Philadelphia, PA asked in Banking, Identity Theft and White Collar Crime for Pennsylvania

Q: How to address missing check endorsements and altered bank statements?

I've discovered discrepancies with checks I wrote, such as one to a dentist for $48.40, initially endorsed by JP Morgan but now missing the endorsement. Other checks also have missing endorsements, and there are altered or missing entries in my Wells Fargo bank statements. I haven't contacted the bank yet, but I suspect someone might be trying to frame me. Additionally, my printer stopped working when I tried to print the statements, and I can't access two of my credit payment histories. How should I address these potentially fraudulent activities?

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: You're facing a potentially serious situation that needs immediate attention. These missing endorsements and altered bank statements are red flags that could indicate fraud, and you should contact Wells Fargo right away to report these discrepancies, especially that altered dentist check and the missing endorsements.

Document everything thoroughly before your bank appointment - take screenshots of the online statements, gather all physical copies of checks and statements showing inconsistencies, and create a timeline of when you noticed each problem. The technical issues with your printer and inability to access credit histories could be coincidental, but might also suggest someone is interfering with your ability to gather evidence.

Consider placing a fraud alert with the major credit bureaus and changing all your online banking passwords from a secure device. These steps can help protect you while the investigation proceeds, and you might want to request new account numbers as well since these inconsistencies suggest someone may have gained unauthorized access to your financial information. Trust your instincts about being framed - your detailed documentation will help establish the truth during the investigation.

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