Impersonation fraud can happen to anyone — and sometimes, it happens right under your nose. In this month’s Fraud Fighter story, we sit down with John, a longtime banker, to talk about a real incident he witnessed and how it highlights the importance of protecting your personal information — even from those closest to you.
John, can you share what happened at the drive-through that day?
John: Sure — this one stuck with me. A young man came through the furthest drive-through lane, claiming to be one of our regular customers, Keith. He looked similar to Keith and answered all the standard security questions correctly, so at first glance, everything seemed fine.
But then I noticed something strange on the withdrawal slip — he spelled Keith’s name Kieth. That immediately raised a red flag. I asked him why his own name was spelled incorrectly, and instead of answering, he hit the gas and sped off.
We later confirmed it was Keith’s son. He had been pretending to be his father for months — using his appearance and inside knowledge of Keith’s personal info to withdraw money from the account.
How did he get away with it for so long?
John: He knew all the right answers to our security questions and looked enough like his father that it didn’t immediately raise suspicion — especially from a distance in the drive-through lane. It’s a good reminder that fraudsters aren’t always strangers. Sometimes it’s someone close to you who knows your habits, your security questions, even your signature.
So what tipped you off?
John: It was that one small mistake — the spelling of the name. If you’re really that person, you don’t misspell your own name. It might seem minor, but to a trained eye, that kind of inconsistency is a big deal. And in this case, it was what helped us stop the fraud in its tracks.
Why do banks always ask for ID or personal information, even if you recognize the customer?
John: Great question — and I get that a lot. The truth is, we’re not trying to be difficult or distrustful. Our job is to protect your money. People can look like you. They can know details about you. But an official ID or a second verification step helps us make sure the person accessing your account is actually you.
We follow these procedures to:
- Prevent identity theft and impersonation fraud
- Comply with banking regulations
- Protect your account from unauthorized access
- Give you peace of mind that your money is safe
What advice would you give to customers when it comes to protecting personal information?
John: This might sound harsh, but here’s the truth: Don’t share your account details — even with those closest to you. That includes your PINs, passwords, account numbers, and answers to security questions.
Also:
- Monitor your accounts regularly. Keep an eye out for unfamiliar transactions.
- Never write down login info in obvious places. If you must, store it securely.
- Know who has access to your documents. That includes your checkbooks, ID, or statements.
- And remember: It’s OK to set boundaries, even with loved ones, when it comes to your finances.
What should someone do if they suspect a family member is misusing their information?
John: It’s a tough situation, but you should act quickly. Contact your bank to flag any suspicious activity. We can help you update your account info, change your PINs, and secure your access. And if needed, we’ll help you get in touch with the authorities.
You might also want to speak with a legal advisor — especially in cases involving elder abuse or financial exploitation by a family member.
Any final thoughts you want to share, John?
John: Identity fraud doesn’t always come in the form of a hacker behind a computer screen. Sometimes, it’s someone close to home — someone who knows just enough to do real damage. We caught this impersonator because of a single misspelled name. But not everyone is that lucky. So don’t feel bad when your banker asks for ID or follows extra steps to verify you. We’re not being difficult — we’re being careful, for your sake.