Consumer complaint received 2018-08-31
Company: BB&T CORPORATION
State: WA
Product: Checking or savings account
Sub-product: Checking account
Issue: Opening an account
Sub-issue: Account opened as a result of fraud

Complaint:
After numerous complaints to and requests for information through the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau regarding fraudulent transactions processed at a Branch Banking & Trust ( BB & T ), I have obtained documents demonstrating that BB & T opened at least one fraudulent joint account in my name without my authorization, knowledge, physical presence, or valid identification. 

On XX/XX/XXXX, BB & T opened a joint account ending in XXXX in my name at its XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX, VA XXXX location. I was not physically present for this as I was serving as a XXXX XXXX XXXX in rural XXXX and BB & T transactions from my personal checking account ending in XXXX confirm that I made a withdrawal in XXXX, XXXX on XX/XX/XXXX. I did not know of or authorize the opening of the joint account ending in XXXX. The account signature card dates my forged signature as XX/XX/XXXX. I was, again, serving abroad and did not sign this document at any time. Furthermore, as I learned over the phone from BB & T 's Identity Theft unit, BB & T accepted a voided and therefore invalidated Colorado drivers license as proof of my identity. I would like to note that this license literally has holes punched through it spelling " VOID '' and that I had maintained a Virginia drivers license for years prior to XX/XX/XXXX. 

This is in direct violation of FDIC Law, Regulations, Related Acts mandates in Miscellaneous Statutes and Regulations Part 1020 that banks must have a Consumer Identification Program ( CIP ) that contains procedures for verifying the identity of the customer, using information obtained in accordance with paragraph ( a ) ( 2 ) ( i ) of this section, within a reasonable time after the account is opened. Appropriate documents from an individual may include an unexpired government-issued identification evidencing nationality or residence and bearing a photograph or similar safeguard, such as a driver 's license or passport. As outlined above, BB & T accepted no such document. When a person other than an individual ( such as a corporation, partnership, or trust ) opens an account, the FDIC requires documents showing the existence of the entity, such as certified articles of incorporation, a government-issued business license, a partnership agreement, or trust instrument. At no time did I consent to or issue a trust instrument to another individual. 

The FDIC allots for verification through non-documentary methods and the bank 's non-documentary procedures must address situations where an individual is unable to present an unexpired government-issued identification document that bears a photograph or similar safeguard ; the bank is not familiar with the documents presented ; the account is opened without obtaining documents ; the customer opens the account without appearing in person at the bank ; and where the bank is otherwise presented with circumstances that increase the risk that the bank will be unable to verify the true identity of a customer through documents. I have not been provided with any evidence that BB & T pursued non-documentary verification as it maintained an invalidated drivers license as proof of my identity in relation to the joint account. 

This fraudulently-opened joint account ending in XXXX was used to deposit a check in my name on XX/XX/XXXX. This check, numbered XXXX, was in the amount of {$20000.00}. BB & T records confirm that I received a total of {$4000.00} from check number XXXX through a phone transfer from account ending in XXXX to account ending in XXXX on XX/XX/XXXX. I was not aware that these funds were from a fraudulent joint account nor that they were from a check reissued under false pretenses in the amount of {$20000.00}. 

The joint account ending in XXXX was closed on XX/XX/XXXX without my awareness of its existence while I remained in XXXX. A closing balance of {$10000.00} was issued to the individual who closed the account. I did not receive this money. 

I am demanding an explanation as to how the account ending in XXXX was opened, acknowledgement of fraud, and swift reimbursement of check number XXXX. Additionally, I am demanding to know how many other accounts ( aside from those ending in XXXX and XXXX ) were opened in my name at BB & T and all correlating records. I would not be making these demands if BB & T had adhered to FDIC regulations and believe that the bank should be held accountable to the full extent of the law.

Company public response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation