According to a class action lawsuit filed in Federal Court, Chase Bank has a monopoly on debit cards issued to former federal inmates, allowing them to charge exorbitant and unfair fees. The plaintiffs allege that the bank has charged ex-inmates $10 for getting money from a bank teller window, $1.50 a month for not using the card every 90 days, and 45 cents to check the balance on their card. JP Morgan Chase Bank became the exclusive issuer of debit cards for federal inmates in 2008. The plaintiffs, represented by Golomb Legal, are seeking class certification, an injunction, disgorgement, rescission and reformation of agreements, and punitive damages for unjust enrichment, conversion and unfair trade.
