An elderly couple in Chicago says thousands of dollars was abruptly stolen from their U.S. Bank account – and that was just the beginning of a banking nightmare.
It started when the Zaragosas, who have been married 70 years, sent a $62 check in the mail to Nicor Gas to pay their bill, CBS Chicago reports.
By the time the check arrived at their bank, however, the $62 had somehow changed to $4,200, and the gas company was no longer the recipient.
The Zaragosas had fallen victim to a “check washing” scam.
Check washing is when a bad actor gets ahold of someone else’s check and alters the dollar amount and payee’s name, usually using chemicals like nail polish remover, bleach or paint thinner to wash away the original ink.
The money that had been stolen from the couple was set aside for future funeral expenses.
Says 88-year-old Diana,
“We tried to have money to be buried, when it’s our time.”
Following the incident, the Zaragosas went through a frustrating five-month ordeal with U.S. Bank, filling out various forms and jumping through hoops, seemingly all for nothing.
In a letter to the bank, the couple wrote,
“We have provided all requested information. We are all exhausted and would like to ask you to help us.”
It wasn’t until after telling their story to CBS Chicago that U.S. Bank decided to be productive with the Zaragosas.
The news outlet says that within 24 hours of them reaching out to the bank, the elderly couple suddenly received all their money back.
Diana says the experience made her “feel like a criminal” and has some questions about U.S. Bank’s security protocols.
“Why didn’t they ask that person all these questions that they’re now asking us?”
The Zaragosas have now given up on physical checks and say they will be paying all their bills online from here on out.
[embedded content]
Don’t Miss a Beat – Subscribe to get email alerts delivered directly to your inbox
Check Price Action
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Telegram
Surf The Daily Hodl Mix
Check Latest News Headlines
 
Disclaimer: Opinions expressed at The Daily Hodl are not investment advice. Investors should do their due diligence before making any high-risk investments in Bitcoin, cryptocurrency or digital assets. Please be advised that your transfers and trades are at your own risk, and any loses you may incur are your responsibility. The Daily Hodl does not recommend the buying or selling of any cryptocurrencies or digital assets, nor is The Daily Hodl an investment advisor. Please note that The Daily Hodl participates in affiliate marketing.
Generated Image: Midjourney
- SEO Powered Content & PR Distribution. Get Amplified Today.
- PlatoData.Network Vertical Generative Ai. Empower Yourself. Access Here.
- PlatoAiStream. Web3 Intelligence. Knowledge Amplified. Access Here.
- PlatoESG. Carbon, CleanTech, Energy, Environment, Solar, Waste Management. Access Here.
- PlatoHealth. Biotech and Clinical Trials Intelligence. Access Here.
- Source: https://dailyhodl.com/2024/02/17/us-bank-customer-feels-like-a-criminal-after-thousands-stolen-from-account-pleas-for-help-ignored-for-months-report/
