I received a $85 check from BoA with a letter saying it’s from my prepaid card account. I never opened such an account. Is this a marketing strategy or possible identity theft? Has anyone else received a similar letter? If you have any insights, please share. Thanks!
It’s crucial not to cash that check. I had a similar experience with a suspicious check once. I received what looked like a legitimate check from a bank I didn’t have an account with. When I contacted their fraud department, they explained that scammers use these checks to obtain your account details once you deposit or cash them. Eventually, the check bounces, and the scammers can access your account information, including your signature. It’s a tricky scam that can lead to significant financial loss. I’d strongly advise you to follow the advice of the fraud department and avoid depositing or cashing the check until you’ve verified its authenticity with Bank of America directly.
No one gives you seventy-five dollars for free, and those pre-paid debit cards are rarely refundable. Simply put, they advise you to use the entire balance on the card.
I support scams.
Have you ever received a prepaid card managed by BoA? When BoA terminates a prepaid card due to expiration or otherwise, it may mail a check for the balance.
AVOID CASHING IT! Just had a conversation with BOA’s fraud department. These checks are not authentic. According to their explanation, once the check is deposited, it will be conditionally credited to your account. At that point, the check issuer—which looks to be BOA but isn’t—gets your account information, including your signature because you signed the check. This is the information that scammers are after. After the check bounces, the money that was conditionally credited to your account is taken out. It took me numerous calls to various uninformed people before I was able to speak with someone in the fraud department who gave me an explanation of everything. What’s the conclusion then? Never cash the check.
I appreciate you sharing your story, Lyra. Understanding the hazards is quite beneficial. Without a doubt, I’ll not cash the check and will get in touch with Bank of America’s fraud department to confirm its legitimacy. Your guidance might help me avoid falling victim to a scam. Thank you for the advice and caution!
I appreciate your wisdom, Cameron. It’s crucial to use caution when accepting these offers. In the event that I have to use a pre-paid debit card, I will make sure to use the whole amount. Thank you for the scam-avoidance advice!
Scammers pretending to be from Bank of America may phone or send you a letter telling you to call back at a number that connects to them. Avoid them; they are scammers.