Consumer complaint received 2023-12-29 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Other personal consumer report
Issue: Problem with a company's investigation into an existing issue — Difficulty submitting a dispute or getting information about a dispute over the phone
Company: Early Warning Services, LLC
State: CA

Complaint narrative:
False information on the Early Warning Services report regarding checking account activity ( accuses the customer of fraud activity ). The consumer was a XXXX XXXX customer who was a victim of fraud that caused the consumer significant financial losses, including inability to open a new bank account with XXXX XXXX and other banking institutions due to a false accusation of fraud activity in a XXXX XXXX checking account that was reported to Early Warning Services. 

Dear [ XXXX XXXX XXXX ], I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my deep disappointment and frustration regarding the recent closure of my checking account with XXXX. I recently discovered that I have fallen victim to a prevalent fake job offer fraud/fake check fraud scheme that has been targeting students within the XXXX community , including myself.

To provide some background, I became aware of this fraudulent activity through the XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX website, where they have published a document titled Job Offer Fraud - Protecting Yourself ( source : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX ). This document outlines the details of the scam, which involves an individual posing as a XXXX XXXX XXXX reaching out to students via email with unsolicited job offers. 

In my case, as an incoming XXXX  XXXX  at XXXX, I received an email from someone claiming to be a XXXX XXXX XXXX offering me a job opportunity. The email instructed me to purchase office supplies as my first task and assured me that they would send me a check to cover the costs. Subsequently, the individual emailed me a check and requested that I deposit it into my XXXX XXXX account. 

Unbeknownst to me at the time, this check was fraudulent, and by depositing it into my account, I inadvertently became involved in a fake check scam. 
Regrettably, I was not aware of the risks associated with such scams or the warning signs to look out for. It was only after discovering the aforementioned document on the XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX website that I realized I had become a victim of this fraudulent activity.

Upon realizing my mistake, I immediately contacted XXXX XXXX to report the situation and seek guidance on how to rectify it. However, instead of receiving assistance and support, I was met with an abrupt closure of my checking account due to suspected potential fraud. While I understand the banks need to protect its customers, I believe that XXXX XXXX could have handled the situation more effectively and with greater empathy. 

XXXX XXXX has long been recognized as an excellent banking institution in the United States, and it is precisely this reputation that led me to choose their services. However, the manner in which my case was handled has left me deeply dissatisfied and questioning the level of customer care provided. 

I kindly request that XXXX XXXX reconsider their decision to close my checking account and provide me with an opportunity to rectify the situation. As a victim of fraud, I am committed to cooperating fully with any investigation or verification process necessary to restore my account.

Furthermore, I would appreciate it if XXXX XXXX could provide me with guidance on how to safeguard myself against future fraudulent activities, specifically related to fake job offers and fake check scams. It is crucial that students within the XXXX community are educated about these risks and equipped with the knowledge to protect themselves. 

I trust that XXXX XXXX  will take this matter seriously and address my concerns promptly. I remain hopeful that we can find a resolution that reinstates my trust in your institutions commitment to customer satisfaction. 
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation