Banking while black? Toronto man accuses Scotiabank of racial profiling

[We Keep Receipts 9,238]

A Toronto man has filed a $225,000 lawsuit alleging racial profiling after a routine trip to the bank led to him being arrested on suspicion of passing a fraudulent cheque, according to a statement of claim filed with the court.

Frantz St. Fleur, 38, was attempting to deposit a $9,000 cheque at the Scotiabank location at Scarborough Town Centre when the police showed up and arrested him, based on information provided by bank staff, according to the statement of claim.

The cheque was from a refunded real estate deposit after a condo purchase fell through. The cheque was valid, realtor Re/Max said in a statement to the Star.

“It was horrible. The worst thing that ever happened to me. I’ve never been arrested (in) my life. It was a Saturday morning; the bank was full and the mall also,” St. Fleur told the Star. “Everybody was looking at me and nothing was done quietly. Everybody saw everything that happened.”

In a statement to the Star, the bank called the treatment he received “unacceptable.”

“Customers are our No. 1 priority and are treated with the utmost respect. The treatment of Mr. St. Fleur was unacceptable and we have apologized and made an initial offer to reverse certain fees on his account and then offered an additional goodwill gesture in the spring. We have also worked with our employees to ensure that this does not happen again,” the bank said.

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2014/12/10/banking_while_black_toronto_man_accuses_scotiabank_of_racial_profiling.html?app=noRedirect

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

“Customers are our No. 1 priority and are treated with the utmost respect....

Yeah, right.

[We Keep Receipts 9,238]

Yeah, right.

People need to follow procedure. If they thought his check was fraudulent, they could have checked it at the bank BEFORE the cops were called.

[decocker 7,198]

it is certainly weird that he was arrested and taken in for questioning for a legitimate check.

[Karee 4,191]

Canadians are a bunch of racists.

[decocker 7,198]

is french a race?

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

People need to follow procedure. If they thought his check was fraudulent, they could have checked it at the bank BEFORE the cops were called.

Well, there was a black man with a check for nine grand. That's suspicious and you know it!

[Operator 1,927]

The following comment has nothing to do with race.

What I find funny about any law suit is highlighted here:

“I filed this suit because I’m still looking for answers about why this happened. I banked with them for almost 10 years — since 2005,” said St. Fleur.

“I have all my accounts with them. I’m looking for answers about exactly why they did what they did.”

No, Mr. St. Fleur you aren't looking for answers, you are looking for 225 large. Which is OK but you have to own it. They did you wrong, if you want answers then ask for answers not cash. If they settled and never spoke another word to him would he still be looking for answers or just finding another bank to make his deposit?

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

it is certainly weird that he was arrested and taken in for questioning for a legitimate check.

The odds of that check being legit were certainly low given the circumstances.

[decocker 7,198]

The following comment has nothing to do with race.

What I find funny about any law suit is highlighted here:

“I filed this suit because I’m still looking for answers about why this happened. I banked with them for almost 10 years — since 2005,” said St. Fleur.

“I have all my accounts with them. I’m looking for answers about exactly why they did what they did.”

No, Mr. St. Fleur you aren't looking for answers, you are looking for 225 large. Which is OK but you have to own it. They did you wrong, if you want answers then ask for answers not cash. If they settled and never spoke another word to him would he still be looking for answers or just finding another bank to make his deposit?

or ask for answers and cash.

The odds of that check being legit were certainly low given the circumstances.

these bankers need some racial profiling training.

[We Keep Receipts 9,238]

Well, there was a black man with a check for nine grand. That's suspicious and you know it!

What's funny is this is how some people see black people as a whole. In a rush to prove his guilt, the teller might cost the bank thousands of dollars.

or ask for answers and cash.

these bankers need some racial profiling training.

Not training. More like doing your job the RIGHT way.

[decocker 7,198]

Not training. More like doing your job the RIGHT way.

operator is onto something with the designated sarcasm font.

[We Keep Receipts 9,238]

operator is onto something with the designated sarcasm font.

My bad.

[decocker 7,198]

My bad.

nope that was the last straw marvin. i'm going to ignore you now

[We Keep Receipts 9,238]

nope that was the last straw marvin. i'm going to ignore you now

Please baby baby please!