Banking

[kevincook]

I have a question that I can't get an answer to anywhere else. I know this question doesn't belong here but I'll give it a shot because this group usually comes up with answers to all my other questions.

I have had funds removed electronically from my checking account over the last couple months that were not authorized. The people at my bank are complete idiots and can't seem to stop it from happening. It happened again yesterday after they promised me on Monday that the transactions had been stopped. Today I chewed them out and got some information that they wouldn't give me before.

The funds were removed by an ACH transfer by two different companies. When I called those companies I found out that they processed transactions for websites and they each told me what websites had submitted the information. **** sites of course!

All someone needed to do this was to know my checking account number and my name and address. This is the only information they need to enter ACH transactions! I have asked five banks so far about setting up an account that blocks all ACH transactions and they all say it can't be done.

So here is my question, how is it possible to set up a secure checking account? Everytime I write a check the person who receives it has all the information they need to set up these ACH transactions. I have no way of controlling what kind of scum works at any of these companies.

 

[kevincook]

Re: Banking - additional information

One of the companies that I talked to told me what the source IP address was of the person who submitted the request. I pinged the address and found it was at syr.east.verizon.net.

This looks like an ISP in East Syracuse near where I live. I also know the exact time and date of the transaction. Any ideas on how I can get Verizon to tell me who that IP address is assigned to or who it was assigned to on that date and time?

The other processing company told me they also had a source IP address but that they could only give it to a bank investigator or a police officer.

I'm guessing that the police won't want anything to do with this because they are too busy with other things.

 

[brewerbob]

Re: Banking - additional information

Kevin:
A couple of thoughts about this. If someone is taking money from your bank account without authorization, and the bank won't do anything about it, the first thing I would do would be to go to whichever of your local television stations has a "consumer reporter". These guys are always looking for something sensational to put on the air. Banks are very adverse to this kind of publicity as you might guess. Another thing you might do is to contact your state banking regulators. Sometimes this can really get results.
Bob

 

[Bird]

Re: Banking - additional information

<font color=blue>I'm guessing that the police won't want anything to do with this because they are too busy with other things</font color=blue>

I wouldn't make that assumption if I were you. More and more police departments are getting involved in computer crimes, and I sure think you should report it to them.

 

[StoneHeartFarm]

Kevin,

I agree with Bird. This is internet Fraud and Identity Theft. More and more law enforcement agencies are getting on the bandwagon. I'd try reporting it to the local detective. If that doesn't work, call your State's AG's office.

SHF

 

[RanchMan]

Re: Banking - additional information

CLOSE THAT ACCOUNT! (Unless I've misunderstood, they've hit the same account multiple times already - so get out before you loose it all!)

If that's all they've touched so far, it sounds like (1) the crooks are relatively unsophisticated, and (2) they haven't tried to get into your savings accounts.

Often what can happen is they use one to get another and then transfer monies, withdrawl, and POOF! It's gone! Add on top of that, if they get your SS#, you may be in for a long-term battle to win back your "good name" because they open additional accounts at other banks/stores, etc.

The Feds may wind up getting involved in this due to "interstate commerce". (the hosting may be "near" you but that has little to do with where the bad-guys live.

Instead of repeating everything the Feds say here, go this website for identity theft help.

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/>http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/</A>

I don't want to sound preachy, but let me just say that from first hand experience, you need to be aggressive quickly.