Tellers need training in recognizing fraud

I concur with Mr. Pollack that our frontline banking representatives need more training in recognizing vulnerable victims who may be coerced into bilking their savings (“Bank should have raised the alarm,” Letters, July 25). My elderly relative was also coerced through the use of confusion and distraction techniques by possibly the same perpetrators weeks earlier. We later learned from the detective that they are highly skilled criminals. Coupled with a sensory impairment, being on a dozen medications and the inherent desire to listen and help others made my relative the perfect target. These perpetrators are not only criminals but predators.

My wife contacted the local branch manager of Bank of America after the crime in hopes of piecing together my relative’s demeanor and state of mind, and also to discuss how best to safeguard his account for the future. She declined to speak with her, but did tell her how well trained her staff was in detecting suspicious activities. My wife pointed out several red flags that occurred with my relative’s transaction. She emphasized to the manager that we are not holding the bank liable for losses, but we are quite disappointed with their lack of follow through and allowing an elderly man to walk out with so much cash at hand without security assistance to his vehicle. The manager did ask “Do we know if these people really do exist?” I have filed a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office because fraud will not go away, but the middle man (the banks) can help by becoming more proactive and place policies where vulnerable victims are protected. A delay in securing the cash, a cashier’s check or security services to the vehicle are some options. This has taken a toll not only financially but emotionally as well on victims. Scam crimes do ultimately collectively hurt our financial institutions as well. Make no mistake about this, this is a crime.

Steve Larson

Kitsap County