Shouldn't banks protect money?

I have a bank account with a local bank. As I checked my online statement I saw withdrawals by checks that I had not written; in fact they weren't even my checks, didn't have my name or address on them or my signature and did not have my bank's name on them. They had another bank's name, another person's name, address, phone number, signature and driver's license number.

All fraudulent and all out-of-state information.

The only connection to my bank was their routing number and the only connection to me was the account number across the bottom of the check. My bank paid those checks, and when I told them about the fraud they suggested I make a police report, open a new bank account (with them of course) and hopefully I'll get my $800 back.

Why were the checks paid in the first place? The checks were electronic (treated like a debit card) so as long as the routing number and account number were there, my bank would pay them if they were written on toilet paper, drawn on the bank of North Pole and signed by Santa Claus.

My bank has made it clear they're not putting it back into my account.

Next time some bank clerk asks you to sign a signature card and order personalized checks, just roar at their absurd attempt to make you think they're trying to protect you.

P.D. Jensen

St. Charles