Signed up for a new credit card, they requested a copy of my SS card & utility bill, is this legit?

[BillGates]

I'm somewhat freaked out and concerned about identity theft issues. I have gotten a few Bank One offers in the mail for 0% for a year on purchases and balance transfers, 7.99% after that. I eventually gave in and called them to say I would accept the offer. They told me it'd be 30 days or so for them to do whatever they need to do.

This week I got a letter from Bank One requesting a photocopy of my Social Security card and a recent utility bill. Is this normal or are there supposed to be some big red flags that I should know about?

I can't find any record of the address they want it sent to on bankone.com but there are other Bank One offices in the same city - so it seems legit. I've just never had this asked of me before, so I'm somewhat leery.

 

[RaiderJ]

I've never been asked for any of that... and I'm a broke college student. I'd stay away myself.

 

[Papagayo]

Be careful..

people can get all of your information with just the Social Security Number.

I never had to do that..

I have 3 credit cards.. Mastercard/Visa, American Express Blue, and Discover Card..

 

[Hoober]

Why don't you call customer service and ask?

 

[OutHouse]

they have no business with your ss number. dont give it to them.

 

[BillGates]

Originally posted by: Hoober
Why don't you call customer service and ask?

There is an 800 number listed on the letter but I'm not going to use it. Yesterday I tried to get through to a real person at the 800 number listed on bankone.com but didn't have any luck. I think I'll try one more time, or else just say screw it.

 

[richardycc]

they wanna know if you are really bill gates?

 

[Mill]

Originally posted by: Citrix
they have no business with your ss number. dont give it to them.

??? They're going to pull his credit report with it. I've always given mine out. Never had anyone steal my identity either. Paranoia is just fearful stupidity.

 

[Beau]

Originally posted by: Citrix
they have no business with your ss number. dont give it to them.

Thought that was how they pulled credit reports.

 

[Viper GTS]

Originally posted by: Citrix
they have no business with your ss number. dont give it to them.

Hello, it's a credit card company.

I have a card with BankOne, they have never given me any problems.

Viper GTS

 

[Vic]

Originally posted by: Papagayo
Be careful..

people can get all of your information with just the Social Security Number.

I never had to do that..

I have 3 credit cards.. Mastercard/Visa, American Express Blue, and Discover Card..

Bullsh!t.

None of those providers would have issued you a credit card without your SSN. If you're going to lie, try to make it less obvious or post elsewhere.


BillGates, what BankOne is asking is normal if there was some conflicting information on your credit report that they need to verify prior to issuing you credit. For example, have you moved in the past year? Creditors usually ask for copies of utility bills to verify addresses in the event that they could not do so from the credit report.

Documenting and verifying your identity prior to issuing credit is for your protection. If you refuse to assist banks and lenders by providing documentation to that effect, then you are actually helping identity thieves.

You should call BankOne to verify the address you are sending the documentation to if you are concerned. They may even allow you to fax or e-mail it if that would help you to feel better.

 

[BillGates]

Originally posted by: Vic

Originally posted by: Papagayo
Be careful..

people can get all of your information with just the Social Security Number.

I never had to do that..

I have 3 credit cards.. Mastercard/Visa, American Express Blue, and Discover Card..

Bullsh!t.

None of those providers would have issued you a credit card without your SSN. If you're going to lie, try to make it less obvious or post elsewhere.


BillGates, what BankOne is asking is normal if there was some conflicting information on your credit report that they need to verify prior to issuing you credit. For example, have you moved in the past year? Creditors usually ask for copies of utility bills to verify addresses in the event that they could not do so from the credit report.

Documenting and verifying your identity prior to issuing credit is for your protection. If you refuse to assist banks and lenders by providing documentation to that effect, then you are actually helping identity thieves.

You should call BankOne to verify the address you are sending the documentation to if you are concerned. They may even allow you to fax or e-mail it if that would help you to feel better.

Thanks for the info Vic. I am a college student and move (upgrade ) to a new place every year. We've been at our current apartment since May, so it may very well differ from what my credit report lists. I checked my report a month or two ago but don't remember which address was listed.

I'm going to call them to confirm and then will go for it.

 

[Kyteland]

Of course they need your SSN, but why would they need a copy of your SS card?

Ususally when they are trying to verify your identity they give you four or five options for diong it. A bill, a state ID with address, a bank statement, etc.

 

[StageLeft]

Mrsskoorb recently sent in an application to MBNA over the phone and they asked during the process for a copy of a utility bill AND her social security card, so I sent in both, and she has just been approved with a card.

 

[Vic]

A portion of the USA Patriot Act that took effect on Oct. 1 this year requires lenders and creditors to document and verify that a loan applicant is in fact a US citizen or permanent resident alien.
This is probably why they are asking for the copy of the Social Security card. Verified birthdates are now required on loan applications as well.

 

[StageLeft]

Originally posted by: Vic
A portion of the USA Patriot Act that took effect on Oct. 1 this year requires lenders and creditors to document and verify that a loan applicant is in fact a US citizen or permanent resident alien.
This is probably why they are asking for the copy of the Social Security card. Verified birthdates are now required on loan applications as well.

I knew they'd mentioned something about the patriot act. Mrsskoorb is not a permanent resident though. We provided proof of legal status, however. Would this be an oversight on the lender's part extending credit still, or did your resident alien requirement mean to intend not only greencard holders but any legal alien?

 

[Vic]

Originally posted by: Skoorb
I knew they'd mentioned something about the patriot act. Mrsskoorb is not a permanent resident though. We provided proof of legal status, however. Would this be an oversight on the lender's part extending credit still, or did your resident alien requirement mean to intend not only greencard holders but any legal alien?

Sorry yeah, any legal alien. Don't run across that much in my business...
I'm assuming you are a permanent resident then Skoorb? Or how else did you get the home loan?

 

[MattCo]

Your utility bill gives proof of residence and assists in looking up your credit report. I moved recently and when I applied for a Citibank Mastercard they requested a electric bill and my SS #. Standard operating procedure.

-MC

 

[StageLeft]

I'm assuming you are a permanent resident then Skoorb? Or how else did you get the home loan?

Nope, we were on different non-resident visas at the time. Most visas do qualify for home loans, or did back in June anyway. We're waiting on greencards now but they'll take another 2-3 years (slow as sh*t).

 

[MattCo]

Originally posted by: Skoorb

I'm assuming you are a permanent resident then Skoorb? Or how else did you get the home loan?

Nope, we were on different non-resident visas at the time. Most visas do qualify for home loans, or did back in June anyway. We're waiting on greencards now but they'll take another 2-3 years (slow as sh*t).

I thought MrsSkorb had gotten citizenship to make the process of becoming an R.N easier. Maybe I have you confused with some other Canadians.

-MC

 

[StageLeft]

I thought MrsSkorb had gotten citizenship to make the process of becoming an R.N easier. Maybe I have you confused with some other Canadians.

She had hassels to get that nursing stuff figured out but citizenship takes quite a few years. You need the GC first, and then wait 5 more years. I think it's maybe only 3 if you're married to a citizen.

 

[Vic]

Originally posted by: Skoorb

I'm assuming you are a permanent resident then Skoorb? Or how else did you get the home loan?

Nope, we were on different non-resident visas at the time. Most visas do qualify for home loans, or did back in June anyway. We're waiting on greencards now but they'll take another 2-3 years (slow as sh*t).

Then your visa must guarantee you continuing residence in the US for at least 3 years after the time the loan was made?

 

[Apathetic]

Do *NOT* give them your SSN.

Dave

 

[Kelemvor]

Having them ask for your SSN is normal for credit cards.. But asking for a photo copy of the actual card?! I've never had anyone ask me for that and I've gone through many CCs in my time... The utility bill part is just to verify an address so that's not too uncommon either.

 

[Eli]

Originally posted by: Apathetic
Do *NOT* give them your SSN.

Dave

*WHY*?