Consumer complaint received 2018-03-26
Company: DISCOVER BANK
State: NC
Product: Credit card or prepaid card
Sub-product: General-purpose credit card or charge card
Issue: Closing your account
Sub-issue: Company closed your account

Complaint:
Started this log on XXXX XX/XX/XXXX. 

I have been a Discover cardholder since XXXX and have never missed a payment. I have automatic payments set-up to pay in full each time. Also, my FICO score is XXXX ; so no credit related issues. 

XXXX XX/XX/XXXX ( XXXX XXXX ) Received a phone call at from XXXX. Since I didnt know the number I let it go to phone mail. When I listen to the message, it was from Discover card saying I need to contact them immediately. I have a copy of the phone mail. I tired to log into my account online but was unable to do so. 

XXXX XX/XX/XXXX ( XXXX XXXX ) I returned the call. I was immediately directed to the security group who explained that although there was no breach of my account and no unauthorized use, However, they placed a security hold on my account per a new security procedure that they are doing. This act locked my account so I can not view anything. I was also told that Discover card would be sending me a letter within 3-5 days with directions on how to get my account unlocked. I asked what they needed and why and was told a copy of my Social Security card. I told the guy this sounds like a scam and said I would call Discover card directly ( the number on the back of my card ). He said OK. 

XXXX XX/XX/XXXX ( XXXX XXXX ) Using the phone number on the back of my Discover card I called and was again transferred to the security department to a customer representative who was extremely rude. I was shocked. She essentially threatened me saying if I didnt comply and send a copy of my social security card in the mail that they would cancel my account. 

XXXX XX/XX/XXXX ( XXXX XXXX ) I called the Attorney General Office and spoke to a woman who was very nice. I did not catch her name. I explained what had happened so far and she informed me to not send a copy of my Social Security card ; but to file a claim online and enclose a copy of the letter once received. One thing that she mentioned ( which I thought was important ) was that when I applied for the Discover card I provided all of the necessary information including my Social Security number at that time and the card was approved. Therefore, I should never have to do this again. 

XXXX XX/XX/XXXX ( XXXX XXXX ) Arrived home and I called Discover card and spoke with XXXX. He explained that Discover card is trying to confirm my social security number with XXXX. I told him that if you cross check Discover card records with my XXXX records you would see that the Social Security Number is the same. I also told him at that time, that I have all my credit bureau as accounts locked down for my safety. While this was recommended after the XXXX   security breach, I have had this in place for numerous years. Always better safe then sorry. Since I do everything with Discover card electronically, without access, I needed to be able to see my statements for my account and asked if they could send me copies for all XXXX as my next bill will be due XXXX XXXX. I just wanted to be sure that if my account is frozen that my next bill would be paid and I was reassured that the electronic bank transfer to pay my bill in full would occur. I also had a credit on my account that I wanted to apply to the next payment. To accomplish this, I was transferred to billing to XXXX. She said she could not help me so she transferred back to security to XXXX who took care of this. XXXX was great and doubled checked everything so could receive copies of my statements too. 

My primary concerns are as follows : 1. I would prefer not to and can not justify sending or faxing a copy of my Social Security card to Discover card. That goes against everything I know about protecting oneself from identity theft. When I applied for this credit card back in XXXX, I provided my Social Security number ( encrypted online ) through the Discover Website ; they did a credit check and then sent me a credit card. I signed up for direct payment ( in full each month ) and have never missed a payment. Never a problem since inception. 

2. As explained to me by the Discover Customer service representatives, if I do not comply, they will close my account. I am OK with that ( not a problem ). After having to deal with all of this hassle, I would rather not give them my business anyway. However, ( 1 ) this request makes no sense to me and their letter came to me later then 3-5 days and ( 2 ) my primary concern is if they close my account, will that action negatively impact my credit rating? If so and this action will impact my credit rating, is there anything I can do? 

Thanks in advance for your assistance. 

From XXXX XXXX : My social security card was issued in the XX/XX/XXXX and it says clearly : Not for identification. Thats because when these numbers were first introduced in the XX/XX/XXXX they were meant for one reason, and one reason only : To track our Social Security contributions to the giant government pool so we could rightfully claim benefits later in life.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation