I am a victim of identity theft. The person using my identity had opened several credit card accounts as well as checking accounts. I only discovered this in 2008. Apparently my identity had been used since 2005.
I had applied for credit cards before and was always denied, because of my age I did not think too much about it.in 2008 I had applied for a student loan and an auto loan as well, I was denied because of delinquent accounts. I have never had a credit card and do not have many types of accounts in my name. I checked through my credit report and discovered a laundry list of credit accounts charged off on my report.
Immediatly I contacted banks that had issued the accounts in my name to find out what I needed to do to clear my name. Every instruction I was given I followed.
I found out that someone I knew long ago had used my identity, it was my moms exboyfriends son. He had used it because he was a minor and not of legal working age to get a job. Then eventually used it to open a bank account. Then used my identity to apply for credit cards. He explained to us that he had paid monthly on time but when he got fired he stopped paying. He used an old paper license I recieved when I had renewed my license as his ID. No one had ever requested a picture ID. He opened accounts and found it hard to use the credit cards for purchases because the stores would ask for a valid picture ID. Eventually he added my mom as an authorized user and would run into stores telling people his mom told him to run in and make a purchase. He was young but very crafty.
In August I tried to file a police report with the city I lived in. The Plano Police Department refused to take a report because the accounts had been charged off so long ago and no new accounts had been opened recently. They refused to investigate or press charges because the person who had used my identity is still currently a minor.in October I finally was able to have an Incident Report made. The police department would not take any of the suspect information because it was considered "hear say". They would not investigate because it could be out of their jurisdiction. They would not help locate the suspect because we had no addresses or any information other than his name and birthdate.
Before actually being able to retain a report from the police department I had resolved alot of issues with many banks. Washington Mutual had opened a credit line of 2000$ which was investigated and found to be opened fraudulently. Capital One had opened a credit line of 500$ which was investigated and found to be opened fraudulently. Best Buy had opened IN STORE a credit line of 1000$ which was investigated and found to be opened IN STORE fraudulently. ChevronTexaco had opened a credit line of 600$ which was investigated and found to be opened fraudulently. Wells Fargo had opened a checking account which was investigated and found to be opened fraudulently. All these banks had been resolved.
Now, FINALLY we get to BANK OF AMERICA. When I was 15 I had opened my first checking account with BANK OF AMERICA.in the past 5 years I've only banked with this bank. I am currently 20 years old. I was born in 1988. When I opened my bank account I had to provide several proof of identity and age. YET, even having all my identity information in December BANK OF AMERICA issued two credit cards in my name. The credit limits being 2500$ and 1000$.
To my knowledge BANK OF AMERICA was the first bank to issue any credit in my name. They had my true birthdate and everything from when I opened my checking account. When I contacted them about the fraudulent accounts I was transferred to their FRAUD VICTIM ASSISTANCE DEPARTMENT who identified themselves as being the CREDIT CARD FRAUD INVESTIGATIONS DEPARTMENT. They investigated and denied my claim stating that there were payments made from my Legitimate banking account. This was my first bank account, I NEVER kept track of any statements or balances, I NEVER needed to because I never had to save up for a big purchase or worry about bills.
I informed them it was opened fraudulently and if this person was able to trick a major corporation into issuing two credit lines with a false date of birth it would not shock me they would have access to my bank account.
First DEMAND, I was told to bring in at least three forms of ID to establish proof of my date of birth the same day otherwise the case would be closed. I had to skip work to go into THEIR banking center and have the documents faxed. I had my valid TEXAS ID CARD, GOVERNMENT PASSPORT and my valid TEXAS DRIVERS LICENSE.
After providing all documentation I was told the account may have indeed been opened fraudulently, but the bank cannot be a victim or suffer a loss. I requested to speak with a senior investigator, who told me there was nothing she could do the claim was denied. I called every number I could.
About a month later after no real answers and continually being hung up on I wanted everything documented to show how much of my time had been taken. I contacted the Texas Attorney General and made a complaint. I contacted the Chamber of Commerce to make a complaint. I contacted the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to file a complaint.
(First time I contacted BANK OF AMERICA about the fraudulent accounts was 08/11/08)
The BBB made their first contact to BANK OF AMERICA on 09/17/08. BANK OF AMERICA finally responded on 11/03/08
MESSAGE FROM BUSINESS: (THE BANKS RESPONSE TO BBB)
We received your inquiry. As an Executive Relations Officer, I welcome the opportunity to respond. As you requested, and as we ordinarily do, we addressed this issue directly with the customer.in the interest of protecting confidentiality, we are unable to provide you with more details. Should you wish to pursue the matter further, you would need to do so with the customer. I thank you for taking the time and effort to bring this issue to our attention. Sincerely, Brandee McGee
I then contacted BANK OF AMERICA again. I was told that my case was no longer accessible in the fraud department and I would need to contact BANK OF AMERICA'S LEGAL DEPARTMENT. I left several messages and never recieved a phone call back.
I asked the "FRAUD DEPARTMENT" if these accounts had been sent to a collection agency, I was told no. I asked why they never sent it to a collection agency, I was told that when the account was charged off they looked up my info and discovered the "inaccuracies" (being the date of birth). After discovering all this I wondered, the bank always had my current phone # and address yet I never recieved a phone call or letter demanding payment. The bank had known before I did yet they let my name be ruined.
Their final response to me was that, the claim was denied. They would not be a victim, I needed to pay the balance or make payment arrangements otherwise they would add daily interest. If I continued to dispute, their investigation would go on for the next 7 years and could come on and off my credit report.
I took my battle to the credit reporting agencies, all BANK OF AMERICA accounts were deleted off my record.
I accepted defeat and did not care to waste more time with a bank, I would never do business with again.
12/06 I checked my credit report, there was a collection account. I contacted ARROW FINANCIAL and was told they were collecting on behalf of BANK OF AMERICA.
I was lied to once again from bank of america.
I called BANK OF AMERICA, this time with undoubtable proof that they had lied and they confirmed that the accounts had been sent to collection. One account was sent in DECEMBER 07 the other JANUARY 08. When I contacted BANK OF AMERICA from AUGUST 11 TILL DECEMBER 6 THEY DENIED THE ACCOUNT WAS SENT TO COLLECTION.
I will not give up the fight to clear my name, I ordered all the records/statements from my now closed Checking Account with no issues. I contacted the fraud department (december 09) and requested all records, transactions, statements and applications from the 2 fraudulent accounts but was told they would charge me 5 bucks a page, i agreed. The person ordering my reports asked why I needed them since the account was denied by the "fraud department"AND corporate including the CHAIRMAN of BANK OF AMERICA I explained I was planning to pursue legal action. She then asked what bank I currently bank with. I asked what reason she needed to know that, she informed me she would do an investigation because she was a "fraud investigator". She told me she would bill my checking for the credit accounts while SHE "INVESTIGATED" I REFUSED TO GIVE MY CURRENT CHECKING ACCOUNT INFO. She told me if i did not cooperate i would not recieve the documents. I told her the first investigation I cooperated fully but was denied, she told me there was not record of a investigation in the fraud department only in the VICTIM ASSISTANCE department which will screen customers who "CLAIM" fraud. She ended the conversation informing me the statements should arrive anytime between 30 days and 7 years and hung up.
DECEMBER 09
Furious I went to the BANK OF AMERICA location I originally opened my first account. It was located at 2015 COIT ROAD, PLANO, TX 75075. I asked to speak with the bank manager and was directed to the assistant banking center manager; MICHELLE COLEMAN. I explained my situation, within minutes she contacted corporate and was told I would recieve my statements the next day by fax.
I no longer believe a simple fix is any proper solution. Since bank of america opened a fruadulent account, even discovering the inaccuracies at least a year before i did. They completely destroyed my name intentionally. They lied to me, threatened me and will continue to delay my life for the next 7 years. Because they reported a false fraudulent account for so many years i think they should do more to resolve this issue. Fairness would be to help repair my credit by issuing me a letter of clearance from any liability of these fraudulent accounts, even better would be to issue me credit cards so i could rebuild what they intentionally destroyed.
But for now i will wait for the statements. Bank of america will continue their position as "victim".
If anyone else had a credit cards issued to them by bank of america while they were a minor, the card is fraudulent, and bank of america is unwilling to assist. Please let me know at
[email protected]
1vsbillions
plano, Texas
U.S.A.
0 comments