Jacqueline
Mansura,#2Consumer Comment
Mon, February 10, 2003
I appreciate you sharing your information. Although, I have already opted out of pre-screened credit offers with the 3 CRA, I had not thought to contact my State Attorney's Office on this bank, sending me the personal information of another person, claiming of fraud with them. I do have the phone number to his office and will most definitely contact him, as well. I will begin to file a consumer's complaint against Washington Mutual Bank, with any state and federal agency, I can. This bank has serious issues with protecting the personal and valuable information, entrusted to them. Once again, thank you for your time and advice. Best regards Go Navy!!!
Anon
Miami,#3Consumer Suggestion
Sun, February 09, 2003
Hello Jacqueline-- Unfortunately, banks and virtually every other organization can and does sell your private information without your consent--you have to read the small print and send a letter requesting to be removed or you are automatically on their "opt-in" list. It is one of the privacy issues currently under examination by the feds because of rampant identity theft and privacy concerns in general. You can put a "fraud alert" on your credit report by reporting it to all three credit bureaus. You can also opt out of the credit bureau mailing lists (that's where all those credit card offers come from). I also just found out that DMV's sell information, or make it easy for someone to get a duplicate license. I was shocked! Also, I just bought a house, and I can't believe how much new junk mail I am getting--everyone who gets your credit information is selling it to someone else--newspaper and magazine subscriptions, that grocery discount swipe card, credit cards, your bank, your dentist, the car repair shop, your internet provider, clubs you belong to and schools. If someone has enough information to open checking accounts, they may also be opening other accounts like credit cards and store cards and God knows what else. It is quite possible they have obtained some sort of photo ID with your information and their photo. When you put a fraud alert on your credit report, you can designate that no new credit be issued without your consent. This should help you avoid further problems. You should also contact each and every vendor you deal with and find out how to "opt-out" of their selling/trading/bartering of information. Good luck to you. Oh, and I'd contact the Attorney General in your state to report the receipt of some other consumer's information from the bank. That is really sloppy and downright scary if they are that stupid and careless with peoples information. Yikes!