Random, weird questions asked by Chase Visa

[bdcp]

We applied for a loan through our credit union online a few months ago. To confirm it was us, we were asked some random questions from info gathered from our credit report. We "failed" the first time because it asked us the date we closed on our house and none were even close. The woman at the credit union didn't like the fact we told her the question and answers were wrong, but she did reset it and it kicked out new questions that we were able to answer. It's supposed to prevent fraud but it's a really imperfect system.

 

[apirateslifeforme]

October 2013, I called my credit card company - Citicards - to pre-authorize an extra-large upcoming charge (donor eggs from an egg bank for IVF). The first 3 questions were fine, but then the guy asked, "The payment you made in April of this year, what are the last 6 digits of the account you used for payment?" Um...that was 6 months earlier and we had closed the account. We had no checks or deposit slips left that showed the entire account number, just statements with the last 4 digits. I knew those last 4 digits, but that wasn't good enough; he kept insisting that he needed the last 6 digits. I kept telling him, the account is closed and I do not know those extra 2 numbers, I've given you all that I know.

He finally moved on by asking an extra 5 questions. Thankfully I got those correct.

His last question was, "How will the company be billing this charge?" (gas, groceries, etc.). Um...how should I know? I said I thought it would be a medical expense, he then asked what kind (doctor's office, hospital, etc.). I got frustrated and said, "I'm buying body parts on the internet." He was silent for a moment, then said, "Okay, no worries, this charge has been authorized."

ETA: The bank were I have my oldest checking account always asks these questions when you sign on via Internet. The one question I always get is "In what state was your Social Security number issued?" In the four choices, it always gives me Illinois (where I was born) and Connecticut (where I moved at the age of 2 and grew up). I assumed that the number was issued in IL, so I always checked that off and I've been able to get into my account. My mother told me a week or so ago that no, she didn't even think of it when I was born and the number was issued in CT after we came here.

 

[Albort]

Now that there are soo many hacks going on, i guess banks are just doing that to protect themselves from losses. I had this issue once with ATT, when i first went in to transfer from t mobile and they asked questions. I failed the test, they ended up wanting to wait 30 days to investigate.

After a few days, it was bounced back and forth, even the att store rep thought it was silly that my new account was on hold... They were like, he's got ID and credit card in his name, and he's standing right in front of me, what do u want from him!? they released my hold there and i got my account.

 

[dhop]

This thread reminded me that I encountered this on the governments Social Security website. I don't know how a person's supposed to remember some of those things that were done years ago.

Anyways, I just tried it today and, while I got similar questions, I only had to guess on one of them and I guessed right!

 

[North of Mouse]

It's still freaky when a stranger asks me questions about something in my distant past! I know it's public domain info---but still a bit unnerving to be asked to remember my childhood address.

This was not like a 'random' stranger asking these questions - the OP 'called' them for a service. I have been asked these things before and I'm really glad that they are being so thorough. Sounds like you might be surprised what 'anyone' can find out about you on the 'net!!

When 'you' (general you) initiate the call (whatever) this is very standard procedure, but never answer questions when you 'don't' initiate the procedure!!

 

[Happy Snowman]

That's what the second question was! It was about car loans. I've never had a car loan in my life. It was all so random and most didn't apply to me at all. Thanks, though. You make a good point. I never thought of it that way.

These are common questions and since you were able to answer "none of the above" you had the right answer. I've had to answer similar style questions for various websites or over the phone financial transactions. One time THEY had the answer wrong so it caused some problems but we got it taken care of. I'm glad when they go through the extra security steps--pain in the rear but glad. Just think of the information they have on you, name, addresses, card numbers, social security numbers, etc. Look at it in reverse, if someone called, transferred money out of your account because the questions were too simple (and easy to find---your mother's maiden name, etc.) wouldn't you be more upset???

 

[gwynne]

I work in banking and this is something that we did when opening new accts, it's called customer due diligence. Theoretically you should be the only one who can correctly answer your own questions. This is the ultimate proof the financial institution has that you are who you say you are. After the first handful of people I ran it for we're/ confused or upset I always start with " This next section is just a further verification of your identity. Only you should know the answers to these random questions and they span from the time you were born to today. These questions are designed to confuse you and not make sense so "none of the above" is a perfectly valid response, just go with your first instinct." I would still have to talk to people and calm them down that no one had stolen their identity when something in east shaboop showed up, but it is a good verification system.

Fozzie, Thanks for your helpful explanation.

 

[jen73]

I remember being asked questions like these once a long time ago. We were a military family for nearly 13 years and we literally, moved every 15 months, so we lived in a lot of places all over the US. There was one question I couldn't remember the answer too and I had to call DH and ask HIM the answer as to where we lived (the house number!) Lol

I'm too old to remember all this stuff anymore...lol