8_Autumn 2009 Earl Jones former clients UNITE

Three months after fraud was exposed, the EJVOrgCom had developed an extensive database and outreach program to assist those most in need. Jones had coerced approximately 30 individuals to mortgage their home and deposit the proceeds into the Royal Bank "In Trust" account. Many have since lost their homes.

The EJVOrgCom held regular meetings to assist the former clients as they completed their Victim Impact Statements for Jones' criminal trial or prepared their claims against the Royal Bank to recover stolen funds on forged double-endorsed cheques cashed at the Beaconsfield branch bank.

This was also a particularly stressful effort. Role playing exercises helped ease the tension. In one case, a former client needed assistance of a magnification device to prepare her claim and provide an example of her signature.

The Royal Bank then sent a Corporate Security officer to their homes, and according to many of the victims, the officer stated they had a "good case" against the Royal Bank and should they provide additional information it would help their chances to be compensated. However, the Corporate Security officer had apparently misled the elderly victims. Rejection letters from the Royal Bank were sent to each and every victim. Worse, the rejection letters essentially blamed the former clients for Jones' fraud.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Earl
• Jones
• victims
• Montreal
• fraud
• Beaconsfield
• Royal
• Bank
• class
• action
• Ponzi
• RBC