This past weekend, a viral social media trend highlighted an ATM error at Chase banks nationwide. This error allowed people to write fraudulent checks for a large amount of money, and then withdraw cash from those bad checks immediately from a Chase ATM. We’ve seen photos and videos of people lined up at Chase ATMs across the country seeking to take advantage of this “glitch”.
As an organization devoted to uplifting community prosperity with the highest levels of integrity, we have one simple message: This is check fraud, and it has serious consequences. Chase officials have addressed the ATM issue and have also publicly stated that writing bad checks with the hope of getting “free money” from an ATM is check fraud.
The consequences of committing fraud are serious. They include owing significant amounts of money to the bank, having bank accounts locked and frozen – sometimes permanently, and being banned from opening accounts with any bank in the future. People who commit check fraud can also face serious legal consequences, including felony charges.
There is no such thing as “free money” from a bank. Please keep the following tips in mind while banking:
1. There are no “bank errors in your favor”. If you find an erroneous bank deposit in your account, notify your bank right away and do not spend the money. They will take the money back and if you spend that money, you will be expected to pay it back.
2. Do not write checks for money you do not have in your accounts. If you attempt to withdraw money from a bad check, you will have to pay that money back, and your account will be locked, which will prevent you from banking in the future.
3. If it sounds “too good to be true”, it is. Be skeptical of “get rich quick” schemes you see on social media. These “schemes”, “trends”, or “hacks” are scams. If you are looking for financial advice, seek it from trusted professionals at banks, accounting agencies, or social assistance agencies that provide financial services.
4. You can build prosperity while keeping yourself safe from viral scams. We know that many people are seeking to earn more income and are facing a high cost of living. If you need assistance with reducing debt, improving your credit score, building savings, or purchasing a home, our Financial Opportunity Center® staff can assist you with individual coaching, and free classes and workshops. You can learn more at nlen.org/foc and you can contact our FOC team at FOC@nlen.org. Sign up for an individual coaching session at bit.ly/foc_coaching
Be safe, bee healthy, be well, and be aware of these kinds of dangerous “viral trends”. Join us on September 19th for our next free FOC workshop on Understanding and Improving Your Credit Score! RSVP at this link: understandyourcredit.eventbrite.com.
--North Lawndale Employment Network
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