Fifth Third Bank Nondisclosure of banks method of processing transactions, Usury (illegally charging of extreme fees) false statements of fees. Orlando Florida

August 12, 2008

Good day,

I am writing to you with regards to my account at 5/3 bank. Yesterday, the 11th of August, 2008 I spoke to a bank representative at the branch located at 8600 Lee Vista Blvd., Orlando, FL 32829.

I explained to her my financial position. I have not been employed for the past two and one-half months. The only work I have been able to obtain has been on a day to day basis, paid cash. As of Monday, 11th of August, my total cash worth was $60.00. Should I have deposited the remaining cash, the back would only seize my money and leave me with nothing and still continue to charge me EXORBITANT fees.

I asked the agent to close my account. The agent informed me that she would notify the branch that opened my account to close my account and that I would be charged $44.00 which would be sent to collections. Having no other recourse, I agreed.

Fifth Third bank has viciously applied fees in excess of $222.00; though I overdrew $44.00, only the second time I have overdrawn. It wasn't until the 11th of August that I was informed of how the bank processes transactions; that they are processed based on the largest amount, NOT by time of purchase. I kept track of balances based on receipts at the time of transaction, balance statements provided at the ATM, and MORE IMPORTANTLY what was provided to me as being available via my online account.

For example, I purchased coffee and a bagel at Panera for $2.86 on the 17th of July based on the online available amount indicated as $4.60. On the 22nd of July I made a $134.11 deposit, unaware of the $66.00 in fees that was assessed. I accepted the fee without argument. However, on the 22nd of July, I made a $12.50 purchase in the morning, knowing I had sufficient funds to cover the transaction. In the evening, out of necessity, I made a $46.99 transaction to purchase additional fuel. I had no other means to get back to where I was staying at the time. Knowing I would be charged $33.00 I made the purchase. I did not know that 5/3 processes the larger transaction first, resulting in a $66.00 charge. Since the 22nd, I had no day jobs. The most recent day job was on the 2nd of August as a laborer (day crew) clearing grounds. I received $60.00 in pay.

I have attached copies of the online statement, clearly documenting the viciousness at which the bank has applied fees. I did not hesitate to accept the first $66.00 in fees and obligingly paid it. However, the rate at which the bank continuously attaches exorbitant fees clearly reveals their greed and true nature. Even though the agent at Fifth Third stated the account would be closed on the 11th, it is clear that the bank has no intention of doing so. I clearly request that my account be closed and the $44.00 in overdrawn due amount be submitted to collections. I will have nothing more to do with Fifth Third bank.

August 13, 2008

Contacted Fifth Third bank via there toll free number. Spoke with the customer service representative. I informed the rep of my discussion with the personal banker at the Lee Vista Financial Center, 8600 Lee Vista Blvd., Orlando, Fl 32829.

The rep informed me that my account was not closed and no record existed that the Lee Vista bank contacted the branch at McCulloch, 4999 N Tanner Rd., Orlando, Fl 32826; notifying them to close my account. When I asked the call center rep to take note of my call, he flat out refused to make any note in the system.

I have been receiving calls from 5/3rd Bank HQ from Ohio. Every call is just a voice mail informing me to check my account.

I again went to the branch at Lee Vista and spoke to the same person, Alissa Mendola. She stated that she contacted the McCulloch branch. She also again stated that once the account is sent to collections I would be charged only for the amount overdrawn. She stated that they could not close my account from there branch.

I then spoke with Kimmy, the Customer Service Manager. She stated that if my account goes to collections that I would be charged the overdrawn balance and all daily fees up until 30 days. I again explained my situation, that I have only $60 in cash. That I was willingly to give them the $60 to pay for the overdrawn amount and whatever I could pay in fees. The CSM stated she would contact the McCulloch branch and asked if they would contact me. At 3:45pm. I contacted Kimmy, the CSM by phone as she had tried to reach me. She informed me that she had spoken with the McCulloch branch manager who told her that he wouldn't waive ANY fees; that I would have to pay the overdrawn amount and all the fees. Kimmy also informed me that the McCulloch branch manager stated he would contact me. He never did.

As of today, I have less than $55 in cash. I cannot pay the fees and I have patiently tried to negotiate my willingness to pay for what I can, including my overdrawn amount.

5/3rd banks policy of processing transactions at the end of the day and then charging fees for every purchase transaction for that day, even if the transaction that resulted in the overdrawn amount occurred at 11:59pm that day, is evidence of PREMEDITATED INTENT to increase possibilities of overdrafts. Further, there practice of USURY, charging of excessive fees (Which IS illegal), and intent to prevent the recording of the account holders attempt to reconcile or to terminate continuance of harm to the customer is evidence of their GREED and VICIOUSNESS.

There is no reason why any bank branch cannot terminate the account. They are more than willing to receive payments, deposits, and open new accounts. However, every branch uses the unethical excuse of stating that only the branch that opened the account can waive fees, or close accounts. This forces a person who opened an account in Orlando, Florida who currently lives in Fort Lauderdale to travel all the way back to the branch in Orlando to close their account. It is obvious the bank only desires to make it difficult for the closing of accounts or reconciliation of accounts.

I have since found viewed many accounts of 5/3rd bank's practice of robbing account holders with USARY, excessive fees and interest on the internet. This report will be submitted to every major newspaper that is willing to receive it.

Matt
Orlando, Florida
U.S.A.

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