Consumer complaint received 2024-04-04
Product: Checking or savings account — Checking account
Issue: Managing an account — Problem using a debit or ATM card
Company: JPMORGAN CHASE & CO. (IL)

On XX/XX/24 an unknown person ( s ) used my debit card information to make {$2300.00} worth of purchases at XXXX XXXX 's. These purchases were made in increments of approximately {$100.00} multiple times. XXXX has refused to refund the money because " there were no invalid pin attempts '' This indicates that Chase 's investigation was cursory at best and fails to take into account numerous factors. I understand that Chase does not have the best track record at investigating suspicious events ( see XXXX XXXX ), so as someone who works in the financial field and with a husband who is a XXXX  XXXX with 15 years of experience investigating numerous different criminal acts, I would like to explain why this " investigation '' was inadequate and the results unacceptable. First, a simple review of our bank account shows that shopping at XXXX is not part of our normal activities. Indeed, the only time we make purchases at XXXX is during the summer in XXXX, Michigan. So the fact that {$2300.00} worth of purchases was made in {$100.00} increments at XXXX XXXX 's in Illinois in a short period of time, on the same day, should be suspicious on it's face. A simple request of video surveillance from these XXXX 's would have solved the issue. However, after contacting the lost prevention at both stores, I was informed Chase did not take this basic step and the video was no longer available. No invalid pin attempts? A basic XXXX search shows that skimmer devices are an issue here in the XXXX area. Skimmers are covert electronic devices that are placed over ATMs, credit card check out devices, etc. that record the data from the magnetic strip and can also record PIN number inputs. They are typically left in place for a few days before they are collected by the offenders with the information recorded on a small flash drive. This information can then be encoded on any magnetic striped debit or credit card. As a XXXX XXXX, my husband has seen these devices first hand and has arrested individuals numerous times with re-encoded cards. I have attached information on these devices and pictures to assist with Chase 's future investigations. This easily explains the " no invalid PIN inputs ''. Please see XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX  for more info. I have also attached a letter from my employer confirming that I was at work during the time of the illegal purchases. I have also included a picture of the card provided by our local police department that has the case report number for the report we filed about the incident. Please note that in Illinois, filing a false police report is a Class 4 felony under 720 ILCS 5/26-1 ( a ) ( 4 ). As an experienced investigator of multiple criminal acts ranging from simple assault to armed habitual criminal and attempted homicide my husband and I know that it is important to look at the totality of the circumstances, not just one simple piece of information. Hopefully the information provided by me will help paint a clearer picture of the fraud that has taken place.