In a gripping legal dispute that highlights the potential pitfalls of financial transactions, Jonathan Bykoff has filed a lawsuit against two major financial institutions, alleging negligence and breach of contract. The complaint was lodged on March 10, 2025, in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, targeting San Francisco Fire Credit Union and Goldman Sachs Bank USA.
Jonathan Bykoff's case revolves around a significant sum of money—$240,000—that mysteriously vanished following a wire transfer initiated from his account at San Francisco Fire Credit Union to an account at Goldman Sachs. Despite receiving confirmation from the credit union that the funds were successfully transmitted on January 8, 2025, Goldman Sachs has denied receipt of the funds. This denial has resulted in substantial financial harm to Bykoff. The plaintiff asserts that both defendants failed in their duty to ensure the proper execution and completion of the wire transfer, causing him undue distress and economic damages.
The lawsuit details several causes of action against the defendants: negligence for failing to monitor and verify the transfer; breach of contract by San Francisco Fire Credit Union for not ensuring successful delivery despite confirming it; conversion for wrongfully interfering with Bykoff's ownership rights over his funds; unjust enrichment as both defendants have allegedly benefited from retaining the funds without legal justification; declaratory relief to establish rights over the missing funds; violation of California Business & Professions Code § 17200 due to alleged unlawful business practices; and breach of fiduciary duty by San Francisco Fire Credit Union for not acting in Bykoff's best interests.
Bykoff is seeking various forms of relief from the court. He demands compensatory damages amounting to $240,000 along with prejudgment and post-judgment interest. Additionally, he seeks restitution and disgorgement of wrongfully retained funds, injunctive relief under California Business & Professions Code § 17200, costs incurred during litigation including attorney fees where applicable by law, and any other relief deemed just by the court.
Representing Jonathan Bykoff is Majeed S. Samara from Law Offices of Majeed S. Samara Inc., based in Millbrae, CA. The case is presided over by Judge Austin Lam under Case ID CGC-25-623094.