A Northern California couple lost nearly $18,000 after thieves used fake checks and online bill pay. Here’s how the bank fraud happened and how you can better protect your money.
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What Happened?
Nona Smith and her husband, Art, noticed the missing money after checking their balance at an ATM.
Their bank statement showed three fake checks and 17 suspicious online bill payments.
The fake checks totaled $6,450. The online payments totaled $11,421.18.
Chase refunded the fake checks first. After ABC7’s 7 On Your Side contacted the bank, Chase refunded the rest of the disputed money.
Who Was Affected and What Banking Data Was Stolen?
ABC7 reported that the case involved one Northern California couple.
The report did not say other Chase customers were affected.
The fake checks showed the couple’s account number and routing number. A routing number is a bank number that helps move money between banks.
The payments went to a Verizon Wireless account, a Capital One credit card, and a Wells Fargo credit card. The couple said those accounts were not theirs.
The report did not say that online banking passwords were stolen.
Still, account and routing numbers are powerful details. Thieves may use them to create fake checks or try payments from your checking account.
It is also worth remembering that your data may already have been leaked in another incident. Many people do not know their information was leaked until strange activity appears.
If you are not sure whether your information was leaked somewhere online, automatic monitoring can help you spot problems earlier.
Futureproof monitors your data for leaks 24/7 and helps you reduce scam risks with simple, clear steps.
Futureproof keeps your data safer with simple guidance to set a strong password, turn on 2-step verification, and lock down your account.
Check my safetyHow Thieves May Have Used Fake Checks and Online Bill Pay
ABC7 reported that the couple had recently ordered new checks from a third-party printing company.
To place that order, they mailed a voided check. A voided check is a canceled check that still shows banking details.
The couple now suspects someone may have stolen their account and routing numbers during that process.
Chase did not publicly explain exactly how the thieves got the information.
Still, the report shows how the fraud may have worked.
Two checks were deposited through mobile apps. Mobile deposit means depositing a check by taking a picture with a phone.
Another check may have been deposited at an ATM.
The thieves also used online bill pay. Online bill pay is a bank feature that sends payments from your checking account.
That means the money left the couple’s account without them writing the checks or approving the bills.
At Futureproof, Kevin explains digital safety in simple words, with clear tips and zero fluff. He holds a degree in information technology and studies fraud trends to keep his tips up-to-date.
In his free time, Kevin plays with his cat, enjoys board-game nights, and hunts for New York’s best cinnamon rolls.
