Sounds like someone you know has gotten a hold of your personal information, unless you know it can't be someone you know because of location. File a report to your bank that the money was taken without your permission ASAP- if you take too long to report it, they can twist it so you won't get refunded. And unless they can prove that you were negligent with your personal information, they are LEGALLY obligated to refund you the amount stolen, minus some amount as an investigation fee (usually dependent on how many withdrawals were made before you reported it.) You really should have done this the second that you saw the fake check- it would have meant the bank was paying more attention to who was accessing your account. Now you're going to have to deal with the mess the long way, which will include arguing with the credit card company that the account they opened is fraudulent and needs to be closed down. Good luck, because it is not going to be a good next few months, at the minimum. (Seriously- look at people in your social circle, because you're more likely to have your identity stolen by a "friend" or casual acquaintance than a complete stranger. See if someone who was having money troubles is suddenly not having them.)