An unsolicited bank contacted me (by phone or email) and asked for personal information to open an account. I had not inquired about opening an account, but I provided the information. What should I do?
If you provided any personal or financial information, consider closing any accounts that may be at risk. We also recommend that you contact one of the three major credit reporting agencies listed below. Ask that a fraud alert be placed on your reports in case anyone tries to open accounts in your name.
Never provide any personal or financial information in response to an email or telephone call.
- Equifax Customer Service, or call (800) 685-1111
- Experian Identity Theft Help, or call (888) 397-3742
- TransUnion Online Fraud Alert, or call (800) 680-7289
Last Reviewed: April 2021
Please note: The terms "bank" and "banks" used in these answers generally refer to national banks, federal savings associations, and federal branches or agencies of foreign banking organizations that are regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). Find out if the OCC regulates your bank. Information provided on HelpWithMyBank.gov should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion of the OCC.