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Chase Bank ‘glitch’: Can I go to jail if I deposit a fake check at an ATM to cash more money than I have?

A reported Chase Bank ‘glitch’ supposedly allows you to withdraw huge amounts of money that is not yours. Can you get jailed for depositing a fake check?

Lucas JacksonREUTERS

Rumors have exploded recently regarding an online banking glitch that allegedly allows customers to withdraw money that is not theirs, up to $50,000 or even more from Chase Bank ATMs.

People supposedly tried to take advantage of the reported glitch, with photos being uploaded on social media showing them lining up at the bank, shown as trying to see if the rumors were true.

READ ALSO: Viral Chase Bank ‘glitch’ scam claims you can get free money

What is the viral Chase Bank ‘glitch’ scam that allows you to withdraw money? How does it work?

According to pop culture website Complex.com, the so-called glitch is a form of check fraud, where people deposit fake checks for large amounts of money, which would then allow the depositor to withdraw the cash at the ATM. The checks are not initially flagged, allowing the withdrawal to push through.

According to the site, Chase has moved to rectify the situation, and those who tried to take advantage of the alleged glitch were penalized with seven-day holds or ended up with massive negative account balances.

Other websites say such a scam would be difficult to pull off because of the bank’s security systems.

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Chase Bank ‘glitch’: Can I go to jail if I deposit a fake check at a ATM to cash more money than I have?

If you were indeed able to withdraw money by depositing a fraudulent check, you may have more than negative account balances to worry about. Such an act would constitute check fraud, because you purposefully deposited a bad check into an account with the intent to obtain money that is not yours.

The punishment for this crime would be dependent on whether it is a misdemeanor or a felony. According to legal websites, a check fraud misdemeanor could be punishable by less than a year in county jail plus a small fine. Misdemeanors usually cover amounts less than $1,000.

A check fraud felony would likely mean bigger penalties- the larger the amount involved, the harsher the punishment. Felonies of this sort can be punished by more than a year in jail and heftier criminal fines.

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