‘I wanted to cry’: Bank of America closes woman’s account without explanation despite needing money for surgery
Chicago (CBS) — If you had money in the bank and you couldn’t get it, how worried would you be?
All because the bank said that your account was closed. It was a woman’s test and it went on for months. Now just at 2, a mother and grade school teacher attempt to help.
For 17 years, Christina Blanton was a loyal Bank of America customer without any problems. Until April, when a South suburban mother and grad school teacher suddenly couldn’t come to her account.
“I went to log on to my online banking and it kept saying ‘Account locked.’ And so I thought I entered my password wrong,” Blanton said.
With no success online, Blanton called Bank of America’s 800 number, where she had success for months.
“I was transferred to several people and finally spoke to them and the young woman said ‘we have decided to close your account’.”
Without adequate explanation, she says. A “business decision” the bank told him. What’s worse, Blanton couldn’t get his money.
“I was upset and frustrated. Right before I had the surgery and to be able to emotionally access your money, I wanted to cry. I’m dealing with this right now and it’s from April.”
Surgery, did she mention? It was for thyroid cancer. A difficult time, all around. So Christina Blanton turned to CBS 2 for help. CBS 2 contacted Bank of America. The bank’s spokesperson’s response was unclear.
“We may not share information about an individual account for privacy reasons, but we have resolved this issue directly with our customer.”
The news is much better for Blanton. After CBS 2 contacted the bank, it received a call from a person who identified himself as the CEO.
“He apologized first. And said he decided to re-evaluate my situation and get his account back.”
Christina Blanton now has her money, but she doesn’t know why her account was closed, and remains angry.
“This is a corporation where someone should take the time to at least give respect. How do you cut someone’s money and not proceed to tell them why you cut their money? And what if it’s theirs.” The last one? Then they just broke up. With nothing. And that’s an unfair practice for anyone,” Blanton said.
Ms Blanton told CBS 2 she still hasn’t received credit for the monthly maintenance fee she was charged for April, May and June when Bank of America took her out of her account.
He has also changed banks.
Jim Williams
