Since 2019, I have had 4 Cash App accounts opened, 4 bank accounts opened, and 1 attempted to get opened. I have a credit freeze on all 3 credit reports (10+ years) and I had a security alert and credit freeze with ChexSystems since 2022. In the last 6 months, I had two GO2Bank accounts opened.
I filed a police report to get the 7-year fraud alert added to the credit reports. Submitted Identity theft with the FTC.
I refuse to use Zelle and Venmo.
When I closed the Cash App cards in 2019 and 2020, I had to contact the bank that issued the cards since Cash App wanted the information used to open the cards. Both times I requested that they block my information so that I couldn’t get another card and they said they would, yet 4 years later, Cash App cards started coming again.
Is there anything else I can do? Where else can I report so that bank accounts are not getting opened in my name? Any place else to report fraudulent activity?
Freeze ChexSystems as others mention. Won’t help much for Cash App and the like. However, it’s worthwhile to prevent regular bank accounts from being opened. No guarantee even for that though.
However, that alone isn’t enough for bad ID theft situations. Opt-out of data sharing can help: https://optout.lexisnexis.com/
Beware opting out can have some adverse effects, so it’s a trade-off. You can opt back in temporarily if needed, but don’t lose the email link they send, if they still do that. Without it, it will be a huge hassle.
They don’t make any of this easy. Send registered letters to Cash App and others instructing them not to open accounts in your name.
If all else fails and, especially if you experience more ID theft, consider litigation to recover compensation for time (don’t expect big bucks), direct losses (i.e., late fees, postage, etc.), and potentially other statutory damages. Not going to be a big financial windfall, but it could help cover costs for addressing such issues.
File complaints against all actors with the CFPB and send cease and desist letters telling companies never to open accounts using your info or face the wrath of lawsuits. I’ve sued Go2 six times now and won each time. Their partner bank was also named in the suit and is now in trouble with the Comptroller of Currency. Also, contact your state’s Dept of Banking to file complaints.
@Tobin
4 bank accounts - all opened online. All my information has been part of several data breaches. Two were opened before the ChexSystems freeze.
The only one that sent me a letter requiring additional info to open the bank account, when I called them to tell them someone tried to open the account fraudulently, they said I had to go to the local branch to submit the information about the fraud. There is no branch in my state or the surrounding states.
GO2Bank - I’m not sure if they checked any place.
Cash App - I am not sure what info they require. I don’t use them. I am curious about what activities are being used for these accounts if I never closed them.
Zelle/Venmo - I saw several news stories where people had their bank accounts drained, and there was nothing they could do. Since bank accounts keep getting opened in my name, I will only use my bank.
@Yan
It’s not possible to drain an account if you don’t link it to your money.
I would be interested in what Cash App and GO2Bank say when you ask them what proof someone needs to open an account and what reporting agencies they use to verify the data (so you can freeze them).
Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend? Somebody you share all these stories and financial mishaps with? It’s worth investigating.
I read a story where someone had similar issues for years, until one day they found out their partner was opening everything under their name in secret.
I had something similar happen a few years ago. The police report helped, but I also contacted the banks directly and requested a more permanent block. Keep documenting everything.
You need to contact the Social Security Administration with a police report on the matter, giving all details with references, and they’ll issue a new SSN. Problem solved.