Need advise on open case matter | ExpatWoman.com
 

Need advise on open case matter

3
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 August 2016 - 15:36

Hello community,

This is my first post in this forum and I would highly appreciate your advise.

About 6 weeks ago I had the shock of my life. As I was going through immigration at the Airport to leave for vacation, I was told that I cannot leave due to an open case against me. I was brought to a Police station and was confronted with 3 checks in my name that I allegedly gave to someone who I do not know. The checks are mine, from an account that was closed in 2012. My mistake was that I did not realize that my check book was stolen from me. Most likely during a move but I cannot prove that. Since I did not know my checks were stolen, I did not file for a lost check book at police. I did that now but obviously too late to make the case go away.

Anyway, the signatures and handwriting on the checks are very obviously not mine, which even Police verbally acknowledge. In fact they are extremely nice to me and I have only good things to say about the way they treated me. However, they need to go through their process and do a forensics test at the questioned documents section to prove that the signatures on the check aren't mine. The problem I have is that the bank I got the checks from are required to send to Police my original bank account opening application with my original signature for cross reference. The bank has been informed by Police a month ago but has not responded. I call the Police 3 times a week and they keep reminding the bank but to no response. So I am stuck. The biggest issue I have is that my work visa will expire in 30 October this year and I am worried this may drag on for a while.

My questions:
1) Is there anything I can do to help this process?
2) What happens if the case won't be resolved before my work visa expires?

Finally, a word of warning to everyone. Please make sure you keep your documents safe. This can seriously impact your life.

3
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 August 2016 - 11:21
Thank you so much for your suggestion. I will do what you suggested. I can't wait for this to be over. It has been such a strain to my life.
542
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 09 August 2016 - 16:31
To help with the process, go in person to the bank with a letter addressed to the manager as private and confidential asking for a copy of the disputed cheques. You are within your rights to get a copy of these fraudulent cheques. Once you get them, give them to the police after taking a copy for your files. At this stage you do not need a lawyer as you can write the letter to the bank yourself and avoid unnecessary costs. I am not surprised to hear you have been treated well by the police as it is my experience as well. You are obviously a victim of fraud and the police is here to help you while finding the fraudster. Good luck with it all. It will take time but will be sorted out eventually.
3
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 August 2016 - 15:22
Bingo12: Thanks for your answer. No, I have not consulted a lawyer. I am not sure how a lawyer could help me but I would give it a shot if nothing moves. All I need is have the bank comply with Police orders.
394
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 August 2016 - 15:06
You do not say if you have consulted a lawyer. Although you may wish to avoid the expense it may be your best/only course of action. You may have a case against your bank for not checking signatures on the cheques. The police will not act for you as a lawyer.
3
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 August 2016 - 13:58
FJCruiser: Thanks for the tip. That's what I've done. Although not a local, I have an Arabic speaking colleague who came with me to Police the other day. He assured me that Police was very diligent with the case and they knew what they were doing. Again, I cannot complain at all about Police. I understand that they have to go through their processes. What irritates me is that the Bank (very small bank, who I should have never banked with) does not seem to do anything. And I wonder if there is a way to "make" them cooperate with Police.
542
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 August 2016 - 17:53
Sorry to hear you have to go through all this. It may be helpful to get a local friend or a local work colleague to come with you to the police. It makes a big difference in speeding up processes as everything id in Arabic.
 
 

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