Priority One Credit Union Priority One, Los Angeles Postal Credit Union of Los Angeles, POCU Misrepresentation, dishonest. swindling, inconsiderate, rude, ignorant, unhelpful South Pasadena, California

This complaint concerns two incidents. The first is the refusal by Priority One Credit Union to investigate my complaint that money was taken without authorization from my checking account by a former caregiver in 2009. The credit union never reimbursed any of the stolen money even though six stolen checks show a signature that there records show isn't mine and they issued a VISA check card in my name, to the former caregiver. The signature on the application for the VISA card does is not mine. The credit union did not follow due diligence and verify that the signatures were mine. The second complaint is that I requested the credit union close my accounts and return my money with interest but they now refuse to do so.

Complaint #1 In 2009, the compliance specialist at Priority One discovered that my former caregiver had accessed my checking accounts using my personal checks made payable in her name and on which she forged my signature; and withdrawn money from my account using my ATM card. At the time, the compliance specialist asked that I file a Suspicious Activity Report though Priority One never provided follow-up regarding what they concluded from their investigation nor was any of the money reimbursed to my account though 6 checks were involved in the forgery and clearly proving the signature on each was not my own.

The ATM withdrawals occurred primarily in Las Vegas, a city I have not visited in recent years. The compliance specialist identified fraud and immediately blocked my the debit card and initiated an investigation.

Priority One refuses to acknowledge or respond to the incident involving fraud, resulting in a tremendous loss of funds to my person. I originally relented from pursuing legal action against the credit union because of my age, my health and the time it would take to pursue legal recourse.

Complaint #2: I also moved to Dayton, Ohio, and reside with my niece, Eugenia Horne. In a letter dated January 7, 2010, I asked the credit union to please close my accounts and forward all funds and interest to my new residence. In February 2010, I called Priority One to inquire about status of my request and was advised by Genevieve Rodriguez, a representative in the Member Services Department, that my letter dated January 7, 2010, had never been received.

I was asked to fax a copy of the original letter which I faxed to the credit union on 2/10/10. A few days later, I again called the credit union but was informed that they do not accept faxed requests. I was told I must mail an original, notarized letter to the member services department and that following receipt of my correspondence, they will release my funds. On February 22nd, I mailed a notarized letter which was sent via priority mail service. The credit union did not contact me and so on Wednesday, March 17, 2010, I called the credit union and was told by Genevieve Rodriguez Alexander that the credit union requires a legal precedent and that I should obtain the services of a financial advisor. I advised Genevieve that I do not have nor have ever had a financial advisor. According to Genevieve, the credit union cannot return my funds because my file contains a reference to elder abuse. She also said they require my Power of Attorney, but I have never given any one power of attorney over my finances.

Their refusal has adversely affected my personal finances and is causing me duress and physical stress. When I advised the credit union that I have never had power of attorney, they advised me I must provide this and that there is nothing they can do until I provide the requested proof. I was also told that I am unable to transfer money from my savings account to my checking account and thus no longer have access to my funds. Before leaving the company, the compliance officer informed me that she presented the portion of my claim which involves the unauthorized access of my account, to President Charles Wiggington and that he said the credit union would not reimburse me the stolen money because it was not their fault my former caregiver accessed my accounts. But if the credit union had compared the signature on file against the signature on the checks, they would have seen that they did not match, so isn't the credit union responsible?

Due to the time and energy it would require and with consideration to my health and age, I have avoided seeking legal recourse.