The bank took funds from my parents' account. They even took funds from a credit card to pay checks written. My sister was an authorized signer on the account. She had a debt from years ealier. My parents are elderly and live on a fixed income. The bank took all their money for a signer's debt. She was not a co-owner. How can they do that?
If your sister was only an authorized signer on your parents' account, the bank should not have used its power to set off your sister's debts against the account, unless there is some sort of language in the account agreement or the document with which your parents gave her signature authority that would give the bank that right. Your parents, perhaps with your help if they need it, should contact the bank and request an explanation. They should point out that your sister was not an account owner and that the bank acted improperly. If the bank believes otherwise, it should document that belief. Don't be afraid to escalate the complaint to the bank's upper management, if necessary. If the bank won't budge, perhaps your parents should consult an attorney who might be able to talk some sense into the bank's management.
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If your sister was only an authorized signer on your parents' account, the bank should not have used its power to set off your sister's debts against the account, unless there is some sort of language in the account agreement or the document with which your parents gave her signature authority that would give the bank that right. Your parents, perhaps with your help if they need it, should contact the bank and request an explanation. They should point out that your sister was not an account owner and that the bank acted improperly. If the bank believes otherwise, it should document that belief. Don't be afraid to escalate the complaint to the bank's upper management, if necessary. If the bank won't budge, perhaps your parents should consult an attorney who might be able to talk some sense into the bank's management.