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One Bank Of America Branch Accused Of Discrimination Against Latinos

Latinos Borrowers Discriminated Against Here
By 

Editor, Latino Voices

OAKLAND, CA - JANUARY 15: A sign is posted in front of a Bank of American branch office on January 15, 2014 in Oakland, California. Bank of American beat analysts expectations and reported a surge in fourth quarter earnings with profits of $3.4 billion, or 29 cents a share, compared to $732 million, or 3 cents a share, one year ago. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - JANUARY 15: A sign is posted in front of a Bank of American branch office on January 15, 2014 in Oakland, California. Bank of American beat analysts expectations and reported a surge in fourth quarter earnings with profits of $3.4 billion, or 29 cents a share, compared to $732 million, or 3 cents a share, one year ago. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

A watchdog group is accusing a Charleston Bank of America branch of discrimination after an undercover investigation found that employees treated Latino borrowers differently than white borrowers seeking mortgage loans.

To conduct the investigation, the National Fair Housing Alliance sent matched pairs of white and Latino testers into the bank at 540 Folly Road posing as prospective borrowers. In each pair, the Latino borrower had a higher income, more money available for the down payment and closing costs, and a stronger job history.

A branch manager said on Wednesday that she was not familiar with the accusations and referred all questions to a Bank of America corporate spokesperson, who did not respond to requests for comment.

Read more on Charleston City Paper

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