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.”