Bank sends us 2 cashiers checks instead of one

I had an account with a major bank for several years but then moved to New Jersey where the bank had no branches whatsoever. I faxed the bank an official letter (which was what they requested) with my signature asking that they close my account and send me a cashier’s check for $14k immediately, as I had run out of money. After sending the fax, I called to confirm their receipt of the fax and again stressed the importance of them acting upon it. I waited for over 10 days and heard or got nothing and was in a very difficult financial situation. I called to inquire about the situation and learned that they had done ABSOLUTELY NOTHING with my account. They said they will do it that day and I should get the check in 2 days by Airborne express. At that point, I opened an account with a local bank with very little money and received a check book on the spot. I wrote checks that day to purchase a car and insurance (my old car was broken and I needed one desperately). I also bought other things while agreeing with all of them not to cash the checks for a few days until I get my money from my older bank.

2 days later I got nothing and got really nervous. I called the bank and they said my account is closed and a check was sent 2 days ago. The lady at the bank insisted that the check was sent 2 days ago and claimed she was not responsible if the check hasn’t arrived like she originally said it would. I asked her if she could check to see if it was actually sent and to call me back and let me know. She got agitated and said she knows her job. She said if the shipping department at the bank had not sent it, then it’s not her fault and that I should deal with them myself (but they do not deals with customer!). I was very respectful and pleaded that she look into it anyway and call me back. She never did. I called her again but I could tell she didn’t want to talk to me anymore. I requested to talk to a manager and was told she herself was a supervisor and her manager does not deal with these issues. I insisted to be put through to her manager and she said she will put me through to her voice mail. I left a message to her manager respectfully explaining my situation and asked her to call me back. She never did.

After hanging up, I called again and spoke with another lady at the bank. She said my account was closed but there’s no indication a check was actually sent; otherwise, the computer would say so. The lady said she’ll look into it and call me back. She never did.

The next day, still no check and nervousness grow even more. I spent the day calling all the numbers for that bank and explain my situation to anyone willing to listen. Most said they’ll look into it and call me back. Not a single one called back. At the end of the day, all I knew was that my account was closed and that half the people at the bank said the check was sent, and the other half said it wasn’t necessarily true. However, not even one single person would call me back and let me know what’s going on.

I had to call the insurance and car salesmen pleading that they do not cash the checks because I haven’t gotten my money yet. At the same time, kept calling the bank trying to figure out the status of my life saving.

Finally, Customer Service said it has not been sent yet, but will go out that day and will call me to confirm it went out. But no one ever called. I called again and spent over 1 hr trying to figure out if it has actually been sent. The answer was “yes” and I even got a tracking number. I immediately logged on Airborne’s website to track my check, only to find out that it was headed to California instead of New Jersey. I spent the whole day trying to sort things out with my bank and Airborne. The bank’s response was that I should not call them because the check has been sent and it’s not their responsibility anymore. My attention focused on Airborne, and after hours of calls I found out that the bank provided an address that was half wrong. Finally, after waiting for a few more days I got my check for the right amount. However, that same day, I got another check for the same amount!!. Both were sent much later than the bank assured me and after putting me through an emotional roller coaster. I cashed one check and don’t know what to do with the other one. The funny thing is that I called the bank several times so I can talk to the manager that would never return my call to inform her of the second check, but she still never returned any of my calls. It’s a valid cashiers check with my name on it. Can I cash it without worrying at being labeled a criminal. People tell me I deserve it for all the lies the bank kept telling and due to their incompetence. What are the side effects of me cashing that check? Any advice? Thanks in advance

KG

[crusheroz]

First off it is not all of the banks fault. You should have asked if they had any branches in the New Jersery area before you moved, that way you could have took your money with you. Second it would be wrong to cash that check. They will catch their mistake and you will be liable for that money.

[Ladynred]

I feel for you, but I'd have to say you went about this the hard way. I 've changed states and had to change major banks at least 5 times in the past 15 years. If you ever have to do this again, I'd suggest you take advantage of electronic transfers instead of relying on clerks to mail you checks. What I have always done, is to open an account in my new location, new bank, then contacted my old bank and set up an electronic funds transfer between the two banks. Its very fast, the cost is minimal, and I never had to worry about where my money was. I would then send the old bank a written request that the account be closed.

Crusheroz is right.. send them back their 2nd check. It could take a year or more for a bank audit to turn up their mistake and then they'd come after you with a vengence for that money !

[nailtech]

Dont cash the check, better yet, when they call you tell them your computer does not know if the check has been sent back to them or not, and then send it the longggggggggggg way back**************.


send them a letter stating... I sent you your check but, after I sealed the envelope I noticed I had the wrong address, so I had to resend it. It should arrive sometime next week If the computer gets the proper address this time, then tell them they can talk to your wife or mom who handles complaints (but they dont talk to banks)... then a couple of days later send them back their check,....

Eye for an Eye..... just kiddin, but give em He11 over it....
I'm sure they will put a stop payment on the check,.... you will only get into trouble if you cash it, but it might be a little fun toying with them a bit like they did you...

PS,......
send it back certified, Return Receipt Requested.. so you have proof you sent it back...

I would say send it back to them with half the postage with no return address so they will have to pay the additional postage, but your never sure they will get it, but its a good idea for anyone else who Pi$$es you off.... LMAO.....