Summary
In Georgia, banks must adhere to federal and state privacy laws like the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and the Georgia Personal Identity Protection Act. While the bank employees actions may not explicitly violate these laws, they could breach the banks privacy policy. Review the banks privacy policy, file a complaint, and consider consulting a lawyer. If unresolved, escalate to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance.Full Conversation
I’m in the process of closing a bank account, and the bank called me today asking if I’d like to pick up my remaining money from the account at the physical bank location, or if Id like them to ship it to the hotel I’m staying at. I never told them I’m at a hotel and they found that information by looking at my transactions and seeing I booked a stay there. It’s obviously an invasion of privacy and lacks professionalism, but did they break a law by delving into my location like that without my consent?
****, that does sound concerning. Privacy laws can vary by location, so knowing where you are would help provide more specific information. Could you let me know the state or country you're in?
Georgia, in the United States
****, in Georgia, banks are subject to both federal and state privacy laws. Here's some general information:
- Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA): This federal law requires financial institutions to explain their information-sharing practices and safeguard sensitive data.
- Georgia Personal Identity Protection Act: This state law mandates businesses to protect personal information and notify individuals of data breaches.
Would you like more details on your rights or how to file a complaint?
That doesn’t answer if it sounds like the bank employee broke the law by searching my transaction history to find my current location
****, while the actions of the bank employee might not explicitly violate the laws mentioned, they could potentially breach the bank's privacy policy or internal guidelines. You might want to:
- Review the bank's privacy policy.
- File a complaint with the bank.
- Consider consulting a lawyer for potential breaches of privacy.
Would you like guidance on how to file a formal complaint?
Yes
****, here's a general guide on filing a formal complaint with your bank:
*. Contact Customer Service: Explain your issue and ask for the procedure to file a complaint.
*. Submit Written Complaint: Follow their instructions to submit a formal written complaint.
*. Follow Up: Keep a record of all communications and follow up if necessary.
Would you like information on how to escalate the issue if the bank doesn't resolve it satisfactorily?
Yes
If the bank doesn't resolve your issue satisfactorily, here's how you can escalate it:
*. Contact Regulatory Agencies: File a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
*. Contact State Authorities: Reach out to the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance.
*. Legal Action: Consult a lawyer for further legal steps.
Would you like further details on contacting these agencies?