C&B Law Group, a Los Angeles-based firm, has filed a lawsuit against Citibank, alleging systemic discrimination against Armenian customers in its retail credit card programs based on last names ending in “-ian” or “-yan,” reports Zartonk Media.
Citibank was found to have discriminated against Armenian applicants who applied for store credit cards between 2015 and 2021 through retailers like Best Buy, Costco, Home Depot, and Macy’s. According to federal regulators, Citibank employees were trained to deny applications from people with Armenian-sounding last names, targeting communities such as Glendale under the assumption that Armenian applicants were more likely to commit fraud. Instead of stating the real reason, employees fabricated denial explanations, and some even used internal terms like “Armenian bad guys” or the “Southern California Armenian Mafia.”
The firm is representing multiple Armenian clients who were allegedly denied credit or subject to biased treatment based on their national origin or ethnicity. The lawsuit aims to help those wrongfully affected seek justice and compensation.
“This lawsuit is about demanding justice, equal treatment, and full accountability,” said Jack Bazerkanian, C&B Law Founding Attorney. He added, “No financial institution should ever be allowed to engage in discriminatory practices—especially against hardworking communities like the Armenian people. We are committed to uncovering the truth, holding Citibank accountable, and securing rightful compensation for those affected.”
The complaint claims Citibank employees engaged in surname profiling and geographic targeting, while concealing the true motives for denials—an apparent violation of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act.
The firm encourages anyone who believes they may have been impacted to reach out and learn more about their potential eligibility for compensation. If you or someone you know was affected during this period, you may be entitled to financial recovery.
A video announcement featuring Jack Bazerkanian, principal attorney at C&B Law Group, will be released this week, detailing the case and the firm’s efforts to defend Armenian clients.
More information—including legal claims, case timelines, and client statements—will be made available soon.
Were You Denied a Citi Card Between 2015–2021?
If you’re Armenian and applied through Best Buy, Costco, Home Depot, or Macy’s — and never had another Citi account — you may have been unfairly discriminated against and could be entitled to compensation.
If You Were Impacted:
- (833) 866-2002
- Visit cblawgroup.com/CitiCase for updates and eligibility info
- info@cblawgroup.com
What We Know So Far:
- Scope of Allegations: From 2015–2021, Citibank allegedly discriminated against Armenian applicants applying for credit cards through major retailers.
- Retailers Involved: Best Buy, Costco, Home Depot, and Macy’s.
- Discriminatory Practices: Employees were trained to deny applicants with Armenian-sounding last names and issued fabricated denial reasons, while referring to applicants with derogatory internal terms.
- Regulatory Action: The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) fined Citibank $25.9 million—including $1.4 million in restitution and a $24.5 million civil penalty—for related practices.
- Class-Action Status: C&B Law Group’s lawsuit seeks to represent all similarly affected Armenian applicants.
#CitibankLawsuit #Discrimination #ArmenianRights #ZartonkMedia #CBLawGroup #EqualCreditOpportunity
