Citizens One and ID theft

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Level 1

4 points

Citizens One and ID theft

I recently submitted for the iPhone upgrade program for the 15 Pro Max. I can't remember how many times I've used the program, but it's been at least a couple of years, and I've never missed a payment. Imagine my surprise when the loan was turned down for "poor credit performance with Citizens." I called them directly and they informed me somebody is using my SSN on another account that is underperforming, and opened an ID theft case. I now have to prove I am who I say I am by submitting documents via snail mail, so my upgrade will be delayed.

I am shocked that somebody was able to use my SSN to open a new, fraudulent, loan account for an iPhone when I already have an account under my SSN, with multiple years at the same address, etc. A simple cross-check of existing accounts under that SSN should have raised red flags. Does Apple have the right business partner in Citizens One? I would expect better security protections for Apple customers, especially considering we are not given a choice and must use Citizens One for the upgrade program. Has anybody else had this issue?

iPhone 14 Pro

Posted on Sep 14, 2023 09:26 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Lawrence Finch

Community+ 2025

Level 10

226,666 points

Sep 14, 2023 09:37 AM in response to 0No

Bank fraud can happen with any bank, any time, and your SSN is easily available to anyone who wants it. All personal information that you have ever used online is available on the dark web, as thousands of merchant’s (and banks) computer systems have been hacked.

That’s why you are encouraged to check your credit files frequently, and to freeze your credit histories→https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/free-credit-reports

Also→https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2018/09/free-credit-freezes-are-here

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Answer 2

0No Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 14, 2023 01:14 PM in response to Lawrence Finch

Couldn't agree more -- nobody expects SSNs to be private or secure in this day and age. That's why all banks should run cross checks on existing accounts if they choose to use your SSN. Citizens One would have quickly seen different contact info for the existing account using that SSN, which should have been an immediate red flag. Such cross-checks should also be in place to prevent simple errors. The banks absolutely bear responsibility for the security and functioning of their systems if they are going to make decisions that can negatively impact your credit rating.

BTW - I do and did check my credit report. Guess what? Citizens One doesn't report the loans to the credit agencies unless you default and Citizens One chooses to report it. NONE of my Citizens One iPhone loans from the past several years showed up on the report, including this new fraudulent account that was in arrears. I would have never known about it if I didn't apply for a new upgrade and get denied.

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Citizens One and ID theft

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