Well, I've been robbed Blind...
10 years ago
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As some of you may have heard earlier on today, I've been the subject of a targeted digital attack that seized control of my online banking and email accounts, and E-transfered out virtually every penny I had, right down to the bottom of my overdraft protection. I honestly don't know what to say here, guys... I'm now down the thousand dollars I'd been saving to move out, and heavily in debt to my bank because of the overdraft. The bank's launched an investigation of the issue, but according to them there's a 90% chance I'll never see a penny of that money again.
I went back into the bank yesterday, and got basically the same excuses that I got last time. "We're not responsible for breaches of your online banking account, etc. Even if it's found to be fraud, you won't get your money back unless you can figure out who took it, and launch a legal action blah blah blah." Now, all of that is illegal. A friend of mine from high school actually went on to become a lawyer, and I contacted him for advice. Apparently this is laughably illegal, but it's happened many times before and, despite the illegality, most banks will just continue to refuse to refund the person's money until either they give up, waste more money on legal fees than they would have regained by a refund, or, literally, died from old age. I... really don't know how to react to this. A few people have suggested that I start a gofundme or something similar to help raise some portion of the 1000 or so dollars that I'm in overdraft for if the bank plans on screwing me regardless. What are your thoughts, guys?
I'd also like to give a special thank you to the extremely generous people who've helped keep me fed these past few days. Thank you, you've helped bring me hope in a seemingly hopeless situation.
***UPDATE OCTOBER 3RD***
I went back into the bank yesterday, and got basically the same excuses that I got last time. "We're not responsible for breaches of your online banking account, etc. Even if it's found to be fraud, you won't get your money back unless you can figure out who took it, and launch a legal action blah blah blah." Now, all of that is illegal. A friend of mine from high school actually went on to become a lawyer, and I contacted him for advice. Apparently this is laughably illegal, but it's happened many times before and, despite the illegality, most banks will just continue to refuse to refund the person's money until either they give up, waste more money on legal fees than they would have regained by a refund, or, literally, died from old age. I... really don't know how to react to this. A few people have suggested that I start a gofundme or something similar to help raise some portion of the 1000 or so dollars that I'm in overdraft for if the bank plans on screwing me regardless. What are your thoughts, guys?
I'd also like to give a special thank you to the extremely generous people who've helped keep me fed these past few days. Thank you, you've helped bring me hope in a seemingly hopeless situation.
I said the same thing in the branch, when I was asking them what the hell could cause something like this, and they basically responded with, "It's your job to keep your account secure, not ours. Therefore we're not liable for any losses you incur. So, let's talk about how you're going to clear your overdraft, which will be inuring 20% monthly interest." I basically wanted to slap the bitch. The branch manager that I talked to had this shamelessly humorless, uncaring demeanor that made my skin crawl, she didn't give a shit whether they found my money or not, and was only concerned with covering her own ass.
Hopefully this investigation of theirs will turn up that yes, indeed, this was fraud, and my money will be covered, but honestly given the circus I was exposed to when I asked them what would happen, I don't feel optimistic.
It's theft,robbery it is better to be safe then sorry.
Then, talk to a lawyer, (yeah i know we're not america), but this case may require one. The banks may be required to reimburse you, but would definatly not be on you're side telling you that.
I hope that it gets resolved very quickly!
Also if it was a bank transference they could check where it originated. This maybe being able to use that information to get it back
Reporting Scams and Frauds
If you have not lost any money and have not provided personal or financial information (relating to a fraud or scam), and you simply want to inform the appropriate organizations, report it to the Canadian Anti-fraud Centre (CAFC) by calling 1-888-495-8501.
If you received a fraudulent e-mail soliciting personal or financial information (phishing scam), you should also advise the financial institution or other agency whose name was used.
If you are a victim of fraud or if you unwittingly provided personal or financial information (identity fraud), follow the steps in our Victim Assistance Guide.
If you are a victim of fraud and it is not related to identity fraud, contact the police service of jurisdiction in your area.
Always report fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre on-line by visiting the CAFC website or by calling 1-888-495-8501. (http://www.rcmp.gc.ca/scams-fraudes.....ep-sig-eng.htm)
I'd also recommend reviewing the Identify Theft guide at http://www.rcmp.gc.ca/scams-fraudes.....ctimes-eng.htm
Hope so much this gets fixed quick.
Or, that's what I understand from a bit of research.
From everything I've seen - You gotta go to the police ASAP!
Step 1 - Contact your local police force and file a report.
Step 2 - Contact your bank/financial institution and credit card company
Step 3 - Contact the two national credit bureaus and place a fraud alert on your credit reports.
Equifax Canada
Toll free: 1-800-465-7166
TransUnion Canada
Toll free: 1-877-525-3823
Step 4 - Always report identity theft and fraud. Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
http://www.antifraudcentre-centrean...../index-eng.htm
http://www.cba.ca/index.php?option=.....55&lang=en
What to do if you are a victim
If you think you have been a victim of identity theft, here are some important actions to take:
Contact your bank or credit card issuer right away – the bank will take the appropriate steps to help prevent fraud in your accounts. These steps could include cancelling and reissuing credit or debit cards, investigating and reversing fraudulent transactions and providing further advice to customers.
Contact local police – contact your local police force and file a report about the fraud.
I was trying to figure out what recourse you have with the bank... because from your description of the way you have been treated I don't think the people your working with are going to help you. But they should.
I'd go to the Police now... Then push this mess as high up the chain as you can at the bank until you find some one who cares.
I wish you the best of luck with this situation.
Take care!
Ahem, anyway, the thing is, if you expose them for doing very illegal things, they could begin fearing a lawsuit. It's hard to do, especially to a bank, but if you scare them enough, they'll do the right thing. It sickens me that they have to be scared to buck up, but that's the world we live in now. Personally, I think all the powerful people in the world should be slapped. Daily.