JPMorgan Chase Customer Loses $35,000 To Scammers Impersonating Bank’s Fraud Department and the FBI

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JPMorgan Chase Customer Loses $35,000 To Scammers Impersonating Bank’s Fraud Department and the FBI

A JPMorgan Chase customer lost more than $35,000 to a scam. The fraudsters pretended to be both the bank’s fraud department and the FBI to trick the victim.

Jennifer Lichthardt of Illinois was scammed out of $35,000 after criminals tricked her into sending the money to a fraudulent Chase account, according to ABC 7 Chicago. She says the experience left her feeling violated.

It all began when Lichthardt answered a call that displayed on her cell phone as her bank’s number.

Says Lichthardt,

“It was the number on the back of my Chase debit card, and it said Chase Fraud Department…

They read me my account number. They had my account balance down to the penny.”

The fraudsters tricked her into believing the FBI and Chase fraud investigators were looking into dishonest bank employees who were accessing customer accounts. They convinced her to move her money to protect it.

The fraudsters convinced her to send $35,000 to a newly opened Chase account at her bank, and additional funds to another bank online.

The scammers withdrew the funds once they were deposited, according to the bank.

Chase says in a statement,

We advise everyone to be cautious of calls, texts, or online messages asking you to transfer money or give access to your computer or bank accounts. Remember, real banks and businesses will never ask for this information – it’s a common tactic used by scammers.

Lichthardt reported the theft to law enforcement and is hoping she’ll recover her funds.

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2026-05-29 18:22