Had my check book stolen out of my car a few years back. Dirtbag went to my bank branch and cashed $700 worth of checks! She used her real ID and real name!
Duh!
Took quite awhile to get it straightened out with the bank. Every time I would inquire, they would say "We're investigating". They did refund my money within a couple of weeks but they reported that I owed them $700 to the credit bureaus. When they refused to remove this from my credit, I chose another bank.
At the new bank, I set up my accounts and made deposits etc. etc.. About a week later I went to use my ATM card and was told "It has been declined." WTF? I've got over $2000 in that account! Seems new bank got a notice from old bank saying I owed them $700, so they froze my accounts.
Blood pressure was at an all time high.
I went to old bank and got them to write me a notarized statement on a bank letterhead stating that the whole fiasco was not my doing, then took it to new bank. New bank said "Ok, your account should be released within 24 hours."
No ma'am, you'll release it now! Talked to new bank manager, she said "I'm sorry, there's nothing I can do." Talked to regional manager, he said "I'm sorry there's nothing I can do."
24 hours later they released my money, I promptly withdrew it, gave them a piece of my mind and opened an account at the credit union. (I had the BBB lean on the original bank, and they removed their notice on my credit report within 5 days. Good folks, the BBB.)
Dirtbag went and bought some stuff at convenience stores with my checks as well. They are still on my credit report and no amount of pleading, whining, screaming, or mountains of documentation have allowed me to get them removed.
Lesson learned: Keep your check book and other financial instruments under lock and key and know where they are at all times. I also check my balance every single flippin' day.
As far as I know, cops never went after dirtbag. I filed a police report with affidavits of forgery and still haven't heard anything.
Good luck fighting the red tape.