Checking or savings account -- Problem with a lender or other company charging your account -- Complaint #5890206
Complaint Overview
Complaint ID: 5890206
Company: Pacific Western Bank
Product: Checking or savings account
Sub-Product: Checking account
Issue: Problem with a lender or other company charging your account
Sub-Issue: Transaction was not authorized
State: Virginia
ZIP Code: 22202
Date Received: 2022-08-17T12:00:00-05:00
Date Sent to Company: 2022-08-17T12:00:00-05:00
Company Response: Closed with monetary relief
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Submitted Via: Web
Consumer Narrative
I opened an account with a bank ( XXXX XXXX ) in XXXX XXXX, CA in XXXX. Since it has become two different banks, and is now Pacific Western Bank. I keep this account as a " rainy day fund '' to cover expenses in the event of an emergency. Due to the age of the account, I have never had access to online banking, and since I do not live in the area to go into the branch, can not set this up. It is not possible to set up remotely, and I now live out of California. I only have my monthly statements and checks. Two years ago I received a statement which indicated that my funds were about {$2500.00} lower than they should have been, and below their " free account '' setting, so that I was now accruing monthly charges. When I called the bank, they said their system had erroneously mistaken my account with one that was one digit away from mine, and withdrawn the funds from mine instead. While it automatically caught it on the part of the check writer, it did not automatically correct on my end. It was a total hassle, and they did not ever refund the fees assessed to my account for the months of a low balance. They told me it happens all the time, and it was my job to monitor my account. In XXXX of XXXX, this happened again. I moved, and while my mail was updated, somehow these statements were not forwarded and I went months without receiving a statement. When I finally got one, I was shocked and called the bank. They said that once again my account had been erroneously charged instead of the one that was one digit off due to a check. When I finally reached a person I was told there were no notes and in fact they do not record individual notes on accounts. I was told this was my fault for not checking my account, that this happens all the time, and that it was not their fault. They now tell me that the other account is closed, and they have to reach this other account holder to retrieve the funds prior to putting back in my account. I have spoken to XXXX and XXXX, branch managers. Every time I speak with them, they remind me of how this was my responsibility and not their error. They remind me how they are " making an exception '' to even work on this account. They are not sure when the missing funds will be returned, and have no other option than to file this complaint. The check was written for {$2500.00}, and I am assessed monthly fees of {$6.00} for my account being under their critical free account determination.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Complaint #5890206 about?
Complaint #5890206 was filed against Pacific Western Bank regarding Checking or savings account specifically about Problem with a lender or other company charging your account. It was received by the CFPB on 2022-08-17T12:00:00-05:00.
How did Pacific Western Bank respond to this complaint?
The company responded with: "Closed with monetary relief". The response was timely.
What is the risk level of this complaint?
See the risk assessment section for details on this complaint's risk profile.
How do I file a similar complaint?
You can file a complaint with the CFPB at consumerfinance.gov/complaint. Select the appropriate product category (Checking or savings account) and describe your issue in detail.
Can I see other complaints against Pacific Western Bank?
Yes, visit the Pacific Western Bank company profile at readthecomplaint.com/company/pacific-western-bank to see all complaints, risk scores, and analysis.
Disclaimer
This analysis is AI-generated based on publicly available CFPB complaint data. It does not constitute financial or legal advice.