SAN DIEGO — Mark Del Muro is a father of five who got conned out of $18,000 in a bank wire fraud scam. He really needed that money for his family during the holidays.
“Braces, clothes, property tax, Christmas,” said Del Muro.
Ten days ago, Del Muro agreed to be interviewed on camera, telling his story to CBS 8, so that other people might not fall victim to the same scam.
A con man called Del Muro recently pretending to be with the US Bank fraud division. He was able to change Del Muro’s password and wire transfer the $18,000 to New Jersey.
The story went viral with more than 90,000 views on YouTube.
CBS 8 reached out to US Bank. The bank’s vice president of public affairs promised to take another look at Del Muro’s case.
Then, on the day before Thanksgiving, “Lo and behold, there’s $18,000 and change in our savings account,” said Del Muro.
Del Muro said he received no notice, no call from the bank. The $18,000 was simply transferred back into his account.
“I think all the views from YouTube and the great coverage that San Diego News 8 did for me really put a spotlight on the problem of fraud and wire fraud,” said Del Muro.
He says he has learned a valuable lesson. If in doubt he said, “Just hang up and call back. You know, it may be inconvenient but at least you know.”
Del Muro was so grateful to CBS 8 that he showed up at the TV station with a gift-wrapped present for his favorite reporter. However, the company’s payola policy forbids employees from accepting gifts.
CBS 8 reached out to US Bank for comment on the reimbursement but did not hear back.
