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  Home >> Scams/Fraud >> Identity Theft  
Account Opened with Forged Signature

Wouldn't someone have to forge my signature in order to open an account in my name without my knowledge? Would they be able to withdraw funds from the account using the forged signature?


You may be an identity theft victim. If checks payable to you have been stolen and deposited into the account you refer to, it's very likely that someone has impersonated you, using counterfeit ID documents, etc. Until the bank holding the account learns of the fraud, it will, of course, allow the impostor to withdraw funds from that account.

If you believe that someone has defrauded you in this way, or has otherwise set up an account in your name - just make sure the name isn't simply a coincidence, contact the bank holding the account. Be prepared to be challenged, however, because the bank will need to be convinced that its customer is a fraud artist. You should also review the Federal Trade Commission's website article "Identity Crisis... What to Do If Your Identity is Stolen". Pay particular attention to the suggestions on filing an ID Theft Alert with the three major credit bureaus.

Published on BankingQuestions.com 4/17/08