Faced with this nightmare scenario, a 24-year-old reached out to 7 On Your Side, who got to the bottom of this mystery.
“I felt like I had lost my savings and it was very frustrating,” said Andrew Alexander.
First he lost his job – then all his money, $ 80,000 in total.
The money was set aside for his education and frozen during what Alexander said was a routine bank transfer.
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“There was a promotion with Citibank that if you open an account with a certain amount, I get $ 700. So I just tried to get that extra bonus,” Alexander said.
He transferred $ 50,000 from his online Chime account just before Christmas and was then ‘scrooted’.
“In fact, both accounts were frozen the next day and Chime says my money was not eligible for a refund,” Alexander said. “I still have no idea why both accounts were frozen.”
Chime wanted Alexander to provide unemployment verification, but Citibank did not request documentation or reveal why all of his money was frozen.
“Every time I contacted them, they didn’t give me a reason,” Alexander said. “They said the block went out of their reach to the branch when I went to the branch, they said, call me on the phone.”
Alexander was at a loss with the rent and bills owed.
The 24-year-old’s job disappeared when the facility where he worked closed due to COVID.
He’s a job as a personal trainer and has re-enrolled in college so he was desperate for his tuition.
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“I had to buy presents. I couldn’t even buy food, my girlfriend took care of me,” said Alexander.
Until he decided to call 7 On Your Side to get a crack, and his ice cold money.
The 7 On Your Side team asked Chime and Citibank to conduct an investigation.
We never figured out what caused the freeze, as neither bank is allowed to discuss client accounts. But just 48 hours after we called, the chill had thawed on Alexander’s “Benjamins.”
“I was absolutely relieved. I felt happy and grateful, I really appreciate it,” said Alexander.
Citibank sent a check for $ 50,000 and Chime unblocked $ 30,000.
“Without you (7 On Your Side) I couldn’t get my money,” Alexander said. “I appreciate that 7 is getting involved on your side. Thank you very much and keep helping people.”
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