Share this @internewscast.com

EVERGREEN, Colo. — As a former journalist, Betsy Rich can usually sniff out a story.

“I was a producer for ABC News, based in London and New York,” Rich said. “I’m a pretty suspicious person. So, I was really surprised when I became the victim of this scam.”

Last month, the Evergreen resident received a text alerting her to fraud on her Chase account. It asked if she had authorized a $1,700 transfer and to respond yes or no.

“And I answered no,” said Rich.

Her phone immediately rang, and the number matched the customer service number on the back of her debit card. The caller knew Rich’s account number, address, and balance, and said someone was actively transferring money out of her account.

“It was very urgent, and he said that it was continuing as we were speaking,” Rich said. “So, I immediately picked up the other phone and called Chase Fraud. It was a 20-minute wait. Their live chat wasn’t available either. And our branch wasn’t open.”

The caller asked Rich to change her PIN or risk losing more money from fraudulent ATM withdrawals. She texted her PIN, and shortly after $10,700 disappeared from her account.

Imposter bank scammers steal $10,000 from Evergreen woman

“When we told Chase — within 15 minutes of the fraud occurring — nothing happened,” she said.

It’s a story all too familiar to Denver7 Investigates: scammers spoof the phone numbers of banks, businesses, and government agencies so that it appears that they are calling from legitimate organizations.

The impostors gain your trust, often with information they have accessed through data breaches.

While lawmakers have been fighting for more consumer protections, federal banking laws currently do not cover wire transfer fraud, a loophole scammers and banks are well aware of.

When Denver7 asked about Rich’s $10,000 loss, a Chase bank representative sent a statement saying in part: “Beware of new contacts asking you for codes, access to your device, or to send them or yourself money in order to prevent fraudulent activity… Chase, other banks, law enforcement, and technology companies won’t ask you to do this, but scammers will.”

Rich received a letter denying her fraud claim from Chase Bank, which she called insulting.

“It says, ‘We are denying your claim because we determined that the items being disputed were authorized.’ No, they weren’t! ‘Or you received a benefit from the item.’ You stole my money. That’s ridiculous,” said Rich.

While the bank did return $1,700 in wire transfers, she is out $9,000 that was supposed to pay for her hail-damaged roof.

Why her bank wouldn’t raise a red flag about a large, out-of-character wire transfer — “I’ve never made a wire transfer to another person that I know of,” she said — is a question the former journalist is asking everyone she can think of.

“There’s a lot that could be done to protect consumers and no one’s doing it. And that’s a shame,” she said.

investigates-banner.png

Denver7

Got a tip? Send it to the Denver7 Investigates team

Use the form below to send us a comment or story idea you’d like the Denver7 Investigates team to check out. You can also email investigates@Denver7.com or call our newsroom at 303-832-0200.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Police Report: Couple Accused of Abusing and Starving 4-Year-Old Who Passed Away

Background: The courthouse in Palmer County, Alaska (Google Maps). Insets (left to…

“Teen Streams Live After Using Car to Kill Two Girls”

A 17-year-old New Jersey boy allegedly livestreamed on YouTube a day after…

Parents Accused of Fatally Abusing 10-Year-Old Child: Police Report

Inset left to right: Jonathan Miranda and Christina Miranda (Bexar County Jail).…

Tragic Accident: 7-Year-Old Boy Loses Life After Getting Head Caught in Car Window; Mother Discovered Unconscious

A Georgia woman is behind bars after police say her 7-year-old son…

Man Reveals Location Where He and Army Friend Disposed of Dismembered Roommate: Police Report

Background: Rainor Joiner is seen in footage allegedly showing New Mexico officers…

Diddy Writes Apology Letter to Judge Before Sentencing Day

In a desperate attempt to reduce his time in prison, disgraced rap…

Man Accused in Fatal Gangland Shooting Incident in Sydney’s West

A man has been charged for his alleged role in the fatal…

Intruder Assaulted After Breaking Into MMA Fighter’s Home: Authorities Report

Inset: Austin Caresani (Broward County Sheriff”s Office). Background: The intersection where Caresani…

Man Allegedly Kills Grandmother During Dispute Over Laundry Methods: Police Report

Inset: Isaiah William Langkiet (Sedgwick County Jail). Background: The Kansas home where…

Police Report: Woman Attempts to Run Over Teen

Share copy link Background: The Smith County Jail in Tyler, Texas (Google…

Teen Tragically Calls for ‘Mom’ During Fatal Kitchen Stabbing

A 16-year-old boy found dead on Monday was shot and stabbed by…

Convicted Mushroom Poisoning Suspect Plans to Appeal Verdict

Mushroom murderer Erin Patterson will appeal her convictions but she has been…