Riya Gupta alleges Union Bank of India deducted ₹800 from her dormant account for non-maintenance charges and failed to provide assistance.
Complaint Summary : Riya Gupta Accuses Union Bank of India of Deducting ₹800 From Dormant Account Without Help
| Complainant Name | Riya Gupta |
|---|---|
| Profession | Digital Marketing Intern |
| Company Complained Against | Union Bank of India |
| Nature of Complaint | Unjust deduction from dormant account and lack of customer support |
| Incident Date | August 1, 2025 |
| Main Issues | ₹800 deducted for non-maintenance from a long-forgotten account, no help from branch staff |
| Branch Involved | Union Bank Elite Branch, Jhansi (linked to Patel Nagar Branch, Delhi) |
| Customer Support Issues | No empathy, no guidance, refusal to give written clarification |
| Complaint Platform | |
| Resolution Demanded | Refund of ₹800, details of contact update, remote resolution assistance |
Full Complaint Overview
Riya Gupta, a digital marketing intern, has publicly raised a grievance against Union Bank of India for deducting ₹800 from a dormant bank account and failing to provide adequate assistance.
According to Riya, the account was opened in 2016 by her employer, but she had completely forgotten about it as she had been using her Central Bank of India account for all her financial activities. The existence of the Union Bank account only came to her attention when her UPI transactions were mistakenly routed to it.
On August 1, 2025, her husband transferred ₹100 and her brother ₹6,000 to her UPI ID, which got deposited into this old account. Soon after, ₹800 was deducted for non maintenance charges. This deduction came as a shock to her, as she was unaware the account was still active.
Riya visited the Union Bank Elite Branch in Jhansi, explaining her financial hardship and personal situation including ongoing legal matters, a pending divorce, and caring for her 9 month-old daughter. She claims she received no help or empathy from the branch staff or manager.
She further alleges that:
- Her request for a written explanation if no help could be provided was denied.
- No guidance was given on how to recover the deducted amount.
- No clarity was offered on when her new contact number was linked to the account.
Riya is now requesting a refund of ₹800, details regarding her account update history, and assistance from the appropriate branch in Delhi to resolve the matter remotely.
🚨 Key Issues Highlighted
- 💰 ₹800 deducted from a dormant account without prior notice
- 🕒 Account dormant for nearly 8 years
- 🚫 No written clarification provided by bank staff
- 😔 No empathy despite financial and personal hardship
- 📄 Unclear account update history
Original LinkedIn Post Reference
Complainant: Riya Gupta
Profession: Digital Marketing Intern
Post Date: August 8, 2025
LinkedIn Post URL: Click Here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can a bank deduct non-maintenance charges from a dormant account?
Yes, banks can deduct charges if the account is technically active, but many waive them in special circumstances upon request.
2. What is considered a dormant account in India?
An account is dormant if there have been no customer-initiated transactions for over two years.
3. How can I recover charges deducted from a dormant account?
You can file a request with the bank manager, escalate to the regional office, or approach the banking ombudsman.
4. Does Union Bank of India allow remote account closure?
Yes, but it may require sending verified documents to the branch.
5. What are the rules for savings account minimum balance?
They vary by bank and account type; failing to maintain it may incur monthly penalties.
6. Can non-maintenance charges be refunded?
Yes, at the bank’s discretion, especially in genuine hardship cases.
7. How can I escalate a bank complaint in India?
You can write to the nodal officer, file with the RBI Banking Ombudsman, or use consumer court channels.
8. Why did the bank update my contact details without notice?
It could be due to earlier transactions or linked services, but customers can request an audit trail.
9. What documents are needed to dispute bank charges?
Account statements, transaction proofs, and a written complaint to the branch manager.
10. What is the RBI’s stance on customer service for dormant accounts?
Banks are expected to provide full support and facilitate easy reactivation or closure.
11. Can a dormant account still receive UPI payments?
Yes, if the account is active in the bank’s system, UPI transactions will go through.
12. How to prevent accidental UPI deposits to inactive accounts?
Deactivate unused accounts from your UPI app and verify the linked bank account.
13. Is the bank liable for mental distress caused by poor service?
If proven, customers can seek compensation in consumer court.
14. Can a customer request all past updates on their account?
Yes, customers can request an update log from the bank.
15. What if the branch refuses to help?
Escalate to higher bank authorities or lodge an RBI complaint.
16. How long does it take to get a refund from a bank?
It may take from 7 days to several weeks depending on internal approval.
17. Can banks refuse to give a written explanation?
No, customers have the right to request written communication regarding their complaints.
18. Does Union Bank have a grievance redressal policy?
Yes, and it is publicly available on their website.
19. What should I do before escalating to RBI?
Ensure you have a written complaint submitted to the bank and wait for their official response.
20. Can Choice4Voice.com help in such banking disputes?
Yes, Choice4Voice publishes verified complaints to draw public and media attention for quicker resolutions.
Conclusion
Riya Gupta’s case highlights the need for empathy and flexibility in banking practices, especially when dealing with dormant accounts and genuine hardship cases. While banks have the right to deduct charges, customer support must prioritize clear communication and compassion.
If you have faced similar issues with a bank, share your experience on Choice4Voice.com to make your voice heard and push for fair treatment.
