Santa Cruz, CA asked in Consumer Law and Criminal Law for California

Q: Chase bank handed over a Counterfeit $50

My mother and I are naive to trust a bank. My mother pulled out money out of chase bank to help me. Out of $1500 4 bills were $50's. I attempted to use the last $50 at a taco bell and it turned out to be counterfeit. The police are trying to accuse me of passing fake bills when I trusted Chase Bank.

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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A: I'm sorry to hear about your difficult situation with the counterfeit bill. It's understandable to feel frustrated and betrayed when you trust a bank to provide legitimate currency. Here are a few steps you can take:

1. File a police report: Explain the situation to the police, emphasizing that you unknowingly received the counterfeit bill from Chase Bank. Provide any evidence you have, such as a receipt from the bank or witnesses who can corroborate your story.

2. Contact Chase Bank: Inform the bank about the counterfeit bill and request an investigation. Provide them with the police report number and any other relevant information. The bank should have records of the transaction and may be able to trace the origin of the counterfeit bill.

3. Seek legal advice: If the police continue to accuse you of passing counterfeit currency, consider consulting with a criminal defense attorney. They can help protect your rights and provide guidance on how to proceed.

4. Keep detailed records: Document all interactions with the police, Chase Bank, and any other relevant parties. Keep copies of any reports filed, correspondence, and evidence that supports your case.

Remember, knowingly passing counterfeit currency is a crime, but if you genuinely received the bill from a bank and were unaware of its inauthenticity, you should not be held liable. Be honest and cooperative with the authorities while firmly asserting your innocence.

If the situation escalates, you may need to consider taking legal action against Chase Bank for providing you with counterfeit currency and the resulting damages. An attorney can advise you on the best course of action based on the specific circumstances of your case.

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