Consumer complaint received 2019-09-13
Company: HUNTINGTON NATIONAL BANK, THE
State: FL
Product: Checking or savings account
Sub-product: Checking account
Issue: Opening an account
Sub-issue: Account opened as a result of fraud

Complaint:
This midXX/XX/2019, I was alerted by a phone call from a debt collector who told me that I had a delinquent account with Huntington, National Bank. I do not now, nor have I ever banked with Huntington, National Bank. However, an account has been opened in my name with Huntington. It should be noted that Huntington is a mid-western bank, but I live in South Florida with no connection to the Mid-west, whatsoever. Immediately, I called them and spoke with a representative of Huntingtons fraud and recovery division. I was and am highly concerned because I'd previously placed a fraud alert with the credit agencies. I know that this type of alert requires banks to obtain identity verification by a heightened standard of due diligence, which generally requires them to make verbal contact. However, no one from Huntington contacted me when they opened this fraudulent account. 

On XX/XX/2019, I received a packet ostensibly from Huntington via United States Postal Service. Inside the packet was an unsigned letter from Huntingtons fraud and recovery division requesting a copy of a police report, a utility bill, and a copy of my personal government issued identification, as well as an uncompleted form entitled identity theft affidavit. I made an appointment and met with the XXXX XXXX Police Department to file a complaint on XX/XX/2019. The complaint was taken by Officer XXXX XXXX who issued me complaint number XXXX and informed me that formal reports are not attempted until a complaint is taken and a preliminary investigation is conducted. This caused me more concern, because Huntingtons letter demanded a copy of a police report issued, which I have no way of acquiring at this time. 

Additionally, Im very concerned about supplying this bank, which has already opened a fraudulent account in my name despite a fraud alert, with a copy of my personal information such as my drivers license and a utility bill. Ive read about the unscrupulous fraudulent account practices of XXXX XXXX and other banks in the news. I should note that Huntington 's letter requested that I include the fraudulent account number on the identity theft affidavit, which I'd have had no conceivable way of knowing. When I subsequently called Huntington to request the account number, they refused me and suggested I stop by one of their branches. Again, all of their branches are in the mid-west and I live in South Florida ( and they were informed of this ). 

Then yesterday, XX/XX/2019, I received a bill for this fraudulent account, which so happened to include the fraudulent account number that Huntington previously refused to supply me. Please find included with this complaint ( If I am able to attach it ), a copy of my police complaint number, as well as the letter, affidavit, and bill from Huntington. I am resolute in pressing this matter as a formal complaint against Huntington, National Bank. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation