Patriot Act and Banks

[beyurslf]

I work for a bank in mortgage processing. Starting in October 2003 we had to begin to verify identity of every customer who was new to the bank. (As if you have ever opened an account with a bank without providing ID of some sort, but anways...)

About every other day we get "updates" and "clarifications" on this law that is now over 2 years old. It is to the point now that if the address on a credit report varies at all from the application, then we have to go through secruity verification. If you apply and use say your middle initial but your credit report puts your full name... secruity verification. If the application has the birthdate and the credit report is off by a day (which is common..they get the year right but often have Jan 1 as the bdate)...secruity verification.

I feel like I am the gestapo for Ashcroft's Nazi regime.

[HFishbine]

1. What does a "security verification" entail?

Curious.

[beyurslf]

2. Depends what the "error" is

Could be something simple like bringing in a government issued ID (Drivers License/ID card/Military ID). They originally told us we had to use birth certificate until they realized that if someone didn't have a copy, it would take weeks to get an official one.

Address problems require an electric bill or cable bill or some sort of "service" bill. Can't be a cell phone bill or credit card bill. Actually requires service at the address listed.

Social secuirty problems require more in detail which goes through another department and works with the social secruity admin. This wouldn't be all that big of a deal if it only happened when a social secruity number differed (which is almost never and usually does indicate fraud). But, we also have to do this on any credit report that says possible fraud or true name theft. If you contact the credit agency to dispute something and say someone else did this... this warning goes on your cbr. It is quite common.

[HFishbine]

3. Hmmm

Thanks. Sounds like that should be part of Bush's job creation plan.

[beyurslf]

4. I have asked my boss if I can expect a check from John

Ashcroft personally, from the Dept. of Jusctice, or from Bush's re-election campaign. I figure if I am the new face of fighting terrorism I should be compensated.