UPDATE: Amy Fultz told CBS 6 News Wednesday evening that she had regained access to her account after her story was broadcast on CBS 6 News Monday.
"Before the end of the day, since running this footage, I was contacted by a SunTrust agent seeking immediate resolution. I appreciate it greatly," Fultz said.
"They have unfroze my account and I have full access plus the reimbursed me for the late fee on my rent... [and] I am able to pay some of my bills."
Fultz thanked reporter Joe St. George for sharing her story.
MIDLOTHIAN, Va. -- A Midlothian woman is left wondering what she did wrong after SunTrust bank closed out her account and froze her funds nearly two weeks ago.
Amy Fultz said she deposited $400 worth of checks from the parents of the children she cares for only to find out the next day that the bank had closed her account, including the money she needed to pay rent.
"I need to have answers, I need my money," Fultz said. "I almost was evicted if it was not for the help of other people."
Fultz attempted to figure out why her account was closed down before contacting CBS 6. Fultz said customer service agent told her six-week-old account was suspected of fraud, which prompted the closure. And because the account is in the process of being closed out, Fultz cannot access any of those funds.
Fultz denies any crime and said that she is "very frustrated" that SunTrust seized her account without warning.
"Why can't they pick up a phone and call me up and say we're having an issue with these checks," Fultz wondered.
Sonji Rollings Tucker, a former SunTrust bank employee who is now a financial expert, pointed out that "banks and credit unions have the right to close down an account."
Tucker said following Sept. 11, banks have been under pressure to close accounts that are suspected of being fraudulent. While human error can always happen, Tucker said red flags could stem from inaccurate account information or even issues with the check writer as opposed to the person cashing the check.
Tucker said that if an investigation is ongoing banks usually release very little information even to the person whose account has been impacted.
"Sometimes it's good to open up your account in more than one place," Tucker said, who advised Fultz to contact the Consumer Protection Bureau for help.
CBS 6 reached out to SunTrust for comment. As of 6 p.m. Monday, there has been no formal response although an official promised to look into the case.
Watch CBS 6 News and check back with WTVR.com for updates on this story.
