Yvette Koshman, widow of James Koshman, fought CIBC for months after her husband's $15,000 survivor's pension benefit was misdirected to a stranger's account. CIBC initially blamed the family for using the wrong transit number, which they say was provided by the bank, and also sent crucial instructions to James's email after his death. The bank only fully reimbursed the family after inquiries from Go Public, highlighting issues with bank accountability and Canada's complaint system.
Widow takes on CIBC after husband's $15K pension sent to stranger's account
Canadian Imperial Bank of CommerceBanking complaintsCIBC banking complaintGO PUBLICAlbertaCanadaEdmontonDuff ConacherJames KoshmanJason KoshmanYvette KoshmanGovernment pensions and social securityBanking and creditConsumer bankingPoliticsDeath and dyingMediaRadioTelevision
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Yvette Koshman, widow of James Koshman, fought CIBC for months after her husband's $15,000 survivor's pension benefit was misdirected to a stranger's account. CIBC initially blamed the family for using the wrong transit number, which they say was provided by the bank, and also sent crucial instructions to James's email after his death. The bank only fully reimbursed the family after inquiries from Go Public, highlighting issues with bank accountability and Canada's complaint system.
Trending- 1 Last fall: James Koshman dies.
- 2 Soon after: $15,000 survivor benefit issued, misdirected to stranger's account.
- 3 Weeks after family call: CIBC sends crucial email to James Koshman's deceased email account.
- 4 Months of back and forth: Koshmans try to resolve with CIBC, then OBSI.
- 5 Go Public inquiries: CIBC reverses decision and reimburses Koshmans in full.
- 6 June 9, 2025: Article published.
- Yvette Koshman initially lost nearly $12,000.
- The Koshman family endured months of frustration and back-and-forth with CIBC.
- The case revealed troubling gaps in bank accountability and Canada's complaint system.
- CIBC fully reimbursed the Koshmans after media intervention.
- Concerns raised about privacy laws preventing disclosure of information about the recipient of the misdirected funds.
- Calls for stronger regulatory power for OBSI.
What: CIBC misdirected a $15,000 pension benefit belonging to Yvette Koshman, widow of James Koshman, into a stranger's account, initially refusing full reimbursement until Go Public intervened.
When: James Koshman died last fall; the pension benefit was issued soon after; months of back and forth with CIBC followed; the issue was resolved after Go Public inquiries, with the article published on June 9, 2025.
Where: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Why: CIBC's alleged errors (providing wrong transit number, sending crucial email to a deceased person's account) led to the misdirection of funds. The bank's initial refusal to fully reimburse the family prompted consumer advocacy and media involvement.
How: The Koshman family applied for the survivor's pension benefit. CIBC misdirected the funds. The family engaged in a lengthy complaint process with CIBC and OBSI. Go Public's inquiries led to CIBC fully reimbursing the family.