A father and daughter are embroiled in a legal battle with a major financial institution over alleged unauthorized transactions that have left them financially strained. On February 10, 2026, Autumn B. Torian and Joseph F. Torian filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina against USAA Federal Savings Bank, claiming violations of the Electronic Funds Transfer Act (EFTA).
The plaintiffs, Autumn and Joseph Torian, assert that they are victims of fraudulent activities involving their joint checking account at USAA Federal Savings Bank. According to the complaint, on July 8, 2025, an unauthorized check for $2,400 was electronically deposited into their account from “STANN LIQUORS CORPORATION,” followed by a $2,000 withdrawal through Ms. Torian’s CashApp account used to purchase Bitcoin without her consent. Despite promptly disputing these transactions with USAA and providing detailed information about their unauthorized nature, the bank allegedly failed to investigate thoroughly or return the funds. The Torians claim this oversight has caused significant financial and emotional distress.
Autumn Torian is a medical student whose studies have been disrupted by this ordeal. She recounts how she discovered the negative balance when her debit card was declined while buying groceries—a situation that forced her to borrow money from family members to meet her expenses. Her father, Joseph Torian, a retired Navy Captain residing in North Carolina, has also faced challenges due to the ongoing dispute with USAA. Both plaintiffs argue that despite numerous communications with the bank throughout July and August 2025, including at least eleven phone calls providing additional information about the fraudulent transactions, USAA concluded that these were authorized actions by them.
The Torians seek relief under several provisions of the EFTA. They demand actual damages for financial losses incurred due to unauthorized withdrawals and statutory damages for what they describe as willful non-compliance by USAA with federal regulations governing electronic fund transfers. Additionally, they request treble damages—triple the amount of actual damages—as well as attorney’s fees and costs associated with bringing this lawsuit forward.
Represented by attorney Ian E. Vance from Maginnis Howard law firm based in Raleigh, North Carolina, the plaintiffs are determined to hold USAA accountable for its alleged negligence in handling their case. The case has been assigned Civil Action No.: 1:26-cv-150 in front of judges yet unnamed.
Source: 126cv00150_Torian_v_USAA_Federal_Savings_Bank_Complaint_Middle_District_North_Carolina.pdf
