Post deleted by John Burnett

I opened a student checking account for my 17 year old daughter for her to deposit her own money from working. She had only 19 dollars in the account. She ran away and deposited 2 check in 2 different banks, cashiers checks from Bank One in Arizona. One for 4600. and one for 4400. There was only 19 dollars in the account and they cashed the checks for her. Even our own account did not have enough to come close to covering the checks. The transactions were at on a Saturday at two different banks within 3o minutes and 5 miles of each other. I looked into the account on Monday at 7am and saw the credit and debit. I called bank solutions right away, they said at first, the teller made a mistake and made a deposit into the wrong account and then a withdrawl to correct it. Then I was told that my Daughter came into the bank to cash the check and then was turned away without giving the money. By the end of the day Monday it was determined they cashed the checks, for her. At this point if there was at least a one day hold I would have caught this or better yet the bank could have. By the next day Tuesday it was determined that both of the checks were bad. I know that I am responsible for my daughters actions, but isn't this a good enough reason the see what is going on to protect the bank for it customers. I'm not sure if she knew they were bad checks or someone convinced her it was OK to put them through her/my account. I know she is responsible for her actions and not in denial about the severity of her actions, whatever the reason for the decision. I am trying to find her to see that she deals with the consequence of her actions. Yes, and shame on me big time for leaving the account open with her name on it. But bottom line the teller should have safeguards in place to make sure the checks, and cashiers check should clear the accounts they are written from. I know the crooks are always looking for new ways to work the system. Informing people so they know that any cheek that not not be verified or clears right away will have to be placed on hold and will have to adjust to that. Especially since the crooks have become so sophisticated to forgery, etc. We have become an instant society and in the long run it is hurting the customers, most likely more than the bank. But isn't it the Banks responsibility to protect the customers money, isn't that their job...

Wow, what a line - and one that I'm growing more tired of as the days go by - "Aren't banks supposed to protect their customers?" -
1. Banks, and their employees, do all they can to educate their customers. But as in any profession (clergy, law enforcement, etc) there are those who are not as conscientious about their jobs/responsibilities as others. And many banks pay front line tellers the same pay that McFriendly's does - so you can imagine the occasional level of employee hired - whose fault is that? Customers that want free checking you say? Customers who don't want to pay for services?
2. Just as a doctor might give a patient advice doesn't always mean that the patient will follow it - personal responsibility is a phrase I've become afraid many people want no part of - it's so much easier to blame others. I can't say that I've always been successful, but many years ago my father taught me to be responsible for my own actions.
I apologize if this is not the answer you're looking for, and maybe someone else will be a little more gentle - but I for one, am getting sick and tired of people blaming banks when they succumb to greed and the old getting something for nothing ploy!

Anon, I can sympathize with your frustration. It appears that you have an awful lot to deal with right now. Banks do what they can to serve their customers, some customers have a legitimate need to access their funds immediately and we do our best to educate our customers about scams. However, Tex is 100% right that customers also must share the responsiblity for being cautious in their financial matters. It appears that there is a possibility that your daughter was a willing participant in defrauding the bank, I recommend that you work with the bank to resolve this issue.

My hopes and prayers are with you that you find your daughter soon and that everything works out.