Have any of your creditors, ever asked you to verify public information about a relative living with you?

Question

I rarely call customer service, so I couldn't remember the passcode placed on my account last year. In order for me to change the passcode, the security department asked if I would verify public information concerning the nearest relative who lives with me who is NOT on my account, or affiliated with my account in any way. Supposedly public records about me, listed their name, age, and place of birth.

This seemed very strange. Has anyone every experienced this? Also, the relative they asked me to verify information about, has TERRIBLE credit, and judgments, so will their credit history affect my relationship with this creditor? Thanks

Also, how is this secure verification? What if I had been my relative calling in to get unauthorized information on my account without my permission. After verifying their name, age, and county of birth, the security department removed the passcode. Very strange.

Kate, I often wonder, what motivates people such as yourself, to post ignorant and sarcastic responses. Is it because you need attention, feel courageous since you're hiding behind a computer screen, or are you just that petty? It's obvious you have never been asked the question posted in my message, which is why it sounds like "gibberish" to you. Thus, why would you respond to a question specificially for people who have experienced this, unless you suggestions or ideas? You seem to have too much time on your hands, and have a lot of growing up to do. I only hope you're not over 21. That would not be good.

Answer 1

Call back customer service; you'll get a different rep. See if they ask you for the same info. If they do, hang up and call back one more time and ask for a supervisor and have them tell you this is company policy. And if the supervisor confirms the policy, CANCEL YOUR ACCOUNT!! Really bizarre policy, but it could have been a bad rep.

Answer 2

Well, look at it this way. If a stranger stole your wallet, they could have access to your social security card, driver's license, and account information. So asking them for the last few transaction, and personal information, wouldn't do much good, because the thief could have made the transactions.

But, only you would most likely know the information they asked about your relative. I can understand the reasoning behind this verification, but I agree it's not the best solution, and I've never heard of this before.

You should have been required to go into a local store, if it's a department store card, or a bank to verify your identity, and then send a notarized letter to the company, who should have mailed you a letter to return by fax or mail to change the passcode. I'd be suspicious as well. By the way, public records do list the name of nearest relatives and neighbors at your most recent address.

Answer 3

I can understand your situation, I would call the company and ask to speak to a member of management to verify how this information obtained helps in verifying who you are. Much less is the person that they are asking about going to have access to your credit information should they call there. Be very specific with your answers never say yes alone, answer with yes I gave this, or yes this is ------. They might be recording you saying yes to answer a question and use this YES to confirm something else later.

Answer 4

This is very very strange...ususally they want you to veryify your own information (DL# SSN ect) I have never heard of verifying public record information before (I mean anyone could obtain it). I would call the manager of the company and inquire about the policy because it would seem to me that someone who knows you well could obtain your private information this way.

Answer 5

This will not affect your credit. They are just trying to confirm your identity by asking you questions that a random person who got your account number wouldn't know.

Answer 6

When you set up the account pass-code , you provided additional info they could use to verify who you were in case YOU FORGOT your pass-code .

You FORGOT , so they used the other questions to verify who you were .

Most of your story sounds sort of like gibberish tho ,
So maybe you are on some medication ?

Try not to engage in business when on meds as you can really screw up your accounts forever !

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Answer 7

Romoco I have to agree with you about Kate response she is very immature and really uncalled for.Don't give any info to to anyone about your family.