ATM stole my money - how to proceed?

Taki Oldham

New member
Jul 28, 2011
3
0
0
Hi,
I have been living in DR for about 7 months and have heard so many stories of corruption I wanted some advice before proceeding. I just looked at my bank statement and saw 30,000 pesos debited from my account twice. Unfortunately the first time (July 22) no money came out (and machine just sat there for maybe 4 mins doing nothing until I cancelled and successfully got 5000 out), and I went back on July 26 and was successful. Now back home I would just go to the bank, have them cross-reference the cash balance with the machine's figures and the discrepancy should show up. BUT I am cautions about this, should I get a lawer to go in with me? Should I contact a central bank department first? just try my luck and go in? I am not sure. PS My Spanish is not great. The bank by the way is Progresso in the main street in Cabarete.
Anyone know of a similar situation? Any advice?
Thanks
 

AlterEgo

Administrator
Staff member
Jan 9, 2009
23,097
6,247
113
South Coast
Don't panic, the same thing happened to me with a BHD ATM machine in the Hotel Hispaniola Casino. Don't both contacting the bank who owns the ATM - contact YOUR bank, they have to initiate the trace. I was skeptical, but they actually immediately returned the money [temporary though] to my account while they investigated. They snail-mailed me paperwork that I had to fill out and sign, stating that no $ came out of the machine. Within 30 days I had a letter telling me the refund was permanent.

Hopefully it will work the same for you.

AE
 

Yayow

New member
Sep 4, 2007
389
47
0
Same story, it is of no use to contact the bank in the DR, they will only refer you to your home bank. I have lived here four years and twice had problems similar to yours. Both times my home bank (located in NY) initiated an investigation, and subsequently refunded the money to my account. How long for the investigation and refund depends on your individual bank.
 
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SKing

Silver
Nov 22, 2007
3,750
183
63
Once when I was in DR, I went twice to an ATM and took out 3000 pesos each time but the ATM took out $3000 US each time from my account even though it only gave me 3000 pesos. I went home and my account was $6000 US short! I contacted my bank and they started a fraud investigation. They found out the problem but in the meantime they had put the money back in my account.

SHALENA