A group of bank tellers have been charged with taking and illegally using customer information. 

According to the ABC News Story, the defendants are accused of stealing close to a million dollars by having bank tellers access and steal personal information of hundreds of unsuspecting customers, including account numbers and Social Security numbers. They allegedly used the information to withdraw money from those accounts.

The tellers involved worked for branches of Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase, HSBC, TD Bank and Wachovia in Westchester, Bronx County, and other locations.

“Bank tellers have access to our most sensitive financial information and we must be able to trust that our data will remain safe and secure,” a spokesman explained.  “Identity theft is a complex and growing problem, and we must redouble our efforts to ensure that all of us – from large corporations, to small businesses and families – are better protected.”  

The defendants allegedly used the stolen information to create fake drivers licenses and checks, which they used to withdraw money at bank branches. The investigation, which was conducted by the Attorney General’s Criminal Enforcement and Financial Crimes Bureau, revealed that the ring has been in operation for at least four years.

Victims may be entitled to compensation for losses and damages. Our office is evaluating individual and group actions for compensation on a contingency basis.