tl;dr
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) is taking action against Cricel Santamaria, a former Webster Bank employee, for allegedly selling around 62 check images obtained from the bank's systems between October 2021 and April 2022. This misconduct led to $237,374 in customer fraud and abo...
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) is taking decisive action against Cricel Santamaria, a former client service representative at Webster Bank in Stamford, Connecticut, for allegedly selling check images. This misconduct resulted in a significant six-figure loss for the bank.
Between October 2021 and April 2022, Santamaria reportedly obtained around 62 check images from the bank’s internal systems and made them available for sale online. Shortly after, thirteen bank customers reported fraud on their accounts, with total fraud amounting to $237,374 and the bank’s loss approximately $108,000.
The OCC asserts that Santamaria engaged in unsafe and unsound practices, causing notable financial harm to the bank while demonstrating personal dishonesty and a blatant disregard for the institution's safety and soundness. As a result, the OCC has issued an order prohibiting Santamaria from working in the banking and financial services industry.
Although Santamaria consents to this order, she neither admits nor denies any wrongdoing. The Department of Justice retains the right to pursue further legal actions if deemed necessary. Webster Bank, with over $70 billion in assets under management, faces the repercussions of this breach of trust within its ranks.