A massive bank is now unfortunately closing branches in Ohio due to “safety fears”, but people are skeptical.
Huntington Bank will shutter its branch in Buckeye, Ohio – a town situated within Cleveland – on February 9 despite desperate bids from locals to save it, reports The-Sun.
The move was initially proposed in the fall due to safety concerns for employees and customers.
There was reportedly violent crime in the area that had started to impact the bank’s property.
Previous reports detail an alleged bank robbery at the location as well as residents telling Signal Cleveland that bullets hit the branch during a shootout a few months ago.
Local residents and business owners petitioned for the branch to remain open for another 90 days after the given closure date of February 9.
It was hoped that this time would see the bank work with public officials and the community to make the area safer and to establish a solid plan of action.
However, Kris Dahl, regional communications manager for Huntington, has rejected this idea.
“Unfortunately, due to the unacceptable risk to our customers and employees, we cannot leave this branch open for an additional 90 days as requested by some members of the community, and it will close on Feb. 9,” he said.
Greg Groves, a Huntington Bank customer and member of the Keep Huntington Bank on Buckeye from Closing Committee, has claimed that the bank is using crime in the city as a “scapegoat.”
“We have a big bank here that’s accepting deposits, but yet is not reinvesting in this community in the way the Community Reinvestment Act calls for,” Groves told local ABC affiliate WEWS-TV.
“I think that the city is being used as a scapegoat here in the way that it was framed as I understand it, and we’re not going to get lost in that issue of safety.
“It’s used against this community to keep it from focusing on credit and financial responsibilities.”
However, Dahl has offered a glimmer of hope that next month’s closure may be temporary – but that all depends on the events of the next few months.
“We will work with the City of Cleveland in the event actions can be taken to address the safety concerns for our customers and employees,” he said.
“After six months, we will assess if there have been sufficient improvements to safety in this area.”
In the meantime, the bank’s ATM will still be available for use.
Also Read: A US Bank is Now Denying Customers Access to Money
Other Banking News Today
A bank now freezes account and customer access to money after a user was tricked and victimized by an online scammer.
The-Sun reports that the bank has found the customer “guilty by association” after the scammer “duped him.”
Regions Bank has managed to prevent the scammer from any further wrongdoing.
However, the customer has said that the bank has now cut off access his to money.
The person had been tricked into depositing a bad check, but thankfully, the bank managed to catch it before any funds were exchanged.
However, the situation didn’t end there.
The customer took to Reddit to share they later had their account frozen.
When they took their troubles to a bank representative, they found out their account would be closed.
The person said they’ve accepted and dealt with the situation; however, weeks have passed, and their money remains in limbo.
“When will I receive the check for my remaining bank funds?” they asked.
They couldn’t figure out if their account was still frozen or officially closed or who they should speak with.
Unfortunately, banks rarely make exceptions or leave personalized notes for account closures.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau received 2,941 complaints about bank savings and checking account closures in 2023.
Although a bank customer finding out their account was closed might feel personal, the process can flag anyone who falls victim to a scam or system error.
A closed bank account can stay on your credit for up to seven years, according to TransUnion.
Fellow Redditors said there was nothing the customer could do but trust the process.
One person said the bank must provide access to his money within 30 days of the account closure.
Another person said to go speak with a branch manager where he opened the account.
“Kindly ask them if the account has already closed. If it hasn’t, ask if it’s possible to do a temporary release so you can collect the “good” funds that remain in your account.”
Ultimately, at least the person can rest assured the bank will return their money.
Even if they take their time, reports The-Sun.
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Also Read: A US Bank is Now Freezing Some Retiree Accounts
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If they are concerned about customers why would they leave a outside ATM machine for customers and again if Shaker Square can come up with plans to stop crime why can’t Buckeye. Rallys still there the. Liquor store is still there most of the problems but it’s not being addressed. Huntington just don’t want to do business in our neighborhood,crime is everywhere stop using that as a excuse.
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