Authorities are warning the public about bank fraud calls that can lead to significant financial loss for customers. These scammers pose as bank or law enforcement officials, claiming to protect customers’ money.
The FBI has noted an increase in these types of calls. Victims are often convinced to transfer funds, which can result in losing thousands of dollars. The agency highlights how impersonation and phishing schemes aim to collect sensitive information like passwords or PINs. If you think you’ve been targeted, reporting it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center is advised.
One victim, Jennifer Lichthardt, shared her experience of losing $40,000 after a spoofed call. The call appeared to come from Chase’s fraud department, and the caller had information about her account, including her balance. They even claimed to be FBI agents.
“They read out my account number. They knew my account balance down to the penny,” Lichthardt recounted, explaining how she was tricked into moving nearly $40,000 into a “secure” account at a local branch, along with additional funds to another online bank. She realized she had been scammed the following day.
Lichthardt expressed feeling “financially violated” after the incident. Chase confirmed that her funds had been withdrawn from the scammer’s account almost immediately.
In a statement, Chase cautioned, “We urge all consumers to ignore any phone, text, or internet requests to send money or access their computer or bank account. Banks and legitimate businesses don’t make these requests, but scammers will.”
The Federal Trade Commission has similarly warned consumers about the risks of moving money when told to “protect” it. Their advice is clear: never send money or valuables as a result of an unexpected call or message.
Another victim, Susie Allgood, experienced a similar scam when she received a call supposedly from Zelle. The scammer, claiming to work with Huntington Bank, convinced her to transfer $5,000 to keep her Zelle account active. “I thought I was doing the right thing,” Allgood said, noting that the scammer had her bank information.
Both women reported their cases to local authorities and the FBI. Lichthardt is uncertain about the possibility of recovering her funds, saying, “I hope I get it back.”
Reports indicate that neither victim received a refund after their banks deemed the transactions as voluntary. Generally, banks cover forms of fraud like stolen debit card information but typically do not ask customers to transfer money. The FBI has pointed out that criminals can gather personal banking information from various sources, making them more dangerous.
A special agent from the FBI noted that victims often feel pressured and exhausted by the time these calls occur, causing them to make poor decisions. It’s a stark reminder to stay vigilant and cautious, especially when sharing sensitive information.
