A few weeks ago, some bozo (or bozos) forged checks on our business account. WalMart, having apparently hired people who ingested large amounts of lead in childhood to work in their money center, cashed several of them. Obvious forgeries, no I.D. required, the endorsements on the back didn’t even match the payee on the front, at different locations (or I’d have thought an employee was in on it).

Our bank recognized them as frauds right away and did not pay them, sending them back to WalMart. They gave us a letter to present in case the incidents came back to haunt us.

Last week we received a letter from a “collection agency” that said they were representing WalMart in recovering the funds. From us. I sent them the bank letter, as well as pointing out how easily the fraud should have been to spot.

Today I received a letter that said “In order to assist us in preventing further forged checks from being authorized, please complete the enclosed affidavit, and provide us the information requested”

Here is the information they requested:

• Notarized affidavit

• Driver’s license and a photocopy of your drivers license
• Whether the account is jointly held
• Include your “PASSWORD”. Typically, your “mother’s maiden name” is used

I’m wondering if it is even legal for them to ask for that. My password…are you kidding me?!?

Sure, I’m going to send that right over.