Unscrupulous Individual Peddles Check Images Illegally Obtained from a Billion-Dollar Bank's System, Leading to a Lender Suffering a Loss of $108,000
In a significant development, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has issued an order of prohibition against Cricel Santamaria, a former client service representative at Webster Bank in Stamford, Connecticut. The order, issued on July 16, 2025, comes following allegations that Santamaria sold check images from the bank's internal systems, resulting in a six-figure loss for the lender.
Santamaria, who has consented to the OCC order without admitting or denying any wrongdoing, is accused of engaging in unsafe or unsound practices, causing more than a minimal loss to the bank, demonstrating personal dishonesty, and willful or continuing disregard for the safety and soundness of the bank. The OCC's action against Santamaria does not imply any wrongdoing on the part of Webster Bank.
Webster Bank, a commercial bank based in Stamford, Connecticut, has more than $70 billion in assets under management. Thirteen bank customers reported fraud on their accounts shortly after their checks were made available for sale on the internet, with a total fraud reported of $237,374 and a total Bank loss of approximately $108,000.
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The Department of Justice (DOJ) retains its right to "bring other actions deemed appropriate" against Santamaria. It is important to note that The Daily Hodl, as a news source that covers Bitcoin, cryptocurrency, and digital assets, does not recommend the buying or selling of any cryptocurrencies or digital assets.
As always, stay informed and stay safe.
- Amidst the ongoing developments in the banking-and-insurance industry, Cricel Santamaria, a former client service representative at Webster Bank, faces allegations of unsafe practices, resulting in a significant loss for the bank. The OCC's action against Santamaria does not imply any wrongdoing on the part of Webster Bank.
- In the world of cryptocurrency, the industry continues to expand as Bitcoin is predicted to enter the vertical stage of the BTC bull market by analyst Kevin Svenson. Meanwhile, Everclear secures a strategic investment for scaling cross-chain clearing, and Crypto MEV Bot launches a crypto trading bot for individual and enterprise traders.
- As the cryptocurrency market evolves, altcoins like PEPETO have seen success in presale, while Ethereum-based memecoins are predicted to rally more times, hinting at potential altcoin explosions. The Department of Justice reserves the right to take further action against Santamaria, as he faces allegations from the OCC.
