Seniors Scammed: Dallas CBS Affiliate Produces Story About Brewer Storefront Client

September 25, 2024 – CBS News Texas reports on how Brewer Storefront assisted client Shirley Ison–Newsome, 77, after she was the victim of a predatory financial scam like many seniors face. 

The investigation, “Caught in the Scam,” reports Ms. Ison-Newsome lost more than $50,000 after her bank, Chase, allegedly failed to warn her of fraudulent activity. She also said a bank employee at her local Chase branch promised her that her wire transfer to China had been caught and stopped in time, but days later she learned the financial transaction had gone through.  

With the help of the Brewer Storefront, the community service affiliate of Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors, Ison-Newsome resolved a legal action with Chase to the satisfaction of the parties.  

"It can't be that at the end of the day that it is just too bad, especially when, importantly, [Ison-Newsome] was extremely vigilant,” said Brewer Partner Will Brewer IV. “She immediately alerted her trusted financial institution. That's everything that you would expect someone to do to fix the situation." 

The Dallas Morning News Reports on Brewer Storefront Client, Lawsuit Against Chase Bank

January 25, 2023 – The Dallas Morning News reports that Brewer Storefront client Shirley Ison-Newsome, a former longtime Dallas Independent School District administrator, alleges she was the victim of a financial scam reported to JPMorgan Chase – and the bank allegedly failed in its obligation to protect her funds. Ms. Ison-Newsome has filed a lawsuit against Chase alleging negligence, among other claims.

The article, “Two elderly scam victims in Dallas demand Chase recover $55,000 in stolen funds,” reports that someone stole thousands of dollars from Ison-Newsome. She and another, unrelated female fraud victim reportedly alerted Chase to stop questionable withdrawals – but Chase contends the women authorized the transfers and can do little about it. Ison-Newsome’s lawsuit alleges that her bank account was drained by more than $51,000.

Ison-Newsome says she was on her computer when she received a notice she had been hacked and was provided a phone number to call. A phone representative said they could work with her bank to protect her account. She became uncomfortable with exchange, and went immediately to Chase Bank the next morning to file a report. She was assured by bank officials her money was still in her account, as she had timely reported the potential scam. Chase allegedly froze her old account, and helped her set up a new one – to protect her assets. Ison-Newsome says that when she logged into the new account about a week later, the money was gone.

“I worked all my life,” she said. “I paid my bills on time. I tried to do the right thing. I’ve been with Chase for over 20 years, and I trusted Chase.”