Consumer complaint received 2023-09-12
Company: Chime Financial Inc
State: PA
Product: Checking or savings account
Sub-product: Checking account
Issue: Opening an account
Sub-issue: Account opened without my consent or knowledge

Complaint:
On XX/XX/2023, I received several emails from Chime regarding the opening of an account and welcoming me to the Chime Bank system. I have never had a Chime Bank account of any kind. I've also never made any request for one at any point.

The first set of emails stated that I opened the checking account and that a debit card would be mailed to the address on file. The email did not state what the address was or if it was even my address The next set of emails stated that if I make certain deposits I would qualify for one of their promotional credit cards. So far, I have not found any activity showing a new credit card. 

I also received an email stating that I had a new login on the account. The Alert email did not show the device or the location of the device. Additionally, I received another email stating that there was a new phone number added to the account. The phone number was ( XXXX ) XXXX. I've made attempts to call this phone number to see if someone answers. This number goes straight to an automated voicemail. 

As I was busy on XX/XX/XXXX, I was not able to see the emails until XX/XX/2023. So, on XX/XX/XXXX, I call Chime to inform them that I did not open this account. After verifying my identity while on the call, their team decided to close the account. They sent me emails right after verifying that they closed the account. Chime created an internal ticket for this issue ( ticket # XXXX ). 

As I was on the call, I requested a report showing all activity associated with this fraudulent account, how Chime received my information, and any and all activity associated with my name and personal information. I also requested a written letter from Chime with the following statements included : 1 ) The fraudulent account was not mine ; 2 ) I am not liable for the account ; and 3 ) Any activity from any account ( s ) opened under my name will be removed from my credit report. 

They informed me to report this fraudulent activity to the FTC on identitytheft.gov and share the report number in order for me to receive that information. I filed that complaint and sent the report number back to Chime. All Chime stated was that the account was closed due to violations of their policies. 

I responded to them in stating that I was the one who informed them of the fraudulent activity that led to the closure of the that account. I also informed them of their own instructions which I followed, for me to receive the activity report. Chime gave me the same response regarding them closing the account due to violation of their policies. They did not provide me the report. 

I was originally concerned of whether this was just a fraud attempt by a bad actor or a set of bad actors. I've also had had concerns whether this was someone from Chime who created the account to pad internal numbers. I believed both angles need to be investigated, especially with the fact that my email was used. I asked Chime about this and informed them that I would report the Bank if they were uncooperative in providing information as to what transpired or the written statement. They did not respond to my requests.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation