Police Investigating Bank ID Theft Incidents in West Islip

Imagine checking your bank account to learn that it’s completely empty and that someone opened up a joint account using your name, transferred your money to it, and then took it.

That’s exactly the scenario four West Islip residents faced in late August and the first week in September.

According to Suffolk Police, residents on Duck Lane, Watts Place, Seaspray Lane and Anna Court discovered that money held in a Chase Bank checking account had been transferred to a joint account, opened by a thief in their names, and then the money withdrawn.

The stolen cash came in all different amounts, according to police who believe the thefts was done by the same person. Citing the ongoing investigation police would not elaborate if the thefts were done at a local branch or through online services.

Police advise residents to review their financial accounts for any suspicious activity and offer more insight on how to prevent ID theft at the Suffolk Police Department website.