises in writing, as you have learned that oral communications have a way of being misconstrued or contradicted.

There are plenty of other banks that would welcome your business, I'm sure, so take advantage of that opportunity.

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Answered on 9/26/09, 9:07 pm


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