Pathward

September 25, 2024

To,

MetaBank - Dispute Letter

Client's name: Charles Butler Sr Butler

Email: cab6443@***.com

Reference: Digi Trade and Simple FN - The Scam Companies; Coinbase - The cryptocurrency exchange utilized to transfer money from my MetaBank account to the cryptocurrency wallets provided to me by the scam Companies

Goods or Services Not Provided | Not as Described or Defective Merchandise | Questionable Merchant Activity | Misrepresentation | Fraudulent Action | Blackmailing | Money Laundering | Tax Evasion | Terror Affiliate (Misappropriation of assets or funds)

Dear Sir/Madam,

My name is Charles Butler Sr Butler, a client of your bank. I am writing this formal dispute letter to bring to your attention a case of fraudulent activity on my MetaBank account. Since June 2024, I have discovered that I was sophisticatedly scammed and deceived. A total amount of $30,000 USD was transferred from my bank account utilizing Coinbase services to the scammers using trickery, manipulation, advanced money extraction techniques, and lies.

The Scam Incident Description:

I was approached by a representative from Digi Trade and Simple FN Companies, who introduced me to a promising job opportunity. The representative was extremely confident and persuasive, assuring me that by depositing small amounts of money, I would quickly see returns and earn additional income. Initially, everything seemed to be going well. I deposited the required amounts, and soon, I noticed I had accumulated a sizable balance.

However, when I tried to withdraw my earnings, I was informed that I needed to deposit more money in order to complete the transaction. Trusting their instructions, I made the additional deposits, but the process repeated itself every time I attempted to withdraw, I was told I needed to deposit even more money. Despite growing concerned, I followed their demands, believing their reassurances that I would soon have access to my funds.

Eventually, all communication from the Companies ceased. The representatives stopped responding to my inquiries, and I was left without any way to recover my money. It became clear that I had fallen victim to a scam, losing everything I had invested.

Please note that I was led to believe that I was investing with the funds that were transferred, while in reality, the fluctuation in numbers was all smoke and mirrors for the Companies to get away with the stolen money.

Also, take notice that I discovered that Digi Trade and Simple FN turned out to be unregulated and, thus, I have ample reasons to consider that it might be affiliated with money laundering/tax evasion. Moreover, it is highly likely that with the sponsorship of illegal military organizations as well. In other words, Digi Trade and Simple FN are Companies operating without a license; being pirated in nature, it is unknown if the money indeed went to the Companies themselves rather than funding terrorist organizations, child or sex trafficking, etc. If so, the reputation and reliability of MetaBank will be strongly questioned.

The fraudsters have manipulated and deceived me maliciously. MetaBank could have prevented this fraud from occurring if it had implemented its own AML and KYC policies. I am convinced that the gross negligence I faced from the side of MetaBank is absolutely unacceptable for such a reputable institution.

Ordinary citizens, who do not possess cybersecurity tools, could be deceived - however, it is impossible to deceive the security infrastructures and systems - the ongoing monitoring of transactions, (enhanced) customer due diligence, and the assessment of geographical risk could never be misled.

In addition, the employees failed to promptly notify me that these transactions might be suspicious and failed to inquire into the beneficiary's or money transfer's purpose to ensure that my funds wouldn't end up in the hands of criminals. Once again, I would like to emphasize that I am an ordinary citizen - however, I have discovered that Canada is seriously combating money-laundering issues, and, therefore, I simply could not understand how MetaBank allowed such negligence to occur.

I would ask that MetaBank accept its part of the responsibility for failing to adequately warn customers who were dealing with a discredited entity. Those of us outside financial circles are not equipped to defend ourselves against a complex and practiced receptor.

I request you to recall the transactions due to the following facts, all of which are non-regulated activities:

1. The Companies performed misrepresentation - pretending to be regulated (fictitious agents names and locations).

2. The Companies prohibited my ability to withdraw my funds.

3. The Companies were guaranteeing returns/yields (unrealistic ones).

4. The Companies furnished me with bonuses - which are not allowed to be given.

5. My money was not held in a segregated account.

6. The Companies did not advertise/disclose/were not transparent enough regarding the statistical data representing the percentage of total client losses at the Companies.

7. The Companies did not read the risk disclosure prior to my deposit(s).

DESIRED OUTCOME: MetaBank has to confirm that I have fallen victim to fraud. MetaBank has to act upon an immediate wire recall for the full amount of these payments, in the total amount of $30,000 USD (investigating my case and all of the companies and banks that might be involved in the fraud). MetaBank has to act in the best interest of its clients (as stated above) and if the funds cannot be recalled, I expect reimbursement for the reasons mentioned previously. MetaBank has to update its database to prevent the same fraudulent and aggravating cases such as mine from recurring.

I am looking forward to receiving a response from you. Thank you for your assistance.

Respectfully,

Charles Butler Sr Butler

_____

Attachments/pieces of evidence:

Warnings/reviews about Digi Trade and Simple FN:

On April 10, 2024, I contacted Michael Desselle on Facebook Marketplace about purchasing a MacBook Pro M2 2022 on Facebook Marketplace that he listed. The listed price was $350 then was deducted to $200 with his own will.

I was unable to pay Michael the amount of money in debit/cash up front that, so we agreed on paying him with a Visa Virtual Account gift card instead, that I could pay off within 2-4 weeeks using ZipPay. He stated he was willing to accept half of the $200, then accept the rest the next time I were to be paid from my job. I paid him $125 to cover the cost of next-day shipping. On April 11, 2024, I officially sent the payment.

Once they were able to active the card, they agreed to ship the MacBook out the next morning. (April 12, 2024) In the morning, the my contacted me and requested me to review them before they shipped the MacBook out. Due to his great communication and support, I had no problem of doing so. Towards the end of the day, I contacted them and confirmed whether they shipped it out or not and unfortunately, they stated that they didnt get the chance to do so and once again, said they would in the morning.

Therefore, I proceeded to contact them again at the end of the day on April 13, 2024, asking if they shipped it out or not. Michael stated that he did, and I would receive the MacBook April 15th, 2024. With that being said, I asked him to send me the tracking code, to track it and for proof that he shipped it out as he claimed to do so. He failed to send the tracking code, even after I asked for it numerous of times.

The last time Michael and I spoke was April 15th, 2024. The conversation was about me confirming that I would receive the MacBook that following day, which he confirmed I would. Though, I didnt receive it at all.

It is now April 16, 2024 and I have contacted him several times within the past 2 days, stating that I havent received it and I would still like the tracking code. He has refused to return my texts or calls.

This is the worst prepaid, debit card I have ever owned. Its almost impossible to get a hold of a customer service representative then they hang up on you.

You have to activate online and they told me after I activated my card that I didnt qualify to get my own money out of the ATM. Then at the gas station I was declined two times for the card. Walgreens is saying this is their card, my Walgreens card and they will not help you or have any information for you in order to help you resolve any matters. The meta-bank owner of customer service line that I was transferred to several times hung up on me and I cant use this card and its got my own money that I put on it with cash and I cant do anything with it and every transaction is a declined.

And Walgreens doesnt know whether I can refund it or not so my money just stuck on this card. They charge me the five dollar monthly service fee for using the start and I have not even been able to use it one time.