Bank Of America ripoff for $29,915.00 dollars from my bank account savings Seattle Washington *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account!

It appears that the Dow Jones had its worst day in 2013. It lost 216 points on February 25, 2013. Have a great day!

Please feel free to give us an update to your Ripoff Report and let us know if you got your money back? Thank You.

It appears that you need to 'Google' this- ALL READER COMMENTS PAGE 1 OF 101 MELISSA WOODS, and click on the BusinessWeek link in order to read the poem that was posted on Apr 7, 2008 at 11:46 PM. (It is currently listed on 'Page 54'.) 

In rebuttal to your reply.

I am about to be hired by Bank of America. I am gay, black, HIV+ and more. I nearly died from AIDS related complications and being very ill. It is impossible to keep up with your normal life activities when that ill.

This particular person you responded to that was in the hospital. You are totally unaware of their medical issues, and like myself may not of had anyone to help them keep track of transactions and day to day life.

Please think about being in another persons shoes, before you comment. I was nearly placed into hospice care, and would of had no thought about life issues. This person deserves an opportunity to explain him/herself. Fortunately, I moved from my home State of Michigan, to Atlanta, Georgia and I am now healthier than I ever have been in 11 years.

Bank of America has thus far given me a chance, and at $11.30 per hour, I will not disagree. I will do what they ask.

Much peace and understanding.

Ahren

"DOW JONES POEM"...HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

I went through Bank of America to buy a $35.000.00 doller car. When asking for the title they always had excuses as to why I haden't recieved the title, I left th country for a 4 week dream vacation with their assurance that all would be taken care of. 2 weeks into my trip I recieved a starteling email from my Daughter, my car had been stolen! I came back 2 weeks early to hell, Bank of America finally got their high fangled lawyers to get the car back they sued the guy who stole the car and drove it for 4 months, I still had to pay the $800.00 payments every month ($3,200.00) worth, pay a lawyer, while B of A got their settlement $$$ and I got to pay yet another $8,000.00 bill to have my car fixed! The thief never went to jail, B of A never made any atempt to help me out monataraly. and Ron Belec is ownes North West Legal Support in Seattle WA. and is the thief who stole my car.
Where is the justice?

Hello Thomas.

I have only seen your story (accidentally, I might add) a few months before, but I was entranced by it and have watched it closely ever since for any updates on your part. Your initial report is very persuasive - it opened my eyes to another blemish in American society and I felt your outrage fully. However as I read through the comments I saw this benign persona of yours stumble as you begun attacking others interested in your case for asking intimate questions that would help others understand the whole picture, which to me is STILL cloudy. That screams suspicion. You can't seem to piece together substantial information any person would naturally remember (not once did you give the impression you knew your relatives were at fault, you know that).

Stile is an intelligent individual easily seen through his/her comments and a prime example of your repetitive and unnecessary verbal abuse. S/He asks questions against your story and instead of clearing up confusion, you point the finger, calling him/her a hired shill for BofA. At this rate, whether Stile is faux or not is irrelevant - the questions you are avoiding need to be answered, because these childish reactions give me the impression you know something that will hurt your veracity.

Don't get me wrong, I still think you are a reasonable person, and I applaud your bravery taking on an organization like Bank of America. I don't doubt for a second it would abuse its power like you say and I still want to see you win this case and your well-earned savings, but it is increasingly difficult to believe you with your current attitude against anyone not fully on your side.

I doubt it, but if you ever return I'd like to know if you took any legal action against the relatives who took advantage of a disabled person. I'd also like an explanation about the lack of evidence for your case. Surely one out of your 42 checks is readable? (I see a few others pose the same question)

This is just my take from a general, psychological point-of-view.
And no, I'm not nor will I ever be hired by BofA - I produce music for a living. Finance is not my FoE.

My suggestion and solution based on my best friend who had a very similar experience with that bank is:

Do not under any circumstances do business with Bank of America. No checking, savings or credit cards or any other accounts with those crooks.


Bit of info: BOFA was one of the biggest corporate contributors to the Bush
campaign. Need I say more.


As with the 21 law, some banks still return original cancelled checks if you request them, and some like Bofa and Wachovia do not.
Make sure the bank you do business with returns your original checks, if they don't find a bank who will. This not only helps you with fraud but with the IRS should you ever be audited.

Just wanted to wish you best of luck on this case, I really hope you get your money back.

The aforementioned article actually reads, "Smart said he's determined to press charges against both thieves, even though it means putting his family behind bars." So, no, Steph, you do not have information that he is in cahoots with the thieves and refuses to prosecute them.

Fortunately (for me anyway) this has not happened to me because I am not a customer of BOA, and had not planned to become one because of something that happened to a friend of mine. Unfortunately, the company I work for has our paychecks issued through BOA, and I am working on getting them to change that.

Most of the specific details are only heresay on my part, but reading the posts makes you wonder if it is all lies or something to them.

My friend had a business account through them for a while, and (from what he said) the problems that happened were brought to the attention of the bank within days of receiving the monthly account statements, and yet nothing, or actually, something WAS done, but it was against my friend, possibly in retaliation for him not just laying down and taking it quietly.

There were withdrawals from his account numerous times that he did not make, and he didn't authorize. And when he made legitimate withdrawals, and wrote checks on money he was told was in there (checks deposited had cleared, etc.), those checks bounced, and the bank assessed NSF charges against him (their own in addition to the companies he wrote the checks to).

This had happened many months, and each time he found out about the problem, either right then by checking the balance by way of ATM transactions, or the monthly statements, he went to the bank and let them know he was disputing the charges, including the late fees charged against him. It was near to impossible to take the time to go in, close down his account with them and find another bank to deal with because the job had us travelling all over the state doing satellite installations. The problem was so bad that my friend had a company we were working for at the time offer the use of one of the company lawyers to help resolve this, and as soon as that happened (again according to my friend) the bank people told the lawyer that they couldn't release the documents without my friend's permission, and they told my friend it was under investigation, and that they couldn't tell him anything, they could only tell the lawyer.

Re: Bank of America - Report: #137663

YOU CAN SUE THEM IN CIVIL COURT ! ! !

What makes you think you can't sue Bank of America?

Think you don't have the power to DRAG THEM INTO COURT ????

Guess again! You can haul them in before a Judge and FORCE THEM to answer to the false claims and representations printed in their Rules Booklet, which they renegged on when it came down to the wire. And once they're challenged in open court, they will not be able to get away with it!

Because the amount in question is over $7,500 - you'll have to take it up in Civil Court. If you can't pay the filing fee, ask the clerk at the window to wave it. The clerk will tell you what forms to fill out (Summons & Complaint plus the Proof of Service), and even show you how to do it.

If you have a problem filling out the forms, go to your nearest Documents America Center, or paralegal service, and they can show in under 5 minutes. Basically, all you have to do is, tell the court IN PLAIN ENGLISH and CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER, exactly what happened. And double check your SPELLING !!! To save money, mail the Complaint via U.S. Certified Mail.

Send the Complaint to the local branch that stiffed you, and they'll take care of the rest. They'll contact their corporate headquarters, and will be forced to send a representative. If they don't show up ... you win the Judgment in the full amount.

If you can't afford a lawyer, get together your friends and relatives or a citizens' watch group to help you prepare for court. Bring them with you to court for moral support. The Judge will realize that you're an amateur representing yourself trying to fight Big Business, and will give you assistance during trial.

Think also about pooling your resources together (all you others who have been ripped off by BofA)...AND FILE A CLASS ACTION.
The point is this Bank of America made claims and representations they have fraudulently renegged on. The only reason they got away with it is because no one's had the huevos to EXPOSE THEIR LIE.

But you can do it. Who said you can't?

Re: Bank of America - Report: #137663

YOU CAN SUE THEM IN CIVIL COURT ! ! !

What makes you think you can't sue Bank of America?

Think you don't have the power to DRAG THEM INTO COURT ????

Guess again! You can haul them in before a Judge and FORCE THEM to answer to the false claims and representations printed in their Rules Booklet, which they renegged on when it came down to the wire. And once they're challenged in open court, they will not be able to get away with it!

Because the amount in question is over $7,500 - you'll have to take it up in Civil Court. If you can't pay the filing fee, ask the clerk at the window to wave it. The clerk will tell you what forms to fill out (Summons & Complaint plus the Proof of Service), and even show you how to do it.

If you have a problem filling out the forms, go to your nearest Documents America Center, or paralegal service, and they can show in under 5 minutes. Basically, all you have to do is, tell the court IN PLAIN ENGLISH and CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER, exactly what happened. And double check your SPELLING !!! To save money, mail the Complaint via U.S. Certified Mail.

Send the Complaint to the local branch that stiffed you, and they'll take care of the rest. They'll contact their corporate headquarters, and will be forced to send a representative. If they don't show up ... you win the Judgment in the full amount.

If you can't afford a lawyer, get together your friends and relatives or a citizens' watch group to help you prepare for court. Bring them with you to court for moral support. The Judge will realize that you're an amateur representing yourself trying to fight Big Business, and will give you assistance during trial.

Think also about pooling your resources together (all you others who have been ripped off by BofA)...AND FILE A CLASS ACTION.
The point is this Bank of America made claims and representations they have fraudulently renegged on. The only reason they got away with it is because no one's had the huevos to EXPOSE THEIR LIE.

But you can do it. Who said you can't?

Re: Bank of America - Report: #137663

YOU CAN SUE THEM IN CIVIL COURT ! ! !

What makes you think you can't sue Bank of America?

Think you don't have the power to DRAG THEM INTO COURT ????

Guess again! You can haul them in before a Judge and FORCE THEM to answer to the false claims and representations printed in their Rules Booklet, which they renegged on when it came down to the wire. And once they're challenged in open court, they will not be able to get away with it!

Because the amount in question is over $7,500 - you'll have to take it up in Civil Court. If you can't pay the filing fee, ask the clerk at the window to wave it. The clerk will tell you what forms to fill out (Summons & Complaint plus the Proof of Service), and even show you how to do it.

If you have a problem filling out the forms, go to your nearest Documents America Center, or paralegal service, and they can show in under 5 minutes. Basically, all you have to do is, tell the court IN PLAIN ENGLISH and CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER, exactly what happened. And double check your SPELLING !!! To save money, mail the Complaint via U.S. Certified Mail.

Send the Complaint to the local branch that stiffed you, and they'll take care of the rest. They'll contact their corporate headquarters, and will be forced to send a representative. If they don't show up ... you win the Judgment in the full amount.

If you can't afford a lawyer, get together your friends and relatives or a citizens' watch group to help you prepare for court. Bring them with you to court for moral support. The Judge will realize that you're an amateur representing yourself trying to fight Big Business, and will give you assistance during trial.

Think also about pooling your resources together (all you others who have been ripped off by BofA)...AND FILE A CLASS ACTION.
The point is this Bank of America made claims and representations they have fraudulently renegged on. The only reason they got away with it is because no one's had the huevos to EXPOSE THEIR LIE.

But you can do it. Who said you can't?

Re: Bank of America - Report: #137663

YOU CAN SUE THEM IN CIVIL COURT ! ! !

What makes you think you can't sue Bank of America?

Think you don't have the power to DRAG THEM INTO COURT ????

Guess again! You can haul them in before a Judge and FORCE THEM to answer to the false claims and representations printed in their Rules Booklet, which they renegged on when it came down to the wire. And once they're challenged in open court, they will not be able to get away with it!

Because the amount in question is over $7,500 - you'll have to take it up in Civil Court. If you can't pay the filing fee, ask the clerk at the window to wave it. The clerk will tell you what forms to fill out (Summons & Complaint plus the Proof of Service), and even show you how to do it.

If you have a problem filling out the forms, go to your nearest Documents America Center, or paralegal service, and they can show in under 5 minutes. Basically, all you have to do is, tell the court IN PLAIN ENGLISH and CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER, exactly what happened. And double check your SPELLING !!! To save money, mail the Complaint via U.S. Certified Mail.

Send the Complaint to the local branch that stiffed you, and they'll take care of the rest. They'll contact their corporate headquarters, and will be forced to send a representative. If they don't show up ... you win the Judgment in the full amount.

If you can't afford a lawyer, get together your friends and relatives or a citizens' watch group to help you prepare for court. Bring them with you to court for moral support. The Judge will realize that you're an amateur representing yourself trying to fight Big Business, and will give you assistance during trial.

Think also about pooling your resources together (all you others who have been ripped off by BofA)...AND FILE A CLASS ACTION.
The point is this Bank of America made claims and representations they have fraudulently renegged on. The only reason they got away with it is because no one's had the huevos to EXPOSE THEIR LIE.

But you can do it. Who said you can't?

Someone forged my uncles name on bank accounts transferred money from savings to checking then proceeded to write checks and overdrew the account (even on the day of his funeral).

Luckily my uncle went to the police and filed a report. After the police report was filed BOA opened a new account and put the money in there no problem.

Feel sorry for Thomas but since he chose not to press charges he lost out. If anyone could see things from the BOA side Thomas could be part of the fraud for all they know so why give him back the money. He can always go after the parties who forged his signature and took his money if he chose. He can even sue them for more than that and get back more in his judgement. That assuming of course he is sincere in getting his money back from those responsible for taking it since he tied the banks and the police departments hands by not pressing charges.

PEOPLE ALWAYS TOLD ME NOT TO BANK WITH B OF A AND WELLS FARGO. I HAVE HEARD THE SAME GAMES BEING PLAYED, I AM SOOOOO LUCKY, I HOPE YOU GET YOUR MONEY BACK, YOU SHOULD PRESS CHARGES IF POSSIBLE. GOOD LUCK

The bank should just do the right thing; it's not the customer's fault this happened to him, even so....the poor guy is sick & has saved this money, which is rightfully his, & the bank refuses to give it back?? That is just wrong. This money means everything to him, to the bank it's a drop in the bucket.
Come BOA have a heart & do the right thing. For a change. If not I don't see how you can sleep at night. Especially the guy who actually had the nerve to laugh at this poor man.

When big business buys congress and writes the laws to allow them to rip-off there customers like this...... The game is rigged... The USA is for-sale to the highest bidder !

Sad but true !

I just have one thing to say......Bank of America truly did screw over Thomas. What was done to his account was ILLEGAL. EVERY transaction that is done with Bank of America is EASILY tracked, especially if the criminals made withdrawals by walking INSIDE or by driving up to the drive-thru. It would be IMPOSSIBLE that the bank has NO records of what happened with your account unless it was someone on the inside who headed the whole crime.

It seems to me that the lady "Valerie Lunn" is SUSPECT to this crime as you do NOT need 2 accounts to watch for fraudulent activity. Even the regional manager Tim Whitesitt is FULL OF IT. You have copies of all of Bank of America's policies, AND proof that you were in the hospital. Therefore, you have LOTS of firepower while Bank of America has nothing except LIES. I know that you WILL win this case in the end!!

I had problems with Bank of America before, but it wasn't dealing with fraud. I thought that Bank of America was wrong in what they did to me and my wife by giving us over $700 in overdraft charges, but what they explained to me did make sense. First of all, my wife and I use the debit card for EVERYTHING. Since we had some extra money from the student loans, we deposited the "student loan money kickback" from our school and paid for 4 months of rent with a check. Well, about 3 days later, we see over $700 in overdraft fees because Bank of America cashed the check AND we had about 25 transactions that ended up overdrafting the account....with at least 50% of those transactions being UNDER $10.00!!!

The account had $-650.00 in it at this point as a result of the fees, and we had a 2 small children (both less than 2 years old) at this time!! I called the customer service 800# and explained my complaint. They explained "when we process transactions, those with a larger amount are posted first because they *usually* represent transactions have more *priority*, like a mortgage or car payment. I explained that they should have made the check NSF instead of all of those transactions. They informed me of the same at the main branch, but only refunded 2 overdrafting fees.

While that time in our life was HARD, it taught us how to better manage our finances. Now, we haven't had an overdraft EVER since. The problem was NOT Bank of America. The problem was that we didn't manage our finances like we should have. Now, we watch our account like hawks and talk about EVERYTHING before we spend it. We try to look a month ahead whenever we spend money. We use credit cards like a checking account that has a zero balance.....so if we use them, we MUST pay them back before the money is over, or face "overdraft charges" (better known as "interest fees").

While Bank of America is doing nothing but using the 'you didn't contact us within 60 days" rule on you, do NOT give up. You have LOTS of firepower to get back ALL of your money WITH INTEREST. I really hope you win your case!!!

I just have one thing to say......Bank of America truly did screw over Thomas. What was done to his account was ILLEGAL. EVERY transaction that is done with Bank of America is EASILY tracked, especially if the criminals made withdrawals by walking INSIDE or by driving up to the drive-thru. It would be IMPOSSIBLE that the bank has NO records of what happened with your account unless it was someone on the inside who headed the whole crime.

It seems to me that the lady "Valerie Lunn" is SUSPECT to this crime as you do NOT need 2 accounts to watch for fraudulent activity. Even the regional manager Tim Whitesitt is FULL OF IT. You have copies of all of Bank of America's policies, AND proof that you were in the hospital. Therefore, you have LOTS of firepower while Bank of America has nothing except LIES. I know that you WILL win this case in the end!!

I had problems with Bank of America before, but it wasn't dealing with fraud. I thought that Bank of America was wrong in what they did to me and my wife by giving us over $700 in overdraft charges, but what they explained to me did make sense. First of all, my wife and I use the debit card for EVERYTHING. Since we had some extra money from the student loans, we deposited the "student loan money kickback" from our school and paid for 4 months of rent with a check. Well, about 3 days later, we see over $700 in overdraft fees because Bank of America cashed the check AND we had about 25 transactions that ended up overdrafting the account....with at least 50% of those transactions being UNDER $10.00!!!

The account had $-650.00 in it at this point as a result of the fees, and we had a 2 small children (both less than 2 years old) at this time!! I called the customer service 800# and explained my complaint. They explained "when we process transactions, those with a larger amount are posted first because they *usually* represent transactions have more *priority*, like a mortgage or car payment. I explained that they should have made the check NSF instead of all of those transactions. They informed me of the same at the main branch, but only refunded 2 overdrafting fees.

While that time in our life was HARD, it taught us how to better manage our finances. Now, we haven't had an overdraft EVER since. The problem was NOT Bank of America. The problem was that we didn't manage our finances like we should have. Now, we watch our account like hawks and talk about EVERYTHING before we spend it. We try to look a month ahead whenever we spend money. We use credit cards like a checking account that has a zero balance.....so if we use them, we MUST pay them back before the money is over, or face "overdraft charges" (better known as "interest fees").

While Bank of America is doing nothing but using the 'you didn't contact us within 60 days" rule on you, do NOT give up. You have LOTS of firepower to get back ALL of your money WITH INTEREST. I really hope you win your case!!!

I just have one thing to say......Bank of America truly did screw over Thomas. What was done to his account was ILLEGAL. EVERY transaction that is done with Bank of America is EASILY tracked, especially if the criminals made withdrawals by walking INSIDE or by driving up to the drive-thru. It would be IMPOSSIBLE that the bank has NO records of what happened with your account unless it was someone on the inside who headed the whole crime.

It seems to me that the lady "Valerie Lunn" is SUSPECT to this crime as you do NOT need 2 accounts to watch for fraudulent activity. Even the regional manager Tim Whitesitt is FULL OF IT. You have copies of all of Bank of America's policies, AND proof that you were in the hospital. Therefore, you have LOTS of firepower while Bank of America has nothing except LIES. I know that you WILL win this case in the end!!

I had problems with Bank of America before, but it wasn't dealing with fraud. I thought that Bank of America was wrong in what they did to me and my wife by giving us over $700 in overdraft charges, but what they explained to me did make sense. First of all, my wife and I use the debit card for EVERYTHING. Since we had some extra money from the student loans, we deposited the "student loan money kickback" from our school and paid for 4 months of rent with a check. Well, about 3 days later, we see over $700 in overdraft fees because Bank of America cashed the check AND we had about 25 transactions that ended up overdrafting the account....with at least 50% of those transactions being UNDER $10.00!!!

The account had $-650.00 in it at this point as a result of the fees, and we had a 2 small children (both less than 2 years old) at this time!! I called the customer service 800# and explained my complaint. They explained "when we process transactions, those with a larger amount are posted first because they *usually* represent transactions have more *priority*, like a mortgage or car payment. I explained that they should have made the check NSF instead of all of those transactions. They informed me of the same at the main branch, but only refunded 2 overdrafting fees.

While that time in our life was HARD, it taught us how to better manage our finances. Now, we haven't had an overdraft EVER since. The problem was NOT Bank of America. The problem was that we didn't manage our finances like we should have. Now, we watch our account like hawks and talk about EVERYTHING before we spend it. We try to look a month ahead whenever we spend money. We use credit cards like a checking account that has a zero balance.....so if we use them, we MUST pay them back before the money is over, or face "overdraft charges" (better known as "interest fees").

While Bank of America is doing nothing but using the 'you didn't contact us within 60 days" rule on you, do NOT give up. You have LOTS of firepower to get back ALL of your money WITH INTEREST. I really hope you win your case!!!

I got burnt out reading the post and the rebuttals.The guy lost 29,000 dollars because of the banks poor judgement in not checking to make sure that the person cashing these checks was the actual account holder .Look I had a credit card account with boa.From the moment I had this card I had problems like every month not being able to pay online without assistance from boa on the phone.You see they never completed my registration.I finally called this last fall 2006 and said look folks I want to use online banking to pay my bill but now I cant even mickey mouse my way through it even with you guys assisting me and they gave me a website as an alternative to do this.This worked the first time and then I went to make an extra payment and I was not able to make a payment at all.So I had to drag my sorry butt to the phone which we all love to do and call customer service.They made me change my password four times and user Id also and I wrote it down.I think the last time not being able to pay online had to do with that merger with mbna.It seemed that evertime I went online the website was remodeled.Anyways they said dont worry in 48 hours we will have you cleared up and you will be able to pay your bill online.So 72 hours and and I tried again.I couldnt make my payment online and guess what they were not available to help me get the payment put through.Up to this point I had never been late,never had been overlimit,and had except one time always made way more than the minumum payment.Well this put me 3 days late.So i called them next business day.And asked them how this would affect my account considering my outstanding history with them.The customer service rep said you should have mailed it.Yeah right ,then what good is online bill pay,but technically she was right.So then I asked about the interest rate which jumped from like 20 to 33% overnight.She said I would have to wait for 6 months and the old interest rate would be reinstated.I said then I will have to close out my account.So I did.Then in the next 3 weeks I paid off my card entirely.I also made sure that the payoff amount included any inetrest.A month later I receive a statement saying I owe like 6 dollars and some change.So I call them up and I know they are going to try to railroad me,so I ask them when I made the last payment I asked for the payoff amount and you folks said this amount will pay you off,so I paid it.Where did this six dollars and change come from.She said Oh I am very sorry and I will remove this charge from your account andyoull be all set.I knew from reading rip off report it would not be all set.So I insisted and quoted law that she send me a letter stating I had a zero balance and she reluctantly agreed.And guess what I got that letter,think its over folks ,absolutely not.A month later I start receiving these statements saying that I have a credit of 15 dollars and after throwing myself all over the place on the floor writhing in mental anguish I finally get it over with and call them .I explained to cust.ser. I want you people to stop sending me statements.The first lady said well you have to wait for a year to stop receiving them.I said that is a bunch of crap if I can tell a company not to solicit me and take me off your mailing list its the law they must comply.She said the statements were not junk mail.Yeah right ololollolollololololool.So I said I want you to stop sending me statements ,she then switched me over to another department and the guy explained I had a credit of 15 dollars and they had to have the account zeroed for the statements to stop.So I said keep it.I dont want to have any contact with you people anymore.Yeah folks I know I had the letter stating a zero balance ,still do but I wasnt willing to deal with them til I was 92.He said we cant just take it from you ololololololololololololoolololo.Yeah right.So i said fine cut me a check and never contact me again.So he did.All over nooooooooo of course not.I get the check in like a few days blew my mind.And on the stubb it had a message.Dear blah blah blah,Enclosed you will find a check which represents a credit balance refund from your FIA card services account.Remember that all credit balance refunds are subject to final audit.Any adjustments will be posted to your account.If you have further questions,Please contact our customer [i love this part]satisfaction department at 1-800-441-9977.We appreciate this opportunity to be of service to you.Basically they are thanking me for beating me with a bat and they will be back.Yous see because monopolies like them dont make mistakes.Lay off this guy.h*o w many of you rebuttists have forgotten a pertinent piece of info because they were rattled so much.How many of you under pressure would remember every detail.It is like you are putting him on trial.Look boa employees and ex-employees who find nothing better to do with your time than to kick a man when they are down.BOA has pages and pages and pagesd of complaints some must be taken with a grain of salt and thats what I thought until I had problems.I have other credit cards I have an account with another bank one I have had for years .And I have never had this much trouble than with these people boa.Dont bank with them,dont take a credit card with them ,dont get a mortgage with them,I am serious DONT DO IT,YOU WILL BE SORRY.I had a small problem and I am still dealing with it a year later,it just gets more and more ridiculous.So lay off this guy until you have all the facts and pay attention to the threads because he did everything he was supposed to from police to filing a lawsuit,when you file a lawsuit you are not allowed to discuss it per your laywers advice.

On the following web page:
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/228366_stolenchecks14.html?source=rss

Scroll down and you'll find the following paragraphs:
His bigger issue is that one of the two people Bank of America identified as having forged Smart's checks is a relative. The other person who forged checks, $27,515.69 worth, may be her on-again, off-again boyfriend.

The Seattle Post-Intelligencer is not publishing their names because they have not been charged with a crime. The paper's efforts to locate them have been unsuccessful.

I'm so upset about BofA's lack of goodwill toward their clients, that I plan on using my Credit Union for all my banking needs from now on.

The truth is that we can never know what truly happened in Thomas' case, but one thing is certain: BofA screwed him.

So I'm out. I'm going to a not-for-profit bank that truly values customers and doesn't try to squeeze them out of every red cent.

It's my money BofA is using, and I shouldn't have to pay outrageous fees and deal with awful customer reps and so-called-supervisors just to keep my money there.

I don't owe BofA a d**n thing. They, however, owe me respect as a customer, and they should thank their lucky stars I decided to put my hard-earned cash in their bank. But since BofA only sees dollars signs and only sees clients as meager sheep, well... Buh-buy BofA. Ya make me sick.

BofA can arbitrate all it wants. And it's a good thing that BofA continues to erode customer faith because I will have the pleasure of boycotting them until they get bought out.

But most importantly, they can kiss my *** and my $$$ goodbye. And you know what, it's just gonna be a domino effect.

Thank you, Thomas, for sounding the alarm against BofA. I'm going to stand in line tomorrow, at my local bofa branch, and I'm going to stand in line and tell your story to the person in front of me, in back of me, standing next to me, and the teller who will have the honor of closing my account. Then I will go home and call all my friends so they can do the same.

I really hope the best for you, Thomas. And I will keep you in my prayers even though I'm an X-Catholic/Agnostic. I'm going to pray to St. Jude that all those Sheriffs that gave you the runaround loose their direct deposit; that Stile and Pete get charged with massive insufficient fund fees; that all the people that gave you a hard time in their posts get their BofA Visa interest rates hiked so high, that they will come and post a rip off report and get callous rebuttles as Kharma overdue, and that he keeps you safe and gives you health and even a day in court. He is the St. of lost causes, and BofA and their goons are a lost cause.

So everything you've been through was not a waste, Thomas. You've made others aware, and that's priceless. Thanks again.

I'm so upset about BofA's lack of goodwill toward their clients, that I plan on using my Credit Union for all my banking needs from now on.

The truth is that we can never know what truly happened in Thomas' case, but one thing is certain: BofA screwed him.

So I'm out. I'm going to a not-for-profit bank that truly values customers and doesn't try to squeeze them out of every red cent.

It's my money BofA is using, and I shouldn't have to pay outrageous fees and deal with awful customer reps and so-called-supervisors just to keep my money there.

I don't owe BofA a d**n thing. They, however, owe me respect as a customer, and they should thank their lucky stars I decided to put my hard-earned cash in their bank. But since BofA only sees dollars signs and only sees clients as meager sheep, well... Buh-buy BofA. Ya make me sick.

BofA can arbitrate all it wants. And it's a good thing that BofA continues to erode customer faith because I will have the pleasure of boycotting them until they get bought out.

But most importantly, they can kiss my *** and my $$$ goodbye. And you know what, it's just gonna be a domino effect.

Thank you, Thomas, for sounding the alarm against BofA. I'm going to stand in line tomorrow, at my local bofa branch, and I'm going to stand in line and tell your story to the person in front of me, in back of me, standing next to me, and the teller who will have the honor of closing my account. Then I will go home and call all my friends so they can do the same.

I really hope the best for you, Thomas. And I will keep you in my prayers even though I'm an X-Catholic/Agnostic. I'm going to pray to St. Jude that all those Sheriffs that gave you the runaround loose their direct deposit; that Stile and Pete get charged with massive insufficient fund fees; that all the people that gave you a hard time in their posts get their BofA Visa interest rates hiked so high, that they will come and post a rip off report and get callous rebuttles as Kharma overdue, and that he keeps you safe and gives you health and even a day in court. He is the St. of lost causes, and BofA and their goons are a lost cause.

So everything you've been through was not a waste, Thomas. You've made others aware, and that's priceless. Thanks again.

I am sorry Thomas for what the bank has done to you. I am fighting a similar battle. But this is much smaller amount, and it is with a pre-paid credit card company called Netspend. Keep fighting, that is what I plan to do! And I will get refunded with interest. I have my report on this site as well. Wendy

I've always hated banks. I feel that they use that fact that we want to protect our money for making money. I think it is such non-sense about the 60days rule and overdraft fees.

First of all, BofA should reimburst your money back to you. They should be the one who prosecute the unlawful check cashers. When you put money into a bank, your asking them to take care of your money. If they are giving your money away to forged checks, then they (BofA) should be responsible in getting it back to you.

Example:
1)When you park your car on the streets, it is your responsibility and your liability if your car is stolen.

2)You bring your car to a valet guy and he parks it in the lot for you.

So when the valet guy gives your car to someone else, is he responsiblie for it? YES!!

Just like the BANK!

Why is it that when a bank gets robbed, all law enforcers are there to help out. But when the bank steals from you, where is the help you need?

Just because your not giving them business, they shouldn't treat you so rudely. I have been in the Customer Service field for a long time and have always treated my customers with respect, even if they are wrong! Helping them out because either they didn't know or miscommunitcate isn't going to hurt anything.

Like I said, I have always hated banks. Since the beginning of my time, I have always had issues with them. Either overdraft fees or misx fees. Rules about deposits and even when I tried to write everything down, it just doesn't work out for me. But now a days, it is so hard for u to keep lots of money at home or on yourself because all of the criminals out there who can't get a real job. But then again, you have the criminals who are smart and actually works at the bank..

Good luck Tom and keep us posted!!

Alas, B.O.A. has gone way too far this time. I had an account with them and cancelled it after months of foolishness. I am about to try Wachovia. :)
You will get something back out of this, seeing as most people are on Your side. Good luck, and I am hoping to see B.O.A. crash.

I have just read every single comment, not skimmed but read!!

I believe Thomas was unjustly treated and just looked passed cause to BOA his "measley 30 grand" is chump change!!

BUT to the rest of working class America it is a decent sum of money!! I am COMPLETELY appauled at how "corporate America" can push the little guys around and get away with it!! I am also appauled that our values have all gone down the toilette!! Where are the morals here on BOA's part? Oh wait they are selfish no morals needed for that!! I also find it degradieng that THOMAS an American citizen can no longer express his freedom of speech against these "hustlers"!!!

God forbid you are in a coma for 61 days and someone steels your sh#$!!! Oh well you didn't file in time too bad!!

Well Thomas!! PROPS TO you for standing your ground and not going away!! If more people were like that then maybe some of the so called "business pracitices" would be a little more in favor of the customers not the "big business' who pays millions to have these screwy agreements written up!!

Another thing I find appauling is that you a-holes like Amy, Stile, and you others are so in favor of these companies taking advantage of someone!!

Are you saying if someone didn't report a rape (because they were afraid, or whatever)within the statue of limitations that they should still not hold the rapist liable for it!! Thank God there is no limit for MURDER!! I hate to see what you "rule following scum sucking money stealing lowlifes" would say to that!!

Reguardless of the time period he had.....they still should have honored their end of the agreement since Thomas was able to provide documentation of a trip and hospital stay!! BUT DID THEY NOOOOO!!! Instead they and all of you on here are hiding behind your little clauses and immoral actions!!

Thomas has stated NUMEROUS times that he has filed against his relative(s) as well!! All he wants is what is due to him!!

Put yourself in his shoes...he is thinking the money is insured, or that the Bank will want to keep him as a customer and try to help!!

But do they? NO, instead they erase tapes (which could have been saved at least from the last few transaction) shred checks, lose 2 copies of the checks, and do not give him the proper papers to file. Where is the morality in that? They are just covering their own asses cause they knew they screwed up!! Since the funds were from an account with that Bank, to an account with that bank....the only one able to paty it back is THAT BANK!!! That is why they are acting so shady....since they know it will be their loss not another banks!!!

Why couldn't they just pay him the money and they sue the THEIFS? Hmmmmm....probably cause if someone is stealing money they know they probably will never recover it!! That takes me back to why is Thomas going after the Bank?

Well if a car hit you and the driver had NO Insurance and was suspended & the person driving had NO JOB...would you sew them or the owner of the car who makes 6 figs a year?

HMMM.......I would just want what is owed to me and try to get it from who ever I CAN!! I'm sure if Thomas was able to recover the money from his relative, he would have just left it at that, but 30 grand to a working class man is A LOT of CASH to just be GIVEING AWAY!!

I leave you with this.......if this happened to your mom, or an ill family member would you still be saying..."well you didn't file in time to bad so sad"

I APPLAUD YOU THOMAS!!!! SCREW BOA!! I HOPE A LOT OF CURRENT CUSTOMERS AND ONES THINKING ABOUT USEING THESE "LOAN SHARKS" READ THIS AND RETHINK WHO THEY ARE BANKING WITH!!!!

IF YOU DON'T LIKE WHAT i SAID....WELL BOA HASN'T SHUT ME UP!! if you are going to comment about a typo, or "word phraseing" get a life!!!

I have just finished reading every comment and suggestions/rebuttals on this matter of Thomas and his issues with BofA. Personally, I have my own feelings on how to get a fair and just solution between the two parties; but my comment is to the two individuals who blame big business and Pres Bush is just so wrong. What the hell did the president have to do with Thomas's issues with BofA? Give me a break. You are obviously devout democrats (and that's ok) but don't blame Bush for everything.. Hey, just for the record, the new governor of Massachusetts, Duval Patrick made his millions as one of the top board members of Ameriquest. I don't see his name on all the issues with the rip offs and questionable lending practices listed on this site regarding Ameriquest. Oh, by the way he is a democrat. So get real.

I am a previous bank teller, not with Bank of America. As a bank teller, I do know that it is required to check the signitures with the signitures that is on file with the bank, although I can see how a signiture or two can get past the bank, I find it really unbelievable that SO MANY went through, for all of those people that say that it is not the banks fault that someone forged these checks, there definately should be partial blame because the employees should have done their job and checked out the signitures.

I use to work for a small credit union and I knew all of my customers that would come in and if i see something unusual going on with an account, we are obligated to inform someone for the customers protection. This is why banking with a small bank is a lot better than banking with a place like Bank of America because small banks know how to treat their customers.

This story is very real and Thomas really wants to share more. I have talked with him and he just said with the head puppet BUSH still sealing out this country his case looks like pennies lost.

If people cant see yet what is going on with our government they will soon.

Lies to start a war, no bid contracts to rebuild Iraq, Katrina victims riped off for insurance for there houses (Thousands of houses)

He went on to say:

For the people that dont believe my story ? Your either in big business or please call the detective and or newspaper reporter listed in the post above.

He also said in a little while he is going to protest again and there is not a dam thing BOA can do to him.

BoA can try to sue but for what ?????? LOL

F**K U BoA and all the Government agencies that sold out the public.... Your time is coming !

First of all, I'm currently with the bank of america an you can't call know body silly because they no longer want to bank with them and that's write I was frauded to and just because a moron like you have never been frauded don't don't hold your breathe because you are next. And to the man that was frauded There is a god in this crupt world and don't you thank for a second that he don't Know what's going on and yeap that's right (R-O-B-I-N-) I'm closing my account with them and you and bank of america can go to HELL!!!!!!!!!!!

You claim:

"THE POSTER KNOWS WHO WROTE THESE CHECKS.

"It's a family member and he and the family member are in a scam to defraud the bank.

"He refuses to prosecute the family member.

Steph - Park Ridge, Illinois
U.S.A.

Wellll......how about providing your proof so we can all see it, Steph? Bank fraud will win the fraudster some really serious vacation benefits at Club Fed.

You claim:

"THE POSTER KNOWS WHO WROTE THESE CHECKS.

"It's a family member and he and the family member are in a scam to defraud the bank.

"He refuses to prosecute the family member.

Steph - Park Ridge, Illinois
U.S.A.

Wellll......how about providing your proof so we can all see it, Steph? Bank fraud will win the fraudster some really serious vacation benefits at Club Fed.

You claim:

"THE POSTER KNOWS WHO WROTE THESE CHECKS.

"It's a family member and he and the family member are in a scam to defraud the bank.

"He refuses to prosecute the family member.

Steph - Park Ridge, Illinois
U.S.A.

Wellll......how about providing your proof so we can all see it, Steph? Bank fraud will win the fraudster some really serious vacation benefits at Club Fed.

You claim:

"THE POSTER KNOWS WHO WROTE THESE CHECKS.

"It's a family member and he and the family member are in a scam to defraud the bank.

"He refuses to prosecute the family member.

Steph - Park Ridge, Illinois
U.S.A.

Wellll......how about providing your proof so we can all see it, Steph? Bank fraud will win the fraudster some really serious vacation benefits at Club Fed.

I understand that some people do not have access to their accounts everyday or even for months at a time, i havent looked at a statement from my bank in over a year, partly because the 2 times that i had a check stolen they immediately recognized it and called me to find out why the check was written. I would like to know how and/or why i can call my bank and get access and copies very legibily of checks that are over 4 years old, just two weeks ago i got one from 6 years ago.

I am sure that there is a lot more to this story than meets they eyes, But you need to be willing to press charges on the person who took the checks and those who wrote them. I had the money back in my account in less than 24 hours, when i had my problem and the stores rendered both ID information and surveylence cameras. WHAT I DONT UNDERSTAND IS WHY IT IS THAT AFTER REPORTING THAT THE CHECKS WERE STOLEN MORE WERE CASHED, AND I DONT UNDERSTAND WHAT ALL THIS 60 DAYS STUFF IS COMING INTO PLAY. IS THIS IMPLYING THAT IF I DONT SEE THAT SOMEONE WROTE A FRAUDULENT CHECK WITHIN 60 DAYS THEY HAVE THE RIGHT TO CONTINUE WRITING CHECKS?

I DONT UNDERSTAND THE WHOLE 60 DAYS THING I GUESS, MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT EACH CHECK IS CONSIDERED AN INDIVIDUAL TRANSACTION, BECAUSE THEY WERE NOT ALL CASHED AT THE SAME TIME, THEN ALL TRANSACTIONS 60 DAYS PRIOR ARE SUBJECT TO THESE TERMS, WHY ARE ALL THE BANKERS ON THIS SITE SAYING THAT ALL OF THE CHECKS ARE HIS FAULT BECAUSE HE DIDNT REPORT IT IN 60 DAYS. HE REPORTED MORE THAN HALF WITHIN 60 DAYS SO YOU ARE AT LEAST LIABLE FOR THOSE CHECKS. Bud I sympathize with you BofA is pretty bad you walk up to the counter they say swipe your card, ok thanks, next, and call the next person before you leave the counter.

For everyone else out there, be careful of your banks, i have had bad experiences with little and big ones. check their track record and stay away from big names, they usually have a pretty high overhead, my current bank reinburses me for 6 atm transactions from non bank tellers, and doesnt charge to take my money out of my account. I wish i could give you that name but i am sure that it wouldnt fly well.

I've done some research on this case.

THE POSTER KNOWS WHO WROTE THESE CHECKS.

It's a family member and he and the family member are in a scam to defraud the bank.

He refuses to prosecute the family member.

Thomas,

I know you cannot speak about the situation or outcome, but I hope that you have learned from this horrible happening. I myself have seen people in your shoes. However, one common thing I have noticed is that people just don't do what they need to in order to make sure their accounts are secure.

Why you would not once look at your bank statements is beyond amazment to me. No matter what the branch manager did, it is OUR RESPONSIBILITY as consumers to manage our accounts in a professional manner. Whether you are a park ranger or business exec, you have to be responsible about your financial situation.

I am sorry that you had to go to the hospital but that does not explain the fraud that took place before and after your hospital visits. It is an unfortunate situation no matter how you look at it but I hope that you, and many others, have learned from this. I would also hope that this doesn't sway people from using BofA, you might find that many banks follow the same practices which goes to show why it is the responsibility of the consumer to manage their account(s) wisely.

There is no difference. The CCN special (The town that fought back) I see the same thing happening as what happened with Thomas. Corporate America is taking our money and ripping us off. Hundreds if not thousands of people with State Farm Insurance are being denied the insurance they paid for. OCC a government agency charged with regulating federal banks sold out the american public. There no more then a drain on tax payers and a JOKE.

State Farm Insurance is ripping off the Katrina victim. We need to wake up. I hope the nov. 7th elections is the first step of many to address the thives in office that make laws like abritration. Thomas would have his savings back if he could of had a jury hear the case.

I have copies of the banks letters and other documents thomas had for his case with bank of america.

I wonder if I can scan them on this site for the world to see for themselves ?

I too was robbed by Bank of America, My checkbook was stolen along with my id, social security card and debit card. I reported this to my local police department and the fraud unit at Bank of America.

Bank of America denied my claim saying that the signatures were almost compatible and that I owe them money. I feel your pain about this.

It appears that Thomas' case could not go forward because of the arbitration clause in his contractual relationship with the bank, so we'll never know what the facts really are and what the bank really should have done in that case.

What we do know is that many people responded with stories about poor customer service and customer-unfriendly business practices. B of A does appear to have drifted far from its help-the-little-guy roots. The bank now seems to be a pioneer in finding new ways to extract nickels and dimes from unwary customers, just because it can. It also seems especially creative and aggressive in finding new ways to try to make complaining customers feel and look stupid.

I believe that many of the people who posted here really did decide to switch banks, or changed their plan to open accounts with B of A, based in part on these reports. I am an officer of a couple of national professional societies and a consultant with many corporate executive clients. I have also experienced poor service and arbitrary actions by B of A. As a result, in the past year or so, I personally have made or influenced decisions that cost B of A tens of thousands of dollars' worth of business. If enough of us did that, perhaps they'd get the message that customer-unfriendly practices and rude, arrogant, self-justifying "customer service" just don't pay! Until then, unfortunately, they will do to us whatever we can't stop them from doing!

It has become clear to me what has happened with this case. This case is one of many rip-offs happening all over this country.

The reason the bank of america was able to rip Thomas off is the laws passed for banking. Thomas had no chance for justice because he was forced to go with arbitration. Congress passed these laws to protect Big Business.

The last thing Thomas said about this case was The cards are stacked against him. The laws backs up the bank no matter how many mistake the bank made. The bank has bought out justice in this country. The bank will spend way more money then he lost just to beat me down.

The bank does not have to take any responsiblity for any of the mistake they made. The bank is above justice.

The bank has offered Thomas pennies on the dollars lost or face years of battle and the possiblity of paying more in attorney's fees then what was already lost. The bank has placed a gag order on this story.

Thomas then said he had to buy food for his 2 year old boy and pay the rent and bills.

Well what I see happening here is much larger then this case.

I watched the united states government agency in charge of Federal Banks. OCC sell out the american public. Thomas contacted his senators and was told the only option was arbitration.

I watch on the news as hard working people stand next to there homes after Katrina and the insurance company won't pay. There lives destroyed. Do they have only Arbitration options also?

I watch as gas companies raise prices and then report record profits.

I watch the bush war, I watch congress give its self raises while refusing to raise the minimum wage, I watch big business take over the United States. The US government is big business puppet.

This is bigger, much bigger then this case. This case is one of many examples of our leaders selling out the United States Citizens to corporations.

There are those like Ken Lewis CEO of bank of america that have bought justice. I grew up thinking this was a good country, a fare justice system, but now I dont feel that way anymore.

Please people wake up. Are we falling apart at the seams? Are the leaders we have in charge of this nation selling us out for profit? I think YES

I could go on and on but if you dont get it, you dont get it.

I think its time for this country to make some changes.

But todays U.S. government trys to keeps its citizens down as they lead us down a very scary path. I can't even imagine what this country will look like when my 2 boys are young adults.

So do we sit by and just watch injustice or do we unite? Some say vote! Maybe or is there also a problem with voting these days?????? I am not sure from what I have seen its not rigged with the computer touch screens??? Which our present government did nothing to stop or secure the voting system.

We need to look what would work. What would be peaceful, What would be the voice of the people.

Right now I think the phillipines has shown us the way of modern day justice and peacefull protest for the people when its government has failed them.

Please read and spread the word. Text Message peaceful protest ( People Power in the USA )

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/24/AR2006082401379_2.html

Throwing out criminals like Bush and his cronies is a good place to start. We the people of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA must unite and be heard. Yes the whole world is watching !!!!!!!!

See you on the streets !

David

I have been in contact with Thomas for over a year now and we have talk many many times through e-mails and on the phone. I am sad to say Thomas informed me the case is now closed and he cannot comment anymore or he will risk being sued. If Thomas continued his fight he would have been paying lawyers for many years.

I do know the offer the bank made to him was pennies on the dollar. I also know Thomas was forced through the bank customer account agreement to go to arbitration that the bank preselects.

What a complete shame. The game is rigged for corporate america to win no matter what. I am sure if this case was heard in a real court room the out come would have been much different.

Shame on you Bank of America
Shame on you O.C.C.
Shame on your King County Sheriffs Office

Hi Thomas,

Understand, that I am a banker. I investigate fraudulent credit card (family fraud related) claims. You noted on many responses that the police do not have enough evidence to pursue your family member because of bad check copies, no atm film etc. HOWEVER, I believe that you mentioned that many of the funds of these checks went into an account (I'm referencing the one you questioned "why it was not frozen").

Was this particular account the funds went into owned by your family member who stole the checks???? Is this not enough "proof" at least to start the investigation against your family members???? I understand that you are very frustrated with BofA, and I am not saying to not pursue them but I assume that you are attempting to pursue your relative as well. I'm just curious why this tidbit of information is not enough for a criminal/civil pursuit.

See it all the time
Delaware

I just recently moved to florida from lynnwood washington and was about to head out the door to go to the B of A near my apartment and I decided to check my email. I had just seen an infomercial also and wanted to do some research. I came across your report Thomas and want to let you know that I support you! I will not be going to B of A and will not let anyone I know bank there anymore. more and more companies are taking advantage of their customers and clients and it's just plain sad. I've also dealt with King county authorities and they talk the talk but don't walk the walk... I hope that everything works out for you!

I had something like this happen to me with Wells Fargo a couple of years ago. I was checking my account online from home on a friday night and noticed a charge for $100 or so if I remember correctly on my checking account. I immediately called the service number and inquired what the charge was for and was told that it was one of several online transactions that I had initiated. I informed the person that I had and and to stop all online transactions until I could get to the bank the following saturday morning. She told me that she could not stop and transactions herself and that I would have to do so online.


SO I WENT ONLINE, sent several emails and got no response.The following morning I went into the bank and spoke to the bank manager who informed me: " Your online transactions total 2300 and you may have several outstanding debits left to post, we cannot close your account before any other charges clear." I told her that I had no online transactions and had not authorized them and they were fraudulent, she in turn informed me that there was no such thing as internet fraud where the bank was concerned and that it was not possible for someone to have done this without my authorization and threatened to call the police on my and have me arrested for bank robbery if I did not leave. and it goes on and on.


I suggest that noone do online business or business at all for that matter with Wells Fargo of Gardena California, located on Redondo beach Blvd.

I am closing my BOA account tomorrow, and so is my sister-in-law.

Thomas, your loss is not in vain, the public is listening and we are responding. Do not stop posting your story. Just as politicians lose votes, so BOA will lose customers........HA HA HA.

Stile: you can bet I won't go to Wells Fargo either.........You people make things so complex and impossible for the average person to understand that you are setting people up to fail. Give me a break, if it happened to you or your family members, you wouldn't be too happy. How can you even sleep at night knowing you are so full of sh**?

Thomas.........Keep your head up!!!!!

"Post your contact info and I will give you a call."

Nope. I've been a victim of ID theft in the past. I don't post personal info online. You can post the answers to my questions here for all to see.

"Name: Stile ?"

Pen name, and no you're not getting my real name.

"Company: _____ Bank ?"

Wells Fargo

"Your position ?"

Manager

"Reason your interseted in my case ________?"

I've worked in claims, and when I first read your post I knew you were on the wrong track. I began posting to try and give you some good information so you could try and recover some of your funds. The more I researched the info you provided, and the laws, the more I realized that BofA acted in accord with banking regs and federal law, and that you needed to pursue this as a civil matter. Have you filed that suit against your relative and her boyfriend yet?

"I have asked for this information from you also."

You've accused me of working for BofA several times, and each time I've told you I don't.

"How much are you paid to try and make this rip off look like its my fault ?"

I wish I got paid for posting here.

"WELL ???????????? Answer me."

Done.

"Sitle, jack of all trades,Master of none"

Well, I am a bit of a polymath.

"Criteria: stile, in All Reports:
89 Entries Found, Showing 1 - 15

When people read your post stile, They should be aware of your great wealth of knowledge !"

Wow, 89 whole posts. I'm practically monopolizing RoR, I'm surprised they allow me to stick around. Thomas, I've been on RoR for almost a year. 89 posts isn't that many, and you'll find most of them in the banking category, my area of expertise.

"I thought you were a Bank of America manager but perhaps I am wrong. After searching your name on the home page of this website(stile)it appears your a very wise man to be able to responed to so many post on this website. Harvard grad. perhaps ???????"

As I've told you before, I don't work for BofA. I don't claim to be wise, but I do know a lot about the banking industry. Incidentally, I do have a degree from the University of Virginia and will be starting my MBA shortly, so yes I'm educated. Since when is that a bad thing?

"89 diferent post with many company names and and your a expert at all of them."

About a lot of banking issues I am an expert. This isn't ego; I've worked in banking for several years and have learned a great deal.

"WOW I am lucky to be a poster that you have shared your many skills with."

Indeed. It's a shame you haven't listened to any of my advice. You might have had your money back by now.

"Thanks
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT"

Wow, Not... That's so original. You should put it on a T shirt or something. Any Titanic jokes you want to throw at me too as long as we're hitting these phenomena at the height of their popularity. God you're so funny

Could you file additional ripoff reports, on the fraudsters who took advantage of you here? I'm not talking about the bank employees- I'm interested in the people who actually wrote the fraudulent checks.

People should know who they are, so at least us avid Ripoff Report readers can avoid doing business with them. Thanks!

Criteria: stile, in All Reports:
89 Entries Found, Showing 1 - 15

When people read your post stile, They should be aware of your great wealth of knowledge !

I thought you were a Bank of America manager but perhaps I am wrong. After searching your name on the home page of this website(stile)it appears your a very wise man to be able to responed to so many post on this website. Harvard grad. perhaps ???????

89 diferent post with many company names and and your a expert at all of them.

WOW I am lucky to be a poster that you have shared your many skills with.

Thanks
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT

Post your contact info and I will give you a call.

Name: Stile ?
Company: _____ Bank ?
Your position ?
Reason your interseted in my case ________?

I have asked for this information from you also.

How much are you paid to try and make this rip off look like its my fault ?



WELL ???????????? Answer me.

Thomas,

Would you care to answer some of the questions that have been presented to you?

Why have you not pursued a civil case against your relative and her boyfriend, who actually are the ones who took your money?

Why are the police not pursuing this matter further?

You've stated you believe Bank of America is withholding evidence. What evidence do you believe they're withholding, and what would be their incentive to do so?

What is the status of your court case? Can you provide us a case number as I can't find your case on PACER or in the WA state courts.

Webster Dictionary: BANK

(Bank of deposit, a bank which receives money for safe keeping.)

You Failed to keep my money safe. How many lives have to destroyed ?

CEO's need to be held accountable for the many destroyed lives. Perhaps they will all be cell mates soon?

CEO's need to be held accountable for the many destroyed lives. Perhaps they will all be cell mates soon?

CEO's need to be held accountable for the many destroyed lives. Perhaps they will all be cell mates soon?

CEO's need to be held accountable for the many destroyed lives. Perhaps they will all be cell mates soon?

"Yes one of the criminals is related to me. I thought I made that fact clear? But perhaps not."

Indeed, you didn't make that clear. The first time you've used the word relative is in this most recent post. It took people reading the Seattle Post Intelligencer article that you posted 2 months after your initial report for people to realize that it was your relative that committed the theft. Some might call this a lie of omission.

"Call the police detective and ask if they would both be arrested and charged if the police had evidence like the forged checks, atm pictures, finger prints that were taken cashing a few of the checks,"

And since these items don't exist (for reasons that have been stated above) what do the police suggest? Have you retained an attorney? Have you considered a civil case against your relative and her boyfriend?

"The answer from the police is going to be yes if we had copies of the forged checks that were of any quality.If the finger prints were any good that would all it takes."

So the finger prints alone are the determining factor? Doesn't the sheriff's office have a handwriting analyst on staff? You've never really stated why none of the 42 checks are unusable as evidence.

"And some ask why I am after the bank? The Bank Of America has not only giving my life savings away but has not help in anyway to prosecute the criminals."

And what is it that you think the bank is withholding? What would the bank's incentive be to not cooperate with a criminal investigation?

Yes one of the criminals is related to me. I thought I made that fact clear? But perhaps not.
Call the police detective and ask if they would both be arrested and charged if the police had evidence like the forged checks, atm pictures, finger prints that were taken cashing a few of the checks,

The answer from the police is going to be yes if we had copies of the forged checks that were of any quality.If the finger prints were any good that would all it takes.

And some ask why I am after the bank? The Bank Of America has not only giving my life savings away but has not help in anyway to prosecute the criminals.

Call them and ask the detective..............

Thomas,

The questions posed to you still have not been answered, and CAN be answered without affecting any "criminal" investigation going on. Did you file a complaint naming your relative and his GF as the "forgers"? Yes or no.

If the answer is "no" than the bank is under no obligation to give you anything back as they can easily assume it is a scam being run by you and them.

Glenda,

I am a BoA customer, and since I follow the rules of banking (you know, reading my statements, keeping a checking registry, not overdrawing my account) I have never had a problem with BoA in 7 years. Most reports on BoA on this site, if you read between the lines are account holder negligence or lack of understanding on the terms of their account. Don't base your decision on one thing.

Ya know, history does repeat itself, when our country was going through its industrial boom, people were being "legally robbed" of their hard earned money. Federal Government stepped in and at least passed laws that would publicize such abuse to let the consumers know where or where not to do their business. I have a right to read Everything written on here, I certainly have a right to close my accounts with B of A for ANY reason i chose. I consider this reason enough, i just wish that i had not done my student loan through this bank, working on changing that also.
So think of me "silly" I am just learning from others who are concerned enough for all of us.

If I could answer the questions presented to me witout hurting a ongoing lawsuit as well as several lawsuits that will be filed soon I would.

I would also like to address the criminal aspects but I think its better comming from the police detectives involved in this case as I might hurt the case posting detailed information at this time. The King County prosecutors office has told me to hang in there with this case and there is three years from the crimes to bring charges.

As far as public support? I would like this but I cant let the issues above be compromised for more public support.

When the issues above are resolved I will disclose all the information.

I hope my supporters understand?

Thomas - You addressed one question out of many, and even that was not really an answer. Why haven't you started a civil case against your relative?

You claim you are waiting for the police to take action. I am surprised that a crime such as forgery is being ignored. Especially since the alleged perpetrators are already identified. I find it strange that the police are so reluctant to pursue this matter, unless there is a reason for them not too. I would think they would see this as an easy win. However, if you feel the police, for whatever reason, are not doing their job, why haven't you contacted the Prosecutors Office yourself? Since most DA's are elected officials, I am sure they would not want undo bad press.

It seems that public support for your case is weaning. If everything you say is true, and I haven't come to a conclusion otherwise yet, I would think you would want to keep public support on your side. If you want to bring pressure on the police or BofA to do what is right, then public support could be helpful.

In any case, why not answer the rest of the questions, point by point? You have nothing to lose and maybe something to gain.

Yes there is a law suit still happening and yes I have been trying sense day one to prosecute the forger. If you would read the PI news paper story you would have read that the reporter (Candice)interviewed the head of the forgery squad at the King County Sheriff's dept.

He passed the buck to the Issaquah police dept. That is the city that most of the checks were cashed at.

But there wil always be someone posting on here that wants to think or make other poeple think that I have not done everything possible to prosecute the criminals. Sooooo

Call the police and ask them yourself..

Ask the police detective why they have not prosecuted this case ???
Thomas

..................................................
(One of the detectives emails to me.....)


Case # 05-06542

Thomas, Good news I found that there is a Bank Of America
Investigator actually assigned to this case. He is in Seattle and I've
called him so that he and I can discuss the video and whether or not
there are original checks out there. The investigator is: Tim
Whitesitt with Bank Of America. Just waiting on a phone call back.

Bill Jarrell

Det. Bill Jarrell
Issaquah Police Department
130 E. Sunset Way/POB 1307
Issaquah, WA 98027
(425) 837-3229
BillJ@ci.issaquah.wa.us

We've been asking about the relative for two months. Don't hold your breath. He never responds.

To Stephen - Lake Worth, Florida U.S.A....

Very good questions, and ones I was thinking myself. The problem is that just like 90% of the people who post reports on here, they are never to blame. The best question you ask is why haven't you pressed charges against your "family member" and pursued civil action versuys them? It's not BOA's faoult you don't open your statements or that your family stole from you. You must pursue this in cvil court. I too have issues that all 42 cancelled checks were illegible. I am a BOA member and if I go online I can see my checks just fine.

But this site, while serving a greater good purpose does tend to lean towards the absurd sometimes. I tend to point people here sometimes for a laugh. Nothing is ever anyones fault, and they all tell THEIR side of the story and expect everyone to swallow it hook line and sinker. If you question the validity of a report you are villified as either an employee if the company, a friend of the person who the post is about, or someone who did the same thing. I find it funny that when I post questions regarding holes in people stories, either my post doesn't get put on the site, or they respond nastily without addressing the concerns. Eh, do what I do, read them at lunch for entertainment purposes and if you see somewhere where you can help, try and help.

I have just finished reading every post and rebuttal on this, and must say it is very interesting reading. Just so there is no mistake, I am NOT an employee of BofA, nor any other financial institution. In fact, I am retired and the only affiliation with Bank of America is that I am a customer of theirs. I would also like to say that I think Stile has been exceptionally patient and has supplied some very sage and knowledgeable advice. After reading all of Thomas' tirades against BofA, I find several inconsistencies in his statements and several questions that never seem to get answered. So to make things easier for Thomas, I will number my questions, and ask for clear and definitive answers.

1.According to Thomas, the owners of the account where the supposedly fraudulent checks where deposited have been identified by the bank, and one these alleged perpetrators is relative of Thomas' along with an accomplice. Yet, when asked why Thomas has not prosecuted or sought restitution from them, no answer is forthcoming. So my question is, why isn't criminal or civil action being taken against the people who supposedly stole your money?

2.If it is a relative of yours, why can't you find out where your money is?

3.Thomas claims that the police say that there is not enough evidence to pursue the case. Supposedly, the copy of the checks are not legible enough. Does this mean that all 42 of the fraudulent check are illegible? Strange, you would think that one or two of the checks would be legible? I just checked my returned checks from BofA, and I can clearly see who endorsed them and where they were deposited to. My question is, since the police do not feel there is enough evidence of fraud, why does Thomas feel that BofA should give him $30,000 out of their pocket? It sounds a little suspicious that Thomas claims that everybody agrees with him that fraud was committed, but he never explains why no charges have been filed or why he is not seeking a civil action against the perpetrators. According to the newspaper article Thomas is so found to referring to, a crime was committed in at least four different police jurisdictions. I can not believe all of them are incompetent. I am sure the stock holders of BofA are glad the bank is not giving away money because someone claims to have been defrauded, when there doesn't seem to be sufficient proof to file criminal or at least civil charges.

4.Thomas claims that the bank is at fault for not freezing the account where the supposedly fraudulent funds were deposited. I would hope that a bank would not freeze my account based solely on the claims of someone else. I would expect that without a court order, my money would always be accessible to me. I know that if any bank froze my account without a court order or some other legal justification, I would be suing that firm rather quickly. My question is, was a court order issued to freeze the account and BofA did not comply or did you expect them to freeze the assets of someone based only on your accusations?

5.Thomas stated that since the funds were withdrawn from an account he did not use, he had no reason to check it. I get a statement every month on all of my accounts, even if there is no activity, and I still look at them when arrive. How could you not see that there was activity on an account that shouldn't have any? If there was suppose to be no activity, then I would think that any activity would have been even more obvious. I understand you were supposedly hospitalized during this period, but that was only for a month or so. According to your own timeline, this activity was taking place before and after your hospitalization and recovery. My question is, don't you read your mail, how did YOU miss this and why is the bank responsible for your lack of due diligence? Only you knew this account was suppose to have no activity, the person who opened the account for you doesn't see your monthly statements.

6.Back in April of 2005, Thomas claimed to have filed a lawsuit against the bank. I had a paralegal friend of mine do a quick search of LEXIS-NEXIS and she couldn't find a filing of any lawsuit by a Thomas Smart of Cle Elum, Washington. Of course it is possible she may have missed it. My question is, what was the outcome of the lawsuit? If you have all this evidence, did the court find in your favor, or was the suit thrown out? Could you supply the docket number and what court was the suit heard in?

7.In June of 2005, Thomas claimed that in a recent newspaper poll, over 90% of the people agreed the bank should give him his money. In fact the results of the poll where actually 51% yes, 41% stated that is depends on circumstances, 6.1% said no, and 1.6% didn't care. Question, how is 51% = 90%? I don't think the 41% who said it depends were giving you their unconditional backing.

(I also noticed that after this one article, there was no follow-up by the Seattle Post Intelligencer or any other reputable news media for that matter. Strange, you would think such a great David vs. Goliath story would get all kinds of attention. Maybe they found out something we don't know.)

8.This next question is more of me playing devils advocate then a real question, but it is an interesting thought. How does the bank know that you and your relative did not split the money that was supposedly defrauded and that you are now just trying to rip off the bank for $30,000? There have been no criminal charges filed against your relative. I find that part the most strange. Maybe you thought if you become enough of a nuisance, the bank would pay you to go away. After all, $30,000 is not that much to a large corporation like BofA. I am certainly NOT accusing you of anything. This is just food for thought. However, it would not be the first time someone tried to rip off a large corporation by claiming unfounded negligence and hoping to be bought off. I guess this is where those other 41% in your infamous poll are questioning the circumstances.

9.In July of 2005, it was suggested to you to contact the Comptroller of the Currency which controls the charter for BofA. My question is, if you have all this evidence and you feel you are being robbed by BofA, did you contact them and what was their response?

10.Also in July of 2005, Thomas claimed that the Issaqauh Police requested evidence from BofA and that BofA refused to supply it. First of all, I believe that police do not request evidence, they subpoena it, and second, BofA can not withhold evidence in a criminal investigation. My question is, after a year, if your case has so much merit, how come the Prosecutors Office has not subpoena what is needed and why is there still no evidence or criminal charges filed?

11.I have read that BofA refuses to talk to you on this matter anymore. My question is, if you have such a valid claim, why isn't the ACLU or some consumer protection group taking up your fight. I would think that refusing to respond to such a serious charge as fraud would by a large corporation would certainly whet their appetites. Besides this site, who have you contacted for assistance and what was the outcome?

Thomas, while I want to line up on your side, and I believe whatever people say until proven wrong, there are too many questions here that need an answer. Before I start besmirching the reputation of a company, I usually like to make sure that the facts support it. Freedom of speech is a wonderful thing, but I also don't believe everything I read in the Enquirer either.

So far all we have heard is one side, and even then there are to many things that don't make sense. In my dealings with BofA, I have been treated with respect and courtesy. Any issue I every had with BofA has been resolved within the guidlines that every business must have.

For a site such as this to be meaningful, the reports must be accurate. The whole premise of this report has been that BofA ripped off $29,915.00. It seems to me that Thomas may have been ripped off by his own family and is looking to get BofA to pay for it. If he had done the minimal due diligence and at least looked at his bank statements on a monthly basis this would not have happened or at least have been minimzed. Thomas must take some responsibility for what has happened.

Pete: Your metaphor in the above thread is out of place in this situation.

It's more like this:

You go to GoodYear(bank)and have a tire (account)replaced on your car (lifesavings). They techician(bank employee) forget to put all the lugnuts back to hold your tire on. You sister (family member)steals the car, drives down the road, hits a bump, the tire falls off, she drives out of control hits a tree and totals your car where she barely gets out alive. A) you are to blame because you chose to go to Goodyear and did not check the work. B) Goodyear is to blame because they hired the incompetant employee. I think teh company retains overall fault because their actions caused the accident, not you because you made a bad decision. Regarding the sister who stole the car; she should get a serious smackdown or go to jail, but in either case not all that relavent. Bank of America could no more control the relatives actions as could Thomas. But, the bank made a critical error. The industry is changing and consumer rights ARE eroding. I had a check from my employer held 12 days after a raise because the activity was different. This cause bounces, hunger, and grief, but was reimbursed in the end. However, the bank made 12 days of interest on my money. When multiplied by the 100,000 people they hold every day, this is quite lucrative. I now bank at a small, friendly community bank that appreciates my business. I work at a large bank, and refuse to put my money there not only because of service but security. Ironic or forthtelling?!? Believe it or not, I'm not alone.

Thomas: what happened with the 42 check images you received. They are suppose to be legible according to check 21 and should be enough to prosecute a case. But, if you prosecuted you could no longer get relief from the bank, your relative would go to jail, and you would never get your money, huh?

Sorry for you Thomas. I dont understand why people insist Thomas to go after the relative. The relative did not steal money DIRECTLY from Thomas, she stole Thomas's money kept BY THE BANK OF AMERICA. So yes, BofA held responsibility!

I have a very bad experience with 800-CS of BofA too. They dont understand the problem, and keep convincing me that I am the one who does not understand. I have to repeat over and over again the same story, they DONT NOTE in the account. Then being transfered to another person who "better assist you" then re-explained, then transfered, then being asked to call back after 7days to see if the problem is solved. Called back, have to tell the whole story again, then transfered, then re-tell....Until 6 weeks my problem was solved.

You want to know What is the problem? They mistakenly deposited my money into another person's account. It was none of my fault, and I had reciept. It was totally BofA fault. Yet they kept telling me that I dont understand!

I firmly believe that BOA has a real problem with customer service that needs to be rectified. I think that the way Thomas was treated was reprehensible, as was the case with the other customers that have responded. I also had my fair share of problems with BOA. The first problem was that a check I placed in my mailbox was stolen, altered, and deposited. While this does sound like a personal problem (and no I don't mail anything from my mailbox any more), the check was for my car payment, and the name of the credit union was WHITE OUTED and replaced with another company name. The amount was increased by being written over in the little box (the written dollar amount on the line was left the same), and NOBODY NOTICED until I got a voicemail from the credit union that my account was about to be 30 days past due. I quickly called the bank's automated service to see if the check had been paid, and it had been. Upon hanging up, I noticed that the amount was different. I called back immediately, got the employee to pull up the actual check, and sat on hold. The employee came back laughing, and told me that I wouldn't even believe it, but someone had WHITE OUTED the original name on the check and that she couldn't believe anyone would be stupid enough to take the check and allow it to go through, and that the amount had even been changed... Long story short, it took about 2 months to get the money back and by then I had had to make 3 car payments (this was so the person that had accepted the check could dispute my claim, which he said he would do, but didn't).


The nsf fees that I accrued when the larger, forged check went through? You guessed it, my responsibility. Everything seemed to go downhill from there. One example was that my ex had direct deposit set up to deposit child support into my account. Well, after almost 4 years of this I start getting charged monthly fees because I don't have direct deposit, it is now referred to as an account transfer (even though on my statements it says 'direct deposit'), then I am being charged $5 every week when I get my child support, and I find out my ex is getting charged now too. The last straw was being in a tight spot and checking the online banking late to make sure everything goes through alright once my husband's pay check is deposited at around 2 am, which it does. I get back online at around 3 pm and the pay check that had already gone through is no longer showing on the account, but 3 checks have gone through and there were not enough funds to cover them... No, BOA will not refund my money, and they have the right to withhold the pay check to verify funds (for 13 hours of another BOA customer).

I once loved BOA, but that love slowly turned to hate after paying over $200 in fees over a 2 month period... They change the rules when they want to with no notification, the last customer service reps I spoke to were very rude, and they just don't seem to care or relate well to their customers anymore, so I closed all my accounts with them in November and have been very happy with a small, local credit union. I wish Thomas luck in his fight, and hope my experiences help anyone trying to make a decision about a bank to use - it's a very important decision, and it can be an expensive one.

Your taking business away from B of A has hurt them, as has the negative publicity. However, stop and think about why big business does this. They make such decisions because they think they can do so without penalty. Can they? Obviously not, but I have not seen $30 grand worth of bad publicity here.

Speaking to the victim... two words... ACCOUNT PASSWORD.

'This situation has shed a light on Bank of America...as of now I'm not switching to B of A and I know a few friends I sent this to that are cancelling their accounts soon...'

This has got to be the most over the top statement made in this whole novel! I frankly don't believe you ever had any intentions of switching to BOA. No matter how many 'friends' you may have, or how affluent they may be, their faiure to do business with BOA will be less than half a drop in a 50 gallon barrel.

Your comment is comparable to a recent incident involving one of my friends. He drove over a piece of metal on the freeway which quickly rendered his tire useless. Rather than pull over and quickly change to the donut or call for service, he drove at least 5 miles to an off ramp to a service station. This not only tore up the tire, but also ruined the wheel. Because of this, I should start a drive to have everyone of my friends boycott Goodyear Double Eagles, along with the fairly new automobile he was driving since the tire and wheel were original equipment.

All this was caused because he did not take proper precautions. The same is true for Thomas's lack of proper care of his bank account!

Thomas has yet to answer the many questions Stile has put to him which might shed some light on his situation. His reluctance (or inability) to do so makes his accusations entirely suspect. Hardly logical reasons for someone to never again do business with a respected institution like BOA.

You put money into the bank for SAFE-keeping, that means the bank should take responsibility and in return gets to loan out your money.
Family is only family if they act like family, so I hope you put someone away for a long time.
My bank not only requires a no-hat, no-glasses photograph of a check casher, any large transactions are called in to the account holder BEFORE the check is cashed, and the check casher is required to place their thumbprint on the check. If all banks did this there would be a lot less crime. All these measures take very little effort on the bank's part. I think the banks don't want to be involved in court cases so they refuse to take care. Even a five dollar bad check is a felony here, I wonder what these thieves will get. Did the cops ever catch them and if so, who were they, exactly?

This situation has shed a light on Bank of America I would not have seen if I hadn't read this report, thank you for filing this, because as of now I'm not switching to B of A and I know a few friends I sent this to that are cancelling their accounts soon. Oh yeah thank to Amy for *ahem* shedding some light on how bank employees think of us as "morons".

This situation has shed a light on Bank of America I would not have seen if I hadn't read this report, thank you for filing this, because as of now I'm not switching to B of A and I know a few friends I sent this to that are cancelling their accounts soon. Oh yeah thank to Amy for *ahem* shedding some light on how bank employees think of us as "morons".

This situation has shed a light on Bank of America I would not have seen if I hadn't read this report, thank you for filing this, because as of now I'm not switching to B of A and I know a few friends I sent this to that are cancelling their accounts soon. Oh yeah thank to Amy for *ahem* shedding some light on how bank employees think of us as "morons".

Thank you Stile. You have answered every question for Thomas. And your answers are right on the money (no pun intended). I have a few questions. How did the niece get a hold of the checks? She obviously had access to the house. Was she watching the house for Thomas? Perhaps getting the mail for him while he was sick? Has he questioned the niece, or perhaps the niece's mom? What about the rest of the family? Do they agree it is all Bank of America's fault or do they blame the niece as well? I don't understand. Why is he not going after the niece?

"NO RESPONSIBILTY for what they have and have not done in this case."

It seems that the bank has done precisely what is required of it by law. Why have you not accepted responsibility for not reporting the fraud in the appropriate timeframe.

"I reported the fraud on December 23rd and the customer service lady told me the Account names and account numbers of the 2 people writing fordged checks against my secure account."

Your family member and her boyfriend. Why didn't you call the police then and there?

"This is when I realized that the checks were for the wrong account. I am sorry but I was still very sick and I had been checking only my active account balance till I tried to transfer some money from my secure account for a last minute Christmas present."

So, you agree that you were not able to perform due diligence on your account.

"Now here is another example of Bank of America failing me..

Why did the bank not FREEZE THE CRIMINALS ACCOUNTS ??"

This has been answered. Because your reporting occurred outside the timeframe required by your deposit agreement, the bank could not take action unless it was court ordered.

"The bank took no action against these criminals and two this day all I know is that the accounts were closed sometime in late January 2005 a month after I reported the fraud to the bank of america.

Questions :

How much of my stolen money was still in those accounts?"

Good question. This is something that the police would have to determine. Why aren't the police pursuing this case? You've been asked this many times, and you've never really provided an answer.

"Why Didn't the bank take any action against those bank of america accounts like they said they would?"

They couldn't because you did report the fraud in the requisite timeframe.

"Did the bank of america just allow the criminals to empty the stolen saving of mine and walk away unquestioned? It appears the bank did let them do just that."

It is possible, because once the timeframe spelled out in your deposit agreement passed, you could no longer claim the funds as stolen with the bank. You could report the funds stolen to the police and after convicting your family member and her boyfriend, obtain a court order for restitution. Essentially, once the timeframe spelled out in your deposit agreement passes, the bank must consider the transactions therein to be valid, and as such the money in the criminals accounts would be theirs to do with as they please.

"HOW CAN THE BANK NOT DENY THIER MISTAKES BUT NOT TAKE ANY RESPONESIBILTY ??"

Because once you failed to make a timely report of the fraud activity, you absolved the bank of any responsibility.

"If fact I have a letter posted a few post back from a Bank of America supervisor stating that the bank would freeze accounts if fraud was reported."

Actually, that's not quite true. The letter from the BofA supervisor states "we would most definitely attempt to collect the funds" and "(t)his would normally be done by placing a hold." In your case, the bank was prohibited by the deposit agreement from attempting to collect the funds, and your situation was not normal so they could not place a hold. The letter from the BofA supervisor states what would happen in normal circumstances with timely reporting, which doesn't describe your case.

"The bank did not freeze anything so what happened to any money left in those accounts?

It either was freely given to the criminals or the bank keep those funds ??"

Again, without the timely reporting of fraud, the bank is required to consider the transactions as valid, not fraud.

"I didnt see even one penny returned to my account!"

Because you didn't report within the requisite timeframe. Had you, you would have had every penny returned to you plus interest.

"AFTER the fraud was reported you would think the Bank would at least have ATM pictures after I reported the fraud of the activity on the criminal accounts??"

Firstly, they couldn't release camera records without a subpoena. Why didn't you obtain a subpoena from the police? Additionally, what if there was nothing on the tapes? What if your family member and her boyfriend held their hands over the ATM camera, or simply stayed out of view? What if the tapes had already been erased in accordance with normal procedure?

"HOW CAN THE BANK NOT DENY THIER MISTAKES BUT NOT TAKE ANY RESPONESIBILTY ??"

Responsibility for account maintenance as spelled out in the deposit agreement falls squarely on the consumer's shoulders.

NO RESPONESIBILTY for what they have and have not done in this case.

I reported the fraud on December 23rd and the customer service lady told me the Account names and account numbers of the 2 people writing fordged checks against my secure account.

This is when I realized that the checks were for the wrong account. I am sorry but I was still very sick and I had been checking only my active account balance till I tried to transfer some money from my secure account for a last minute Christmas present.

Now here is another example of Bank of America failing me..................

Why did the bank not FREEZE THE CRIMINALS ACCOUNTS ????????????????

The bank took no action against these criminals and two this day all I know is that the accounts were closed sometime in late January 2005 a month after I reported the fraud to the bank of america.

Questions :

How much of my stolen money was still in those accounts?

Why Didn't the bank take any action against those bank of america accounts like they said they would?

Did the bank of america just allow the criminals to empty the stolen saving of mine and walk away unquestioned? It appears the bank did let them do just that.

HOW CAN THE BANK NOT DENY THIER MISTAKES BUT NOT TAKE ANY RESPONESIBILTY ???????????

If fact I have a letter posted a few post back from a Bank of America supervisor stating that the bank would freeze accounts if fraud was reported.

The bank did not freeze anything so what happened to any money left in those accounts?

It either was freely given to the criminals or the bank keep those funds ??????????

I didnt see even one penny returned to my account ! ! !

AFTER the fraud was reported you would think the Bank would at least have ATM pictures after I reported the fraud of the activity on the criminal accounts??????

HOW CAN THE BANK NOT DENY THIER MISTAKES BUT NOT TAKE ANY RESPONESIBILTY ?????

I was going to utilize B of A as my bank strictly because of the convenience factor since they have locations everywhere. However, after reading the response from B of A employee Amy of Irving, TX I'm going to take my business elsewhere. If she is a reflection of the kind of workers B of A employs or even more important, a reflection of the attitude of the bank, I would much rather deal with another institution. As a business, you're only as good as your employees and Amy is the type of employee I would much rather not associate with.

Keep your head up Thomas.

My husband and I sued what is considered the larges company in the world for screwing us.
It took 5 years but we won and now they have a
different forms with our name on them.

Thanks for your post. I did file for small claims and I went before a judge when I tried to file several ammounts of the fordged checks and keeping it under the $4000 a case limit. 8 separte cases.

The judge located in the King County court house in downtown Seattle told me that I could file one for the limit of $4000 but the others would be moved up to civil cases. Then the on small claims case could undermine the civil case. She then sent me up stairs to get the civil filing papers.

Now we get to how the legal system works for bank of america.

Once I get the bank in civil court, If I was able to get the papers file correctly. The bank would pull out its customer agreement and say its not in a customers rights to go to court against us. The customer signed a agrement that it can only go to private arbitration.

I have no doubt if I culd get my case in a real court with a jury I would win. Once again the bank has you sign your rights away to a jury trial when you open a account.

The whole process is rigged against the customer.

I was talking to a friend of mine and it was interesting to hear what he said.

The short story is that because some low lifes took advantage of the company return/warranty rules the store had. It tightened up its policy to deal with a very small percentage of customers that were ripping the store off.

Then my friend that works there went on to say what has happened is the store now with its tighter policies control the miss use of those few customers BUT the store now has the rules to deny just about anyone and do deny good customer.

This is what Bank of America has done with its customer agreement rules. The fact is I am one of those long term customers that when things went wrong they have chosen to slam the door in my face and not deal with the many problems that they have caused.

Stile has stated this in a round about way. Stile has wrote that I dont have a legal leg to stand on.

Stile might be right. BUT I am not a customer that lost $200 dollars and has to walk away and forget it like most customers !

So I find myself wanting justice. I find myself un able to let this go. I find myself cut off from what america has to offer for justice. No court room and no jury. I find justice has been bought from me by bank of america.

What has happen to our justice system? It sounds like its up for sale to bank of america. OCC seems to be regulated by bank of america not the other way around.

We do have the internet and its new and untested as to its full power. Ed knows this and has decided that after his experiences with unjustice there was a need for this site.


Just because the bank has bought the power to smash me in our courts. Does not make it right.

THANK YOU ED !!!!!! The bank of america has not yet bought the internet so they cant control what people write.... I bet they would love to do just that.

I wonder how many customers have been robbed by this bank???

"The problem stile is that the Bank of America takes NO RESPONESIBILTY for what they have and have not done in this case.

1. The bank Manager setup my accounts wrong. This in my eyes is where the problem started that caused the fraud go unreported and gave the criminals access to my savings.

If the accounts were setup correct then I would have noticed it within a week or so and the amount would have been less the a few thousand. I would of meet the 30 day period and I would be reinburst correct."

This is where I'm losing you, Thomas. In your initial report, you state that one account was set up with the bulk of your funds which could be transferred at your discretion to your active account, basically a slush fund. You also state that you never checked the balance in your slush fund because you didn't expect that there would be any activity. The accounts were set up properly, except that a box of checks was ordered for the slush fund. How is it that you would have noticed the fraud within a week if you weren't checking your balance?

"I check my balance often on my active account.

The bank manager does not deny that the accounts where setup wrong. She however says the mistake must have been made after she send the account information to customer service. BUT SHE KNOWS and Admitts that a mistake was made..........

Now lets talk about this stile. This is the first mistake that the bank made of many."

What other mistakes has the bank made aside from issuing you a box of checks?

"How is it that the Bank of America can make mistake like this ? Not deny it and not take ANY responesibility ? BUT I loss eveything."

Because that's in the terms and conditions of your account that you agreed to.

"This is wrong... I think its pretty clear that the account rule book was written by a team of high end lawyers so that I don't have a chance legally."

I agree that reading the deposit agreement from any major bank places a high degree of responsibility on the customer, and that unless that level of responsibility is met, that very few options exist if harm comes to the customer's account.

"But how does a business expect a customer to say, Oh its alright I didnt report it by the rules BUT the banks mistake are just not relevent and its all my fault and I loose my life savings."

Thomas, what happened to you was terrible, and I agree that there was an error when the box of checks was issued. Whether this error alone is enough to invalidate your responsibility under the terms of your account would be a matter for a judge to decide. What was the judge's decision in your case?

If this was purely a sympathy vote, then noone (myself included) would refuse you a refund. But this isn't about the emotional content of your story, this is about your responsibilities to your account which weren't fulfilled.

The true perpetrators of the only crime committed are your family member and her boyfriend. They are the ones that need to be brought to justice. Why hasn't this happened?

"Lets address this problem first with the bank of america and how it deals with its mistakes.
Then lets move on the the next problem I have with this whole deal."

Clearly the bank has taken the minimalist position regarding its mistakes. It's distasteful, but it isn't in breach of your deposit agreement, or WA state law. So what other problems do you "have with this whole deal"?

I used to live in Kent, WA when govenor Lowery was in office. I learned some valuable information when dealing with various political issues!

Since your account was emptied by checks to which more than one check was used, you can file a seperate claim for each and every check which will allow you to bypass the $4,000.00 limit. Of course that can get pretty expensive for you with court filing fees and appearances.

My suggestion would be legal counsel!

Another suggestion, NEVER deal with those large corportae banks because they could care less about you as a customer! All they want is your money! Just check out their banking hours versus smaller locally owned banks! That speaks for itself! I deal only with small locally owned banks that know me by name and traet me like a valuable customer! Without my money there is no bank!!!!!!!!!! Another thought for you, banks are earning approximately 30% on your money! All they give you is a mere 2-3%! It's your money!!!!! 2-3%!!! How's that for "Customer valuability?????

The problem stile is that the Bank of America takes NO RESPONESIBILTY for what they have and have not done in this case.

1. The bank Manager setup my accounts wrong. This in my eyes is where the problem started that caused the fraud go unreported and gave the criminals access to my savings.

If the accounts were setup correct then I would have noticed it within a week or so and the amount would have been less the a few thousand. I would of meet the 30 day period and I would be reinburst
correct.

I check my balance often on my active account.

The bank manager does not deny that the accounts where setup wrong. She however says the mistake must have been made after she send the account information to customer service. BUT SHE KNOWS and Admitts that a mistake was made..........

Now lets talk about this stile. This is the first mistake that the bank made of many.

How is it that the Bank of America can make mistake like this ? Not deny it and not take ANY responesibility ? BUT I loss eveything.

This is wrong... I think its pretty clear that the account rule book was written by a team of high end lawyers so that I don't have a chance legally.

But how does a business expect a customer to say, Oh its alright I didnt report it by the rules BUT the banks mistake are just not relevent and its all my fault and I loose my life savings.

Lets address this problem first with the bank of america and how it deals with its mistakes.
Then lets move on the the next problem I have with this whole deal.

Thomas, we have read all 100 plus pages over more than once! I will not give reason why, but
We are going to side with you! I know I said that I would not post again and this will be our last.

I have filed my own greivance with BOA and with all the complaints listed here, everyone one of these people should come together and file a class action law suit collectively! I'll be the first one to initiate.

"You spend a lot of time trying to slam me and you dont even have all the facts or evidence yet. Or do you? Please explain to everyone reading why you monitor and post rebutals as soon as they appear here."

Surprise, surprise. I am entertained by your story, and I like a good discussion. As I've said above, I have no particular love for Bofa. I've advised people to go to the OCC when they allege that Bofa, or any bank is in the wrong. I check this site daily, and yours is one of the threads I check to see what updates have occurred. Incidentally, telling me I don't have all the facts or evidence seems a disingenuous statement, since I have precisely the facts and evidence you have presented. If you're saying I don't have relevent facts or evidence to say what I'm saying, then why don't you post some of the facts or evidence that counters my position.

"I have 30 thousand dollar miss handled and lost due to BoA and that hurts me very much. There is many things the bank did that caused this lose of mine."

From what I've read, the bank sent out checks on an account that wasn't supposed to have checks issued. An error to be sure, but that doesn't excuse your responsibility to review your account.

"I believe I should be giving my money back. BUT why do you defend them with so much effort?"

For the same reason that you deride them with so much effort. The arguments you've posted have been off-base at best. I've tried to give you information that might help you, but the more I've looked at your story, the more I come to the conclusion that Bofa has itself covered from a legal standpoint. Had you reported the loss within the appropriate timeframe, you would have recovered every last cent. So, since this didn't happen, this only leaves the criminals themselves as a means of recovering your funds. You've never answered the questions about what is being done to your family member and her boyfriend and why the police aren't pursuing the case.

Also, Thomas. What was the outcome of your civil case? I have a PACER account, and I'm not finding any cases filed under your name. As you know, case information is public record, so giving out the case number and the court where it was filed wouldn't be commenting on the case. I'm curious to read your complaint. Could you provide the case number and where the case is being tried?

You spend a lot of time trying to slam me and you dont even have all the facts or evidence yet. Or do you? Please explain to everyone reading why you monitor and post rebutals as soon as they appear here.

I have 30 thousand dollar miss handled and lost due to BoA and that hurts me very much. There is many things the bank did that caused this lose of mine.

I believe I should be giving my money back. BUT why do you defend them with so much effort?

Please explain this Stile or whatever your name is.

This is more like a very good novel wrote, and truly we all wonder how it will end?
I am Sure it's not that for Thomas! I will make no more post on this page after this!
I and others have been following this, very interesting, all of it. I have read many post
Of different nature and conclude most is caused by the consumers' his-self. I have not decided one way or another concerning all of Thomas's complaint, complaints.

I will say this! I wonder if you Thomas made mistake like I have, mine is more than likely
Different. I put way too much money in their Money Market fund and linked it to my checking.

I should have myself payed more attention or thought having so much money in something that was not paying much dividends, and linked to my checking and doing banking electronically.
I did not read their disclosure completely?! My own fault. And as far as WHO did the forgery, whether your family or not! They were not authorized!

I am wondering if this was I and lost so much, would I post what you say you have as ace in
Hole, Probably would. Let them Sue away!

RCW 62A.4-406
Customer's duty to discover and report unauthorized signature or alteration.

Sections A & B talk about the bank's duty to send statements and maintain records.

Section C states in part: "the customer must exercise reasonable promptness in examining the statement or the items to determine whether any payment was not authorized because of an alteration of an item or because a purported signature by or on behalf of the customer was not authorized."

Section D states: "If the bank proves that the customer, failed with respect to an item, to comply with the duties imposed on the customer by subsection (c) the customer is precluded from asserting against the bank:

(1) The customer's unauthorized signature or any alteration on the item, if the bank also proves that it suffered a loss by reason of the failure; and

(2) The customer's unauthorized signature or alteration by the same wrong-doer on any other item paid in good faith by the bank if the payment was made before the bank received notice from the customer of the unauthorized signature or alteration and after the customer had been afforded a reasonable period of time, NOT EXCEEDING THIRTY DAYS (emphasis mine), in which to examine the item or statement of account and notify the bank."

Section F then goes on to say that if section D doesn't apply, then you have 1 year. However, in your case, section D does apply because you didn't "comply with the duties imposed on the customer by subsection (c)." Section F would only apply if you had properly notified the bank within the 30 days, then you would be able to claim additional fraudulent items for the next year.

I'm curious to hear what statute of law you were referencing in your post that gave you additional time and was based on the number of perpetrators. Could you provide chapter, section, and paragraph of the Revised Code of Washington?

In regards to the rest of your post, it sounds like you're far more interested now in smearing BofA than actually recovering your funds. What prompted this change of heart? What is the status of your civil case, Thomas? What ever happened with the criminal case, why aren't the police prosecuting it? If it's due to lack of evidence, what is it about the 42 check copies that the police find lacking? You've been asked these questions several times, and haven't provided any answers.

I have to warn bank of america that when I do decide to post all the evidence I have. Well there is no way I know of for it to be removed from this website.

I have many documents and letters etc. that weather I am right in the laws eyes has nothing to do with the damage it will cause BoA.

I would love to post them all right now BUT I am not ready to give away my ace in the hole.

I am just one guy fighting with a multi billion international company..........

I just want my money back and to go my way BoA.

Below is just a little tiny taste of things to come if this bank refuses to return my money.

The bank has failed me and they need to make that right.

One of many of how the bank failed me.

I asked a bank supervisor what the policy of Boa is when a customer reports fraud? do they freeze the accounts if the fraud is from one of there other customers?

From : New Accounts NW Save to

Dear Thomas,Thank you for your e-mail. If a check of your was fraudulently written and we were able to trace it to another account within Bank of America we would most definitely attempt to collect the funds from the depositing account. This would normally be done by placing a hold on the amount of the check until it could be debited back, the same thing as "freezing" the funds.Please let us know if we can be of further assistance.Sincerely,

Ben West
newaccounts.nw@bankofamerica.com

Bank of america made zero effort to freeze the 2 accounts the forged checks were put into and I have a letter with all the information showing they knew who the forgers were. Heck they told me the forgers full names and account numbers.

This message is in response to your recent request. If you are not the addressee please contact us. Any reply to this e-mail will not be secure; please do not respond with personal or confidential information.

Like I said this type of information will not win my money back in a court room with my little lawyer against a team of lawyers from BOA with there billions in profits each year. But I beleive what I have will damage the banks reputation.

Well I am just about ready to bag this whole idea of any justice and the bank returning of my money blow this story wide open.

OH stile your so smart right. Go to Washington State banking laws (RCW's) and look up how long I have by state law to report fraud??? hummm its a heck of a lot longer then 60 days !

I didnt have a business account... it was a personal account. I had 2 forgers and not one as you will read that makes a differance in the time allowed to report fraud also.

Have a nice day

Thomas has never mentioned who the perpetrators of the check fraud are, however he does reference a story written about him in the Seattle Post Intelligencer in his post on 6/15/05. Reading that article, you can see that the 28th paragraph states "(Thomas's) bigger issue is that one of the two people Bank of America identified as having forged Smart's checks is a relative. The other person who forged checks, $27,515.69 worth, may be her on-again, off-again boyfriend."

Admittedly, throughout my earlier responses, I stated that his "family member and her boyfriend" were the criminals, and somewhere along the line it got changed to "niece" instead of family member. Looking through Thomas's posts, I'm not sure where I got 'niece' from. Suffice it to say, it was a flub that ended up getting propagated.

"Why in the world would one go to so much trouble as to fabricate all this."

Actually, Jim. I've never stated that Thomas fabricated anything. I believe his story inasmuch as it is clear that his family member and her boyfriend did steal 30K from Thomas, and that he hasn't been able to recover the funds from the bank because the time lapsed for him to do so.

Stile, We did a search on all of Thomas's written words on all his postings here on this page, no Niece or Girl friend has been quoted.

Why in the world would one go to so much trouble as to fabricate all this.

I don't know if Thomas's story is truthful or not and I don't really care. I just want to say that all of the people who posted and said that they are closing their BofA accounts because of this story is just silly. I would be interested to see how many of you actually did close an account. I mean seriously, who would take the time to switch banks because of someone else's problems. None of you said that BofA caused you any problems. You all just want to look good and people can see that you will never follow through and swtich banks. By the way, I don't work or bank at a BofA, in fact there is not one within 60 miles of where I live. And finally, I appreciate Stile and that he is trying to help Thomas with his problem, but Thomas just does not want to listen. Did anyone notice at the beginning of this post how Thomas said he would not lower himself to name calling and now that is all he seems to do!

I do believe that Thomas' story is legitimate. He did have a story with the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, but even that story states that he didn't perform the required due diligence on his account and as such the bank isn't liable for the fraud.

Josh, and Notapplicable, I don't think that attacking Thomas solves any issues. From the start, my whole goal in posting to this thread has been to give Thomas the information he needs to have an effective chance at recovering his funds. How he chooses to use my information is his business.

Erik, Joe Lopez's situation has already been discussed further up on the thread. Mr. Lopez's computer was compromised by a Trojan Horse for which all the major virus software providers had a fix for at least 6 months. Mr. Lopez didn't perform a single virus scan in that six month period, and as such he didn't maintain the basic security necessary on his account.

Hilda, your problem wasn't caused by Bank of America. A collection agency filed a judgement against you and executed the judgement against your bank account. No bank can refuse a court order.

Lastly, Thomas, the second sentence in your inspirational quote sums up your story succintly. "Believe in justice, not from other people, but from yourself." Had you sought justice yourself by first performing due diligence, and secondly following through on prosecuting your niece and her boyfriend, then you wouldn't now be in this predicament. Asking the bank to return what belongs to you and your family is ironic, since your family is precisely who has the money. Have you contacted the niece or her boyfriend to see about getting paid back? Why is it again that the police department isn't pursuing this theft? Stating that the sherrif's department in undergoing a reorganization isn't an answer to this question, you need to state why the police seem to think your case has no merit.

I do believe that Thomas' story is legitimate. He did have a story with the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, but even that story states that he didn't perform the required due diligence on his account and as such the bank isn't liable for the fraud.

Josh, and Notapplicable, I don't think that attacking Thomas solves any issues. From the start, my whole goal in posting to this thread has been to give Thomas the information he needs to have an effective chance at recovering his funds. How he chooses to use my information is his business.

Erik, Joe Lopez's situation has already been discussed further up on the thread. Mr. Lopez's computer was compromised by a Trojan Horse for which all the major virus software providers had a fix for at least 6 months. Mr. Lopez didn't perform a single virus scan in that six month period, and as such he didn't maintain the basic security necessary on his account.

Hilda, your problem wasn't caused by Bank of America. A collection agency filed a judgement against you and executed the judgement against your bank account. No bank can refuse a court order.

Lastly, Thomas, the second sentence in your inspirational quote sums up your story succintly. "Believe in justice, not from other people, but from yourself." Had you sought justice yourself by first performing due diligence, and secondly following through on prosecuting your niece and her boyfriend, then you wouldn't now be in this predicament. Asking the bank to return what belongs to you and your family is ironic, since your family is precisely who has the money. Have you contacted the niece or her boyfriend to see about getting paid back? Why is it again that the police department isn't pursuing this theft? Stating that the sherrif's department in undergoing a reorganization isn't an answer to this question, you need to state why the police seem to think your case has no merit.

I do believe that Thomas' story is legitimate. He did have a story with the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, but even that story states that he didn't perform the required due diligence on his account and as such the bank isn't liable for the fraud.

Josh, and Notapplicable, I don't think that attacking Thomas solves any issues. From the start, my whole goal in posting to this thread has been to give Thomas the information he needs to have an effective chance at recovering his funds. How he chooses to use my information is his business.

Erik, Joe Lopez's situation has already been discussed further up on the thread. Mr. Lopez's computer was compromised by a Trojan Horse for which all the major virus software providers had a fix for at least 6 months. Mr. Lopez didn't perform a single virus scan in that six month period, and as such he didn't maintain the basic security necessary on his account.

Hilda, your problem wasn't caused by Bank of America. A collection agency filed a judgement against you and executed the judgement against your bank account. No bank can refuse a court order.

Lastly, Thomas, the second sentence in your inspirational quote sums up your story succintly. "Believe in justice, not from other people, but from yourself." Had you sought justice yourself by first performing due diligence, and secondly following through on prosecuting your niece and her boyfriend, then you wouldn't now be in this predicament. Asking the bank to return what belongs to you and your family is ironic, since your family is precisely who has the money. Have you contacted the niece or her boyfriend to see about getting paid back? Why is it again that the police department isn't pursuing this theft? Stating that the sherrif's department in undergoing a reorganization isn't an answer to this question, you need to state why the police seem to think your case has no merit.

I do believe that Thomas' story is legitimate. He did have a story with the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, but even that story states that he didn't perform the required due diligence on his account and as such the bank isn't liable for the fraud.

Josh, and Notapplicable, I don't think that attacking Thomas solves any issues. From the start, my whole goal in posting to this thread has been to give Thomas the information he needs to have an effective chance at recovering his funds. How he chooses to use my information is his business.

Erik, Joe Lopez's situation has already been discussed further up on the thread. Mr. Lopez's computer was compromised by a Trojan Horse for which all the major virus software providers had a fix for at least 6 months. Mr. Lopez didn't perform a single virus scan in that six month period, and as such he didn't maintain the basic security necessary on his account.

Hilda, your problem wasn't caused by Bank of America. A collection agency filed a judgement against you and executed the judgement against your bank account. No bank can refuse a court order.

Lastly, Thomas, the second sentence in your inspirational quote sums up your story succintly. "Believe in justice, not from other people, but from yourself." Had you sought justice yourself by first performing due diligence, and secondly following through on prosecuting your niece and her boyfriend, then you wouldn't now be in this predicament. Asking the bank to return what belongs to you and your family is ironic, since your family is precisely who has the money. Have you contacted the niece or her boyfriend to see about getting paid back? Why is it again that the police department isn't pursuing this theft? Stating that the sherrif's department in undergoing a reorganization isn't an answer to this question, you need to state why the police seem to think your case has no merit.

You know what, I do sympathize. You may not have lost 29k+ but you have had great deal of health problems, and some mental disorders that is affecting your reality.

I am however, not sorry for giving my opinion on what you claim: Yes I read most of the above posts and in all sincerity you care more about people responding (creating melodramatic posts) than actually PROVING you were ripped off..

As I said previosly, when you post actual police reports and official documents, Life will be found on Mars!

Thanks again for a good laugh!! Dont bother to reply, I have found more prey to laugh at, you ran out of enough bubbles to cloud logical minds of people.. seriously, stop it.

Seattle Times news reporter you provided # for did not authorize you to, and in her conversation to me, she did not even believe your made up story. (first person who picked up the phone was not even sure if that lady works there...I doubt its a reputable newspaper)

Anyway, I have given you more attention..which was your object in posting your false allegations and rantings while not providing solid proofs and maintaining consistency in your evidence.

Have a Good Day! :)

Words to live by,

Honesty and Justice
Be acutely honest throughtout your dealings with all people. Believe in justice, not from other people, but from yourself. To be true, There are no shades of gray in the question of honesty and justice.

There is only right and wrong.

Please do the right thing and return to me what is mine and my families.

Last week my money vanished from my bank account. I had taken my mom and kids to eat out and had checked my balance that morning. Husband's wages are direct deposit every friday. The waitress came back and asked for another card. I said must be a mistake. Good thing my mom had a credit card or we would of been washing dishes.

Went to the bank and customer service couldn't understand what was going on. Then another employee explained that maybe it would post later. I got home and called customer service not being satisfied with live help. After a good twenty-five minutes, a consistant representative came back and said he was given the runaround when he was investigating. He let me know that my account was being garnished by a collection agency called Cavalry Portfolio services. I was given a telephone number to call. I called and know one there would return my calls. I looked at the name and I remebered back in 2000 I was sued for the balance remaining on a repossesion. My husband was laid off and volutarily turned our car in. We defended ourselves by sending in a response to the lawsuit. We sent all our past due bills and reason. Well we never heard from them again until March 10, 2006.
Well theydebited the account for 18,000. and took 870.00 wages. Went to see a lawyer right away. The only remedy was bankruptcy or have our bank and employer get garnishment orders.
I always, wandered how all those people who don't have bank accounts survived. We went to a check cashing store and they charged 96,00 fee to cash a check for our escrow refund. We had just refinanced and were enjoying being debt free, we thought. Well now it's a different world. Strange laws to contend with and the frustration. Maybe we will never go back to banking. Safeway cashed our payroll check for only ten dollars. If you have a collection anywhere beware because at the lawyer's office I heard another client call and say she just had three bank accounts garnished. The secretary told her you'd better come file fast. You have to take a debt counseling briefing before filing bankruptcy. I woke up at 4:00 am to get my counseling out of the way because it is immpossible to get to talk to these counselors during the 8-7:40 time. We turned in the paper work today and it's like walking into another world of uncertainty.

On this case of Thomas, did any of you people out there see the movie, "Ghost" popular a few years back starring Demi Moore, Patrick Swayze and Whoopi Goldberg. Some banking employees are stealing customer monies and setting up fraudulant accounts. One double crossed the other and had him killed. The dead one comes back and exposes all the evil stuff going on before he goes to heaven.

After this weird week I believe in don't knock it until you have to go and walk in someone else's shoes. It's really very scary! I feel like I was robbed and can't do anything about it.

Last week my money vanished from my bank account. I had taken my mom and kids to eat out and had checked my balance that morning. Husband's wages are direct deposit every friday. The waitress came back and asked for another card. I said must be a mistake. Good thing my mom had a credit card or we would of been washing dishes.

Went to the bank and customer service couldn't understand what was going on. Then another employee explained that maybe it would post later. I got home and called customer service not being satisfied with live help. After a good twenty-five minutes, a consistant representative came back and said he was given the runaround when he was investigating. He let me know that my account was being garnished by a collection agency called Cavalry Portfolio services. I was given a telephone number to call. I called and know one there would return my calls. I looked at the name and I remebered back in 2000 I was sued for the balance remaining on a repossesion. My husband was laid off and volutarily turned our car in. We defended ourselves by sending in a response to the lawsuit. We sent all our past due bills and reason. Well we never heard from them again until March 10, 2006.
Well theydebited the account for 18,000. and took 870.00 wages. Went to see a lawyer right away. The only remedy was bankruptcy or have our bank and employer get garnishment orders.
I always, wandered how all those people who don't have bank accounts survived. We went to a check cashing store and they charged 96,00 fee to cash a check for our escrow refund. We had just refinanced and were enjoying being debt free, we thought. Well now it's a different world. Strange laws to contend with and the frustration. Maybe we will never go back to banking. Safeway cashed our payroll check for only ten dollars. If you have a collection anywhere beware because at the lawyer's office I heard another client call and say she just had three bank accounts garnished. The secretary told her you'd better come file fast. You have to take a debt counseling briefing before filing bankruptcy. I woke up at 4:00 am to get my counseling out of the way because it is immpossible to get to talk to these counselors during the 8-7:40 time. We turned in the paper work today and it's like walking into another world of uncertainty.

On this case of Thomas, did any of you people out there see the movie, "Ghost" popular a few years back starring Demi Moore, Patrick Swayze and Whoopi Goldberg. Some banking employees are stealing customer monies and setting up fraudulant accounts. One double crossed the other and had him killed. The dead one comes back and exposes all the evil stuff going on before he goes to heaven.

After this weird week I believe in don't knock it until you have to go and walk in someone else's shoes. It's really very scary! I feel like I was robbed and can't do anything about it.

Last week my money vanished from my bank account. I had taken my mom and kids to eat out and had checked my balance that morning. Husband's wages are direct deposit every friday. The waitress came back and asked for another card. I said must be a mistake. Good thing my mom had a credit card or we would of been washing dishes.

Went to the bank and customer service couldn't understand what was going on. Then another employee explained that maybe it would post later. I got home and called customer service not being satisfied with live help. After a good twenty-five minutes, a consistant representative came back and said he was given the runaround when he was investigating. He let me know that my account was being garnished by a collection agency called Cavalry Portfolio services. I was given a telephone number to call. I called and know one there would return my calls. I looked at the name and I remebered back in 2000 I was sued for the balance remaining on a repossesion. My husband was laid off and volutarily turned our car in. We defended ourselves by sending in a response to the lawsuit. We sent all our past due bills and reason. Well we never heard from them again until March 10, 2006.
Well theydebited the account for 18,000. and took 870.00 wages. Went to see a lawyer right away. The only remedy was bankruptcy or have our bank and employer get garnishment orders.
I always, wandered how all those people who don't have bank accounts survived. We went to a check cashing store and they charged 96,00 fee to cash a check for our escrow refund. We had just refinanced and were enjoying being debt free, we thought. Well now it's a different world. Strange laws to contend with and the frustration. Maybe we will never go back to banking. Safeway cashed our payroll check for only ten dollars. If you have a collection anywhere beware because at the lawyer's office I heard another client call and say she just had three bank accounts garnished. The secretary told her you'd better come file fast. You have to take a debt counseling briefing before filing bankruptcy. I woke up at 4:00 am to get my counseling out of the way because it is immpossible to get to talk to these counselors during the 8-7:40 time. We turned in the paper work today and it's like walking into another world of uncertainty.

On this case of Thomas, did any of you people out there see the movie, "Ghost" popular a few years back starring Demi Moore, Patrick Swayze and Whoopi Goldberg. Some banking employees are stealing customer monies and setting up fraudulant accounts. One double crossed the other and had him killed. The dead one comes back and exposes all the evil stuff going on before he goes to heaven.

After this weird week I believe in don't knock it until you have to go and walk in someone else's shoes. It's really very scary! I feel like I was robbed and can't do anything about it.

Last week my money vanished from my bank account. I had taken my mom and kids to eat out and had checked my balance that morning. Husband's wages are direct deposit every friday. The waitress came back and asked for another card. I said must be a mistake. Good thing my mom had a credit card or we would of been washing dishes.

Went to the bank and customer service couldn't understand what was going on. Then another employee explained that maybe it would post later. I got home and called customer service not being satisfied with live help. After a good twenty-five minutes, a consistant representative came back and said he was given the runaround when he was investigating. He let me know that my account was being garnished by a collection agency called Cavalry Portfolio services. I was given a telephone number to call. I called and know one there would return my calls. I looked at the name and I remebered back in 2000 I was sued for the balance remaining on a repossesion. My husband was laid off and volutarily turned our car in. We defended ourselves by sending in a response to the lawsuit. We sent all our past due bills and reason. Well we never heard from them again until March 10, 2006.
Well theydebited the account for 18,000. and took 870.00 wages. Went to see a lawyer right away. The only remedy was bankruptcy or have our bank and employer get garnishment orders.
I always, wandered how all those people who don't have bank accounts survived. We went to a check cashing store and they charged 96,00 fee to cash a check for our escrow refund. We had just refinanced and were enjoying being debt free, we thought. Well now it's a different world. Strange laws to contend with and the frustration. Maybe we will never go back to banking. Safeway cashed our payroll check for only ten dollars. If you have a collection anywhere beware because at the lawyer's office I heard another client call and say she just had three bank accounts garnished. The secretary told her you'd better come file fast. You have to take a debt counseling briefing before filing bankruptcy. I woke up at 4:00 am to get my counseling out of the way because it is immpossible to get to talk to these counselors during the 8-7:40 time. We turned in the paper work today and it's like walking into another world of uncertainty.

On this case of Thomas, did any of you people out there see the movie, "Ghost" popular a few years back starring Demi Moore, Patrick Swayze and Whoopi Goldberg. Some banking employees are stealing customer monies and setting up fraudulant accounts. One double crossed the other and had him killed. The dead one comes back and exposes all the evil stuff going on before he goes to heaven.

After this weird week I believe in don't knock it until you have to go and walk in someone else's shoes. It's really very scary! I feel like I was robbed and can't do anything about it.

Please if anyone else has ideas how I can fight a multi-billion dollar corp. please post and let me know.

Dear, NotApplicable - Jersey City, New Jersey

Thank you for the spelling lesson. I owe you one now. OHHHH hey I have a idea how to pay you back ! How about a reading lesson for you? Or do you just read a post title and know all the details and post feedback?

But no worries this is America and free speech is alive a well...... But before speaking maybe you should read all the post here?

But hey that might stress you out so just call the Seattle News Paper reporter and ask Candice Heckman if she can verified all the facts of my story. 206-718-0328

That way I dont have stress you out on how to copy & past the website address on one of my post above.

Anyway you pratice putting 2 sentences together on your lunch break at that multi-billion dollar that you work at.

Have a great day mr. mrs. miss ? NotApplicable - Jersey City, New Jersey

I have an issue with BOA as well. I searched the internet and an attorney in Miami is starting a class action lawsuit against BOA stemming from a local business man who was robbed of 90K from BOA. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/02/08/e-banking_trojan_lawsuit/ . His name, the attorney is Ralph Patino, http://www.patinolaw.com/Bio/RalphPatino.asp . I called his office this morning but he is out of town until Monday 3/20. Send him an email and maybe this will be a case for him, I don't know, but I've got issues with BOA too. Good Luck

lol, how nice of you to assume that I am a Manager at BofA just because I stated you have ADD and your claim is baseless, untrue, and a failed attempt to gain "imaginary damages" for lost "life savings" No, I do not work for BofA Thomas and

PLEASE! with infinite repitition, spell correctly, "there" in your rebuttal is supposed to be "THEIR" - a common ERROR 8-14 year olds make.

So thanks for proving my point, you NEVER had 30k, never will based on your "facts" and um Sheriff's office is not supposed to investigate BofA's "alleged" mishap..

Again, your posting of "official" police reports and documents is YET another RANT. When you actually post it, Thomas life will be found on Mars.

Thanks again for morning coffee laugh! Just what I needed to go work for a multibillion dollar corporation!

As much as I hate big banks (credit unions are the ONLY way to go), it's hilarious how gullible--how easily swayed--many of you "rebutters" are. Cancelling your bank accounts based on a litigious fool's rantings??? For one, this Thomas character labels those who disagree with his charade as BofA employees. Kind of juvenile, right? Kind of apt for the scenario, right?

I'd wager a king's ransom that he intentionally splurged on what he assumed would one day be BofA's dime. Except, the bank didn't blink, and that "dime" turned out to be his own "life's savings".

Stick with claiming you found a fly in your soup at the local restaurant, Thomas. You'll win most of those cases without much of a fight.

Un-named poster above mentions I have ADD and my story is not true , That he doubts I even lost $30,000.00 that I claim I did.

Interesting statement:

My respones is OK I will start posting signed Dated official letters from the bank managers and others such as the police dept. and OCC the federal agency that over see's Federal bank operations.

I will have to check with ED the owner of this website and see if its OK to take up the added space BUT I am sure Ed will say OK.

For a clearer understand of why my case has not been prosecuted I will post emails and letters from King County Sheriff's office. The reason I think it was ignored is because the Sheriff's office has been falling apart big time and here is one of many PI newspaper stories showing that fact.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/253680_sheriff28.asp

It is strange that the 2 newpaper articles from the Seattle PI with its 6 million readers and a investigation dont seem to be proof that what I say is FACTS.

But if I was one of the few BoA managers that have posted here on my rip off from BoA I would try and make my story look like its a big lie also.

Hey they are just trying to earn there wages from Kenneth Lewis by defending the Bank of America and the fact that the bank screewed up and wont own up and now some upper Manager is defending his stupid decision.

Perhaps Kenneth Lewis will tell his men (hey guys there no indians down there like Custer.

I have tried my best to follow most of your threads...and all I can say is, I highly doubt you even had 29k+ you claim to have lost.

P.S. 100% Agree with stile, Bank of America is within its righs and the policies and procedures were DISCLOSED to you when you opened the account.

P.S.S. Congrats BofA for gaining publicity!

"Who are you to say Stile does not work for Bank of America ? You call everybody a loser that post anything negative about BoA. We are all wrong and you are right???????? Pull your head out of that dark spot its stuck up."

Pete is someone who reads. I said on 10/23 on this very thread that I don't work for BofA, I work for Wells Fargo. I am a Reg E Claim officer, and I know how electronic disputes work. As I've said before, I've chosen to share this knowledge to try and help you.

"There is no ex-girlfriend that stole my savings. NO ONE had access to my BoA account. For some reason there are sick people like yourself that think that its all right for BoA to wipe out my account and give it to criminals."

Now, now Thomas; you're equivocating. Yes, there is no ex-girlfriend, but you've already said that your niece and her boyfriend got access to your checks and they are the ones who committed the fraud. It isn't BofA that wiped out your account, it is your niece.

"I was in the bank I use now the other day and they know my story about BoA and the manager and teller showed me how easy it is for a teller to check my signature on the tellers computer.

But for some reason BoA tellers dont ever check signatures. 42 forged checks for $30,000.00 is proof of that fact. No one not even BoA disputes that the checks against my account are fordged !"

We're talking about tens of thousands of checks that move through BofA on a daily basis. Is it possible for them to check every single signature? Probably, but is it feasible? No. I expect you'd find the same to be true at any large bank. It's certainly true where I work.

"The fact is clear to all but a few sick people that the bank did not protect my account."

The other fact that is clear to everyone except yourself, is that you didn't protect your account either. As I've pointed out, you had a responsibility under your deposit agreement to report incorrect charges to the bank within 60 days (or within 30 for multiple charges by the same payee). You did not report these charges within the allotted time. I realize you were in the hospital at the time, but unlike electronic transactions there is no exception for this type of circumstance. BofA is not being especially malicious in its rules, it is following the standard practice for the industry.

"Your either stupid, drunk or high pete. If that is not the case then you are a snake in the grass just like stile.

Ken Lewis has a rock in his backyard you can go crawl back under pete. Save room for the other snakes like stile.

Get your head out of your a*s "

When you have no evidence, abuse the Plaintiff. -Cicero. Thomas, I have been honest and forthcoming at every step. I have not called you names or been unkind. I have simply quoted the appropriate regulations and sections of your deposit agreement. I'm sorry that you don't like that the facts are stacked against you, but that doesn't excuse your ad hominems against pete and myself. How dare you, sir.

"I welcome a lawsuit for slander from BoA. Slander is when a person lies about someone.....(BoA) There is a very good reason I have not been sued. I have not lied about this story of BoA and BoA knows that I tell the truth.

The Bank is hoping I will just go away.....

NOT GOING TO HAPPEN..............."

For several months there, your answer to specific questions was that you couldn't comment because of ongoing litigation. Now you've posted a couple of comments within the last few days. I'm guessing this means your lawsuit didn't go well. Did the judge throw it out? Or did BofA actually win the suit outright?

"Who are you to say Stile does not work for Bank of America ? You call everybody a loser that post anything negative about BoA. We are all wrong and you are right???????? Pull your head out of that dark spot its stuck up."

Pete is someone who reads. I said on 10/23 on this very thread that I don't work for BofA, I work for Wells Fargo. I am a Reg E Claim officer, and I know how electronic disputes work. As I've said before, I've chosen to share this knowledge to try and help you.

"There is no ex-girlfriend that stole my savings. NO ONE had access to my BoA account. For some reason there are sick people like yourself that think that its all right for BoA to wipe out my account and give it to criminals."

Now, now Thomas; you're equivocating. Yes, there is no ex-girlfriend, but you've already said that your niece and her boyfriend got access to your checks and they are the ones who committed the fraud. It isn't BofA that wiped out your account, it is your niece.

"I was in the bank I use now the other day and they know my story about BoA and the manager and teller showed me how easy it is for a teller to check my signature on the tellers computer.

But for some reason BoA tellers dont ever check signatures. 42 forged checks for $30,000.00 is proof of that fact. No one not even BoA disputes that the checks against my account are fordged !"

We're talking about tens of thousands of checks that move through BofA on a daily basis. Is it possible for them to check every single signature? Probably, but is it feasible? No. I expect you'd find the same to be true at any large bank. It's certainly true where I work.

"The fact is clear to all but a few sick people that the bank did not protect my account."

The other fact that is clear to everyone except yourself, is that you didn't protect your account either. As I've pointed out, you had a responsibility under your deposit agreement to report incorrect charges to the bank within 60 days (or within 30 for multiple charges by the same payee). You did not report these charges within the allotted time. I realize you were in the hospital at the time, but unlike electronic transactions there is no exception for this type of circumstance. BofA is not being especially malicious in its rules, it is following the standard practice for the industry.

"Your either stupid, drunk or high pete. If that is not the case then you are a snake in the grass just like stile.

Ken Lewis has a rock in his backyard you can go crawl back under pete. Save room for the other snakes like stile.

Get your head out of your a*s "

When you have no evidence, abuse the Plaintiff. -Cicero. Thomas, I have been honest and forthcoming at every step. I have not called you names or been unkind. I have simply quoted the appropriate regulations and sections of your deposit agreement. I'm sorry that you don't like that the facts are stacked against you, but that doesn't excuse your ad hominems against pete and myself. How dare you, sir.

"I welcome a lawsuit for slander from BoA. Slander is when a person lies about someone.....(BoA) There is a very good reason I have not been sued. I have not lied about this story of BoA and BoA knows that I tell the truth.

The Bank is hoping I will just go away.....

NOT GOING TO HAPPEN..............."

For several months there, your answer to specific questions was that you couldn't comment because of ongoing litigation. Now you've posted a couple of comments within the last few days. I'm guessing this means your lawsuit didn't go well. Did the judge throw it out? Or did BofA actually win the suit outright?

"Who are you to say Stile does not work for Bank of America ? You call everybody a loser that post anything negative about BoA. We are all wrong and you are right???????? Pull your head out of that dark spot its stuck up."

Pete is someone who reads. I said on 10/23 on this very thread that I don't work for BofA, I work for Wells Fargo. I am a Reg E Claim officer, and I know how electronic disputes work. As I've said before, I've chosen to share this knowledge to try and help you.

"There is no ex-girlfriend that stole my savings. NO ONE had access to my BoA account. For some reason there are sick people like yourself that think that its all right for BoA to wipe out my account and give it to criminals."

Now, now Thomas; you're equivocating. Yes, there is no ex-girlfriend, but you've already said that your niece and her boyfriend got access to your checks and they are the ones who committed the fraud. It isn't BofA that wiped out your account, it is your niece.

"I was in the bank I use now the other day and they know my story about BoA and the manager and teller showed me how easy it is for a teller to check my signature on the tellers computer.

But for some reason BoA tellers dont ever check signatures. 42 forged checks for $30,000.00 is proof of that fact. No one not even BoA disputes that the checks against my account are fordged !"

We're talking about tens of thousands of checks that move through BofA on a daily basis. Is it possible for them to check every single signature? Probably, but is it feasible? No. I expect you'd find the same to be true at any large bank. It's certainly true where I work.

"The fact is clear to all but a few sick people that the bank did not protect my account."

The other fact that is clear to everyone except yourself, is that you didn't protect your account either. As I've pointed out, you had a responsibility under your deposit agreement to report incorrect charges to the bank within 60 days (or within 30 for multiple charges by the same payee). You did not report these charges within the allotted time. I realize you were in the hospital at the time, but unlike electronic transactions there is no exception for this type of circumstance. BofA is not being especially malicious in its rules, it is following the standard practice for the industry.

"Your either stupid, drunk or high pete. If that is not the case then you are a snake in the grass just like stile.

Ken Lewis has a rock in his backyard you can go crawl back under pete. Save room for the other snakes like stile.

Get your head out of your a*s "

When you have no evidence, abuse the Plaintiff. -Cicero. Thomas, I have been honest and forthcoming at every step. I have not called you names or been unkind. I have simply quoted the appropriate regulations and sections of your deposit agreement. I'm sorry that you don't like that the facts are stacked against you, but that doesn't excuse your ad hominems against pete and myself. How dare you, sir.

"I welcome a lawsuit for slander from BoA. Slander is when a person lies about someone.....(BoA) There is a very good reason I have not been sued. I have not lied about this story of BoA and BoA knows that I tell the truth.

The Bank is hoping I will just go away.....

NOT GOING TO HAPPEN..............."

For several months there, your answer to specific questions was that you couldn't comment because of ongoing litigation. Now you've posted a couple of comments within the last few days. I'm guessing this means your lawsuit didn't go well. Did the judge throw it out? Or did BofA actually win the suit outright?

"Who are you to say Stile does not work for Bank of America ? You call everybody a loser that post anything negative about BoA. We are all wrong and you are right???????? Pull your head out of that dark spot its stuck up."

Pete is someone who reads. I said on 10/23 on this very thread that I don't work for BofA, I work for Wells Fargo. I am a Reg E Claim officer, and I know how electronic disputes work. As I've said before, I've chosen to share this knowledge to try and help you.

"There is no ex-girlfriend that stole my savings. NO ONE had access to my BoA account. For some reason there are sick people like yourself that think that its all right for BoA to wipe out my account and give it to criminals."

Now, now Thomas; you're equivocating. Yes, there is no ex-girlfriend, but you've already said that your niece and her boyfriend got access to your checks and they are the ones who committed the fraud. It isn't BofA that wiped out your account, it is your niece.

"I was in the bank I use now the other day and they know my story about BoA and the manager and teller showed me how easy it is for a teller to check my signature on the tellers computer.

But for some reason BoA tellers dont ever check signatures. 42 forged checks for $30,000.00 is proof of that fact. No one not even BoA disputes that the checks against my account are fordged !"

We're talking about tens of thousands of checks that move through BofA on a daily basis. Is it possible for them to check every single signature? Probably, but is it feasible? No. I expect you'd find the same to be true at any large bank. It's certainly true where I work.

"The fact is clear to all but a few sick people that the bank did not protect my account."

The other fact that is clear to everyone except yourself, is that you didn't protect your account either. As I've pointed out, you had a responsibility under your deposit agreement to report incorrect charges to the bank within 60 days (or within 30 for multiple charges by the same payee). You did not report these charges within the allotted time. I realize you were in the hospital at the time, but unlike electronic transactions there is no exception for this type of circumstance. BofA is not being especially malicious in its rules, it is following the standard practice for the industry.

"Your either stupid, drunk or high pete. If that is not the case then you are a snake in the grass just like stile.

Ken Lewis has a rock in his backyard you can go crawl back under pete. Save room for the other snakes like stile.

Get your head out of your a*s "

When you have no evidence, abuse the Plaintiff. -Cicero. Thomas, I have been honest and forthcoming at every step. I have not called you names or been unkind. I have simply quoted the appropriate regulations and sections of your deposit agreement. I'm sorry that you don't like that the facts are stacked against you, but that doesn't excuse your ad hominems against pete and myself. How dare you, sir.

"I welcome a lawsuit for slander from BoA. Slander is when a person lies about someone.....(BoA) There is a very good reason I have not been sued. I have not lied about this story of BoA and BoA knows that I tell the truth.

The Bank is hoping I will just go away.....

NOT GOING TO HAPPEN..............."

For several months there, your answer to specific questions was that you couldn't comment because of ongoing litigation. Now you've posted a couple of comments within the last few days. I'm guessing this means your lawsuit didn't go well. Did the judge throw it out? Or did BofA actually win the suit outright?

Many Bank of America Employees know whats going on with the rip-off that has happened to me from upper management at Bank of America. Tim Whitesitt investigator BoA Seattle office,Valerie Lunn the Cle Elum, Washington Bank of America branch manager, Jim Blanton Northwest vice president BoA,George Owen BoA San Francisco headquarters BoA, And that spinless CEO in North Carolina.

What they dont know is that many BoA employees of theirs contact me and say there sorry for their companies and state the Managers are wrong.

I will post one of many below.
More to follow as I get the employees permission to do so.

Nacy Graves wrote:

boa needs to be brought down-your story is absolutely heart-wrenching! If I had been a manager when I worked there, that customer service rep would've been gone-his attitude is disgusting. Where's the compassion, the caring for someone suffering? I'm telling you, that is why I could not work there for long-I even went to the big guy in the Colorado Springs office and complained about the way I was hearing customer service reps talking to the customers, and he just blew me off. So, I quit. I could'nt stay there even though my immediate manager begged me to stay saying I was a great customer service rep. I would've been a hippocrite if I had stayed. My chest pain and my acid reflux disease mostly went away when I quit. Please take care-there's also a website called *rateitall.com* and I noticed that boa managers do respond to complaints, albeit rudely, but they don't like to be criticized, either. Tough!! Good luck, Thomas, if I had the money I would give it to you!!

Dear Pete,

Who are you to say Stile does not work for Bank of America ? You call everybody a loser that post anything negative about BoA. We are all wrong and you are right???????? Pull your head out of that dark spot its stuck up.

There is no ex-girlfriend that stole my savings. NO ONE had access to my BoA account. For some reason there are sick people like yourself that think that its all right for BoA to wipe out my account and give it to criminals.

I was in the bank I use now the other day and they know my story about BoA and the manager and teller showed me how easy it is for a teller to check my signature on the tellers computer.

But for some reason BoA tellers dont ever check signatures. 42 forged checks for $30,000.00 is proof of that fact. No one not even BoA disputes that the checks against my account are fordged !

The fact is clear to all but a few sick people that the bank did not protect my account.

Your either stupid, drunk or high pete. If that is not the case then you are a snake in the grass just like stile.

Ken Lewis has a rock in his backyard you can go crawl back under pete. Save room for the other snakes like stile.

Get your head out of your a*s

I welcome a lawsuit for slander from BoA. Slander is when a person lies about someone.....(BoA) There is a very good reason I have not been sued. I have not lied about this story of BoA and BoA knows that I tell the truth.

The Bank is hoping I will just go away.....

NOT GOING TO HAPPEN...............

Stile does NOT work for BofA. Some place in one of his responses, he stated with which bank he was associated. I have also seen his posts to other banking complaints. Be that as it may, you (and others) refuse to accept his rationality and knowledge of the banking industry. As unfortunate as it is, the only ones who are in agreement with you are the losers who don't know how to balance a checkbook but spend more money than they have access to.

I note BofA has not sent ONE response to your perceived complaint. Could it be because they want to settle this in a court of law and not play on the sympathies of the public as you have by trying to interest TV, newspapers, etc.?

Rather than go after the bank, why not go after the relative (or ex-girlfriend and her loser boyfriend) who had access to your account to begin with? The bank did not do this on their own--someone had a right to your money besides you or they wouldn't have let them raid your account.

Stile, Your job is to post rebutals that show the truth about Bank of America. Just look at all the other rebutal post you have done defending BoA on this website along.

The Facts are that the Bank of America does not have HIGHER STANDARDS or TOTAL SECURITY as the claim to and sucker people like me with lies.

It is a fact my life savings are gone. Given away to thieves by the bank.

IS ANYONE'S MONEY SAFE? In bank of America. I say no way. They're just a con artist and a lie with a business license.

Instead of doing the RIGHT THING they spend even more money then I lost fighting me. They can hire all the stile's they like but that wont change the FACTS.

There is something really sick about a company that will spend big bucks to steal from its customers when there the ones that gave my savings away. TOTAL FRAUD PROTECTION! Another lie from BoA

IS YOUR MONEY SAFE IN BANK OF AMERICA?

MINE WAS NOT..

I really feel bad for you. I feel you need to contact the Media whether television or newspaper and let everyone know what B of A has done.

B of A will try to screw you, they will look for a loop hole. I was with B of A and had strange charges to my debit card. I went inside the bank, spoke with the manager, called their 800 number too. I was given the phone #'s to the companies that charged my card without my permission. B of A then told me it was my responsibility to contact those company's and disbute the charges. I did so, and received the money back, but I had to eat the overdraft fees that were caused by those charges! B of A said that it was not their responsibility to put that money back into my acct? Even after the companies agreed they were wrong for charging me and reversed the charges? That's rediculous! FRAUDS! (Also, B of A one time had a glitch in their automatic deposit system in California and wiped out the deposits on thousand of accounts, including mine. I waiting in line at the bank and was told, I would have to wait for it to be fixed and that they could only give me $100.00 until then! I had bills literally due that day! I was soo pissed I was yelling at the manager, told them they took my money and are screwing up my credit!)
B OF A IS A JOKE, OVERCHARGING A**ES WHO WILL SCREW A CUSTOMER IN A HEARTBEAT!

**CONTACT AN ATTORNEY, THE MEDIA WHATEVER IT TAKES BUT DON'T LET THEM GET AWAY WITH YOUR MONEY!**

GOOD LUCK!

I really feel bad for you. I feel you need to contact the Media whether television or newspaper and let everyone know what B of A has done.

B of A will try to screw you, they will look for a loop hole. I was with B of A and had strange charges to my debit card. I went inside the bank, spoke with the manager, called their 800 number too. I was given the phone #'s to the companies that charged my card without my permission. B of A then told me it was my responsibility to contact those company's and disbute the charges. I did so, and received the money back, but I had to eat the overdraft fees that were caused by those charges! B of A said that it was not their responsibility to put that money back into my acct? Even after the companies agreed they were wrong for charging me and reversed the charges? That's rediculous! FRAUDS! (Also, B of A one time had a glitch in their automatic deposit system in California and wiped out the deposits on thousand of accounts, including mine. I waiting in line at the bank and was told, I would have to wait for it to be fixed and that they could only give me $100.00 until then! I had bills literally due that day! I was soo pissed I was yelling at the manager, told them they took my money and are screwing up my credit!)
B OF A IS A JOKE, OVERCHARGING A**ES WHO WILL SCREW A CUSTOMER IN A HEARTBEAT!

**CONTACT AN ATTORNEY, THE MEDIA WHATEVER IT TAKES BUT DON'T LET THEM GET AWAY WITH YOUR MONEY!**

GOOD LUCK!

I really feel bad for you. I feel you need to contact the Media whether television or newspaper and let everyone know what B of A has done.

B of A will try to screw you, they will look for a loop hole. I was with B of A and had strange charges to my debit card. I went inside the bank, spoke with the manager, called their 800 number too. I was given the phone #'s to the companies that charged my card without my permission. B of A then told me it was my responsibility to contact those company's and disbute the charges. I did so, and received the money back, but I had to eat the overdraft fees that were caused by those charges! B of A said that it was not their responsibility to put that money back into my acct? Even after the companies agreed they were wrong for charging me and reversed the charges? That's rediculous! FRAUDS! (Also, B of A one time had a glitch in their automatic deposit system in California and wiped out the deposits on thousand of accounts, including mine. I waiting in line at the bank and was told, I would have to wait for it to be fixed and that they could only give me $100.00 until then! I had bills literally due that day! I was soo pissed I was yelling at the manager, told them they took my money and are screwing up my credit!)
B OF A IS A JOKE, OVERCHARGING A**ES WHO WILL SCREW A CUSTOMER IN A HEARTBEAT!

**CONTACT AN ATTORNEY, THE MEDIA WHATEVER IT TAKES BUT DON'T LET THEM GET AWAY WITH YOUR MONEY!**

GOOD LUCK!

I personally think there are too many loopholes to the story here.

A foggy senseless timeline...?

Destroyed evidence.....?

I suppose there could be a lot of truth found in the story, but the key word is "could". Sure there is a ton of crap that has to be gone through to resolve a problem of this proportion, but...again I think there is sometime missing. Consider this, there are always two sides to every story. BoA is simply keeping their mouth shut while you loudly try to draw other people into your abasement. You need help, not sympathy. Unfotunately, you seem to ignore, even scoff at those with a more objective view...those who try to "help" you. Instead you warmly welcome "sympathetic" words from people whom you don't know...people who themselves have a sour view...a view that is subjective, not objective. Those people are no more a source of help than the people that happily close their accounts at the thought of one man's misfortune (yours)...one man out of millions, that is.

My words may seem harsh, but they are full of truth.

I sincerely hope that there is a happy ending to this for you and if I had $30,000 to give, I'd give it to you if you gave me every side of the story, and the slightest ounce or reasonable proof of the wrong that was done to you.

"Well, It isnt exactly the scale of what you had been through. I currently live in oregon, I had kept my bank in Nevada where I use to live. I decided to keep it there so I wouldnt have to change anything. Apparently, years ago BofAs computer systems were not linked. Like the guy with the 1900 couch. When I was moving here and started to charge my card, BOFA noticed the transactions in Oregon and deactivated the card. I had to call and explain that I was in the process of moving."

So, BofA noticed charges in Oregon when you live in Nevada and blocked your card because they were concerned that your card might have been stolen. And you think this is a bad thing?

"Remember BOFAs commericals where they talk about instant online banking where the money is automatically withdrawn fron you account, No worries! Yep, that is what they wanted you to think and it is misleading."

No it isn't. When you make a checkcard transaction the transaction becomes authorized after the merchant swipes your card. The bank (Bofa, Wells, WAMU, whoever) then places this charge into a pending status. Pending means that the bank is holding the funds temporarily until the merchant comes to collect them. This pending status only lasts so long, sometimes 1 business day, sometimes 3 business days depending on the bank. If the merchant doesn't complete the paperwork necessary to actually collect that payment, then the hold drops off the funds, and they appear as available in the account again. If banks didn't do this, then the hotel room you guarantee with your card but pay for with cash, would remain on your pending transactions indefinately.

"SO... Withdrawls seem to be fourthcoming out of my account very timely at that. Except I noticed a trigger ammount that my account and "instant" transactions become slow or disappear. So around $400 the instant transactions takes days. "

There is no trigger amount. The $5 charge cat McD's may do the same thing as the $400 charge at Sears if the store manager isn't diligent about completing his books the same day.

"Yep! they are no longer instant, in fact, a withdrawl will come out of your account, deduct, then the withdrawl will disappear, and the money is put back into your account."

No transaction is instant. As I said above, items pend, and if they aren't collected the pending status drops. The pattern your describing is completely normal for all banks.

"SO picture this, you look to see if a transaction came out of your account but dont bother looking at the balance. You say great! then and hour passed by and you think, I forgot to look at how much money I had. Well then you just look at the balance, Meanwhile during that hour that withdrawl disappears. Yep it has happened to me many times."

Only if you're checking your account at 11:00PM the night a pending charge is due to drop. If you check your account first thing in the morning, and then again before overnight processing occurs that evening, then the only difference will be transactions made that day.

"The second thing that Bofa does, is change will be missing from your account and no I didnt sign up for keep the change. If you do the math you will notice between transactions that anywhere between a penny to 25 cents will go unaccounted for. What is a penny to me, well not much, I really dont care about the pennies, but if BOFA does this to everyone how many "pennies" does BOFA make?

Some Rep is going to tell me that is impossible, trust me I called and over the phone had them do the math, they told me it must be a computer error and the $5.00 missing ( which is what the change tallied up to be) would be put back into my account. I never saw it. It continues to this day."

This is a very serious charge. You're basically claiming either that the Bank's computers can't add, or that someone is skimming pennies from your account. You say that you have proof on your statement. Forward this proof to the Office of the Comptroller of Currency so they can investigate, if you're serious about it.

"So be aware of your account. I also brought up the instant online banking and the rep said it an unpleasant voice "well you should keep a check register" Ummmm.yes you are right, but you should not sell it to me as instant then. You also should not be promoting that type of confidence in online banking."

Online banking is a tool, not a replacement for keeping a check register. I've seen BofA's commericals, and they talk about Online Banking being secure and convenient. They don't advertise it as a replacement for keeping a check register.

"Just to let everyone know after 11 years of banking and doing my "checks and balances" I am goling with another bank.."

I trust you've learned your lesson about keeping a check register, and I hope to hear about your experience with the next bank. Pay attention to your online banking with that bank, and you'll see the exact same things occurring.

"As a former OM to Customer services for call centers. I feel that I would never want to hire a BOFA employee to take care of customers. A Customer Service Rep is to supply customers with information and help in a nice friendly fashion. You NEVER foot blame to the customer."

When the customer is truly wrong, there is nothing inappropriate about setting the customer's expectation for future events.

"Oh yes, and I have worked for Cable companies, cellphone companies, internet providers, insurance customer service desks. There is ALWAYS a way to bend the RULEBOOK for customer retention..Even if it means loosing money.."

Really? Try calling your cellphone company and asking to cancel while in contract without getting an early termination fees. Could they do it? Sure, but you signed a contract agreeing to an early termination clause. The same is true with a bank. You agreed to a deposit agreement, and if you fail to keep the account within the terms of the deposit agreement (which makes it the customer's responsibility to maintain a positive balance) then there are penalties.

"A bad customer experience is always told to 10 people while a good custoemr experience is only told to one. That is why it is so important to do the right thing on the front lines.."

Doing the right thing doesn't mean giving away the company. From your standpoint you feel like your failure to maintain a check register resulting in a bunch of overdraft fees is a mistake and the bank should do the right thing and reverse them. From the bank's standpoint, they may cut you a break if your account relationship warrants it, but if not, or if you've had multiple fees, the bank may decide that you should have done the right thing by maintaining your account.

Honestly, Rutha, your complaints are the same as 95% of all the complaints about all the banks on this site. If consumers take the time to review their deposit agreements, and not spend more than is in their account, they will never have an issue with a fee.

Well, It isnt exactly the scale of what you had been through. I currently live in oregon, I had kept my bank in Nevada where I use to live. I decided to keep it there so I wouldnt have to change anything. Apparently, years ago BofAs computer systems were not linked. Like the guy with the 1900 couch. When I was moving here and started to charge my card, BOFA noticed the transactions in Oregon and deactivated the card. I had to call and explain that I was in the process of moving.

Anyway, I noticed and EVERYONE please look at your accounts closely for the next few months. I noticed this in my account. Remember BOFAs commericals where they talk about instant online banking where the money is automatically withdrawn fron you account, No worries! Yep, that is what they wanted you to think and it is misleading.

SO... Withdrawls seem to be fourthcoming out of my account very timely at that. Except I noticed a trigger ammount that my account and "instant" transactions become slow or disappear. So around $400 the instant transactions takes days. Yep! they are no longer instant, in fact, a withdrawl will come out of your account, deduct, then the withdrawl will disappear, and the money is put back into your account. SO picture this, you look to see if a transaction came out of your account but dont bother looking at the balance. You say great! then and hour passed by and you think, I forgot to look at how much money I had. Well then you just look at the balance, Meanwhile during that hour that withdrawl disappears. Yep it has happened to me many times.

The second thing that Bofa does, is change will be missing from your account and no I didnt sign up for keep the change. If you do the math you will notice between transactions that anywhere between a penny to 25 cents will go unaccounted for. What is a penny to me, well not much, I really dont care about the pennies, but if BOFA does this to everyone how many "pennies" does BOFA make?

Some Rep is going to tell me that is impossible, trust me I called and over the phone had them do the math, they told me it must be a computer error and the $5.00 missing ( which is what the change tallied up to be) would be put back into my account. I never saw it. It continues to this day.

So be aware of your account. I also brought up the instant online banking and the rep said it an unpleasant voice "well you should keep a check register" Ummmm.yes you are right, but you should not sell it to me as instant then. You also should not be promoting that type of confidence in online banking.

Just to let everyone know after 11 years of banking and doing my "checks and balances" I am goling with another bank..

As a former OM to Customer services for call centers. I feel that I would never want to hire a BOFA employee to take care of customers. A Customer Service Rep is to supply customers with information and help in a nice friendly fashion. You NEVER foot blame to the customer. Oh yes, and I have worked for Cable companies, cellphone companies, internet providers, insurance customer service desks. There is ALWAYS a way to bend the RULEBOOK for customer retention..Even if it means loosing money..

A bad customer experience is always told to 10 people while a good custoemr experience is only told to one. That is why it is so important to do the right thing on the front lines..

What's the real cost of this situation?
And who has the power to make it right?
I have read all the comments here regarding your plight Thomas. Some have been favorable and some have been indifferent. Some seem to have merit, while others seem to be nothing but emotional reaction (which is understandable if it comes from Thomas).

As I was reading these posts, I also kept looking at the dates... it would seem to me that (regardless of fault or outcome) this issue has consumed a large portion of your life. I am sorry to read about your situation and I think Bank of America (BoA) should do something to help you!

For the record I have never worked in a bank. I have worked in the field of Human Resources (HR) for over 12 years. While my background does not qualify me to debate banking policies, it does qualify me to make comments regarding the missed opportunity in your situation... Customer Service!

I realize at this point that customer service is non existent, but it's never too late to do the right thing!!!

So far, there has been a lot of discussion about banking policies, procedures, and legal regulations. When it comes to the banks (or any company), the reality is that their internal guidelines do nothing more than provide a standard for operations. The quality or effectiveness of those guidelines are always open to individual interpretation.

Working in HR, I deal with Federal/State regulations and company policies every day! I bear responsibility to ensure compliance, interpret meaning, and ultimately get the work done. My point is this policies and regulations will change (the best ones always do), but people are the foundation of any company and that will never change. Whether we're talking about employees, shareholders, stakeholders, owners, or customers; business will always be people driven.

Any manger worth his or her salt, regardless of whether or not they realize it, has the power to interpret policy, and make decisions. And the courts recognize this. For example, one difference between a salaried manager and an hourly manager is that the first is typically given authority to hire or fire, while the latter is not. That means authority caries responsibility and even liability. It also means that they have an opportunity to do the right thing. Failure to do so has resulted in many cases where individuals have been singled out in lawsuits, in addition to the company they work for. And this is rightfully so.

Somewhere along the way, someone at BoA had a decision to make about your situation. They had two ways to look at it as a problem, or as an opportunity!

We are all human and even the best of us get frustrated from time to time. But one of the key things I have learned is to give myself the luxury of time to think before I act or before I speak.

Bottom line, my comments are all about customer service and management or the lack thereof. Who cares whether Thomas is at fault? Who cares whether BoA is at fault? The one who has the power to change the situation should (BoA)!
Although unfortunate for you Thomas, I believe your situation would make a great case study for management training.

I'll leave you with another thought Working in HR you can guess that I deal with payroll. One of the first things that I learned about my job was that you can debate job requirements and performance, but you do not make mistakes with someone's pay. But if you do... You fix it! Think of it this way If you didn't get your paycheck because of something that you did not do (regardless of fault), would you want to have to wait to get it fixed? The average person would not!

Again, I say, it's never too late to do the right thing! BoA are you reading?

What's the real cost of this situation?
And who has the power to make it right?
I have read all the comments here regarding your plight Thomas. Some have been favorable and some have been indifferent. Some seem to have merit, while others seem to be nothing but emotional reaction (which is understandable if it comes from Thomas).

As I was reading these posts, I also kept looking at the dates... it would seem to me that (regardless of fault or outcome) this issue has consumed a large portion of your life. I am sorry to read about your situation and I think Bank of America (BoA) should do something to help you!

For the record I have never worked in a bank. I have worked in the field of Human Resources (HR) for over 12 years. While my background does not qualify me to debate banking policies, it does qualify me to make comments regarding the missed opportunity in your situation... Customer Service!

I realize at this point that customer service is non existent, but it's never too late to do the right thing!!!

So far, there has been a lot of discussion about banking policies, procedures, and legal regulations. When it comes to the banks (or any company), the reality is that their internal guidelines do nothing more than provide a standard for operations. The quality or effectiveness of those guidelines are always open to individual interpretation.

Working in HR, I deal with Federal/State regulations and company policies every day! I bear responsibility to ensure compliance, interpret meaning, and ultimately get the work done. My point is this policies and regulations will change (the best ones always do), but people are the foundation of any company and that will never change. Whether we're talking about employees, shareholders, stakeholders, owners, or customers; business will always be people driven.

Any manger worth his or her salt, regardless of whether or not they realize it, has the power to interpret policy, and make decisions. And the courts recognize this. For example, one difference between a salaried manager and an hourly manager is that the first is typically given authority to hire or fire, while the latter is not. That means authority caries responsibility and even liability. It also means that they have an opportunity to do the right thing. Failure to do so has resulted in many cases where individuals have been singled out in lawsuits, in addition to the company they work for. And this is rightfully so.

Somewhere along the way, someone at BoA had a decision to make about your situation. They had two ways to look at it as a problem, or as an opportunity!

We are all human and even the best of us get frustrated from time to time. But one of the key things I have learned is to give myself the luxury of time to think before I act or before I speak.

Bottom line, my comments are all about customer service and management or the lack thereof. Who cares whether Thomas is at fault? Who cares whether BoA is at fault? The one who has the power to change the situation should (BoA)!
Although unfortunate for you Thomas, I believe your situation would make a great case study for management training.

I'll leave you with another thought Working in HR you can guess that I deal with payroll. One of the first things that I learned about my job was that you can debate job requirements and performance, but you do not make mistakes with someone's pay. But if you do... You fix it! Think of it this way If you didn't get your paycheck because of something that you did not do (regardless of fault), would you want to have to wait to get it fixed? The average person would not!

Again, I say, it's never too late to do the right thing! BoA are you reading?

What's the real cost of this situation?
And who has the power to make it right?
I have read all the comments here regarding your plight Thomas. Some have been favorable and some have been indifferent. Some seem to have merit, while others seem to be nothing but emotional reaction (which is understandable if it comes from Thomas).

As I was reading these posts, I also kept looking at the dates... it would seem to me that (regardless of fault or outcome) this issue has consumed a large portion of your life. I am sorry to read about your situation and I think Bank of America (BoA) should do something to help you!

For the record I have never worked in a bank. I have worked in the field of Human Resources (HR) for over 12 years. While my background does not qualify me to debate banking policies, it does qualify me to make comments regarding the missed opportunity in your situation... Customer Service!

I realize at this point that customer service is non existent, but it's never too late to do the right thing!!!

So far, there has been a lot of discussion about banking policies, procedures, and legal regulations. When it comes to the banks (or any company), the reality is that their internal guidelines do nothing more than provide a standard for operations. The quality or effectiveness of those guidelines are always open to individual interpretation.

Working in HR, I deal with Federal/State regulations and company policies every day! I bear responsibility to ensure compliance, interpret meaning, and ultimately get the work done. My point is this policies and regulations will change (the best ones always do), but people are the foundation of any company and that will never change. Whether we're talking about employees, shareholders, stakeholders, owners, or customers; business will always be people driven.

Any manger worth his or her salt, regardless of whether or not they realize it, has the power to interpret policy, and make decisions. And the courts recognize this. For example, one difference between a salaried manager and an hourly manager is that the first is typically given authority to hire or fire, while the latter is not. That means authority caries responsibility and even liability. It also means that they have an opportunity to do the right thing. Failure to do so has resulted in many cases where individuals have been singled out in lawsuits, in addition to the company they work for. And this is rightfully so.

Somewhere along the way, someone at BoA had a decision to make about your situation. They had two ways to look at it as a problem, or as an opportunity!

We are all human and even the best of us get frustrated from time to time. But one of the key things I have learned is to give myself the luxury of time to think before I act or before I speak.

Bottom line, my comments are all about customer service and management or the lack thereof. Who cares whether Thomas is at fault? Who cares whether BoA is at fault? The one who has the power to change the situation should (BoA)!
Although unfortunate for you Thomas, I believe your situation would make a great case study for management training.

I'll leave you with another thought Working in HR you can guess that I deal with payroll. One of the first things that I learned about my job was that you can debate job requirements and performance, but you do not make mistakes with someone's pay. But if you do... You fix it! Think of it this way If you didn't get your paycheck because of something that you did not do (regardless of fault), would you want to have to wait to get it fixed? The average person would not!

Again, I say, it's never too late to do the right thing! BoA are you reading?

What's the real cost of this situation?
And who has the power to make it right?
I have read all the comments here regarding your plight Thomas. Some have been favorable and some have been indifferent. Some seem to have merit, while others seem to be nothing but emotional reaction (which is understandable if it comes from Thomas).

As I was reading these posts, I also kept looking at the dates... it would seem to me that (regardless of fault or outcome) this issue has consumed a large portion of your life. I am sorry to read about your situation and I think Bank of America (BoA) should do something to help you!

For the record I have never worked in a bank. I have worked in the field of Human Resources (HR) for over 12 years. While my background does not qualify me to debate banking policies, it does qualify me to make comments regarding the missed opportunity in your situation... Customer Service!

I realize at this point that customer service is non existent, but it's never too late to do the right thing!!!

So far, there has been a lot of discussion about banking policies, procedures, and legal regulations. When it comes to the banks (or any company), the reality is that their internal guidelines do nothing more than provide a standard for operations. The quality or effectiveness of those guidelines are always open to individual interpretation.

Working in HR, I deal with Federal/State regulations and company policies every day! I bear responsibility to ensure compliance, interpret meaning, and ultimately get the work done. My point is this policies and regulations will change (the best ones always do), but people are the foundation of any company and that will never change. Whether we're talking about employees, shareholders, stakeholders, owners, or customers; business will always be people driven.

Any manger worth his or her salt, regardless of whether or not they realize it, has the power to interpret policy, and make decisions. And the courts recognize this. For example, one difference between a salaried manager and an hourly manager is that the first is typically given authority to hire or fire, while the latter is not. That means authority caries responsibility and even liability. It also means that they have an opportunity to do the right thing. Failure to do so has resulted in many cases where individuals have been singled out in lawsuits, in addition to the company they work for. And this is rightfully so.

Somewhere along the way, someone at BoA had a decision to make about your situation. They had two ways to look at it as a problem, or as an opportunity!

We are all human and even the best of us get frustrated from time to time. But one of the key things I have learned is to give myself the luxury of time to think before I act or before I speak.

Bottom line, my comments are all about customer service and management or the lack thereof. Who cares whether Thomas is at fault? Who cares whether BoA is at fault? The one who has the power to change the situation should (BoA)!
Although unfortunate for you Thomas, I believe your situation would make a great case study for management training.

I'll leave you with another thought Working in HR you can guess that I deal with payroll. One of the first things that I learned about my job was that you can debate job requirements and performance, but you do not make mistakes with someone's pay. But if you do... You fix it! Think of it this way If you didn't get your paycheck because of something that you did not do (regardless of fault), would you want to have to wait to get it fixed? The average person would not!

Again, I say, it's never too late to do the right thing! BoA are you reading?

Re: Those pre-printed checks you receive from banks or credit card accounts.

I, too, was disturbed each time I got those checks. I knew anyone could get their hands on them and use them. However, just call the issuer of the checks and tell them to no longer mail them to you. Use the 800 number listed for either the banks or CC's. I did that about 10 years ago with my banks and credit card companies and no longer receive them.

If, or when, Thomas may prevail in his case, just how much money will he realize? $25.00? The rest will be eaten up in attorney fees, or God forbid, he'll have to come up with more to satisfy the lawyer!

Although, I have not ever had a personal account with BoA, I have used their ATMs. My problem was using an atm that gave me a receipt and no money! I immediately called the customer service number on the ATM and was greeted by a woman with a very lacksadaisical attitude and a "we can't help you, call your bank, or wait 48 hours and we'll have returned the funds to your account after the machine is balanced." There was no care and 72 hours later there was no credit to my account. I thought they'd help me since it was one of their machines, their locations are all over the place in this city and my CU was in another state. All I got was the run around. I cannot imagine being a customer of theirs or losing 30G and being laughed at for my trouble.

I feel for you, Tom. If I had requested more money from the ATM than I did-- I would have been broke and hoping they'd return my money. I proceeded called my credit union and my funds were returned immediately. I know of at least 2 other people closing accounts with BOA as a result of things like this. I hope your case is settled and you get your money back.

Although, I have not ever had a personal account with BoA, I have used their ATMs. My problem was using an atm that gave me a receipt and no money! I immediately called the customer service number on the ATM and was greeted by a woman with a very lacksadaisical attitude and a "we can't help you, call your bank, or wait 48 hours and we'll have returned the funds to your account after the machine is balanced." There was no care and 72 hours later there was no credit to my account. I thought they'd help me since it was one of their machines, their locations are all over the place in this city and my CU was in another state. All I got was the run around. I cannot imagine being a customer of theirs or losing 30G and being laughed at for my trouble.

I feel for you, Tom. If I had requested more money from the ATM than I did-- I would have been broke and hoping they'd return my money. I proceeded called my credit union and my funds were returned immediately. I know of at least 2 other people closing accounts with BOA as a result of things like this. I hope your case is settled and you get your money back.

Although, I have not ever had a personal account with BoA, I have used their ATMs. My problem was using an atm that gave me a receipt and no money! I immediately called the customer service number on the ATM and was greeted by a woman with a very lacksadaisical attitude and a "we can't help you, call your bank, or wait 48 hours and we'll have returned the funds to your account after the machine is balanced." There was no care and 72 hours later there was no credit to my account. I thought they'd help me since it was one of their machines, their locations are all over the place in this city and my CU was in another state. All I got was the run around. I cannot imagine being a customer of theirs or losing 30G and being laughed at for my trouble.

I feel for you, Tom. If I had requested more money from the ATM than I did-- I would have been broke and hoping they'd return my money. I proceeded called my credit union and my funds were returned immediately. I know of at least 2 other people closing accounts with BOA as a result of things like this. I hope your case is settled and you get your money back.

I'll begin by saying I am a bank employee, however not for BOA. Bank of America is a major competitor of my employer and I do not have a very high level of respect for them in general.

I have heard stories of the way Bank of America treats its customers, both in situations of fraud, poor money handling, etc.

The story put forth by Thomas isn't unusual to me. I work in my bank's loss management department and hear similar stories everyday. I've dealt with cases ranging from $3.35 to much more than the issue on this report. It's very unfortunate when someone is a victim of fraudulent activity, and it's even more unfortunate when it's "friendly fraud."

I'm not going to go into federal regulations as others have on this report. I will however say that Amy, though she may be tactless, was correct. The other bank employees have also done a very good job in explaining bank regulations.

What I am going to do is explain the way I investigate disputes, unauthorized ACH transactions, and debit card transactions. Whenever a dispute comes throgh, the first thing we look for is the previous activity on the account. If this is similar to previous activity, dispute denied. However if it's not, we proceed.

My next step in identifying whether the transaction was fraudulent or not is whether a police report was filed. There are very strict penalties for filing a false police report, so most banks take police reports seriously. If the police request evidence from us in establishing fraud, we do everything we can to provide that evidence. It is much easier for me to cooperate with a police detective than it is to not cooperate.

What evidence am I talking about? If we still have ATM camera images, of course I would be willing to provide that. If there's a thumbprint on file or if there's other information that could help us establish this loss, of course I'd provide it. It's unfortunate that most banks use an analog system and routinely tape over security camera footage and ATM camera images weekly, if not daily. That is, unless there has been an incident at a particular branch.

I do feel for Thomas, I could not imagine losing $29,000+ and now his legal fees (If he loses). When I first read this report I sided completely with Thomas. Even if he did wait 60+ days to "notice" this fraudulent activity, it could still be documented as fraud. Of course this is outside of the "60 day window of opportunity" which means at that point his bank being able to recover those funds was over. What could have happened was BOA could have documented the fraud and taken a loss on that money themselves. It's happened before, it'll happen again. To you and me $30,000 may be a lot, but to a bank like BOA it's nothing. If Thomas was the type of customer to have a high balance and good relationship with his bank, it's possible they would have taken a loss to appease him and retain his business.

That being said, let me tell you where Thomas lost credibility with me. He stated that "persons" deposited money through the ATM into a Bank of America account. There is NO way possible for anyone to deposit money into a bank account and the bank not know who that account belongs to, and there's no way for the police to not be able to find that information out.

The possibility of opening a "fake" checking account at a bank now is pretty much slim to none. Most banks use a program called ChexSystems. What Chex does in essence is verifies the information being supplied by the applicant. The SSN is verified against the Social Security Administration's files to verify that it is correct for the date of birth, the date of birth is compared against the SSN, and the driver's license number is verified to be valid. It is very hard to get misinformation through ChexSystems. Very hard. ChexSystems denies about 4 out of 10 applicants because of information not matching.

There are always two sides to every story and one person doesn't always give the facts. I'm sure Bank of America will have a completely different version of the facts. I wish Thomas the very best of luck in his pursuits of recovering his money.

**The comments in this report are of my own and not those of the financial institution I work for. These are my own opions and comments**

First I want to say I am sorry for what you have gone thru. I lost almost everything I owned to bank fraud and id theft. I also waited too long to file the correct paper work due to misinformation. I can tell you one thing for sure; Bank of America deals with fraud in a way that would shock most people. My ex fianc got involved with the wrong crowd (also main reason we are not together today). I lived in Tempe aka Fraud Capital of USA. I had knowledge of several individual cashing stolen checks at BofA, so I called to report it. The first time I was not taken seriously, since I was no longer an account holder. I called again and again, and finally someone took my information. First I like to mention that one of the easiest targets for thief's are the "holiday checks" most large credit card companies issue them.

Bank of America included as well as MBNA. Right around Christmas time you get about 6 blank checks that are linked to your credit card. A letter inside says use them for extra holiday cash or as gifts. Most customers are unaware of them until they get them in the mail, since they are mailed our automatically. Thieves love these, since they are attached to a credit card they clear automatically.

Thieves will deposit them into their own accounts or fake accounts and withdrawal the money right away. The customer is completely unaware for at least a month since credit card statements are only mailed out monthly. And the whole fingerprint on a check is a joke since a little glue on the fingertips makes that security feature void.

Back to my story. I told BofA about an individual who I knew had deposited one of those stolen checks into their accounts. They would not even start to investigate it unless I gave them more then the thieves' name, which is all they really need to look into something. They required me to give them the Name phone number address current and previous DOB height weight etc. I gave them all of it. I learned later that although this person stole a check out of the mail and knowingly deposited into their account and forged a signature. All BofA did was make the individual repay the 2000 stolen check within two months. No charges were even filed. The best part is the individual (thief) still has a BofA account. BofA does not care it is a joke to them...

I also reported it to the US postal inspector in Phoenix (Carrie Fisher) 4 days later I was the postal inspectors office in phoenix for a meeting with the postal inspector, an FBI agent, the head of Wells Forgo Bank Fraud Division, as well a phoenix task force for fraud. They asked me to this meeting to share what I knew about this group of thieves. They showed me Photos and asked a lot of questions. Although nothing ever happened to the individual that deposited the stolen check. I was able to help get three others locked up. One is serving 12 years in ADOC and the other two only got 3 years.
I think you should also try contacting the postal service if you think your mail was tampered with they seem to care a lot more then the banks and could possible help convince the bank to do the right thing.
I still can't get over the fact the BofA did not even close down the thieves personal bank account.

(I promise you this is a true story and if you would like names or other info to verify I will supply them, this is just the tip of the iceberg of what I knew due to my ex)

First I want to say I am sorry for what you have gone thru. I lost almost everything I owned to bank fraud and id theft. I also waited too long to file the correct paper work due to misinformation. I can tell you one thing for sure; Bank of America deals with fraud in a way that would shock most people. My ex fianc got involved with the wrong crowd (also main reason we are not together today). I lived in Tempe aka Fraud Capital of USA. I had knowledge of several individual cashing stolen checks at BofA, so I called to report it. The first time I was not taken seriously, since I was no longer an account holder. I called again and again, and finally someone took my information. First I like to mention that one of the easiest targets for thief's are the "holiday checks" most large credit card companies issue them.

Bank of America included as well as MBNA. Right around Christmas time you get about 6 blank checks that are linked to your credit card. A letter inside says use them for extra holiday cash or as gifts. Most customers are unaware of them until they get them in the mail, since they are mailed our automatically. Thieves love these, since they are attached to a credit card they clear automatically.

Thieves will deposit them into their own accounts or fake accounts and withdrawal the money right away. The customer is completely unaware for at least a month since credit card statements are only mailed out monthly. And the whole fingerprint on a check is a joke since a little glue on the fingertips makes that security feature void.

Back to my story. I told BofA about an individual who I knew had deposited one of those stolen checks into their accounts. They would not even start to investigate it unless I gave them more then the thieves' name, which is all they really need to look into something. They required me to give them the Name phone number address current and previous DOB height weight etc. I gave them all of it. I learned later that although this person stole a check out of the mail and knowingly deposited into their account and forged a signature. All BofA did was make the individual repay the 2000 stolen check within two months. No charges were even filed. The best part is the individual (thief) still has a BofA account. BofA does not care it is a joke to them...

I also reported it to the US postal inspector in Phoenix (Carrie Fisher) 4 days later I was the postal inspectors office in phoenix for a meeting with the postal inspector, an FBI agent, the head of Wells Forgo Bank Fraud Division, as well a phoenix task force for fraud. They asked me to this meeting to share what I knew about this group of thieves. They showed me Photos and asked a lot of questions. Although nothing ever happened to the individual that deposited the stolen check. I was able to help get three others locked up. One is serving 12 years in ADOC and the other two only got 3 years.
I think you should also try contacting the postal service if you think your mail was tampered with they seem to care a lot more then the banks and could possible help convince the bank to do the right thing.
I still can't get over the fact the BofA did not even close down the thieves personal bank account.

(I promise you this is a true story and if you would like names or other info to verify I will supply them, this is just the tip of the iceberg of what I knew due to my ex)

First I want to say I am sorry for what you have gone thru. I lost almost everything I owned to bank fraud and id theft. I also waited too long to file the correct paper work due to misinformation. I can tell you one thing for sure; Bank of America deals with fraud in a way that would shock most people. My ex fianc got involved with the wrong crowd (also main reason we are not together today). I lived in Tempe aka Fraud Capital of USA. I had knowledge of several individual cashing stolen checks at BofA, so I called to report it. The first time I was not taken seriously, since I was no longer an account holder. I called again and again, and finally someone took my information. First I like to mention that one of the easiest targets for thief's are the "holiday checks" most large credit card companies issue them.

Bank of America included as well as MBNA. Right around Christmas time you get about 6 blank checks that are linked to your credit card. A letter inside says use them for extra holiday cash or as gifts. Most customers are unaware of them until they get them in the mail, since they are mailed our automatically. Thieves love these, since they are attached to a credit card they clear automatically.

Thieves will deposit them into their own accounts or fake accounts and withdrawal the money right away. The customer is completely unaware for at least a month since credit card statements are only mailed out monthly. And the whole fingerprint on a check is a joke since a little glue on the fingertips makes that security feature void.

Back to my story. I told BofA about an individual who I knew had deposited one of those stolen checks into their accounts. They would not even start to investigate it unless I gave them more then the thieves' name, which is all they really need to look into something. They required me to give them the Name phone number address current and previous DOB height weight etc. I gave them all of it. I learned later that although this person stole a check out of the mail and knowingly deposited into their account and forged a signature. All BofA did was make the individual repay the 2000 stolen check within two months. No charges were even filed. The best part is the individual (thief) still has a BofA account. BofA does not care it is a joke to them...

I also reported it to the US postal inspector in Phoenix (Carrie Fisher) 4 days later I was the postal inspectors office in phoenix for a meeting with the postal inspector, an FBI agent, the head of Wells Forgo Bank Fraud Division, as well a phoenix task force for fraud. They asked me to this meeting to share what I knew about this group of thieves. They showed me Photos and asked a lot of questions. Although nothing ever happened to the individual that deposited the stolen check. I was able to help get three others locked up. One is serving 12 years in ADOC and the other two only got 3 years.
I think you should also try contacting the postal service if you think your mail was tampered with they seem to care a lot more then the banks and could possible help convince the bank to do the right thing.
I still can't get over the fact the BofA did not even close down the thieves personal bank account.

(I promise you this is a true story and if you would like names or other info to verify I will supply them, this is just the tip of the iceberg of what I knew due to my ex)

First I want to say I am sorry for what you have gone thru. I lost almost everything I owned to bank fraud and id theft. I also waited too long to file the correct paper work due to misinformation. I can tell you one thing for sure; Bank of America deals with fraud in a way that would shock most people. My ex fianc got involved with the wrong crowd (also main reason we are not together today). I lived in Tempe aka Fraud Capital of USA. I had knowledge of several individual cashing stolen checks at BofA, so I called to report it. The first time I was not taken seriously, since I was no longer an account holder. I called again and again, and finally someone took my information. First I like to mention that one of the easiest targets for thief's are the "holiday checks" most large credit card companies issue them.

Bank of America included as well as MBNA. Right around Christmas time you get about 6 blank checks that are linked to your credit card. A letter inside says use them for extra holiday cash or as gifts. Most customers are unaware of them until they get them in the mail, since they are mailed our automatically. Thieves love these, since they are attached to a credit card they clear automatically.

Thieves will deposit them into their own accounts or fake accounts and withdrawal the money right away. The customer is completely unaware for at least a month since credit card statements are only mailed out monthly. And the whole fingerprint on a check is a joke since a little glue on the fingertips makes that security feature void.

Back to my story. I told BofA about an individual who I knew had deposited one of those stolen checks into their accounts. They would not even start to investigate it unless I gave them more then the thieves' name, which is all they really need to look into something. They required me to give them the Name phone number address current and previous DOB height weight etc. I gave them all of it. I learned later that although this person stole a check out of the mail and knowingly deposited into their account and forged a signature. All BofA did was make the individual repay the 2000 stolen check within two months. No charges were even filed. The best part is the individual (thief) still has a BofA account. BofA does not care it is a joke to them...

I also reported it to the US postal inspector in Phoenix (Carrie Fisher) 4 days later I was the postal inspectors office in phoenix for a meeting with the postal inspector, an FBI agent, the head of Wells Forgo Bank Fraud Division, as well a phoenix task force for fraud. They asked me to this meeting to share what I knew about this group of thieves. They showed me Photos and asked a lot of questions. Although nothing ever happened to the individual that deposited the stolen check. I was able to help get three others locked up. One is serving 12 years in ADOC and the other two only got 3 years.
I think you should also try contacting the postal service if you think your mail was tampered with they seem to care a lot more then the banks and could possible help convince the bank to do the right thing.
I still can't get over the fact the BofA did not even close down the thieves personal bank account.

(I promise you this is a true story and if you would like names or other info to verify I will supply them, this is just the tip of the iceberg of what I knew due to my ex)

To serve the proper person in the company contact the Secretary of State. They have the information on file for the "agent for service of process" for B of A. This is the person who receives subpoenas. It is that person's specific job to do so. It is also easier on you because you don't have to deal with the people in the branch who have been giving you such a hard time.

When you sign up for Bank of America account, and agree to use that account according to the policies their executives have set in place universally, and give your authorization signature form to further certify YOU AGREE AND WILL ABIDE BY ALL POLICIES.

Checking or Savings accounts both have very long disclosure / agreement forms, and the average consumer does not read those tiny words on them or open them in PDF format online.

yes, that is wrong on the banks part to use technical terms and elongate their actual "layman's terms"

However, their policy of disputing an activity 60 days or less has been in effect since half a century. How does a big multi billion corporation know (or care to know) your medical condition / whether the hospital admitted you or not / etc etc. Your life is unique, and so are your situations (if I can say it in the simplest) and the bank should NOT be obliged to follow your day-to-day life events to make sure someone does not steal your checks and forge your signatures.

Policies are set in place to make sure the system operates optimally and remains stable to avoid chaotic situations. If they were not in place, none of the banks would ever exist.

Everyone is human, even those computers at the bank that tell you how much is in your account were programmed by and maintained by humans.

Just because you have been tricked by your relative who had access to your personal account information does not give you full bashing rights on the bank. IT operated rightfully and had to follow the policies it has in place.

Thanks for the supportive post...

Legal action is still pending and my lawyer has advised me I cant comment. If the legal system fails ! I will be be telling my story online, newspapers, and I have a few offers to tell my story on television.

I will not go quitely into the dark !!!!!!

I just dusted off my protest sign and thanks for the post in support of this injustice !!!

After reading this article, I think you are indeed in the right, and Bank of America is wrong. I'm going to have my mother close here checking, and savings account with Bank of America. It is unbelievable that the people you bank with are supposed to be the people you trust, however it looks like Bank of America only looks to its own interest, and not others. There is one thing I do know: Bank of America will lose more money by people closing and or moving account to different banks, rather then resolve the issues when it first was presented by you. I hope you find restitution in all this. Houston Texas -

I banked with B of A for 13 years and about 5 years ago their customer service became atrocious making banking errands difficult. Any discussion or trying to resolve problems resulted in amazing rudeness,ignorance, and complete unwillingness to solve problems. These banking problems happened at the Bank of America on San felipe in houston texas.

Moved my money up the street and it is HEAVENLY. They treat my 75 year old mom and 102 year old grandma like millionaires or queens.

I run a catering co and my independent contractors who have b of a are always having nit picky problems depositing and cashing checks - sheesh! boy is b of a a problem


sorry, allowing you to give a competitors name would instigate others to just file against their competition, to only come back later to suggest their company your comments on this policy are welcome! CLICK here to see why Rip-off Report, as a matter of policy, deleted either a phone number, link or e-mail address from this Report.

I've been BOA customer for the past 7 years and have about the same amount of fund kept in the accounts as that was lost in this unfortunate incident. Over the years I have been dealing with 3 different banks, Wells Fargo, BOA, and Washington Mutual and improper problems occasionally raise when dealing with these large banks, with free checking account being CHARGED a checking account fee for no good reason (can usually be fixed by going to the branch) made top of the frequent problem lists.

From my experience, you do need to monitor your accounts very closely or risk losing money from unauthorized payments, both from total strangers and from the banks themselves!

My concern is that I'm starting a business soon and would require a TRUSTWORTHY bank that could take care of my account while I'm GONE aboard on a business trip and won't have online access for months at a time. I would require passionate customer service and a peace of mind of total protection among other things and I do believe now that BOA can not deliver the qualities I'm seeking. After this business trip I'll put out my 30k+ investments and close most of my accounts with them accept one because of ATM convenience sake (and I think you should do the same thing too if you've been reading this post).

Most of my problems with BOA are considered minor but I have to say that the worst thing about this bank is how uneducated, rude, unknowledgeable the people who work in this company are. It's extremely frustrating to deal with them once there is a problem and most of the time they would give you a totally wrong information and then account you resposible for it by citing the disclosures and that you should read more carefully! Also those BOA employers who responsed to this post are totally LOWER THAN STADARD. Sure if you've showed off all those guidelines to cheat the guy off his 30K but where is the term HIGHER STANDARD for that? Don't you suppose to exceed the customer's expectation, such as in this case, work with him willingly to restore his losses? Nope from what i think, THEY'RE LOWER THAN STANDARD and totally do not live up to all the claims.

BOA have lost my business and also all of my business partners', whose money made up of more than you can ever imagine. I'll save this post and show it to everyone I know of until justice has been serve to MR. THOMAS.

In this day and age where we are surrounded with so much technology, it seems ultra absurd that check fraud can still take place, I guess the banks dont wanna change the system cause its easy to rip people off such as your self. HAVE A VIDEO CAMERA AND A VOICE RECORDER WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES!!!!!!!! RECORD EVERYTHING, I cannot over stress this, its your best protection against CON ARTISTS LIKE BOA. When the crap hits the fan, you have some thing to show for how incompetant the bank and all their staff are.

Wish you the best of luck..

The only time I've ever had any problems with B of A was when I first opened my 2nd account with them. The "senior" officer did the complete oposite of what I wanted him to do. So I decided it was best to go to a complete different branch in the next city over to get it fixed.

But I was wondering, since you have a computer or you (Thomas) would not have filed your case here, why did you never check your account in those 4 months online? I understand you were bed-ridden for a month and under another person's care for that time. Did the people not explain to you that you can check your account online? Even if you only check it once a month (although once per week would be better), it only takes 5 minutes of your time, and its easy to do.

Oh and for those people who said they were going to close their accounts and re-open them some place else, just remember that ALL banks have their faults. I actually had more problems with Wells Fargo (including family members) than I've ever had with B of A.

Its unfortunate that you're having trouble getting your money back, and by the looks of things I really doubt you will. But whom ever you're banking with now, I can't stress this enough, check your account(s) online at least once a month and make a printout of your statement. Update your book with your current balance. Go through everything and make sure its ok. Or you will continue to have problems no matter which bank you choose to go with. Also, you should clean out your computer ("Window Washer" is the best software ever - it does everything for you with one click of the button) after each time you view your accounts. This way, your information can not be recovered from your history by someone else.

I do wish you the best of luck this year with your case. Hopefully something can finally be resolved.

Stile, you seem to have put a great deal of effort into responding to Thomas. Reading it, I was impressed that your arguments seemed to be fair and balanced.

However, in my experience, the one fatal flaw in it is this comment :

"You do realize that if a bank refused to work within federal guidelines it would quickly find itself without a charter.".

Banking these days can be a very risky experience. Things have changed over the years and the average person who is busy trying to make a living is unaware that business has become in the words of one author rather "seamy". My choice of words would have been shady, and this is because so many in corporate America have chosen to dwell in a grey area. Rather than simple right & wrong.

We were taught that when lawyers begin running the way a company responds to customers trouble is brewing. That is a result of decisions being made on if a dispute is "winnable" rather than "right thing". In the old days it was said if an unhappy customer is left unsatisfied they will tell about 7 other people whereas a happy customer will tell about 3. With technological changes, an unhappy customer has the potential to reach millions of people. When the OCC began preempting state laws, the state regulations that have long been a safe buffer to keep disputes from escalating to a public relations nightmare were removed. Since the customer does not have the resources to spend millions in court defending themselves, every dispute became "winnable" because of the unlevel playing field. The ripoff report is the most helpful area to actually give the people a hope of getting out the facts of the dispute.

In the old days, the local bank would have been right in step helping Thomas in any way possible, because they would not have wanted other customers to feel they just "gave his money away" to parties unentitled to taking it. Here though is a clear case of the bank choosing not to cooperate with a customer and law enforcement.

Bank of America closed an account of a customer and kept around $50,000.00 of the victim's money. It was revealed in court when asked why the simple reality was "Because we can". When I had a dispute that was brought to the attention of executives that retired banker friends said Bank of America could not legally do, I was told "We have our ways". Those two situations are something that if a person used your assurance that banks would quickly find themselves without a charter is false. What they did find themselves was going from a little bank to the fourth most profitable company in the world per a 2005 Fortune article.

The OCC is simply unable to quickly assist people. For years they will accept whatever the banker says, until eventually some flap to nasty to ignore moves them to do otherwise. In the interim, families are often destroyed, reputations and futures cut off from hope or quality of life. Thomas most likely had need for his money in medical necessity matters. To not help him achieve that, to act as an obstructionist to that goal rather than partner, if he had died would then it have not been assisted in some part by the company? These things require careful thought by the Congress, Senate, and now U.S. Supreme Court. Until then we have ripoff report. Many reports that go to other agencies such as the FTC and others, merely fall into a broken system that is swamped by too many complaints and too few resources to investigate.

Good luck to all and I pray some day corporate disputes will return to the kinder, gentler days of mutual cooperation. Rather than the dog-eat-dog, rat-eat-customer, currently nasty climate.

I'm very sorry this happened to you Thomas, and hope everything works out for the best. I can't imagine how it would be to come out of the hospital and find this mess. I've been in the hospital before and I know that when you are let out, you are NOT all better and looking at your bank statement, which you thought was safe, is not the first priority.
Mainly, I don't know why everyone is so concerned about YOU going after the check thieves, (which you repeated say you did anyway). Personally, I think B of A should pay you back for thier mistakes - all FORTY TWO of them, (banks "NEVER" check signatures? On what planet?). Then B of A can go after the thieves - the ones who duped THEM.
I find it interesting that no real company representative has bothered to respond. Oh, and Amy, maybe customer "SERVICE" is not the best field for someone like you.

Bank of America should provide some restitution for your losses. I was once hospitalized out of state without access to any of my banking accounts. I was basically out of the loop for about 45 days as the hospital did not allow patient internet access.

Because of your experience, I've closed my BOA Savings and transferred all funds to a more secure online bank. BOA's failure to address your issue will cause many people to rethink about BOA's ability to safeguard customer funds.

Tip: I keep the free checkings open and always keep an "invisible" $200 in the account to prevent any incidental overdrafts. I must admit that BOA's free Bill Pay program is exceptional.

"I don't know how much of what Thomas said is true, but I do in fact know that Bank Of America ripped him off or he would not be going through this much trouble."

Thomas' family member and her boyfriend ripped him off, and the bank is working within established rules regarding the situtation. Whether or not the bank has ripped him off is a matter for a trier of fact.

"In may be "federal regulations" but the truth of the matter is he does not have to keep an eye on his account all the time. He is right in saying his money should be safe with the bank. I think because it was a larger amount of money is the reason they are giving him a hard time. If it were one check for a small amount they would not hesitate in giving the money back, am I right"

No, you're wrong. It doesn't matter whether its $20 or $20K, the bank will work within its regulations to assist you. If you don't practice due diligence with regards to maintaining your account, then you may be liable for failure to do so. Incidentally, it seems you're saying that the bank should ignore the federal regulations with regards to this issue. You do realize that if a bank refused to work within federal guidelines it would quickly find itself without a charter.

"This is clearly unjust. I no longer wish to bank with Bank of America and I hope others who read this will also choose a different bank. They are wrong in doing thier customers this way."

I think we all agree that what has happened to Thomas is truly unfortunate. The issue, however is that it is his family member that has stolen from him and this wasn't reported to the bank within the required time frame. This now ties the bank's hands. And if you think Bank of America is the only one who works this way, you are incorrect. I would suggest you get a copy of your bank's deposit agreement and look up check disputes. I bet you'll find identical language stating that for non-electronic dispute that there is a 60 day window.

"You can how they treat thier customers just by the way one of the employees "Amy" gets on her with her bad attitude critizing someone. You really didn't have to be so rude."

Amy's words were poorly chosen, and her attitude doesn't represent Bank of America well. But, honestly, if you read employee rebuttals on this site you'll find that very few are reasonable responses. I've read far worse than Amy's response.

"Thomas, I hope you get everything you deserve out of this!! Good luck!!"

I agree. I hope he is able to work with the police department and throw his relative and her boyfriend in jail since they are the ones who committed the check fraud. I hope he is able to recover at least some of his funds from them, if not all.

"I don't know how much of what Thomas said is true, but I do in fact know that Bank Of America ripped him off or he would not be going through this much trouble."

Thomas' family member and her boyfriend ripped him off, and the bank is working within established rules regarding the situtation. Whether or not the bank has ripped him off is a matter for a trier of fact.

"In may be "federal regulations" but the truth of the matter is he does not have to keep an eye on his account all the time. He is right in saying his money should be safe with the bank. I think because it was a larger amount of money is the reason they are giving him a hard time. If it were one check for a small amount they would not hesitate in giving the money back, am I right"

No, you're wrong. It doesn't matter whether its $20 or $20K, the bank will work within its regulations to assist you. If you don't practice due diligence with regards to maintaining your account, then you may be liable for failure to do so. Incidentally, it seems you're saying that the bank should ignore the federal regulations with regards to this issue. You do realize that if a bank refused to work within federal guidelines it would quickly find itself without a charter.

"This is clearly unjust. I no longer wish to bank with Bank of America and I hope others who read this will also choose a different bank. They are wrong in doing thier customers this way."

I think we all agree that what has happened to Thomas is truly unfortunate. The issue, however is that it is his family member that has stolen from him and this wasn't reported to the bank within the required time frame. This now ties the bank's hands. And if you think Bank of America is the only one who works this way, you are incorrect. I would suggest you get a copy of your bank's deposit agreement and look up check disputes. I bet you'll find identical language stating that for non-electronic dispute that there is a 60 day window.

"You can how they treat thier customers just by the way one of the employees "Amy" gets on her with her bad attitude critizing someone. You really didn't have to be so rude."

Amy's words were poorly chosen, and her attitude doesn't represent Bank of America well. But, honestly, if you read employee rebuttals on this site you'll find that very few are reasonable responses. I've read far worse than Amy's response.

"Thomas, I hope you get everything you deserve out of this!! Good luck!!"

I agree. I hope he is able to work with the police department and throw his relative and her boyfriend in jail since they are the ones who committed the check fraud. I hope he is able to recover at least some of his funds from them, if not all.

"I don't know how much of what Thomas said is true, but I do in fact know that Bank Of America ripped him off or he would not be going through this much trouble."

Thomas' family member and her boyfriend ripped him off, and the bank is working within established rules regarding the situtation. Whether or not the bank has ripped him off is a matter for a trier of fact.

"In may be "federal regulations" but the truth of the matter is he does not have to keep an eye on his account all the time. He is right in saying his money should be safe with the bank. I think because it was a larger amount of money is the reason they are giving him a hard time. If it were one check for a small amount they would not hesitate in giving the money back, am I right"

No, you're wrong. It doesn't matter whether its $20 or $20K, the bank will work within its regulations to assist you. If you don't practice due diligence with regards to maintaining your account, then you may be liable for failure to do so. Incidentally, it seems you're saying that the bank should ignore the federal regulations with regards to this issue. You do realize that if a bank refused to work within federal guidelines it would quickly find itself without a charter.

"This is clearly unjust. I no longer wish to bank with Bank of America and I hope others who read this will also choose a different bank. They are wrong in doing thier customers this way."

I think we all agree that what has happened to Thomas is truly unfortunate. The issue, however is that it is his family member that has stolen from him and this wasn't reported to the bank within the required time frame. This now ties the bank's hands. And if you think Bank of America is the only one who works this way, you are incorrect. I would suggest you get a copy of your bank's deposit agreement and look up check disputes. I bet you'll find identical language stating that for non-electronic dispute that there is a 60 day window.

"You can how they treat thier customers just by the way one of the employees "Amy" gets on her with her bad attitude critizing someone. You really didn't have to be so rude."

Amy's words were poorly chosen, and her attitude doesn't represent Bank of America well. But, honestly, if you read employee rebuttals on this site you'll find that very few are reasonable responses. I've read far worse than Amy's response.

"Thomas, I hope you get everything you deserve out of this!! Good luck!!"

I agree. I hope he is able to work with the police department and throw his relative and her boyfriend in jail since they are the ones who committed the check fraud. I hope he is able to recover at least some of his funds from them, if not all.

"I don't know how much of what Thomas said is true, but I do in fact know that Bank Of America ripped him off or he would not be going through this much trouble."

Thomas' family member and her boyfriend ripped him off, and the bank is working within established rules regarding the situtation. Whether or not the bank has ripped him off is a matter for a trier of fact.

"In may be "federal regulations" but the truth of the matter is he does not have to keep an eye on his account all the time. He is right in saying his money should be safe with the bank. I think because it was a larger amount of money is the reason they are giving him a hard time. If it were one check for a small amount they would not hesitate in giving the money back, am I right"

No, you're wrong. It doesn't matter whether its $20 or $20K, the bank will work within its regulations to assist you. If you don't practice due diligence with regards to maintaining your account, then you may be liable for failure to do so. Incidentally, it seems you're saying that the bank should ignore the federal regulations with regards to this issue. You do realize that if a bank refused to work within federal guidelines it would quickly find itself without a charter.

"This is clearly unjust. I no longer wish to bank with Bank of America and I hope others who read this will also choose a different bank. They are wrong in doing thier customers this way."

I think we all agree that what has happened to Thomas is truly unfortunate. The issue, however is that it is his family member that has stolen from him and this wasn't reported to the bank within the required time frame. This now ties the bank's hands. And if you think Bank of America is the only one who works this way, you are incorrect. I would suggest you get a copy of your bank's deposit agreement and look up check disputes. I bet you'll find identical language stating that for non-electronic dispute that there is a 60 day window.

"You can how they treat thier customers just by the way one of the employees "Amy" gets on her with her bad attitude critizing someone. You really didn't have to be so rude."

Amy's words were poorly chosen, and her attitude doesn't represent Bank of America well. But, honestly, if you read employee rebuttals on this site you'll find that very few are reasonable responses. I've read far worse than Amy's response.

"Thomas, I hope you get everything you deserve out of this!! Good luck!!"

I agree. I hope he is able to work with the police department and throw his relative and her boyfriend in jail since they are the ones who committed the check fraud. I hope he is able to recover at least some of his funds from them, if not all.

Dateline doing a feature on Thomas would be nice. However, one victim of an insurance scam was featured on 60 minutes. After the five minutes of fame blew over, he still was unable to afford to buy a transcript of a hearing because it was $30,000.00

What is required is the Rulemaker, in this case, Mr. Dugan, to understand that the bankers are being less than forthright with him. So far he has believed their spin to the point of trying to preempt the rights of each state attorney general to enforce the law. Unfortunately when you grow as fast as BAC did, you should be nice to people and not steal from them. Because in the event that you ever slip and fall of your high horse, they will be the same people you will have to face on the tumble down. Or put another way, climbing up by sticking your boot in the people's face is not fun crawling down past those same people.

An old man with the deed to his home (basically his whole life savings) is trying to get information from Merrill Lynch keeps giving loans to his tenants for several hundred thousands of dollars. They don't talk either, and that is because one of the lawyers said they were too busy because the scam is going on nationwide! Merrill used to be a good company but seems like Mr. Lewis has assured every other banker that they did far worse & never got in trouble. Again sorry you were ripped off Thomas. But until Mr. Dugan and our President realizes THEY have been ripped off by wolves parading in lambs camouflage, we are all kinda toast to any rights to our own cash or property.

Thomas in Shoreline, Washington what do you have to lose? Send your story to dateline@nbc.com ASAP! Make sure you include the links to the News coverage done on your story. You have to reach a huge viewing audience! Hell after all of the overdrafts fees they made on everyone with comments on this board that can cover the $29,915.00 you lost.

Now Now Amy you better watch how you treat people that have been taken advantage of. You will get your day.... Kharma sucks! Your insensitivity and lack of compassion is nothing I would ever want in an employee working for any business that handles MY CASH. I currently have an account with BOA ( s***k OF AMERICA) and like many on this forum I am closing my account. There are just too many complaints on this site regarding this business. Just the fact that this business handles their affairs with such a cold heart is a turn off. I wish this gentlemen all the luck in the world! I encourage you to use all the resources and do not let them get away with this! Keep pressing and pressing! You can see other complaints regarding s***k OF AMERICA at bankrate.com as well. Go as PUBLIC as you can on this and create as much noise as you can.

I am so very sorry to hear what you are going through. I am a current Bank of America customer and did have an experience where unauthorized withdrawals were made on my account. This caused my account to become VERY negative when all the checks I had written for my monthly bills went through. I did notice this almost immediately as I check my account online at least once a week. I didn't get very far with the people on the phone but when I went into my local branch they were very helpful and within 10 days all the money was back into my account as well as the money for any returned check charges I had incurred. They were also very helpful in setting up a new account so that any further attempts to withdraw from my old account would not be successful. I hope that you are eventually able to recover what has been stolen from you and is rightfully yours. But, please remember that while the bank in your neck of the woods is very, very wrong there are some good branches of Bank of America out there. The way they handled my situation has made me a loyal customer for life.

I don't know how much of what Thomas said is true, but I do in fact know that Bank Of America ripped him off or he would not be going through this much trouble. In may be "federal regulations" but the truth of the matter is he does not have to keep an eye on his account all the time. He is right in saying his money should be safe with the bank. I think because it was a larger amount of money is the reason they are giving him a hard time. If it were one check for a small amount they would not hesitate in giving the money back, am I right? This is clearly unjust. I no longer wish to bank with Bank of America and I hope others who read this will also choose a different bank. They are wrong in doing thier customers this way. You can how they treat thier customers just by the way one of the employees "Amy" gets on her with her bad attitude critizing someone. You really didn't have to be so rude. Thomas, I hope you get everything you deserve out of this!! Good luck!!

I don't know how much of what Thomas said is true, but I do in fact know that Bank Of America ripped him off or he would not be going through this much trouble. In may be "federal regulations" but the truth of the matter is he does not have to keep an eye on his account all the time. He is right in saying his money should be safe with the bank. I think because it was a larger amount of money is the reason they are giving him a hard time. If it were one check for a small amount they would not hesitate in giving the money back, am I right? This is clearly unjust. I no longer wish to bank with Bank of America and I hope others who read this will also choose a different bank. They are wrong in doing thier customers this way. You can how they treat thier customers just by the way one of the employees "Amy" gets on her with her bad attitude critizing someone. You really didn't have to be so rude. Thomas, I hope you get everything you deserve out of this!! Good luck!!

I don't know how much of what Thomas said is true, but I do in fact know that Bank Of America ripped him off or he would not be going through this much trouble. In may be "federal regulations" but the truth of the matter is he does not have to keep an eye on his account all the time. He is right in saying his money should be safe with the bank. I think because it was a larger amount of money is the reason they are giving him a hard time. If it were one check for a small amount they would not hesitate in giving the money back, am I right? This is clearly unjust. I no longer wish to bank with Bank of America and I hope others who read this will also choose a different bank. They are wrong in doing thier customers this way. You can how they treat thier customers just by the way one of the employees "Amy" gets on her with her bad attitude critizing someone. You really didn't have to be so rude. Thomas, I hope you get everything you deserve out of this!! Good luck!!

I don't know how much of what Thomas said is true, but I do in fact know that Bank Of America ripped him off or he would not be going through this much trouble. In may be "federal regulations" but the truth of the matter is he does not have to keep an eye on his account all the time. He is right in saying his money should be safe with the bank. I think because it was a larger amount of money is the reason they are giving him a hard time. If it were one check for a small amount they would not hesitate in giving the money back, am I right? This is clearly unjust. I no longer wish to bank with Bank of America and I hope others who read this will also choose a different bank. They are wrong in doing thier customers this way. You can how they treat thier customers just by the way one of the employees "Amy" gets on her with her bad attitude critizing someone. You really didn't have to be so rude. Thomas, I hope you get everything you deserve out of this!! Good luck!!

There is legal action pending against Bank of America I can not comment at this time.. Sorry

Thomas, I'm so sorry this has happened to you. I just wanted to see where you are with this now. However, I'm not quite clear on something: Do you know WHO passed those fraudulent checks? Have you filed a police report? Have they been arrested? Forgive me if you've already answered that. I just couldn't get a grasp on that between all the insults everyone seems to be throwing at each other on this site. Please update us and let us know if the police ever arrested the people who actually spent your money. Best of Luck.

Last I heard you spoke to a few attorneys? I gather you didnt hire one since your still talking here. If you didnt, I highly suggest you stop fighting with the employees here of BOA, as their just stalling you instead of letting you do the right thing. The statute of Limitations clock is running out and the more time wasted here instead of getting someone with the experience needed to fight BOA, the better chance BOA will win. Once that happens, their really wont be any chance of getting any money back.

First of all, my heart goes out to you. I hate a thief. I really do. I just cannot believe that you have been through all of this!

I bank with BofA here in TX. Generally, they have been indifferent to me. Usually when I have a problem (any problem of mine is minor compared to being ripped off 30K!) they normally take care of it. There was one time that the 800# customer service people wouldn't help me. I went into a branch and the manager helped me. Anyway, I am having an issue with another company, not to mention any names (USA Credit, USA CDT, Platinum USA) and since that company will not refund my money, I am counting on BofA to honor the stop pay I placed the day that I was ripped off. I'm sure they will credit me the money and force that other company to pony up, which it looks like they do frequently.

Anyway, I know you have litigation pending, but have you considered contacting any of the NATIONAL media outlets? Shows like Datelime, Primetime Live, etc? They LOVE stories like this. I'd bet their investigative reporters would be all over it. I don't know what you can do if your case is pending, but national exposure wouldn't hurt!

BofA has been good to me, but then again I have never put 30K in their hands. I sincerely hope they pull their heads out and do the right thing. I would be disappointed to know that I bank with an organization that doesn't live up to it's own slogan.

Good luck to you, friend. I hope like hell they catch the a$$holes that stole your money in the first place!

I am a previous Bank employee from Arizona. I worked in the Credit Card Fraud dept. I am sorry that the bank is giving you the run around. You truly deserve you money back! The reason for my response is: previously being a bank employee I know that the bank hires several employees to "protect" the bank's image. I can't say for certain, but I am sure one of those people has had access to read your complaint. Trust me, no one but a bank employee is going to defend the bank in that type of manner. Would you go through that much trouble to defend a company? Probably not. The bank trys to protect it's secure image from all angles. I wouldn't doubt if one of these idiots gets paid to do this.

In my experience with the Bank...they are not reasonable to work or bank with. To anyone who wants to open an account. Please think twice. It's not worth having an ATM around every corner. Credit unions are much less expensive when it comes to fees or % rate.

I can understand that maybe you don't agree with the things that Lee said. However there is more than one point of view to any topic. You should try to see his side a little. Large banks do treat their customers badly. I bank with a small bank because of that. I dealt with two large banks that would charge me erroneous fees and then give me a hard time about refunding them. I monitor my accounts very closely. The number fees that they charge you to do things with your own money are ridiculous. For you to refer to Lee's money and 'money' is just wrong. Everybody's money kept in a bank is legitimate no matter how small the amount. People place their hard earned money in the bank where it is supposed to be 'safe' only to be charged fees to keep it there. Remember it is that person's money, it does not belong to the bank. You need to put yourself in the shoes of a bank customer before you make comments. I am sure that you bank somewhere. How would you feel if you were the one who was treated badly by your bank?

You read, but don't understand; you look but don't see; and you hear but don't listen. I think the best thing for you to do with your 'money' is keep it in a coffee can.

You know what I'm finding absolutely appalling here? The attitudes of the Bank of America employees defending their company. There was a time when customers were treated like customers...not like numbers. From the time you walk into a BofA - with their fake "Hello, how may I help you today" - to they way they are when you have a complaint, you people are smug, arrogant, jerks. I actually had a woman - Louisa in Ken Lewis's office - chastize me for not having overdraft protection and that "It's not my fault you dont understand the entire contract." You know what...shut the hell up. This guy got ripped off for $30,000 and he's been getting the run around by the d**n bank that is SUPPOSED to be helping him. But instead of saying "Man, that's a shame, have you tried this because maybe that will help you get your money back," you b***h at him for not UNDERSTANDING the contract.

Man, I'm starting to wonder if there's a training film somewhere at BofA headquarters that teaches you how to blame someone fort not having the time to read your 75 page banking contract - which, by the way, is moronic. IThe contract should be this - I give you my money, you hold onto it. When I need some, you give it back to me. Charge me a fee for it and lets call it a day...but no, you need 75 d**n pages just to do that so you can squeeze in so many hidden charges that a normal american can't understand what you charge when.

I gopt news for you BofA employees out to wreck this man's psychie...We aren't bankers, you infintile, pencil pushers...we are YOUR CUSTOMERS who go to Bank of America because you promise us in your ads that you will help us with our money. And, thats the one thing that should NEVER be lost sight of...IT'S OUR MONEY!!! NOT YOURS!!!

Chase Manhattan - formerly Bank One - seems to understand that a little better...and maybe thats why you have SUCH A HUGE listing on this website.

I know I'm being read, but it's good to know someone is actually hearing me.

Thomas, I don't see how it's relevant, but I work for Wells Fargo. We all follow the same rules, you see. Also, re Joe Lopez and his suit against Bank of America for his issue with online banking, if you google "Joe Lopez Bank of America" the first page provides a very interesting analysis of the facts of the case. Essentially, Joe Lopez was the victim of a Trojan horse which allowed a third party access to his online banking login. The article concludes that all the major virus definition providers had the fix for the Trojan he was infected with for at least the past 6 months (over 18 months for Norton antivirus), and therefore Mr Lopez failed to protect himself by running even one virus scan in at least that 6 month period. Since it isn't the bank's responsibility to scan Mr Lopez's computer for him, it is unlikely he will win this case. Enough of that, though. On to your last post.

"You never addressed why there is no original check,picture or video for the last check cashed less then 40 hours before I reported the fraud ?"

Yes, I did. As I stated, when a check is received it is processed, converted to an image, and destroyed. If the check was posted 2 or 3 days prior to you requesting the item, then it was already destroyed by that time. As far as the video, again it's likely recycled several times a week. Moreover, how do you know the video actually showed anything. Your relative could have put their hand over the camera.

The check was posted the 22nd but I am told that it is likely that it was deposited the day before.

"OK so what happened to that check? That one check and ATM picture would be all the police needed to arrest the main forger. "

I've asked this time and again but never had an answer: What is it about the 42 check images that the police find insufficient? Why do they need an original copy of the check? Since an original doesn't exist what do they propose?

"Lets forget all your rules for a moment shall we..."

That's been my point all along. Banks are creatures of rules and regulations. You can't just forget about the rules because you're upset at what's happened. And yes, it is the bank's responsibility to protect your money, but it is also your responsibility to exercise due diligence. Since you failed to do so, you explicitly release the bank from any liability in the matter.

"So much for wasting my time talking to you. No one will convince me what the bank did and did not do to me is ethical."

If no one can convince you of anything, then why do you bother to continue posting arguments as if when your questions are answered you will alter your thinking?

Stile,

You never addressed why there is no original check,picture or video for the last check cashed less then 40 hours before I reported the fraud ?

The check was posted the 22nd but I am told that it is likely that it was deposited the day before.

OK so what happened to that check? That one check and ATM picture would be all the police needed to arrest the main forger.

But this does not matter to you does it. Your not out $30,000 are you?

Lets forget all your rules for a moment shall we...
Yes I am stupid, I trusted the bank of america to keep my money safe. I trusted that they would be interested in helping to prosecute bank fraud also.

But I see that customers are a dime a dozen and that the bank appears to be just as evil as the thieves. In fact the bank of america is help criminals escape justice.

YES I am stupid stile because I still believe in RIGHT and WRONG.

So much for wasting my time talking to you. No one will convince me what the bank did and did not do to me is ethical.

Thanks, Stile

Because of your very infomative, and IMHO very patient, explanations of banking transactions to Thomas, I am more knowledgeable of the banking industry than ever before. Unfortunately, Thomas takes the course of slash/distrust/fire to every one of your comments. I had an uncle, who has since passed away, with seemingly a similar problem. He was diagnosed with dementia and was hospitalized for 40 days, of which he had absolutely *no memory*. During this time, a Circuit Court judge appointed me his guardian because no other relative would take on the responsibility. Mental institutions are not cheap and a lot of his money was spent on his care and rehabilitation. After his meds finally took effect, he also went on a slash and burn tirade against me. As much as he claimed he was going to have me jailed, demanded his money be replaced by the bank, plus get his money returned from the nursing home, everything was ignored by the judge. I requested to be removed as his guardian and the county took over from there. Have we ever been apprised of the reason for Thomas's month of hospitalization?

Give it up, Stile. You're talking to a brick wall. You've been more than patient, yet have insults hurled at you whenever you try to give a reasonable explanation.

"Now when you get down to details ! you might be right but I doubt it. BUT the bank customers and myself would think hey if a forger can avoid a teller and use a ATM to avoid being caught writing forged stolen checks which is what happened in my case. Then it would be a money transfer through a electronic method (ATM) the customer would be covered if there was fraud against the customers account."

No, again you're misunderstanding the definition of an electronic funds transfer. As you said earlier, and EFT is "Any transfer of funds initiated by electronic means, such as an electronic terminal, telephone, computer, ATM or magnetic tape." Technically the funds transfer was initiated by the check being written, and since the check is a paper item, it is not an electronic transfer. The person who initiated the deposit by using an ATM would file an electronic claim if the deposit didn't post to their account, but again because the item is being presented to your account as a paper check, it is not an electronic transfer from your standpoint.

"But what really is happening is there always a bullshit step or two behind that ATM machine that you bankers try to hide behind."

No, it's really quite straightforward. I'm not sure why you're not getting it.

"Your sour excuse of no tapes or pictures or original checks being available is just plain bullshit too.

Lets see you said the following statement below:

(Early on I believe you said you wanted the video tapes, but since you waited longer than 60 days to file a complaint, the tapes don't exist anymore.)"

Since I don't work for BofA, and I've never maintained ATM camera records, I don't know how long those records are kept. Since we're talking about analog media (tapes) I am guessing that they have to be re-used fairly often and are probably recycled at least weekly. Therefore the older tapes you were wanting would have been gone.



"So please stile explain to everyone interested in this case how there could be NO evidence left (ATM pictures,video and original checks)?"

Well, I've explained the pictures and video for the most part, but let me float another possibility. What if the person who was making the deposit made sure to stay out of the camera's field of vision while making the deposit? Then there would be nothing on the tape that would be of any use to you. As far as the original checks, those are scanned into the imaging system and then destroyed immediately. Almost all banks do this. What is it about the copies of the checks from the imaging system that is unacceptable. I find it hard to imagine that all 42 checks are illegible. I could buy 2 or 3 having problems, but all 42?

"Lets just look at the last check forged? less then 2 days before I reported the problem shall we. The customer service person ( name withheld for now)
said they would freeze my account and the 2 accounts that the forgers use to deposit the money into and put stop payment on the last $1200 check.

The bank did nothing !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

And guess what, as per the deposit agreement snippet I posted earlier, the bank WASN'T REQUIRED TO DO ANYTHING. You failed to report multiple unauthorized transactions within 30 days as required by your deposit agreement, and therefore you agree that the bank isn't liable for any of the transactions. At the time, and indeed at this time as well, the bank is restricted from acting without a court order. The bank could not freeze another customer's account without timely proof of wrongdoing which you failed to provide. And a stop payment would be ineffective on a check that had already posted.

"So stile talk all the talk you want BUT people know when they hear the facts... that is pure bullshit that 60 days had pasted. More like 40 hours had pasted........."

How exactly is your deposit agreement bullshit? Everything I've said comes basically straight from your deposit agreement.

"I was a long term customer. About 20 years and I have had loans I paid on time and never even bounced a check. If the bank lies to me and rips me off like this? Then they will do it to anyone."

If someone fails to perform due diligence on their account then why is it the bank's responsibility when something like this happens, especially when the situation is discussed expressly in the deposit agreement.

"I would like to bring up another FACT. If I was protesting and posting online and giving my story like I have been and there were any lies I was telling, The bank would have sued me for slander in a new york minute. Right? What I am saying is facts backed up with documents.............The bank does NOT want this case in front of a judge.."

The fact that this entire site is prefaced as being a site where consumer opinions are expressed basically invalidates any possible libel case. Your opinion can't be considered libel, no matter how much you shout it from the rooftops. But the end result is that you've filed a lawsuit against BofA according to one of your previous updates, and as is your right you'll have it go before a judge. We'll see how well your documents hold up at that point. Since a person with no legal training has pointed out how you're misinterpreting the documents and attempting to employ the wrong sections, I am sure the legal team for BofA will have no problem doing the same.

"Have a nice day stile and thanks again for showing how people can't believe the lies of total security protection and higher standards."

Again, Total Security Protection applies to check card and credit card transactions, not checks. When will you stop using arguments you know to be false?

Stile,or whoever you are? More then likely a BOA employee........A BoA flunky paid to lie and twist words.

I have been waiting for your reply? Please share with everyone what happened to the fraud evidence in my case? Please explian why the bank of america did not freeze the forgers bank of america accounts. Please explian how a forged check less the 2 days old disappears. Please explain how the pictures and videoand original checks disappeared when 22 checks forged were within the 60 days?

Please explian how Bank of America can NOT even figure out which of there bank branches cashed 2 of the forged checks against my account??????

Another thing you forgot is why didn't I check my account balance online? Well 2 reason.

1. My computer was in the shop this whole period. I have the documents to prove it......

2. Online banking in my opinion is not safe and read the story below if you wonder why I say that?

Joe Lopez robbed $90,000 with his Bank of America online account and told by BoA sorry not our problem !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why didn't you warn me about Trojans!
By John Leyden
Published Tuesday 8th February 2005 17:24 GMT
Get breaking Management news straight to your desktop - click here to find out how

A Miami businessman is suing his bank after $90,000 was lifted from his firm's online banking account following a computer virus attack. Joe Lopez, 42, filed suit against the Bank of America in Miami Circuit Court last week alleging that the bank was negligent in failing to protect his account from compromise through known risks, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports.

The case is thought to be the first time a customer has sued a bank over cybercrime losses in the US. It will test the balance of responsibilities between banks and their users over ensuring the security of online banking transactions.

More of this story: search:

I await your replies Stile and by the way which bank do you work for ?????????

Thank you stile...

You offered to try and help and you did a very good job. I am sure any customer will see through your bullshit. You see when I ask a simple question you and other bankers come back with its paper not electronic crap.

Now when you get down to details ! you might be right but I doubt it. BUT the bank customers and myself would think hey if a forger can avoid a teller and use a ATM to avoid being caught writing forged stolen checks which is what happened in my case. Then it would be a money transfer through a electronic method (ATM) the customer would be covered if there was fraud against the customers account.

But what really is happening is there always a bullshit step or two behind that ATM machine that you bankers try to hide behind.

Your sour excuse of no tapes or pictures or original checks being available is just plain bullshit too.

Lets see you said the following statement below:

(Early on I believe you said you wanted the video tapes, but since you waited longer than 60 days to file a complaint, the tapes don't exist anymore.)

OK lets now look at the facts then shall we.

I filed a complaint on dec. 23rd 2004 and now lets go back and look at when the last check was cashed? then look back 30 days, then 60 days

1. last check was forged on dec.22nd 2004
2.look back 30 days from reporting the fraud and there where 11 checks forged.
3 back 60 days as you have stated and within 60 days of reporting the fraud to bank of America there were 22 checks forged.

So please stile explain to everyone interested in this case how there could be NO evidence left (ATM pictures,video and original checks)?

Lets just look at the last check forged? less then 2 days before I reported the problem shall we. The customer service person ( name withheld for now)
said they would freeze my account and the 2 accounts that the forgers use to deposit the money into and put stop payment on the last $1200 check.

The bank did nothing !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So stile talk all the talk you want BUT people know when they hear the facts... that is pure bullshit that 60 days had pasted. More like 40 hours had pasted.........

I was a long term customer. About 20 years and I have had loans I paid on time and never even bounced a check. If the bank lies to me and rips me off like this? Then they will do it to anyone.

I would like to bring up another FACT. If I was protesting and posting online and giving my story like I have been and there were any lies I was telling, The bank would have sued me for slander in a new york minute. Right? What I am saying is facts backed up with documents.............The bank does NOT want this case in front of a judge..

Have a nice day stile and thanks again for showing how people can't believe the lies of total security protection and higher standards.

There is always some bullshit that they(BoA) have up there sleves to rip off people like me when in reality the bank is trying to just hide the facts and evidence and hope I go away. sorry I m not going anywhere....

Stay tuned I am far from done. I know the truth shall prevail.

I have notice a new trend lately also. There now prosecuting CEO's and not just the lower level flunkies. Its interesting to see CEO jailed with long prison terms.......and its about time too.

Exactly what is it that you think the bank should be rpoviding, that they are not. Early on I believe you said you wanted the video tapes, but since you waited longer than 60 days to file a complaint, the tapes don't exist anymore.

What else are you looking for? This isn't really clear in your postings.

Exactly what is it that you think the bank should be rpoviding, that they are not. Early on I believe you said you wanted the video tapes, but since you waited longer than 60 days to file a complaint, the tapes don't exist anymore.

What else are you looking for? This isn't really clear in your postings.

Exactly what is it that you think the bank should be rpoviding, that they are not. Early on I believe you said you wanted the video tapes, but since you waited longer than 60 days to file a complaint, the tapes don't exist anymore.

What else are you looking for? This isn't really clear in your postings.

Exactly what is it that you think the bank should be rpoviding, that they are not. Early on I believe you said you wanted the video tapes, but since you waited longer than 60 days to file a complaint, the tapes don't exist anymore.

What else are you looking for? This isn't really clear in your postings.

I hope the criminal case is moving forward BUT the refusal from the bank to supply evidence is certainly not helping anything and I hope that some where down the line the RCW washington state law that states that any bank employee withholding evidence is used.

RCW 30.12.100
Destroying or secreting records -- Penalty.

Every officer, director or employee or agent of any bank or trust company who, for the purpose of concealing any fact or suppressing any evidence against himself or herself, or against any other person, abstracts, removes, mutilates, destroys or secretes any paper, book or record of any bank or trust company, or of the director, or of anyone connected with his or her office, is guilty of a class B felony punishable according to chapter 9A.20 RCW.

I hope the criminal case is moving forward BUT the refusal from the bank to supply evidence is certainly not helping anything and I hope that some where down the line the RCW washington state law that states that any bank employee withholding evidence is used.

RCW 30.12.100
Destroying or secreting records -- Penalty.

Every officer, director or employee or agent of any bank or trust company who, for the purpose of concealing any fact or suppressing any evidence against himself or herself, or against any other person, abstracts, removes, mutilates, destroys or secretes any paper, book or record of any bank or trust company, or of the director, or of anyone connected with his or her office, is guilty of a class B felony punishable according to chapter 9A.20 RCW.

I hope the criminal case is moving forward BUT the refusal from the bank to supply evidence is certainly not helping anything and I hope that some where down the line the RCW washington state law that states that any bank employee withholding evidence is used.

RCW 30.12.100
Destroying or secreting records -- Penalty.

Every officer, director or employee or agent of any bank or trust company who, for the purpose of concealing any fact or suppressing any evidence against himself or herself, or against any other person, abstracts, removes, mutilates, destroys or secretes any paper, book or record of any bank or trust company, or of the director, or of anyone connected with his or her office, is guilty of a class B felony punishable according to chapter 9A.20 RCW.

I hope the criminal case is moving forward BUT the refusal from the bank to supply evidence is certainly not helping anything and I hope that some where down the line the RCW washington state law that states that any bank employee withholding evidence is used.

RCW 30.12.100
Destroying or secreting records -- Penalty.

Every officer, director or employee or agent of any bank or trust company who, for the purpose of concealing any fact or suppressing any evidence against himself or herself, or against any other person, abstracts, removes, mutilates, destroys or secretes any paper, book or record of any bank or trust company, or of the director, or of anyone connected with his or her office, is guilty of a class B felony punishable according to chapter 9A.20 RCW.

"Stiles,"

It's Stile, no s on the end.

"1. What does total security mean as stated on Bank of Americas website?"

If you search for Total Security Protection on the Bank of America website, you get this as the first paragraph:

Get greater defense against theft, loss, or unauthorized use of your consumer cards. Total Security Protection is automatically available and free for all Bank of America consumer credit cards, Check Cards and Equity CreditLine/Maximizer Visa cards.

So, as you see, Total Security Protection is protection for unauthorized use of your checkcard or credit card, not your checks.


"2. Where does electronic banking not apply to my case as most all of the 42 checked forged against my account were deposited through 8 branches of Bank of America ATM machines.

GLOSSORY ON BANK OF AMERICAS WEBSITE:http://www.bankofamerica.com

Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
ANY transfer of funds initiated by electronic means, such as an electronic terminal, telephone, computer, ATM or magnetic tape."

Here is where you are misunderstanding things. If I make a paper check deposit into an atm and it doesn't post to my account, but it does post to the maker's account, then I dispute it as an electronic transfer because the funds never made it into my account. If, as a depositor, I initiate a deposit through an atm, then that deposit is considered electronic because I am not handing it to an individual, but putting it into a machine. However, when that check goes through to the clearing stage, some item must be presented to the maker's account in order for it to clear. The maker's rights depend on how the check is being processed to clear the account for payment. When the deposited check is presented to your account, it is being processed as a paper item, therefore the check fraud rules apply, as opposed to the check 21 regulations if it were converted to a substitute check, or the NACHA regulations if it were converted to an ACH.

"3. Where does bank of america hide there customer checking account agreement rule book online? I and others would like to refer to it..... ?"

I don't know whether they keep it online or not. There's a branch inside the grocery store by my house, so I stopped in and asked for a copy of the deposit agreement, and then I typed out the relevant section. I'm sure there's a typo or two in there, so you can see it's not copied and pasted.

"4. Stiles you must have over looked this question so I will ask again and please answer the best you can.

Q. You mean to tell me 42 forged checks DON'T fall into a banks circumstances to freeze another account that the forged checks where deposited into ??????????? But buying a couch does????"

I've never worked in Risk management, so I don't know the regulations as far as freezing accounts. From my own experience, I've only seen accounts frozen when they are overdrawn for an extended period, or when deposit fraud (specifically the deposit of empty envelopes, and the withdrawal of non-existent funds from an atm) is occurring. Freezing a check card or credit card is a different story and that is spelled out in the cardholder agreement, which unfortunately I didn't ask for at the branch, so I can't speak to.

In your case, the bank had no reason to suspect the checks were fraudulent in the first place, and you didn't notify the bank within the requisite 30 days for multiple unauthorized transactions from the same perpetrator. Therefore, the bank cannot be held liable according to the deposit agreement, and the only way they would be able to recover your funds would be through court order.

You can hate BofA all you want, but I think you're wasting energy. You should focus on the criminal investigation of your relatives. What's the status of that criminal investigation, given that it's now over a year since the first fraud occurred on your account?

Stiles,

If your trying to help me? Please answer a few question I have.

1. What does total security mean as stated on Bank of Americas website?

2. Where does electronic banking not apply to my case as most all of the 42 checked forged against my account were deposited through 8 branches of Bank of America ATM machines.

GLOSSORY ON BANK OF AMERICAS WEBSITE:http://www.bankofamerica.com

Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
ANY transfer of funds initiated by electronic means, such as an electronic terminal, telephone, computer, ATM or magnetic tape.

3. Where does bank of america hide there customer checking account agreement rule book online? I and others would like to refer to it..... ?


4. Stiles you must have over looked this question so I will ask again and please answer the best you can.

Q. You mean to tell me 42 forged checks DON'T fall into a banks circumstances to freeze another account that the forged checks where deposited into ??????????? But buying a couch does????

Thanks for trying to help me out on these questions stiles.

Stiles,

If your trying to help me? Please answer a few question I have.

1. What does total security mean as stated on Bank of Americas website?

2. Where does electronic banking not apply to my case as most all of the 42 checked forged against my account were deposited through 8 branches of Bank of America ATM machines.

GLOSSORY ON BANK OF AMERICAS WEBSITE:http://www.bankofamerica.com

Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
ANY transfer of funds initiated by electronic means, such as an electronic terminal, telephone, computer, ATM or magnetic tape.

3. Where does bank of america hide there customer checking account agreement rule book online? I and others would like to refer to it..... ?


4. Stiles you must have over looked this question so I will ask again and please answer the best you can.

Q. You mean to tell me 42 forged checks DON'T fall into a banks circumstances to freeze another account that the forged checks where deposited into ??????????? But buying a couch does????

Thanks for trying to help me out on these questions stiles.

I had a similar situation a few years back, but with a different very large bank. A person I was acquainted with wrote about $9500.00 from a bank checking account, and then withdrew about $18500.00 from a credit union account.

This person intercepted the first statement that had a forged check in it, and because of this, the report was beyond 60 days.

The credit union did reimburse me, as the withdrawl was in person (he was 'trusted' up to then by CU employees), and only 10 days prior.

The 60 day rule was in my bank agreement, so they would not take any responsibility. I was extremely lucky, as it turned out my thief was bonded, so an insurance company paid the $9500.00.

So, my point is, all banks have the reporting time limit, and Bank of America is doing what my bank did to me, and any other bank would deny reimbursement also.

Don't close your BoA accounts, or refuse to bank with them. They only did what any bank would; protect assets.

If they are shown negligent in this case, and there is a judgement against them, they will probably pay up rather quickly. However, to tell your boss, ......"hey, I gave the $30,000 back to be nice", is irresponsible. Once a judgement is awarded, it becomes prudent to end the mess.

So, is BoA acting like a bunch of a$s**les? Yes, it is a normal adversarial behavior to be short and seem rude. In fact, the employees probably feel horrible, and a little nervous and shamed.

But should you switch banks? Not because of this situation, as BoA is doing what any bank would. In fact, I am sure once the dust settles from this, policy changes will be made that will secure your accounts even more than before.

They should be more forthcoming with the evidence situation, and I would bet that right now, an archival researcher is preparing an evidence package in response to police requests.

And be prepared, should a settlement be offered, to not discuss any of your case with the public any more.

>Check 21 does apply to me. It states that if I >suffered a loss due to a bank destroing my >original checks I can file a claim.

>Please do your home work on what check 21 is and >what it says:

>It states on the government website that I can >file a coplaint/claim with my bank if I think I >suffered a lose due to check 21. I believe I >have suffered the loss of no evidence for the >police to prosecute the criminals and that is >not all. without a conviction there will be no >restitution order by the judge to repay me as >part of the release from jail.

Check 21 only applies when the receiving bank converts your paper check into an electronic check (called a substitute check) when the submit for payment. In other words, I send a check to my electric company, they take the check to Bank X. Bank X takes the check and converts it to an electronic item when they go to collect payment from my bank. However, if Bank X sends the paper check itself to my bank to collect payment, then it is not check 21. Since Bank of America held both the receiving account and the account from which the check was drawn, the check wasn't converted to an electronic item for the purpose of payment. The checks were destroyed after the items were paid, therefore check 21 doesn't apply.

>Last but not least. What in the hell are you >talking about with the term (FRIENDLY FRAUD)?

I thought I explained it clearly.

>So let me see if I understand you right on this >friendly fraud deal??????

>If I know the persons who wiped out my life >savings its not a crime ?????? and the banks can >ignore it because it was not a total stranger.

No, it is still a crime. The bank cannot ignore the fraud, but likewise they cannot recover the funds from the perpetrator's account until there is a court order since the person is known to you. Friendly fraud is a very real problem in the banking world.

>Stiles, Please look at a bank of america account >rule book. Turn to page 32 and right under the >60 day rule please read the exemption to the >bank of americas 60 day rule.................

>It Says: IF YOU WHERE IN THE HOSPITAL OR ON A >LONG TRIP WE WILL EXTEND THE 60 DAYS. Not may >extend. No might extend, not think about >extending. It says we WILL EXTEND the 60 days to >reimburse me for my lose.

That is exactly what the rule book states on page 33, however the heading this is under is "Electronic Banking Disclosures." Because these were paper checks, they are not electronic items, therefore this section of your deposit agreement doesn't apply. The relevant part of your deposit agreement is on page 43 under "Examining Statements and Reporting Problems."

It states:

You agree that 60 days after we send a statement (or otherwise make it available) is the maximum reasonable amount of time for you to review your statement and report any problem or unauthorized transaction related to a matter shown on the statement. In addition, if you do not notify us in writing of suspected problems or unauthorized transactions within 60 days after we send your statement, or otherwise make is available you agree that you cannot make a claim against us relating to the unreported problems or unauthorized transactions. In addition, if you fail to report an unauthorized transaction on your account within 30 days (or such lesser period as is specified in the state law applicable to your account) following the closing date of the statement containing information about the first unauthorized transaction, we are not liable to you for subsequent unauthorized transactions on your account by the same person.

You'll note two things. First, there is no extension present for being in the hospital for non-electronic transactions, and secondly that if you don't act within 30 days that the bank is not liable for subsequent transactions by the same person.

>So stiles if I lost 1 hundred, 1 thousand or 3 >thousand or 5 thousand or ten thousand I might >have gotten my money back from the bank?????????

Maybe, maybe not. Banks are creatures of regulations and disclosures, and as you see in the reproduced disclosure listed above, they are not in violation of your deposit agreement. They might have written off a small amount in the name of customer goodwill, but the bank is a for-profit institution, and it cannot be responsible if you cannot monitor your account (or assign someone to do it for you if you are incapacitated).

Here's the thing. I don't have any particular love for Bank of America. I am actually trying to help you, even though you don't seem to realize it. You filed this report back in April, and since then you have been barking up the wrong tree. You've been trying to treat these items as electronic when they aren't, and trying to make check 21 apply when it doesn't. You've been quoting irrelevant sections of your deposit agreement. If you pursue this as check fraud, which is what this is, then you will start getting somewhere. Since your deposit agreement states that you are now past the time where the bank can intervene, you need to now pursue this through the criminal courts.

Dear Stile or Bryan...

I am sure your not using your correct name.

You sound just like the Bank of America officials I have spoken with and you have a way of trying to twist words to make the Bank of America look like there in the right to give away my life savings.

You should go into politics because you have that gift of gab to say statements BUT never really answer the question.

I am sure others can see right through your double talk !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And thank you for showing my problem with BoA more clearly to the world.

LETS SEE YOU SAID: There are only very specific circumstances where the bank can freeze a customer's account.

Care to share with us what the circumstances are??

You mean to tell me 42 forged checks DON'T fall into a banks circumstances to freeze another account that the forged checks where deposited into ??????????? But buying a couch does????

Thomas wrote:
Would you wonder if check 21 is a problem in my >case???

Stile answered:
Check 21 has been on the books less than a year, and since it isn't being widely employed by banks across the US, it is possible there may have been a misinterpretation. However, if the bank to which the check was deposited presented the original check to Bank of America, then check 21 doesn't apply.

Stile's you havent been paying attention. All of the 42 checks for a total of $30.000 where cashed at bank of america branches !!!!! Both of the forgers had Bank of America accounts that most all the money was deposited into.

Check 21 does apply to me. It states that if I suffered a loss due to a bank destroing my original checks I can file a claim.

Please do your home work on what check 21 is and what it says:

It states on the government website that I can file a coplaint/claim with my bank if I think I suffered a lose due to check 21. I believe I have suffered the loss of no evidence for the police to prosecute the criminals and that is not all. without a conviction there will be no restitution order by the judge to repay me as part of the release from jail.

Also I have in front of me forms for filing victims compensation. I can't file victims compensation if there is NO conviction in my case.

So you see stile the answer you wrote that YOU would not let me file a claim is really showing your true colors.

Its not up to you to tell a customer he or she CAN'T FILE A CLAIM !!!!!! Your answer should of been ( yes you can file a claim but I think you would not have a chance of collecting......

Last but not least. What in the hell are you talking about with the term (FRIENDLY FRAUD)?

So let me see if I understand you right on this friendly fraud deal??????

If I know the persons who wiped out my life savings its not a crime ?????? and the banks can ignore it because it was not a total stranger.

SO if I know a person that asaults me its not a crime?(sorry thomas you knew him so he can beat you and its not really a assult. Its Friendly Assult..........

If my mother knows who a person is down the street from her house and that person rapes, beats and rob's my mother. Its not a crime because my mother said hi to that person walking to the store a few times? The police say: SORRY MAM its not really rape, robbery and assult because you knew that person lived down the street. !!!!!!!!!!!! Its friendly rape,friendly assult and friendly robbery and that is not a crime.........????????????

Most crimes are by people around the victims but some how its OK in the banking world and you have your own term for it (FRIENDLY FRAUD)!!!!!!!

Stile I must ask you one more thing before waiting to hear your answers on this subjects.

Stile's wrote:The 60 day rule is set by the federal government. After 60 days, the bank cannot legally recover the funds, however the bank may choose to take a loss depending on the situation. I can't imagine many banks writing off 30 grand on a whim.

Stiles, Please look at a bank of america account rule book. Turn to page 32 and right under the 60 day rule please read the exemption to the bank of americas 60 day rule.................

It Says: IF YOU WHERE IN THE HOSPITAL OR ON A LONG TRIP WE WILL EXTEND THE 60 DAYS. Not may extend. No might extend, not think about extending. It says we WILL EXTEND the 60 days to reimburse me for my lose.

Stile's answer me this? Does the rule book not mean what it says? OR Are ALL of Bank Of America customers being lied to?????????

In closing I would like to ask one last thing.

stiles wrote:I can't imagine many banks writing off 30 grand on a whim.

So stiles if I lost 1 hundred, 1 thousand or 3 thousand or 5 thousand or ten thousand I might have gotten my money back from the bank?????????

BUT THIRTY THOUSAND????HELL NO WE WONT PAY AND IT'S JUST BECAUSE WE DONT WANT TO....... SO THOMAS GO AWAY AND STARVE ON THE STREETS BECAUSE WE WILL ONLY INSURE YOUR MONEY IF WE FEEL LIKE WE WANT TO.
BUT YOU LOST YOUR LIFE SAVINGS AND WE THINK YOU HAD TO MUCH IN THE BANK.... BANK OF AMERICA CAN DO WITHOUT YOUR BUSINESS BECAUSE YOU WANT US TO FOLLOW OUR OWN RULE BOOK AND GIVE YOU YOUR MONEY BACK THAT WE DECIDED TO GIVE AWAY TO FRIENDLY CRIMINALS.

DONT YOU UNDERSTAND THOMAS WE HAD A CLOSED MEETING AND WE DECIDED YOU GET SCREEWED BECAUSE WE GAVE AWAY $30.000 OF YOUR LIFE SAVINGS TO CRIMINALS.

NOW THOMAS IF YOU DIDNT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE CRIMINALS WE WOULD HAVE TO USE ANOTHER TERM LIKE ... HOW ABOUT (STRANGER FRAUD) ? YESSSSSSSSS THATS IT. STRANGER FRAUD MEANS that you might have been around someone you didnt know and then if they write fraud checks against your account and we dont check any signatures, see a spending habit change in your account, or anything else we can bullshit you with and call it fraud protection THAT we are not responsible you give you one red cent back.

YES Stranger fraud....

Please let me know just how much money is reimbursable in a fraud case like mine???????

And Please explian to the readers here how much of there money is safe in the BANK ? I am sure we would all like to know when we should stop putting saving into your bank or any other bank and buy gold or open a safety deposit box etc.

STRANGER FRAUD
FRIENDLY FRAUD
HIGHER STANDARDS
TOTAL FRAUD PROTECTION

GET REAL STILES
GET REAL Bank Of rip-off whoever you can of corperate America.

(Is there something really smelly in here? YES)
Is it BoA or rotten fish ????????????

It's my belief that the bank not only has a duty to reimburse Thomas for his losses, they had a duty to protect it in the first place.

I am, as of today, a former B of A customer, thanks to this story. Here's something I found interesting:

My monthly living expenses average about $3500.00. A few months ago, I moved, paid first and last months rent, and bought a new sectional. As a result, that month, my monthly expenses totaled about $5600.00. At the end of the month, I'm sitting in the furniture store, purchasing my new sofa and the sales guy comes back and says "Your debit card is declining."

"What the hell?" I said. I was buying a $1600.00 sofa, which would be more than covered by the $9,000.00 or so in my checking account. (I had just checked the balance.)

Embarrassed, I ask to use the phone, call BofA and they connect me to the fraud department.

"We put a hold on the account because you have exceeded your normal spending habits."

I understood, was relieved that they seemed to be looking out for me. I didn't even complain when he launched into a game of 20 questions before reactivating the account.

But the question here is:

Where the hell was this protection when Thomas was losing his life savings?!?

I can't even buy a sofa with my own debit card but 2 jackasses can rip out some guys life savings and get away with it because the bank will not help the prosecution?

I ask, why isn't bank of america helping Thomas?

AND I ANSWER:

Because B of A PROFITED FROM THIS INCIDENT.

How?

Thomas mentioned earlier, the two bank accounts which his money was transferred to were frozen. They were closed. I highly doubt these accounts had a balance of $00000.00 when they were closed.

B of A employees, before diving into your spiteful, half-coherent, illogical ramblings, answer this question:

WHERE THE HELL IS THE MONEY SEIZED FROM THESE 2 ACCOUNTS? WHY HAS IT NOT BEEN RETURNED TO IT'S RIGHTFUL OWNER?

You seem to like to whip out the rule book and try to apply it to the situation and throw it in this man's face sooo:

WHAT DOES THE RULEBOOK SAY ABOUT MONEY RECOVERED AS PART OF A FRAUD INVESTIGATION? IS IT RETURNED OR DOES THE BANK JUST KEEP IT?!?

It makes perfect sense. B of A wants to keep the money seized from those accounts. So they refuse to provide information on the criminal parties to the police. If they didn't find money in those accounts, what do they have to hide?

SHOW PROOF THAT MONEY WAS NOT RECOVERED WHEN THOSE ACCOUNTS WERE CLOSED.

In closing, I would like to think that my bank would not let a single fraudulent check post to my account. That is the way it should be. These guys posted not 1, not 2, but 42 fraudulent checks. And the bank knows EXACTLY WHO THEY ARE. But because the bank wants to keep the money, they're getting away with it.

Maybe I'm in the wrong business.


P.S. For the hard-headed B of A employees whom probably have short attention spans and didn't read the questions posed earlier, or already forgot about them:

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE MONEY SEIZED FROM THE CLOSED ACCOUNTS USED BY THE CRIMINALS?

WHAT IS THE BANKS LOGIC FOR NOT AT LEAST REFUNDING THE RECOVERED PORTION?

If you can't answer those 2 questions, don't bother replying.

>Would you try to stop payment on the last check >if possible?

If it were possible, yes I expect the bank would have. Not knowing the situation, it's hard to say whether or not it would have been possible.

>Would you freeze the accounts of the peoples who >clearly fordged 42 checks that where deposited >into there accounts?????(banks own words)

There are only very specific circumstances where the bank can freeze a customer's account. It doesn't sound like your case fits one of those possibilities.

>Would you file or help the customer file a police >report????

No. Banks do not hand hold their customers while filing police reports. The bank cannot take one side or the other in a civil or criminal investigation. It can only provide evidence in its possession impartially.

>Would you freeze the pictures, video and orginal >checks that where fordged?????

Video captures from the ATM are not kept indefinately, so they may have already been purged by the time you contacted the bank. Also, the original checks may no longer exist, so the copies are all that is available. What is it about the check copies that you find unacceptable?

>Would you supply any and all evidence to the >police???????

What is it that you believe the bank has that they have not presented.

>Would you laugh at me and say boy oh boy you got >robbed really bad?????

This is a personality issue. I doubt any bank has a policy of laughing at its customers.

>Would you Ignore your own banks account rules >about extending the 60 day reimbursement if in >the hosital or on a long trip.

The 60 day rule is set by the federal government. After 60 days, the bank cannot legally recover the funds, however the bank may choose to take a loss depending on the situation. I can't imagine many banks writing off 30 grand on a whim.

>Would you tell everyone else who asked that it is >indeed electronic banking if a customer uses a >ATM, Phone transfers or bank card. BUT then tell >me its not electronic checking?????????

Deposits made at the ATM count as electronic transfers for the purpose of regulation E, however since you are not the depositor, it is not an electronic transaction for you. For you, this is a check fraud dispute which is not covered by reg E.

>Would you wonder if check 21 is a problem in my >case???

Check 21 has been on the books less than a year, and since it isn't being widely employed by banks across the US, it is possible there may have been a misinterpretation. However, if the bank to which the check was deposited presented the original check to Bank of America, then check 21 doesn't apply.

>Would you let me file a claim for check 21 losses >or hang up on me???????

Since you didn't suffer a check 21 loss, I don't imagine I would let you file a claim for check 21 losses.

Here's the end result. Someone known to you had access to your checking information, and used that information to defraud you. This is not true fraud in the banking world. This is a special case called friendly fraud. In cases of friendly fraud, the bank can never be sure that you weren't party in some way to these transactions. Maybe you and your associates are pulling a scheme, and you've decided to double cross them, how would the bank know? Now, I'm not saying that's the case in your situation, I believe you had no knowledge of what was happening. But the issue is whether or not the bank can intervene, and the answer is no. This is now a criminal matter on the part of the individuals who defrauded you. You will have to recover your funds from them through the courts.

And before you ask, no I am not an employee of Bank of America. I used to be a Reg E Claim officer for a competing bank. Good luck on the criminal proceedings.

Dear Bryan,

You wrote: I realize that the Bank of America representative was not very professional when you spoke to him. However, I'm really confused as to why you place so much blame on the bank and not the person who stole from you.

Bryan, I am doing everything in my power to prosecute the 2 people that wrote the 42 fordged checks against my account !!!!

I have filed four different police reports and have bothered the heck out of those police dept. to arrest the criminals.

Newspaper reporters have spoken with the police and are pushing for action also. I have filed complaints with Senator Cantwell and Murray and there is one thing that stops or delays the arrest and prosecution of the criminals and that is evidence that Bank of America has.

So if anyone has any ideas how to get the police to make arrest and prosecute the fordgers please let me know.

The police say the same thing. (the copies of the fordged check are very poor quality and are not good for evidence. The finger prints on them is just a weak smudge and we cant even read some of the print that was printed on the checks when they where made !!!!!!!!!!

So until the bank gives the police some evidence like video, ATM digital pictures and orginal checks or check 21 standard copies we have a real problem prosecuting.

So Bryan, Your in the banking business and please share with me what steps you would take if you recieved a report of 42 checks being fordged for $30,000 agaist me your customer ?????

Would you try to stop payment on the last check if possible? would you freeze the accounts of the peoples who clearly fordged 42 checks that where deposited into there accounts?????(banks own words)

Would you file or help the customer file a police report????

Would you freeze the pictures, video and orginal checks that where fordged?????

Would you supply any and all evidence to the police???????

Would you laugh at me and say boy oh boy you got robbed really bad?????

Would you Ignore your own banks account rules about extending the 60 day reimbursement if in the hosital or on a long trip.

Would you tell everyone else who asked that it is indeed electronic banking if a customer uses a ATM, Phone transfers or bank card. BUT then tell me its not electronic checking?????????

Would you wonder if check 21 is a problem in my case???

Would you let me file a claim for check 21 losses or hang up on me???????

Yes I am mad at the criminals and I am mad at the Bank of America for giving away my life savings.

The bank of america has failed me. Failed to handle my savings safely.

Higher Standards ??? They must be joking !!!!!


IS YOUR MONEY SAFE AT BANK OF AMERICA???????
MINE WAS NOT !!!!!!!!!!!

yes I am mad at them... Wouldn't you be in my shoes ????????

Thomas

I'm truly sorry to hear what happened to you Thomas. Personally I could not imagine losing that much money, that's almost my annual income. However, I wanted to let you know that the information you quoted from Bank of America's Deposit Agreement and Disclosures is specifically for electronic transactions. In fact, it is refrencing Regulation E, which only applies to electronic transactions, as Amy had mentioned previously.

The reason Bank of America, and most banks for that matter, give 60 days to report fraud on an account is because that's how long they have chargeback rights. Chargeback rights allow the bank to return any fraudulent items to the bank they were deposited into. In addition, most banks have insurance to cover them in case an item is presented within their own branch fraudulently. However, most of these policies to have time limitations as well.

I realize that the Bank of America representative was not very professional when you spoke to him. However, I'm really confused as to why you place so much blame on the bank and not the person who stole from you. At the risk of sounding rude or callous, I'd have to say that your priorities seem out of place. It would be much more beneficial for you to have the police investigate who commited these crimes. They can subpoena the checks written against your account. If I'm not mistaken, Bank of America requires that any non-customer provide a thumbprint when cashing a check. The police can subpoena this information to attempt to identify the person who actually stole your money.

I would hope that the insinuation others have made, that the person who stole money from your account was a friend or relative, is untrue. If it were true, and you chose not to press charges against the person who committed fraud, it would be Bank of America, not you, who was being ripped off. Hopefully this is not the case, and the person who committed this crime will be caught and brought to justice. I also hope you are able to retrieve your money from this person and are able to move on and no longer have to deal with the stress of this situation.

By the way, before you ask, I'm not an employee of Bank of America. I work for another bank and in fact, Bank of America is our main competitor. However, any statements I write are my own opinion and are not necessarily the opinions or views of the institution I work for. I genuinely do wish you good luck in getting this whole mess resolved and I really am sorry to hear that this happened to you.

pete wrote: (Reference was slightly made that he doesn't want to press charges against anyone)

I posted how I have contacted and filed 4 different police reports. Some how when someone doesn't want to see past there own nose and read the facts written they grab one little item and ignore all the other facts.

Amy grabed onto the 60 day rule, but ignored that there is a exemption if on a long trip or vacation the 60 days WILL BE EXTENDED.

This is all on the same page in the banks rule book. You need to read again and see there is a lot of effort I have and continue to put into have the 2 people forging my checks arrested and prosecuted.

I will get the people prosecuted if the bank supplies the evidence !!!!!!!

Come on now pete people can read... There not as stupid as you think..

When where you ever in the hospital for a month? That does not happen without being really sick before and after your stay.

My crime is I trusted my bank manager and the BANK OF AMERICA as a whole.

TOTAL SECURITY PROTECTION ????
HIGHER STANDARDS ?????

WHAT A JOKE.

Hey Pete where do you work and if its not bank of america ? is it related work?

10 day old fish smell really bad... where is that smell really coming from ?????????

Contact Candice heckman a reporter of the Seattle PI newspaper and ask if my story is real.

She has done a lot of back ground research and checked out everything I have said. Candice has also contacted the police departments and detectives involved and assigned to my case. Candice has also contacted the upper ups at the BoA..... Read there remarks...

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/

Pete if you know how to copy and paste you can read candice story in one of my post....

So who are you pete??????????

Here's what I've picked up: Only a couple of responses questioned who fraudulently wrote checks on Thomas's account. Had this happened to me, that would have been my first course of action. Reference was slightly made that he doesn't want to press charges against anyone. So is this it? Go after BofA to make them restore his money, then contact the 'forger' to split the profits? This smells like 10 day old fish.

It's the same as complaints I've read on ROR where someone has a $90 withdrawal from their account three consecutive months, finally discovers it and demands the bank return the money to the account. Don't people ever pay attention to the statemens issued by a bank, whether paper or online? OK, so this consumer was hospitalized for a month. That's only ONE month and had it been reported immediately upon discovery, corrective action most undoubtedly would have been taken. When I go to my bank online for any reason, I peruse the statement even beyond the previous time I've accessed the account. And when current or ex-employees try to explain the process, they get ripped.

Saturday, I will visit my local branch, close my checking and savings accounts, and walk out with my big fat check never to return. And the best part is, they always ask you why you're leaving!

I plan to say "because I don't want to get ripped off like thomas in Shoreline WA. And also, because of rude and unsympathetic employees like "Amy" in Irving, TX, and "Ron" in Jacksonville, FL, whom publicly give the company a horrible image. I'm even going to print out this report and hand it straight to them! If possible, I'd like to obtain Ron's last name from the rep here who used to work with him, so I can reference him whilst cancelling my account. Can you email it to me at Morf0111@hotmail.com ? It would be greatly appreciated.

I think this is the best course of action for anyone cancelling their account due to this atrocity. IF YOU PLAN ON CANCELLING B OF A - DO WHAT I AM DOING.

To Thomas:

My deepest sympathies for your loss. I'm sure at this point the headache hurts as much as the money lost. Keep fighting the good fight and keep us updated, please. After placing myself in your shoes, there's no way I can stay with B of A. I don't know what I'd do if this happened to me.

i have closed my account with bank of america & cancelled my b of a credit card. they are thieves & had made plenty of money off me for their mistakes. union banks are the best cause they are not for profit.

I am relocating to Seattle and had planned on running my business accounts through B of A...

NO LONGER PLANNING NO THAT!!!

In addition I actually have a B of A Credit Card...That get's cancelled tomorrow...

B of A you can kiss my A$$

I am relocating to Seattle and had planned on running my business accounts through B of A...

NO LONGER PLANNING NO THAT!!!

In addition I actually have a B of A Credit Card...That get's cancelled tomorrow...

B of A you can kiss my A$$

I am relocating to Seattle and had planned on running my business accounts through B of A...

NO LONGER PLANNING NO THAT!!!

In addition I actually have a B of A Credit Card...That get's cancelled tomorrow...

B of A you can kiss my A$$