HSBC Checking Accounts

HSBC is absolutely the worst bank I've ever been a member of. They will hold all of your money for months without providing any explanation as to why. They are extremely slow and inefficient in everything they do. I am filing a lawsuit this afternoon through my attorney. He said HSBC is known to engage in criminal activities, with thousands of thefts reported. These reports directly state that HSBC claims it is their policy to take your hard-earned money whenever they choose. We will see if a jury agrees with that policy.

Subject: Formal Complaint Regarding Unprofessional and Inappropriate Conduct by Supervisor Eric Li at HSBC Branch (1107 S Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA)

Dear HSBC Customer Relations,

I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding the unprofessional, inappropriate, and discriminatory conduct of Eric Li, a supervisor at your Arcadia, CA branch, located at 1107 S Baldwin Ave, Unit C, Arcadia, CA 91007, on December 24 and December 26, 2024.

Background

I have been a customer of HSBC for several months, using the account primarily for access to my funds when traveling abroad. On December 23, 2024, I received the disbursement of my personal loan into my HSBC account to avoid mixing these funds with my existing balance and other banks. I intended to withdraw $25,000 from my HSBC account.

On December 24, I visited the branch accompanied by a friend for safety reasons, as the amount I intended to withdraw was significant. However, I was immediately told by Eric Li that I was not permitted to withdraw that amount. I requested to wire the funds to another bank, but this request was met with unprofessional behavior and refusal.

Supervisor's Unprofessional Conduct

Initial Refusal and Rudeness: When I requested to wire the funds to a different bank, Eric Li became extremely rude. He began questioning why I had a friend with me, implying that it was suspicious for me to bring someone along. He also informed me that he would need to conduct an identity verification, which would take hours. I found this unreasonable, but I complied with his request.

Inordinate Delay and Refusal to Help: After 45 minutes, Eric returned with the completed verification but still refused to wire my funds or provide me with a cashier's check. His attitude remained dismissive, and he gave me the impression that he felt he could act with impunity. When I requested information for his supervisor, he refused to provide it, claiming he was the highest authority at HSBC, which I found to be both inaccurate and inappropriate.

Unwarranted and Invasive Questions: Throughout the interaction, Eric continued to pry into my personal life in a highly invasive manner. He interrogated me in front of others about my loan—an entirely private matter—and made me feel uncomfortable and embarrassed.

Accusations and Racial Remarks: Later, when I explained that the loan deposit was slightly less than the amount stated on my documentation (due to a loan origination fee), Eric accused me of fraud, publicly labeling me a money launderer. He continued to make inappropriate remarks, suggesting that I was involved in illegal activities. His questioning became increasingly discriminatory, making racist remarks indirectly targeted at my ethnicity. He even questioned why I was banking with HSBC, implying that customers like me were not typically "high net worth."

Threats and Stress: This treatment caused me significant distress, particularly given that I had just undergone open-heart surgery and was experiencing chest pain as a result of the stress. To make matters worse, when my son attempted to intervene and ask to speak to Eric, he hung up the phone. After my son threatened to file a complaint, Eric finally agreed to provide me with a cashier's check for half of the funds in my account. However, when I requested the remainder of the money or assistance with the wire transfer, Eric refused and offered no meaningful resolution.

Additional Concerns

Account Restriction: After this interaction, I attempted to complete the wire transfer at home, but my account was restricted. When I called customer service, I was informed that Eric Li had placed the restriction on my account without my knowledge or consent.

Inconsistent Communication: I was told that if I brought in documents, Eric would help me with the wire transfer. However, when I did so, he refused to call the lender to verify the funds and continued to delay and obstruct the process.

Violation of Privacy: Eric copied my personal loan documents without my consent, violating my privacy and possibly HSBC's own internal procedures.

Conclusion and Request for Action

I strongly believe that Eric Li's actions were not only unprofessional but potentially fraudulent and discriminatory. I have never been treated so disrespectfully in a banking environment, especially considering the significant health and emotional stress I was under during this process.

I am requesting:

A full investigation into Eric Li's behavior and actions during this incident.
Disciplinary action against Eric Li, including possible termination, for his unprofessional conduct, false accusations, and failure to assist me as a customer.
A review of internal policies to ensure that no other customer experiences similar treatment in the future.
Steps Taken

I attempted to resolve the matter directly with Eric Li and the local branch.
I was denied access to escalate the issue and was repeatedly met with hostility and refusal.
I contacted HSBC customer service, but the issue remains unresolved.
I request that HSBC take immediate action to investigate and rectify this situation. I would appreciate an acknowledgment of this complaint and an update on any actions being taken.

My business account was frozen five months ago without prior notice or any logical explanation. After numerous telephone calls and emails, an individual at their complaint department sent me an email today which they call a 'resolution,' indicating that they have decided to retain the funds and close the account.

I am really lost for words by their action. They claim to be the largest bank in the UK and one of the best in the world.

HSBC allegedly takes people's money from their accounts by freezing them and then asks them to make a complaint. This is the most ridiculous law I have ever heard of. The treatment of customers is terrible.

I have already instructed my solicitor to make an official complaint in court to teach these wrongdoers a good lesson. I recommend all of you to be very careful with HSBC and if possible, switch your bank immediately. You will lose big time if you trust and stay with HSBC.

Trash HSBC service. I tried to close my account with their customer service, and they already told me that my account will be closed within 5-7 days, but NEVER did that. Instead, they keep charging me monthly fee again and again. The sixth time I talked with them, someone told me that there is a warning hold on my account that I have to call the customer service again for questions. When I called, it took me 30 minutes until someone asked me 2 basic survey questions like are you registered online, then that’s is the warning…… Amazing trash service with traps. Still didn’t get my account closed, so never use their service. They will never give back your balance or let you leave.

Would pick 0 stars if I could. Unethical company with documented money laundering in their history. Poor customer service as well with an unwillingness to work with those who are not Premier accounts or higher.
Rates and fines are high and staff is not accustomed to working with westerners.

THEY ARE SCAMMERS DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME,IF I COULD GIVE 0 STARS I WOULD, HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE EVER,REPORTING TO THE BBB ASAP!!!!

Opened an HSBC Advanced Checking account via their promotion in September last year. Met all qualifying activities, yet they didn't credit my account the bonus. Opened a case ID with their customer support, who told me somebody would reach out. Nobody reached out. It's been weeks so I call back again, and one of their representatives told me they would reach out again to the department responsible for reviewing the account. No call back again. I call back and I get an update that they've denied the bonus based on their review failing to realize that the deposits made were actually direct deposits. Still contacting them to get this resolved.... what a joke of a company.

WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE EVER!!!!

They keep suspending my account every time I try to make a payment WITH MY OWN MONEY. Then I spend over 8 hours on the phone being passed from department to department where no one knows what to do and how to deal with this. Totally fed up and going to move banks ASAP. DO NOT BANK WITH HSBC.