Two people, one in Maine and one in New Jersey, lost thousands of dollars to bank imposter scams. Both victims were convinced by scammers posing as bank representatives to transfer their money or give up access to their accounts.
A Bank of America Victim Gets No Help
Amy Kelly, a business owner in Maine, received a call from someone claiming to be from Bank of America. The caller convinced her that her account was under attack and tricked her into wiring thousands of dollars to supposedly protect her funds.
Kelly reported the scam to the police and Bank of America, but the bank refused to reimburse her. Bank of America cited the Electronic Funds Transfer Act, which states that banks are not liable for unauthorized transfers if the customer authorized the transfer.
A Wells Fargo Victim Gets Her Money Back
Ziamara Lopez, a paramedic in New Jersey, received a call from someone claiming to be from Wells Fargo. The scammer convinced Lopez to give them access codes to her account and even sent an Uber driver to her house to collect her debit card for “forensic analysis.”
Lopez lost $20,000 and her claim was denied by Wells Fargo. However, after she contacted a local news station, Wells Fargo reversed the decision and returned her money.
What Can You Do?
These cases highlight the importance of being cautious about calls and emails from people claiming to be from your bank.
Here are some tips to protect yourself:
- Never give out your personal information or account details over the phone or email.
- If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and call your bank directly using the number on your bank statement or website.
- Be wary of anyone who asks you to transfer money or give them access to your account.
- Report any suspected scams to the police and your bank.
Remember, banks will never ask you to transfer money or give them access to your account over the phone or email. If you’re ever unsure, contact your bank directly.
