Bank of the West Customer Service Issues

Subject: Request to Close Checking Account Account: ANY DEPOSIT CHECKING (*[redacted]) I kindly request the immediate closure of my checking account. Please deduct any outstanding overdraft fees from the remaining balance. I am disappointed by the excessive overdraft charges, especially considering my long-standing loyalty as a 92-year-old customer. Subject: Closing of Account Inquiry Account: ANY DEPOSIT CHECKING (*[redacted]) I would like to officially close my account and receive information regarding the final balance owed. Despite my previous attempts to settle the $[redacted] deficit over the phone, my account closure request was declined and I was instructed to visit the San Diego office in person. As a senior citizen, this is not feasible for me. Additionally, the accumulated overdraft fees totaling over $[redacted] are unreasonable. Since you have refused to facilitate the closure of my account, I will not be making any further payments. Any implications on my personal accounts resulting from this decision are your responsibility. Thank you for addressing this matter promptly.

Bank of the West took my Golden State 2 stimulus money to cover NSF fees amounting to $1,[redacted] for 5 transactions repeated 10 times in one month. Despite contacting customer service for relief due to economic hardship and writing emails, they denied help citing the end of COVID relief for NSF fees. When I received my state stimulus, the bank seized the $[redacted] check, leaving my account empty before closing it and sending me a $1,[redacted] bill with accruing interest from overdraft fees instead of NSF fees as claimed. Even after sharing my story on multiple platforms, the bank representatives called thrice but never followed up. I, a single mother, find this situation financially challenging. I believe it was unfair for the bank to take my stimulus money meant to ease financial strain, especially when other banks refrained from such actions. I seek Bank of the West to refund my $[redacted] stimulus check.

I have been in contact with customer service representatives regarding our account in the past two weeks. However, I encountered difficulty communicating with Jay, who declined to provide his full name or extension number. Despite assurances from Jay that our checking account would be credited for bank charges by Monday, November 21, [redacted], there seems to be ongoing confusion. Our account, which had been set for auto deposit for over 15 years, experienced issues back in June. Although Bank of the West claimed not to receive deposits, Jay mentioned that withdrawals were visible in our checking account. Today, when I requested to speak with Jay, I was informed that no one knew who he was. The customer service representatives I interacted with appeared to be poorly trained, leading to unresolved issues and frustration during my numerous phone calls.

I recently visited your bank to open an account and witnessed a distressing incident. A man in need tried to cash a $25.00 check, only to be informed by the teller that he would be charged $9.50 for the service. Feeling appalled by this, I ended up giving him $20.00 and decided not to proceed with opening an account at your establishment. I am extremely disappointed by this experience and feel compelled to share my dissatisfaction on social media. It is truly shameful behavior. I do not wish to receive any email responses as there is nothing that can rectify this situation.

Upon checking my mail, I was alarmed to discover that the two checks I received from the loan company were fraudulent. The first check was for $[redacted].53, followed by a second one for $4,[redacted].00. I was instructed to deposit the money into Walmart money cards. Unfortunately, I ended up making payments totaling $2,[redacted], despite being asked to withdraw only $2,[redacted]. I transferred $1,[redacted] to another bank, withdrew $[redacted] from an ATM, and then deposited the remaining amount onto the card. The situation has left me owing the bank a significant sum. I seek advice on how to proceed in resolving this issue.

I have been a customer of Bank of the West for the last 12 years. On March 13, [redacted], around 9:40 AM, I went to one of the Bank of the West branches in downtown San Jose, California, and was detained for an hour without any clear reason. I was simply attempting to use my own checking account and personal check, providing my California ID as identification. However, the bank staff proceeded to ask for additional personal information like my date of birth, my mother's middle name, how long I have had the account, and even my Social Security number. Despite cooperating and providing all the requested information, I was still detained.

Hello, my name is Avegale D. C. from Manila, Philippines. I am following up on the check issued to me by your bank as the beneficiary of my late brother's account who passed away in October [redacted]. I have submitted all the required forms that were sent to me by mail, and according to my representative in the US, the check was mailed to me on March 29, [redacted]. I am concerned about the whereabouts of the check and I kindly request an update on any developments regarding its delivery. I want to ensure that it reaches me safely and does not fall into the wrong hands for fraudulent purposes. Your prompt response on this matter is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

I used Zelle to send money to a receiver's Account Number only to find out they can only register with a phone number or email address. The transfer is Pending until they register. Why offer an Account Number option then? I want to cancel but it will cost $35. Please cancel the $10.55 transfer and waive the fee. The receiver can't access the money. Waiting 14 days for it to cancel isn't an option for me. Your assistance is appreciated. - Clifton Clarke, Jr.

I had a frustrating experience with my account that had a zero balance. I set up a weekly automatic transfer to my savings account, which I couldn't cancel on the app or online. This led to $[redacted] in overdraft fees and eventually led to my account being sent to collections, damaging my credit. I want to clarify that this situation was not caused by irresponsible actions on my part but seems like an unfair action taken by the bank. I believe I should not be held responsible for fees resulting from a failed internal transfer.