We had a debit card fraud claim denied by WAMU/Chase. After reading other rip off reports with the same exact scenario as ours, it is obvious that WAMU/Chase developed a system in-house to deal with customers with debit card losses.
Personally, I have been a customer of WAMU for over a decade. Although every customer, including those that just signed up, should be treated with respect and dignity.
Due to mail fraud at my father's mailing address, an unauthorized debit card was opened in my father's name. He has been living in a nursing home for the past 7 months, and was unaware of his stolen mail. He has several accounts with WAMU, including checking, savings and money market. The criminals transferred thousands of dollars over the telephone from his money market onto his checking account, and proceeded to make purchases and ATM withdrawals in a one month period, completely cleaning out his accounts and then cancelling the card.
When we were made aware of the events that transpired, we went into the local branch in Miami, Florida and opened a claim. We were lead to believe there would not be a problem, and that we would receive an Affidavit to sign and return, and the funds would be credited back into our accounts.instead, one week later, like the rest of you with the same exact situation, we received the same FORM letter stating that our claim was denied because it was not validated. Furious, I called the fraud department and was literally laughted at on the telephone and made to feel as if we were the criminals. I was told the claim was closed. I was told there was nothing I can do. I was told I couldn't speak to anyone else. We were not going to just walk away from thousands of dollars - my father's entire savings!
I proceeded to go into the bank again in person, and the assistant manager at the Aventura, Florida branch called the fraud department. He said they made an error, that they categorized it as a take over instead of debit fraud, and they would reopen the claim.
I emailed the Aventura manager the next day for status. Although he told me he would personally handle it, he said he would no longer handle it and I need to call the 800 number. I did, and I received more blank responses that were going nowhere. The claim was not reopened, as of today. I asked for a fax for the investigator to send "documentation." I got a wrong fax number. It was a fax for the same "Alex Wilson" mentioned in other rip off reports.
Another bank, Wachovia, actually has surveillance of the suspects making a counter-deposit. WAMU doesn't want to hear about it.
They are violating several Federal statutes, including EFTA. There are laws for this. All of our money should have been provisionally credited by now. It does not appear that it will ever be. They are giving us the run around. I was told by the person at the bank that due to the amount, it may take 90 days. Then, I am told by the fraud department that due to the amount, they can't talk to me, that only a "back room" investigator can reopen the claim and make a decision.
"Back room"? WAMU/Chase has a back room? And, I can't contact the "back room" about my own money that someone STOLE from me?
I am an attorney with the State of Florida.
Be advised that our firm is currently in the process of formulating a lawsuit against WAMU/Chase for their debit card fraud procedures.
Please feel free to comment.
We will keep interested parties informed of a possible future class action.
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