(CNN) A Michigan retiree is suing a Detroit bank after she says employees refused to cash a check she received from a casino after winning a jackpot.
Lizzie Pugh told CNN she won more than $12,000 on a slot machine at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, during a church outing earlier this year.
On April 11, 2022, Pugh went to Fifth Third Bank in Livonia, Michigan, to open a savings account and deposit her winnings into a newly created account, according to court documents. Pugh's complaint alleges she was told by three White bank employees at Fifth Third Bank that the check was "fraudulent."
The check Pugh says she tried to cash.
The 71-year-old Detroit public school retiree says she was then forced to confront bank employees who initially refused to give her check back.
According to the complaint, Pugh asked the bank employees to call 911 because she was not leaving without her check. Pugh then spoke with a third bank employee who also said the check was fraudulent and because of that the bank would not allow Pugh to open an account and deposit the check. Eventually the bank employees gave Pugh her check back.
ParkSidePat on September 12nd, 2022 at 01:43 UTC »
Having worked in retail and commercial banking myself this is completely the fault of the employees and management of that branch. Anyone who knows about banking would know that check is never going to clear in a new account if it's fraud. New accounts have extended wait times for check clearance and almost all checks are converted to 24 hour clearinghouse transactions
Lastrights1 on September 12nd, 2022 at 00:17 UTC »
I’ve been in banking for years and any check of significant value gets a 7 day hold unless manager exception. I would say “congratulations on your win, there will be a 7 day hold on the check until it clears.” Anyone reasonable accepts this.
SaulsAll on September 11st, 2022 at 22:57 UTC »
How do you misinterpret being told your check is fraudulent and having the employees temporarily refuse to return the check? There is certainly video of the interaction. Is there audio?