Comments on: Call the Police

By: Sherra

Sherra — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 17:11:00 +0000

@julieann–It’s truly scary the things you have to do to protect yourself these days and how much effort it takes to simply “do the right thing” isn’t it??!!

By: julieann

julieann — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:48:40 +0000

Good thing you caught it quickly. I’d be laughing (I am smiling slightly) except that we have just been through a similar thing. Someone gained access to our checking account number and used it to print up checks bearing someone else’s name and address. They passed two at WalMart (my first clue as we don’t shop there or even have one in San Jose) and one at Home Depot. I immediately went to the bank, filed reports and paperwork, and finished with the following conversation:
ME: What is the bank fraud phone number you just dialed for me? I’m supposed to call them back with my case number once I notify the police.
BANK WIENNIE: Did they tell you call the police?
ME: They told me to give them the case number after I get one, which I plan to do.
BANK WIENNIE: Well, the bank is going to give you your money back. That’s what you’re worried about, right?
ME: That’s half of what I’m worried about. I’m also worried about catching these people because I am sure I am not the only victim. I can afford to be minus $1100 for 10 days while you “investigate,” but a lot of people can’t and perhaps their loss could be avoided. Aren’t you worried about catching them?
BANK WIENNIE: blank stare

If that wasn’t sad enough, the police would not place a report until I could prove the city in which the checks were cashed. The bank wouldn’t give me that info until after they had investigated the matter. Once I did find out the cities (San Leandro, Modesto, and Cleveland, OH) I was told by local law enforcement that I had to contact the police departments of those three cities because that was where the crime was actually committed. Stealing my account number wasn’t a crime; using it falsely was. Needless to say two weeks and three internet case submissions later I’m sure these folks are long gone.

By: Sherra

Sherra — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 19:54:51 +0000

@Paula–I forgot to mention that they actually have new training in place as they announce their name and their location. It was Charlotte and Shreveport. Nice touch! No conclusion yet…other than I changed the pin and security question and we’re watching our account.

@Ann–I’d be glad to make a citizen’s arrest but they would have to divulge the IP address and then hire someone to get me the physical address of the computer that was involved in the breach…and that is beyond the scope of my duties.

By: Ann

Ann — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 18:33:55 +0000

Maybe you could just make a citizen’s arrest!!! LOL

By: Paula Julianel

Paula Julianel — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:47:20 +0000

…and then what happened with the security issue??? We are all waiting with bated breath for the conclusion!!! It is lucky that you didn’t have to speak with someone with a heavy accent in some far away country! Let us know what happened next!