Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Amber Alerts for Bank Robbers
The post office has pictures of the "10 Most Wanted" and you may receive security alerts that have information from regulatory agencies and industry companies of people wanted for bad checks and the like. BOL even has many of these on our Alerts and Counterfeits page, and you can subscribe to receive notices from BOL CrimeDex and access their database. Recently, the FBI went to a new level so to speak, to help catch a bank robber.
Chad Schaffer had his bank robbing photo cast up on electronic billboards. He was the suspect in 14 bank robberies from six states including Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Illinois, Indiana, and Tennessee. The FBI was seeking information on Schaffer for months. They teamed up with electronic billboard companies and within 24 hours of having his picture up in eight states, the FBI had what they needed. They were flooded with calls and tips and now have his name, description, information about his vehicle and where he is from. They know of his criminal record, including bank robbery, and law enforcement is on the lookout.
Much like an AMBER Alert, the FBI says a public service network of 1,000 electronic billboards in 40 states organized by major billboard companies and the Outdoor Advertising Association of America has led directly to the capture of 20 felons and fugitives and aided in arresting many others since it was created 18 months ago.
Schaffer was captured by the Missouri State Highway Patrol on Sept. 13, 2009. A former state trooper recognized him from news media report. Schaffer had been on both the evening news and was profiled on the TV show, "America's Most Wanted" after being identified from the billboards.
The post office has pictures of the "10 Most Wanted" and you may receive security alerts that have information from regulatory agencies and industry companies of people wanted for bad checks and the like. BOL even has many of these on our Alerts and Counterfeits page, and you can subscribe to receive notices from BOL CrimeDex and access their database. Recently, the FBI went to a new level so to speak, to help catch a bank robber.
Chad Schaffer had his bank robbing photo cast up on electronic billboards. He was the suspect in 14 bank robberies from six states including Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Illinois, Indiana, and Tennessee. The FBI was seeking information on Schaffer for months. They teamed up with electronic billboard companies and within 24 hours of having his picture up in eight states, the FBI had what they needed. They were flooded with calls and tips and now have his name, description, information about his vehicle and where he is from. They know of his criminal record, including bank robbery, and law enforcement is on the lookout.
Much like an AMBER Alert, the FBI says a public service network of 1,000 electronic billboards in 40 states organized by major billboard companies and the Outdoor Advertising Association of America has led directly to the capture of 20 felons and fugitives and aided in arresting many others since it was created 18 months ago.
Schaffer was captured by the Missouri State Highway Patrol on Sept. 13, 2009. A former state trooper recognized him from news media report. Schaffer had been on both the evening news and was profiled on the TV show, "America's Most Wanted" after being identified from the billboards.
Security and the ADA
Does your bank employ the use of thumbprints from non-customers to deter fraudulent check cashing? Many banks do and there have been great success stories of lowered losses as a result of such a program. But here is one story that doesn't ring of success. While I am all for policies and procedures being followed, there is always room for common sense to avoid public relations nightmares like this.
Steve Valdez spoke on NBC, Fox and CBS news shows as well as Chicago radio. His wife banks at Bank of America. He has an account with a credit union. She wrote him a check which he went into a branch of Bank of America to cash. The teller looked at the photo ID provided, he offered two, but told him a thumbprint was needed. She confirmed this with the manager so they refused the check. The problem is, Steve Valdez was born without arms and uses prostetics. He couldn't provide a thumbprint under any circumstance.
Anne Pace who is a spokeswoman for the bank said that two photo IDs should have been sufficient. A bank regional vice president personally called Valdez to apologize. And while he said he didn't want the media attention, he did want the bank to better meet the needs of the disabled.
If you use thumb-printing in your bank, what would happen at your branches? Would two photo IDs be sufficient and would your staff know this could over-ride the required thumbprint, or at least in the case of someone not able to provide it?
Does your bank employ the use of thumbprints from non-customers to deter fraudulent check cashing? Many banks do and there have been great success stories of lowered losses as a result of such a program. But here is one story that doesn't ring of success. While I am all for policies and procedures being followed, there is always room for common sense to avoid public relations nightmares like this.
Steve Valdez spoke on NBC, Fox and CBS news shows as well as Chicago radio. His wife banks at Bank of America. He has an account with a credit union. She wrote him a check which he went into a branch of Bank of America to cash. The teller looked at the photo ID provided, he offered two, but told him a thumbprint was needed. She confirmed this with the manager so they refused the check. The problem is, Steve Valdez was born without arms and uses prostetics. He couldn't provide a thumbprint under any circumstance.
Anne Pace who is a spokeswoman for the bank said that two photo IDs should have been sufficient. A bank regional vice president personally called Valdez to apologize. And while he said he didn't want the media attention, he did want the bank to better meet the needs of the disabled.
If you use thumb-printing in your bank, what would happen at your branches? Would two photo IDs be sufficient and would your staff know this could over-ride the required thumbprint, or at least in the case of someone not able to provide it?
