JPMorgan Chase Employee Accidentally Unfreezes Scammer’s Stolen Money, Triggering $20,000 Loss for Arizona Couple

An Arizona couple is reportedly out $20,000 after a Chase Bank employee accidentally unfroze funds taken by a scammer.

In March, the couple received a text asking if they authorized a $399 Zelle payment to “Susan Smith,” according to a new report from 12 News.

They replied “No” and were given a number to call. After calling the number, someone on the other line who was claiming to be a bank employee said the couple’s account had been flagged for fraud. The scammer on the phone also told the couple that it looked like it was  an “inside job.”

Following instructions, the couple went to a Chase Bank and withdrew $20,000 and then opened a new account through Apple Wallet, depositing the money there.

The scammer then stole the money, but employees at Chase Bank managed to freeze the funds later that day. A few days later, however, someone at the bank unfroze the account, allowing the con artist to make off with the money.

Chase has contacted the couple and told them that their case is still open. Peoria police tell 12 News that they’ve identified a suspect in Florida.

A similar incident in Arizona occurred last month when a scammer reportedly drained $27,000 in life savings from a man in Arizona by pretending to be his bank representative.