Woman fighting cancer gets thousands back from bank
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GRESHAM, Ore. - Holly Hicks is feeling better after she received back thousands of dollars from Citibank after they took the money because of a relative's financial problems.
Hicks, who is in treatment for lymphoma, added a family member to her bank account in February so they could help her handle her finances during treatment.
But when that person got into some financial difficulty, the bank pulled the funds from their family member's - and Holly's - bank account, just after she was diagnosed with cancer.
But after an extended conversation with KATU News, Citibank officials took another look at the situation and refunded Hicks over $5,500. They also refunded money taken from her relative's account, which was unexpected.
"As soon as I went to KATU, and got the proper help, who understood what was going on, then the ball rolled, but I know I wouldn't have gotten it otherwise," she said.
Hicks plans to use the money to help pay for her medical bills and physical therapy.
The bank that garnished the funds had no idea they should not take Hicks' funds. Citibank assisted in clearing up the problem.
Those banks are really fast to swoop in and grab the money. What takes so long to get a human being on the phone when you call a bank?
great journalism by Dan Tilkin....these banking executives are a disgrace
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The relative never should have been made a co-owner of the account. This is called "accidental estate planning"; if Holly had passed away, that person would inherit 100% of the account if they were a joint owner, even if that was not Holly's ultimate wish.  If you want someone to be able to help you with your account, consider making them only an authorized signer and NOT a co-owner of the account. Then their BS cannot be attached to your money.Â
Frickin' banks. They make Scrooge look like a saint.
I've worked with Holly for more than decade. She's always been one of the nicest, hardest working, and most decent people I had the pleasure of doing business with. This helps prove that good karma really does pay rewards.
Wow, people blaming the bank, for the relatives irresponsible handling of their own debts? Personal responsibility has died in America.
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It was the relatives fault, for not paying what they owed and not telling this poor woman that they had a garnishment.
While in this case, the bank was 'wrong' to go after the money, they did nothing wrong and actually corrected a situation they certainly did not have to. If you owe money and have a garnishment against you, then expect any account with your name attached to be garnished. I personally blame the idiot family member. They should have known better than to let thier name be attached to someone else's account ffs.
 @Peregrine Very true. If anyone adds or considers adding a family member on to their account (or if you are the one with the account), you owe it to be honest about your financial situation. My grandfather-in-law added a son to his account. The son had multiple liens from the IRS. I cautioned my grandfather-in-law about the potential to have his account frozen or have money removed to satisfy his son's errors. As soon as I pointed that out, he changed to a different family member who didn't have money issues. Be aware of anyone you pick to help you out or check with family who might have granted access to someone with financial difficulties because the bank was, sadly, within their legal rights to garnish this woman's account and the other family member's account, too.
What banksters giving money back? Wow. Glad to see the correction was finally made. Helicopter Ben should fly over this house instead of the banks.
So why does mitt do business with them again and again?????
They own a part of him and his business...
I guess birds of the feather...
Our banks victimize customers anytime they feel like it and usually get away with it. Pathetic!