Help w/ SS# bank issue...

[budbeerlady]

I didn't know how to title this one!

Yesterday I went to a local branch of a large national bank to open a checking account. I gave him my drivers licence, 2nd form of ID and SS#. He enters my info, then the SS# and it tells him my # is already associated with an account. My SS# is associated on a credit card with another ladys name. I didn't physically have my SS card on me so I had to come back today to prove it is indeed my #. The bank has now closed that card/account once I came back today with my card.

I was trying not to freak so as soon as I got to work I checked my credit reports yesterday. There is nothing on there that is out of place. No other names, addresses. All that is listed is correct, my mortgage and 1 small credit card I have had forever.

So should I find some credit fraud alert protection? If so who do you recommend? Still trying not to freak out but at least from the looks of things I don't own 3 boats and have 10 maxed out cards on my report.

 

[AmberHeartsDisney]

You need to go here http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/ They might of just typed in that persons SS# wrong but to be safe go to that site i posted. You never know what is out there. you also will want to place a fraun alert as well.

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/consumers/detect.html

 

[phred52]

First thing that popped into my head is .... did the bank report interest to the IRS using your SS#? If this was me, I'd go back and sit down to talk with an officer of the bank and have them look up all that info once more, and find out exactly what was done in regards to the bank reporting interest income to the IRS. If they did, I'd want them to both notify the IRS that THEY made a mistake, AND I'd want a letter explaining the error on the banks letterhead. It probable is a typing error, but that little error on the banks part could result in a big headache for you if the IRS thinks you didn't report some income. Good luck!

 

[dawson5]

This happened to my middle son. We went to file taxes this year electronically and it was flagged. Someone had used my son's SSN. We ended up having to paper file. I went to the SSA and spoke with someone there. She said this is very common and usually an honest mistake. Still need to treat it like a crime just in case. She gave me a pamphlet that outlined what needed to be done. First was notify the FTC/file a complaint, they will send you a packet. Then we had to file a fraud alert on his credit report--he's 14 and lastly had to file a police report.

 

[Green Tea]

Here's a possibility that isn't so sinister. The huge banks became huge by buying up smaller banks. Is it possible you ad an account with some local bank years ago, like teen baby sitting money or something, that through the years got bought up and up and up until small local checking account is part of big mega bank?