Huntington Bank Customers in Northeast Ohio Report Fraud Losses Up to $40,000

Huntington Bank customers in Northeast Ohio reported fraudulent account activity that drained sums from a few hundred dollars to $40,000, with several fraud claims remaining in pending status for months, according to The Cool Down. A federal agency is now investigating the bank, the outlet reported.

What Northeast Ohio Customers Reported

Half a dozen customers who spoke with WEWS-TV described money disappearing in different ways, including changed login information, unauthorized withdrawals, phone scams, and transfers from Zelle accounts they never fully set up. Akron customer Don Graber said $40,000 was taken. "Somebody was in my account," he told the station. "I don't know how they got there."

Castalia resident Doug Robison found about $800 missing when his wife checked their account from the hospital. Euclid customer Sharon Budin said scammers used Zelle against two accounts, though neither she nor her husband had fully connected the app. "My husband downloaded the app, but we haven't used it," she said. "We haven't even set it up." Lisa Lin, a Stow resident, cited three withdrawals of $500 each.

Port Clinton customer Patty Bacisin said she went to a Huntington branch after hundreds of dollars were taken and described the impact. "Sorry if I get emotional," she recalled. "I sat in front of them and said you guys don't know what this did to me. I had one [person at] Huntington's branch look at me and laugh." Graber said his case remained unresolved: "It's pending … even two-and-a-half months later or three months later," he said. "They all say pending."

WEWS-TV reported that Huntington declined another invitation to participate in an on-camera interview about the fraud concerns. A Huntington representative called to complain about the station's prior coverage, but the bank still did not agree to directly address the customers' allegations in an interview.

Huntington's Recent Expansion Moves

Huntington Bank opened a new office inside West Virginia University's Mountainlair on Sept. 24, providing banking services, financial education, and career opportunities to the university community, WV News reported. In the Triad region, Huntington's deposits rose from $20 million to $90 million while JPMorgan Chase doubled from $60 million to $120 million, according to American City Business Journals.

Huntington will relocate its historic downtown Columbus branch from 17 S. High St. To a new storefront at Broad and High, with operations continuing at the old site until the new location opens in summer 2027, Third News reported.

Fraud Cases Elsewhere in Banking

Banco Master drew renewed attention on October 12 when a video of Gabriela Prioli defending the bank recirculated after an influencer suggested voting for Lula, Folha reported. Prioli denied any payment or contract with the bank, while police investigations into the bank's fraud scheme continue.

QNET condemned criminal networks misusing its name in fraudulent recruitment schemes in Ghana and West Africa on October 1, MyJoyOnline reported. QNET cited a police rescue of 251 young people and over 300 repatriations since early 2025, and said it is cooperating with authorities.

What Comes Next for Huntington

WEWS-TV planned to continue reporting on Huntington's determinations on the customers' fraud claims. The station also reported that a federal agency is now investigating Huntington Bank.