Especially in the current economic climate, I'd be very surprised if similar regulations didn't exist in the US, so I'd speak to someone at your local bank as soon as you can. If they don't help you, try to get independent advice from a reputable source (sorry, I don't know the US system well enough to know which direction to point you in, but a search through a local phone book for example is as good as any for a starting point).
I really wood (EDIT: should be "would" - oh, dear!!!

((((((((((((((((((((Sandy)))))))))))))))))))))))))