If a checking or savings account was opened in your name without authorization, there are two separate jobs: deal with the fraudulent account that already exists, and reduce the risk of additional accounts being opened.
1. Contact the bank’s fraud department
Tell the institution clearly that the account was opened without your knowledge or authorization. Ask for the account to be restricted or closed as appropriate, request an investigation, and keep confirmation numbers and copies of all correspondence.
2. Create an identity-theft record
IdentityTheft.gov can help consumers create an Identity Theft Report and recovery plan. Depending on the facts, a police report may also be useful or requested.
3. Review ChexSystems and other banking-related reports
ChexSystems is commonly used by banks and credit unions when evaluating deposit-account applications. Requesting your report can help you identify account-related information or inquiries you do not recognize. Early Warning Services is another major banking-data system worth reviewing in bank-account identity-theft situations.
4. Freeze the traditional credit bureaus too
Even if the fraud started with bank accounts, an identity thief may also attempt to open credit accounts. Consider security freezes with Equifax, Experian, TransUnion and Innovis, along with relevant specialty agencies.
5. Keep a paper trail
Save letters, reports, account statements, debit cards, emails, case numbers and the dates of every phone call. If a specialty report contains inaccurate information related to the fraud, dispute or identity-theft blocking procedures may be appropriate.
When a freeze is not enough
If the issue involves inaccurate specialty reports, repeated unauthorized accounts or confusing bureau responses, a Specialty Consumer Report Review & Strategy may help you organize the next steps.