Q I’m wondering if you might be able to help close a checking account with JPMorgan Chase in the name of my late mother.
I’m the executor of her estate, and I tried to close the account more than a year ago — in March 2010. But because I wasn’t a signer on the account, I was required to meet with a banker and submit a stack of paperwork, including death certificate, etc. It was supposed to take no more than three months. But Chase apparently did not take any action.
There’s not a lot of money involved — $50.40, in fact — but that’s now become the problem. Chase failed to close the account and, recently, began deducting fees at the rate of $10 a month. I’ve called and asked to have the funds restored and the account closed, but I’ve just been told to start the whole process over again.
Chase reps have also refused to give me any information on whether the banker filed the paperwork at all.
It’s not clear to me whether this is incompetence or deliberate obfuscation and an attempt on Chase’s part to make it difficult enough for me that they’ll be able to take the money.
Steven Saum
San Jose
A Chase jumped right on this for you, Steven. Sometimes it take a little nudge.
You report back: “Thanks so much for the quick help. By Tuesday morning, Chase had reversed the fees; by Thursday, the account was closed.
“I received a call from Chase Executive HQ in Houston, and they were able to make sure things were handled very expeditiously at the branch.
“When I returned with some notarized documents on Thursday, they were able to close the account right away and cut a check. So certainly a satisfactory ending.”
I love good news. Thanks, Steven.
Recall
Dorel Asia is recalling about 500,000 wood bunk beds because the side rails that hold the bunk bed’s mattress in place can split and cause the bunk bed to collapse.
The company has received 23 reports of the side rails cracking and seven injuries.
The beds were made in Vietnam and sold at Walmart, Kmart and Target stores and online at www.walmart.com, www.kmart.com and www.target.com.
Contact Dorel Asia for a repair kit. The number is 800-295-1980.
Contact Action Line at actionline@mercurynews.com or 408-920-5796.
