[NASHUA]

Sorry guys but I just need to vent...

The other day I saw a sign posted at the mailboxes of the condo complex I live at saying the mailboxes had recently been broken into. I didn't think much of it because I just moved here and didn't think I'd gotten any mail of any importance yet. What I didn't remember was that I had ordered a new box of checks a couple weeks prior...

Fast forward to tonight. I check the bank account online and see that six checks have been written that I have no knowledge of. Turns out someone has gone to Smiths, Vons, Lowes, etc. and bought about $620 worth of stuff using MY stolen checks.

I can't even express how mad I am right now. Nothing like this has ever happened to me before. Just the thought that somebody would go around using my identity and fraudulently spending my money angers me to no end.

I called Bank of America right away and they said I will have to call back and speak to one of the fraud specialists when they open tomorrow morning. Hope this can all be resolved without too much of a headache...

[Julia B.]

That sucks! Hope the bank holds the stores responsible, since it doesn't appear that they asked the thief for a photo ID (but they always ask you, right!).

Really, good luck with this, and I hope it's the last bad experience you'll ever have here!

[KD Hawaii]

Originally Posted by NASHUA

Sorry guys but I just need to vent...

The other day I saw a sign posted at the mailboxes of the condo complex I live at saying the mailboxes had recently been broken into. I didn't think much of it because I just moved here and didn't think I'd gotten any mail of any importance yet. What I didn't remember was that I had ordered a new box of checks a couple weeks prior...

Fast forward to tonight. I check the bank account online and see that six checks have been written that I have no knowledge of. Turns out someone has gone to Smiths, Vons, Lowes, etc. and bought about $620 worth of stuff using MY stolen checks.

I can't even express how mad I am right now. Nothing like this has ever happened to me before. Just the thought that somebody would go around using my identity and fraudulently spending my money angers me to no end.

I called Bank of America right away and they said I will have to call back and speak to one of the fraud specialists when they open tomorrow morning. Hope this can all be resolved without too much of a headache...

Weclome to Vega$ :-)

[AA702]

This is just not a Vegas thing. This happened to a friend of my in Oakland, CA recently and what they do is make a fake ID with your name and address on it but with their picture. Most store clerks cannot tell from a real ID or a Fake ID. There was also a scam in CA from people entering their PIN# of their ATM card at a store or gas station. They would have a camera on top view so they can see what your PIN# is. Later they get the debit/atm card numbers and they make clone cards and empty your bank account without even having your card! Credit card #'s get stolen daily.. but be careful of your mail!

[jfkIII]

ouch! I was also a victim of identity theft (via check fraud - now the most common form.) Not exactly like your situation, but I can feel that violation that you're probably now feeling. I caught mine within 3 days of the first incident, so it's good you caught yours quickly.

Three words of advice:

1) IMMEDIATELY call all 3 credit bureaus and put an fraud alert on your credit reports (Experian, Trans Union and Equifax).

2) File a police report, which you will need (and it will help), as you dig out of this.

3) Change banks (don't just close the account). That way you'll be able to track where the problem is originating. If its Bank of America vs the new bank...you'll know its fraud happening. If you stay with the same bank...you'll have to constantly try and determine if its the good account vs the bad one.

None of my bank accounts were affected directly, but the thief was able to apply for credit in my name. Catching it quickly is key. It did not cost me any money, directly, but I spent countless hours (over many months) on the phone. And just when you think its all cleared up, it would rear its ugly head somewhere else. Luckily, I have maintained my excellent credit rating...and the police report and catching it quick were key. The fraud alert with the credit bureaus makes companies call you before they issue credit...which means instant credit is bye-bye for you...but it's also piece of mind. I always thank the companies for checking with me now.

Good luck.

[olecapt]

Sorry to hear that. They love to bust mail boxes. Have had a couple of clients have the problem in condos. We have a rural style multi. Which we got after a rash of thefts from the old single rural boxes. Did not really work out though, Somebordy hits this box every other year. Generally a waste...we all empty before dark. It is however a pain. They damn near destroy the box and we have to run in to the post office for our mail for a week.

Welcome to Vegas anyway...

[NASHUA]

Thanks for the replies and advice, everybody. I went to the bank yesterday, closed out the account and opened up a new one. I was also refunded all the money that was stolen. Keeping my fingers crossed that the crisis is over.

[olecapt]

Originally Posted by NASHUA

Thanks for the replies and advice, everybody. I went to the bank yesterday, closed out the account and opened up a new one. I was also refunded all the money that was stolen. Keeping my fingers crossed that the crisis is over.

Generally over rather quickly. All the systems get the bad account and can't cash anymore plus the cops may well pick up on it and nail them.