12 Responds: Woman seeks help getting money back after wallet theft
Jan 07, 2025
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Sandra Hamlin was shopping after a funeral service for her sister in November when she noticed her wallet was missing.
"I had a bad feeling," Hamlin said. "It was just not a good day."
She filed a police report that led investigators to 61-year-old Frank Lynch of Philadelphia, who had gotten away with Hamlin's debit and credit cards, her license, and other important personal documentation.
Police believe Lynch used Hamlin's debit card in Johnston and bought gift cards totaling more than $700. They also say he stole another person's credit card and charged more than $2,000.
Hamlin contacted 12 Responds after she filed a fraud claim with Citizens Bank, but was denied.
"Maybe in the scheme of life, a thousand dollars doesn't seem like a lot, but it is. It really is," she said.
After 12 Responds reached out to Citizens Bank, Hamlin says the bank reopened her case and she was reimbursed the money that was stolen.
As for Lynch, Johnston police say they have issued three felony arrest warrants against him for fraudulent use of credit cards.
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