Just Experienced Check Fraud

[Max T.]

Looking at online banking last night I see that someone deposited a check from my account that I did not write. It was check number 454 and the next check in my book is 455.

They cleaned out the account completely. So it seems like they had an idea of how much was in there. Or maybe that is just coincidence. I’m currently overdrafted by a few hundred.

 I did recently write a check to a Contractor and mail it to him. I’m assuming that somebody intercepted the mail and somehow changed everything that I wrote on that check. However it does not look sloppy on the check image that I am seeing through my banks website. if I am wrong about this then I have no idea how someone got a hold of that check because no one has been in my house except my family for several months now.

I have no idea who the payee is. I’ve looked them up on Google and social media and the local courts but cannot find anything that matches the name on the check.

I’ll be in touch with my bank as soon as their phones open this morning. I’m not too worried about the money based on what I have read about check fraud. It seems like the banks will reimburse me because it is federally insured. But I just wanted to put this out there to see if anyone else had dealt with this before and had any advice.

[Damaso Bautista]

@Max T. 

1.file a police report because that it what the bank is going to make you do prior to any reimbursment.

2. During the investigation a detective will work the case if you say that you are desirous of prosecution.  If you are not desirous then results may very.

3. Once the suspect is identified then they will show you a picture of the suspect to see if you know them or not. This is when you will find out who the person is.  Other than that you will never be able to find out because the banks will not give you access to the surveillance footage from the banks.

4. As far as getting a hold of your check: It happens all the time.  The checks are stolen from the mail. They are washed meaning the suspects erase the persons name that you put on it and replace it with another and they cash it or deposit in an account and withdraw the money before the fraud is discovered.  This is most likely how they deposited your check.

DM me if you have any other questions I can help with.