Colonial Platimum Membership - SVM unauthorized rip off by electronic check for $215.40 is same amount as others who have suffered this bank fraud Nationwide

This bank fraud committed appears to be made by a mascarading credit card company. I have never applied to this company for a credit card, nor do I know them, no received any products, mail or services from them.

Thankfully I just leared how to check my bank statements online. I caught a fraudulent and unauthorized withdrawal of $215.40 from my checking account by electronic check within 1 week from the date of activity.

I suspect they got my checking account information by taking my check and bank routing number from a paper check or a pay-by-phone check at some time--possibly an unscrupulous employee who has taken my banking information and used it fraudulently after I made an authorized payment by phone to a legitimate credit card company to avoid a late payment.

Upon seeing the suspicious activity on my online statement, the first thing I did was google the name of the company which appeared on my electronic check next to my name and address. (No additional contact information such as their address or phone number appeared beneath the scam company name on the electronic check. But, the bank later gave me their phone number). I checked out the phone number and it was also fake, but had a recording which places you 17 in line, then does a countdown within 3 minutes to #1 in the phone queue until you get cut off and all goes blank- after giving a web address called (((Redacted)))

After googling the scam name, up popped a list of rip-off reports of similar or identical fraudulent activity by this company with similar sounding names. I saw a red flag when another complainant had been ripped off for the exact same amount of $215.40. I read the editors advice and called my bank immediately (which happened to be within 7 days of the fraud). At first they were not very helpful. They only wanted me to change my account number and did not offer any other help. As the editor suggested, I stood firm in holding the bank accountable for paying out unauthorized electronic checks by demanding the Federal Regulation E form to make a report about the bank and the fraud, and also demanded they immediately investigate, reverse the charges and refund my account. I then talked to a supervisor who agreed on the spot to file a complaint with their bank's fraud dept and without hesitation he agreed to reverse the charges and reimburse my account in full within 2 days.

The bank also suggested I change my checking account information immediately and get new checks. The account was immediatly frozen for paper and electronic check withdrawals. The old bank account number rolls over to serve the new account number for 90 days while I update all my accounts with the new number. I can still use my same debit card. I signed up for a bank service where they notify me by phone anytime a supicious unauthorized attempt is made upon my account before the bank pays it. I can decline the electronic debit by phone anytime the bank calls me.

The bank thought that it would not be long before this company moves from fraudulently using electronic checks to debt card withdrawals which is why the bank account number had to be changed and new checks issued immediately. "They could have drained out your entire account-so we need to take this measure".

Lesson: check your bank statements frequently and notify the bank of any supicious eloectronic withdrawal activity. Even if it is after 90 days, insist the bank take responsibility by asking to utilizie the Federal Regulation E Form and reverse the charges and reimburse your account, as they paid out an unauthorized debit.

Rose
Madison, Wisconsin
U.S.A.

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