I need some help ASAP, identity fraud.

[TxRedMan]

I'm sorry if I should google this, but right now I'm in a panic. I just noticed at the ATM my checking balance is waaaay less than it should be.


I get on Chase online and see that someone has stolen a packet of my checks and for the last week has been forging checks and cashing them, to the tune of about $15,000.

Someone please tell me I didn't just lose $15,000.

As for the checks, they were kept in a droor in my office, and I have no idea how someone could have gotten them.


What the [censored] do i do OOT?

I'll be at the bank first thing tomorrow morning, but I doubt i can sleep thinking about someone stealng $15,000 from me this week.

[DannyOcean_]

There may be a hotline you can call and immediately cancel your checks, and also freeze your bank account. You need to look up your bank's info on this right away.

[bobman0330]

Any big bank should have a 24-hour number you can call. Do it immediately.

The same thing happened to my parents, with Bank of America, and the bank tried to make them eat it. My parents were persistent and got all of their money recredited. Basically, (not legal advice) as long as you didn't leave signed blank checks around or give someone a stamp with your signature on it, you should be fine as far as getting the money back. Be persistent.

[FlyWf]

While customer service will be open anything involving fraud the bank will almost certainly want to do in person. Not much you can do right now. Given the amount you may want to make your first stop the police station instead of the bank. It's not like where you notice a funny charge on your credit card and they give you back the $50 and send you a new card. This isn't identity fraud, this is felony theft.

Droor is a way better way to spell that word, as well.

[EMc]

tx,

Yea i def calling hte police right now if Im you.

[kipin]

My mom had her best friend steal money from her like this.

All the thief needs is the routing number, account number, and check number (which is on EVERY check) and they can steal your identity without even stealing your checks.

Her best friend stole something like $5,000 from her over the course of about 8 months before she caught on to it.

(They were using it to pay off their CC bill)

Her bank did end up refunding her, but didn't prosecute her friend because they said the amount of money wasn't worth it.

You need to change your account numbers first thing in the morning.

[kyleb]

Tx,

Sorry to hear that, but a droor? Honestly.

[kipin]

haha droor caught my aye as well!

[cbloom]

[ QUOTE ]

You need to change your account numbers first thing in the morning.

[/ QUOTE ]

Many/most banks don't let you do this, you have to open a new account and transfer your money. I think it's [censored] retarded in this day & age with all the identity theft, you should be able to change your numbers periodically. You should be able to change your SSN too or add some secret code or something.

Basically the whole US identity system is horribly [censored] and insecure at the moment.

[TurdFerguson]

Call Chase's online banking center now -- website says they have reps there 24/7:

1-877-CHASEPC
(1-877-242-7372)

Then also go to bank first thing in AM.