A Michigan woman has filed a discrimination lawsuit against Chase Bank, alleging she was racially profiled and humiliated while trying to cash a legitimate check — in an incident now being referred to as a case of “Banking While Black.”
According to court documents, the woman, a longtime customer, walked into her local Chase branch to deposit a settlement check earlier this year. What should have been a simple, everyday banking errand quickly escalated into a confrontation that left her feeling disrespected, targeted, and stripped of dignity.
The woman says that after handing over her check and identification, a bank employee began questioning the authenticity of the document in a tone she described as “suspicious and dismissive.” Moments later, she claims multiple staff members gathered to scrutinize the check and whisper among themselves before refusing to process the transaction. “They treated me like a criminal instead of a customer,” she said in her legal filing.
When the woman asked for an explanation, she was reportedly told that the check “didn’t look real” and was advised to “try another branch.” Instead of being assisted, she was met with skepticism and eventually asked to leave. Feeling humiliated, she contacted the issuing company — who confirmed the check was indeed valid.
After the incident gained attention online, advocates began highlighting her case as another example of systemic racial bias in financial institutions. “This isn’t just about one woman or one bank,” said civil rights attorney Mark Ellis. “This is about the repeated pattern of Black customers being treated with suspicion, even when they have done absolutely nothing wrong.”
In her lawsuit, the woman alleges that Chase employees discriminated against her based on race, violating both state and federal civil rights laws. The case seeks monetary damages as well as mandatory diversity and anti-bias training for all employees involved.
Chase Bank has responded to the allegations in a brief statement, saying, “We take all claims of discrimination seriously and are currently reviewing the details of this case. Our policy is to provide every customer with respect, fairness, and equal service.”
However, this is not the first time major banks have faced such accusations. Similar incidents have occurred across the country, sparking the viral term “Banking While Black,” used to describe situations where Black customers face unjust scrutiny or denial of service in financial settings.
Experts say the lawsuit could lead to significant policy changes. “Banks need to recognize that implicit bias is still present in their operations,” said Dr. Latasha Greene, a sociology professor studying racial equity. “These institutions hold enormous power — and with that comes the responsibility to treat all clients equally.”
For the woman at the center of the case, the lawsuit isn’t just about compensation — it’s about justice and awareness. “I want them to see what they did and make sure it never happens to anyone else,” she said. “I didn’t walk into that bank to be profiled. I walked in to be treated like a person.”
Her story continues to resonate across social media, serving as both a warning and a call for change in how America handles race, respect, and financial access.
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