Greenland Security
I'm a thinker and a planner. I rarely like to make fast decisions about my life. I want to let things roll around in my head, get the opinions of people I respect, consider what they've said, think some more, ask a few follow-up questions, and then take action.
On Saturday when I couldn't find my checks my sole concern was paying bills and rent. On Monday when I stopped by Bank of America, it was solely to ask how quickly they could get me new checks and how much that would cost me.
When a person walks into Bank of America (at least, at the one I go to) they are greeted and if you need anything other than to see a teller, they will have you meet with one of their "Personal Bankers" to discuss your situation. Yesterday I walked into BoA at 5:45 PM, knowing they closed at 6 PM, but assuming my check situation could be handled within 15 minutes. Oh, how very wrong I was.
The Greeter listened as I told him I lost my box of checks, and then rushed right into a banker's office and ushered me in. The banker shook my hand and asked for my debit card. He looked at it, clicked away on his computer, sighed, and clicked some more. He made a thin line of his lips, clasped his hands together in his lap, and looked at me sympathetically. Then he started talking, and my heart dropped.
Apparently my ATM card (and account it was connected to) was restricted due to suspicious activity. All day long I couldn't have used my ATM card but I didn't know that. Since Saturday I had been thinking I'd just lost my checks, and they were somewhere in my bedroom. They'd turn up, weeks after I got the new checks, and I'd feel silly for not having thought to look wherever I ultimately found them. It had never occurred to me that someone had stolen them. Nobody's even been in my apartment lately except Steamroller, Mr. Steamroller and myself (I think). Nothing else is missing (I think).
The banker was talking, and using phrases like "identity theft" but I couldn't hear him. Then he did something I really appreciated. He had me switch seats and look at his computer screen. We went through screen after screen, identifying purchases I'd made, and ones I hadn't. In the middle of this, the banker's phone rang. "Would you mind if I take this? My partner is in the hospital."
That jolted me out of my falling-apart world little bit. Someone else felt like their world was falling apart, in a completely different way. It reminded me that the world is bigger than my problems. I am not the first person this happened to, and there are procedures in place to deal with this.
The banker hung up the phone and asked me if I was cold. He looked at his thermostat and told me it was set to 53, no wonder I was shivering. And then he did something that struck me as really funny: with his feet and knees together, one hand on one knee, he leaned forward, stuck his ass out, and adjusted the thermostat. It was hysterical.
He sat back down and we started talking. Even though he isn't jewish, we played a rousing game of Jewish Geography, and it turns out he used to live one town over from me in Florida. Small world. He told me he didn't miss Florida at all, and asked if I did. "No, I just miss my grandfather." He said he went back to visit once, and he couldn't stand the heat, since being so spoiled by San Francisco weather. Then we got back to work. The banker explained the protective measures he recommended I take. He explained why he suggested what he did. He told me I should decide quickly.I tried to center my thinking and focus. I resisted the urge to excuse myself to go call my father and cry and ask what to do. The banker sweetly pretended to straighten up his desk while I thought. After the longest thirty seconds, I asked two questions:
1. How much will it cost me to do what you suggest?
2. How quickly can this be done?
It's free, and he moved all my money into a brand new account while I was sitting there. He gave me starter checks, and reminded me to give my payroll people the new information (which I did this morning). He gave me his business card and told me to call him the day my paycheck will be deposited, so he can move all the money right away to the new account. He told me he wasn't going to put my phone number on the new checks. We talked a little while longer before he gave me his business card with his direct line, unlocked the front door of the bank and sent me off to go home. It was almost 7 PM. His partner is in the hospital, and he stayed late. For me.
I was in shock yesterday. I still am. I have had trouble speaking out loud since I walked out of the bank last night. I don't know how I made it through work today. This is insane. I have a shredder that I use and everything. I delete spam. I don't even respond to any IM's from people I don't know. I will turn around to a person standing too close for comfort when I'm putting in my PIN and say "Do you mind?" so that they can't see. I never walk around with my purse wide open. I never leave it anyplace. I don't know that I could be any more careful than I am.
On Saturday when I couldn't find my checks my sole concern was paying bills and rent. On Monday when I stopped by Bank of America, it was solely to ask how quickly they could get me new checks and how much that would cost me.
When a person walks into Bank of America (at least, at the one I go to) they are greeted and if you need anything other than to see a teller, they will have you meet with one of their "Personal Bankers" to discuss your situation. Yesterday I walked into BoA at 5:45 PM, knowing they closed at 6 PM, but assuming my check situation could be handled within 15 minutes. Oh, how very wrong I was.
The Greeter listened as I told him I lost my box of checks, and then rushed right into a banker's office and ushered me in. The banker shook my hand and asked for my debit card. He looked at it, clicked away on his computer, sighed, and clicked some more. He made a thin line of his lips, clasped his hands together in his lap, and looked at me sympathetically. Then he started talking, and my heart dropped.
Apparently my ATM card (and account it was connected to) was restricted due to suspicious activity. All day long I couldn't have used my ATM card but I didn't know that. Since Saturday I had been thinking I'd just lost my checks, and they were somewhere in my bedroom. They'd turn up, weeks after I got the new checks, and I'd feel silly for not having thought to look wherever I ultimately found them. It had never occurred to me that someone had stolen them. Nobody's even been in my apartment lately except Steamroller, Mr. Steamroller and myself (I think). Nothing else is missing (I think).
The banker was talking, and using phrases like "identity theft" but I couldn't hear him. Then he did something I really appreciated. He had me switch seats and look at his computer screen. We went through screen after screen, identifying purchases I'd made, and ones I hadn't. In the middle of this, the banker's phone rang. "Would you mind if I take this? My partner is in the hospital."
That jolted me out of my falling-apart world little bit. Someone else felt like their world was falling apart, in a completely different way. It reminded me that the world is bigger than my problems. I am not the first person this happened to, and there are procedures in place to deal with this.
The banker hung up the phone and asked me if I was cold. He looked at his thermostat and told me it was set to 53, no wonder I was shivering. And then he did something that struck me as really funny: with his feet and knees together, one hand on one knee, he leaned forward, stuck his ass out, and adjusted the thermostat. It was hysterical.
He sat back down and we started talking. Even though he isn't jewish, we played a rousing game of Jewish Geography, and it turns out he used to live one town over from me in Florida. Small world. He told me he didn't miss Florida at all, and asked if I did. "No, I just miss my grandfather." He said he went back to visit once, and he couldn't stand the heat, since being so spoiled by San Francisco weather. Then we got back to work. The banker explained the protective measures he recommended I take. He explained why he suggested what he did. He told me I should decide quickly.I tried to center my thinking and focus. I resisted the urge to excuse myself to go call my father and cry and ask what to do. The banker sweetly pretended to straighten up his desk while I thought. After the longest thirty seconds, I asked two questions:
1. How much will it cost me to do what you suggest?
2. How quickly can this be done?
It's free, and he moved all my money into a brand new account while I was sitting there. He gave me starter checks, and reminded me to give my payroll people the new information (which I did this morning). He gave me his business card and told me to call him the day my paycheck will be deposited, so he can move all the money right away to the new account. He told me he wasn't going to put my phone number on the new checks. We talked a little while longer before he gave me his business card with his direct line, unlocked the front door of the bank and sent me off to go home. It was almost 7 PM. His partner is in the hospital, and he stayed late. For me.
I was in shock yesterday. I still am. I have had trouble speaking out loud since I walked out of the bank last night. I don't know how I made it through work today. This is insane. I have a shredder that I use and everything. I delete spam. I don't even respond to any IM's from people I don't know. I will turn around to a person standing too close for comfort when I'm putting in my PIN and say "Do you mind?" so that they can't see. I never walk around with my purse wide open. I never leave it anyplace. I don't know that I could be any more careful than I am.
posted by Green at 5/23/2006 08:33:00 PM
4 Comments:
oh shit. this happened to us! our checkes were stolen off our doorstep in sfo, and one of our checks turned up trying to be deposited into a friend's bank account after her wallet was stolen in an unrelated incident. what are the odds?
i am so glad you found someone who was willing to take care of your business immediately. please call all of the credit bureaus and put a identity thrft alert on your account. they will have to contact you if anyone tries to open any sort of account in your name besides you.
so frustrating, yo. your perspective on the topic was very zen. bravo, ohm, and good luck.
I'm so sorry this happened to you.
May I suggest you write a glowing letter of appreciation to this person's supervisor. You DO know that 1000 "atta boy's" equals 1 "oh shit", but you gotta start somewhere.
Maybe some cookies...
Wow, that's scary. At least you caught it now rather than when you started getting odd collection letters.
I agree with Steve; you should send a letter. "Atta boy" letters come too infrequently, but they make a person feel like they really have done something worthwhile. Send the letter and let this guy know he really helped you. He probably felt more than a little frustrated at how little he could do for his partner in those same moments.
It's funny that I came across this post now. I've spent the last week marveling at my luck at growing up in a place where flower shops leave baskets outside all night without fear of theft. Just this morning I thought how I would feel safe walking alone late at night through my neighborhood, but I get nervous walking during the day near my office downtown.
I've enjoyed reading your blog since Opionista posted your list. Good luck to you.
Just another piece of evidence that bad things often happen to good people and when it does happen to you it's not always your fault!
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