Flat farking broke

[figmo]

Someone sucked all the money out of my savings and checking accounts today. My E*Trade account is about to get seized by the state for back taxes they think I owe (my accountant is still working on the returns for the last three years due to discrepancies on E*Trade's part during my "day trading" days). I suspect it's the looney guy from the CA Franchise Tax Board.

I don't know what to do. How the hell am I supposed to pay bills when I can't write checks or put the funds in for the folks who are supposed to auto-suck them? Do I need a tax lawyer? Do I need a bankruptcy lawyer?

I'm terrified.

Comments

[catsittingstill.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry, Lynn. This is a rotten thing to have happen, and I wish I could be more help.

For what it's worth, I have some ideas. Most of them you've probably already thought of on your own; I'm just trying to help make sure that all the bases are covered.

1) Call the bank; find out if there's any mistake. They may at least be able to tell you *who* sucked the money out or where it went.

2) You've been stolen from. This may also be a case of identity theft. Call the police.

2a) I'm pretty sure there is help for people who've been the victim of electronic fraud. I'm not sure what the exact mechanisms are, but I bet the police will have some ideas about where else you can turn for help. Be sure to ask them. Ask them about free or low-cost lawyers for low income individuals too.

2b) If the police have info on lawyers--check into it. See what advice they have for someone in your position. They may have info on other types of help that are available for dealing with your situation (programs that help pay bills while the crime is being investigated, whatever).

3) Call the people who have a legitimate autosuck on your account (electric company, phone company, whoever). Warn them that you've been a victim of theft and the account is empty. Give them the case number you got from the police, and / or arrange for the bank to verify that an unusual transaction has occurred and is under investigation.

4) Call anybody you would normally have to write a check for in the next week or so and give them a similar heads-up.

5) Call the state about the back taxes. Explain the situation as best you can, complete with case number and bank verification if you can manage it. They may or may not listen to reason--but if you call them promptly the chances are better.



I wish I could be more help than just offering these commonsense ideas.

Yours--Cat