How to check if someone has opened a bank account in your name: A step-by-step guide

Can someone open a bank account in your name without you knowing? 

Unfortunately, someone can open a bank account in your name without you knowing, and it happens more often than most people think. With enough of your personal information, a scammer can bypass identity verification systems at banks and credit unions. Once they open an account, they can use it to get credit cards, commit check fraud, or even launder money.

Scammers might use these tactics to open an account in your name: 

• Use phishing emails or phone scams to trick you into revealing sensitive information
• Search the dark web for stolen Social Security numbers, credit card details, and other identifiers are bought and sold
• Commit mail theft to intercept pre-approved offers or sensitive documents
• Commit synthetic identity fraud, where real and fake data are combined
• Perform social engineering, such as impersonating you while talking to a customer service rep

And it's not always external actors. Over the past few years, major banks have been fined for opening new bank and credit card accounts without customers' permission. For example, in July 2022, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) fined U.S. Bank $37.5 million for illegally accessing customer credit reports and opening savings accounts, credit cards, and credit lines without customer consent.

Opening accounts without your permission is identity theft. The consequences can be serious: Your credit score may drop, your finances may be affected, and you may have trouble opening legitimate bank or credit card accounts in the future.

Fraudsters can also use your stolen personal information for more than just bank accounts. They may apply for credit cards, file false tax returns to claim refunds, or even obtain medical care under your name.

Signs that someone has opened a bank account in your name

Most people don't receive a direct alert when a fraudulent account is opened. But there are warning signs — small, often overlooked details that can point to new account fraud.

Mail or calls from unfamiliar banks

If you receive statements, account notifications, or phone calls from financial institutions you don't recognize, either it's a phishing scam, or you're a victim of identity theft. When using your name to open an account, fraudsters may list your email or physical address for the setup process.

Warranty emails 

Once identity thieves open fake bank accounts, they use them to make purchases. If you start receiving emails about extended warranties, damage protection plans, or insurance for items you never bought, it may mean your financial information was used without your consent.

Drop in your credit score

A sudden decline in your credit score can be one of the first signs of new account fraud. Every time someone opens a credit-based account in your name, it can trigger a hard inquiry. If that account goes unpaid or racks up a balance, your credit score takes the hit.

Unfamiliar accounts on your credit report

If your credit report lists institutions or accounts you don't recognize, someone may be fraudulently using your identity.

Denied credit or loans

Were you unexpectedly denied a credit card or loan even though your credit was previously good? That's a red flag that  accounts or debt that you don't know about may be linked to your name.

Collections notices for unknown accounts

Debt collectors contacting you about unpaid balances on accounts you didn't open is a strong indicator of identity theft.

How to check if someone opened an account in your name 

If you suspect identity fraud, start by checking the systems that monitor financial activity tied to your identity. No single report gives you the full picture, so you'll need to pull information from several sources. 

Action steps include:

1. Requesting a ChexSystems report.
2. Checking your credit reports. 
3. Monitoring your bank statements.
4. Checking alerts from identity theft protection services.
5. Checking the information from ACH verification agencies.
6. Verifying income information from the IRS and SSA.

Each of these steps helps you spot different types of unauthorized activity. Let's walk through them one by one.

Request a ChexSystems report

ChexSystems is a consumer reporting agency that tracks US checking accounts. Unlike credit reports, ChexSystems focuses on bank account openings, closures, and issues like overdrafts or suspected fraud. It's the best way to see if someone has opened a bank account in your name without your knowledge.

Why it's important: ChexSystems lets you see nearly all bank accounts linked to your SSN. If an unfamiliar account appears, it's a strong indicator of identity theft.

How to request your report:

1. Go to https://www.chexsystems.com.
2. Click "Request your consumer disclosure."
3. Fill out the form online or print and mail it.
4. Receive your report within 5 business days.

What to look for:

• Banks or credit unions you don't recognize
• Recent account openings
• Notes on account misuse or closure

If you see something suspicious, contact the listed institution immediately.

Check your credit reports 

You're entitled to one free credit report per week from each of the three major credit bureaus, Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. While not all new bank accounts are reported to the credit bureaus, some are, especially if they involve overdraft lines of credit or are linked to credit cards. 

Why it's important: Fraudulent credit card accounts can lower your credit score, trigger debt collection, and affect your ability to qualify for mortgages or even some jobs.

How to check your credit reports:

1. Visit https://www.annualcreditreport.com. It’s the official, federally authorized website for free credit reports.
2. Request a free report from all three bureaus. If you've already used your free access and can't wait until next week, check if your bank or credit card issuer offers access to your credit report. You can also purchase a report directly from a credit bureau.
3. Review each report carefully.

What to look for:

• New credit accounts or inquiries you don't recognize
• Changes in credit utilization
• Unexpected late payments

Pro tip: Set a recurring reminder (monthly or quarterly) to check your reports.

Monitor your bank statements 

Even if no new accounts have been opened, it's still possible for fraudsters to access your existing ones. Reviewing your bank and credit card statements regularly is one of the simplest ways to spot trouble early.

Why it's important: Fraudsters sometimes gain access to your current accounts in addition to opening new ones.

How to monitor effectively:

• Set up account alerts for transactions.
• Review monthly statements.
• Log in weekly to catch suspicious activity early.

What to look for:

• Small "test" charges
• Transfers or withdrawals you didn't authorize
• New linked accounts or ACH connections

Check alerts from identity theft protection services 

If you're using an identity theft protection service like NordProtect, make sure to log in and check for alerts.

Why it's important: These services often detect fraudulent activity faster than you can by checking manually. They also provide recovery assistance if fraud occurs.

What they can show:

• Suspicious account openings
• Changes to your credit file
• Dark web exposure alerts
• Fraudulent use of your SSN or personal info

Check the information from ACH verification agencies

Automated clearing house (ACH) verification services like Early Warning Services (used by banks for fraud detection) may show where your data was used.

Why it's important: Some accounts or payment setups are verified through ACH and may not appear elsewhere.

How to check:

1. Visit https://www.earlywarning.com.
2. Use the consumer inquiry form to request your data file.
3. Follow the instructions to submit your ID and wait for a response.

What to look for:

• Payment credentials you didn't authorize
• Bank accounts tied to your information
• Irregular ACH transaction patterns

Verify income information from the IRS and SSA 

Unexpected income or discrepancies could indicate that someone is using your identity for financial gain beyond banking, such as attempting to steal your tax refund.

Why it's important: Income and tax records can reveal if your identity is being misused, especially if it involves your Social Security number. If you're wondering how to tell if your Social Security number has been compromised, start by reviewing these official records for signs of fraud.

How to check:

• Go to https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount to review your Social Security Earnings Statement.
• Visit https://www.irs.gov and create an IRS online account.

What to look for:

• W-2s or 1099s that you aren’t familiar with
• Refunds you didn't claim
• Suspicious tax returns

Other ways to check if someone has opened an account in your name

In addition to the steps above, consider these other checks to see if someone has opened an account in your name:

• Request your NSLDS report (if you have student loans) to check for unauthorized financial aid.
• Review court and public records for any liens or judgments.
• Use paid services that scan public data for fraudulent entries.
• Consult with an identity theft expert or attorney if you need legal support.

What to do if someone has opened an account in my name

If you discover that someone has opened a bank or credit account using your identity, act quickly. The longer fraudulent activity goes unreported, the harder it can be to resolve, and banks may be less willing to take responsibility.

The moment you spot an unlawful account in your name, take the following steps:

1. Contact the bank or financial institution where the fraudulent account was opened. Ask to speak to its fraud department. Report identity theft and ask the bank or credit card issuer to close the account immediately. If the company can't close it right away, ask it to freeze or restrict it to prevent new charges. If needed, follow up once you've filed an identity theft report with the FTC or a police report. 
2. Place a fraud alert and a credit freeze. Contact Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to:
   • Place a fraud alert on your credit reports. This notifies lenders that you may be the victim of identity theft and instructs them to take extra steps with identity verification before approving any new credit under your name. You only need to contact one of the three credit bureaus for a fraud alert.
   • Request a credit freeze, which prevents anyone, including you, from opening new credit accounts until it's lifted. Unlike fraud alerts, credit freezes must be placed individually with each of the three credit bureaus.
3. File an FTC report. Go to IdentityTheft.gov and report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). There, you'll find a step-by-step breakdown of what to do if your identity is stolen. You can also report fraud and scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
4. File a police report (if needed). If the identity theft involves financial loss or a business won't close the account without official documentation, consider filing a report with your local police department. This step is especially useful if you want to request an extended fraud alert, which lasts for seven years and requires a police or FTC report.
5. Dispute fraudulent information on your credit report. You'll need to file a dispute with each credit bureau that shows fraud on your credit report. Send your FTC identity theft report, a copy of your credit report with the incorrect information highlighted, and any supporting documents to each bureau. The credit bureau will investigate and contact the credit card issuer who listed the account. If confirmed as fraudulent, it will be removed.
6. Monitor your credit going forward. After you've taken immediate action, keep monitoring your credit regularly. Services like NordProtect can help track changes to your credit report, alert you to new activity, and offer support if future fraud occurs.
7. Keep a paper trail. Save copies of every letter, report, confirmation, or email related to your case. A detailed record will help if you need to prove that the fraud occurred or revisit unresolved issues down the line.

Preventive measures to keep your bank accounts secure

Identity theft can put your credit score, checking accounts, savings, and long-term financial stability at risk. While there's no way to eliminate risk entirely, you can take practical steps to make it significantly harder for someone to misuse your information:

• Secure your accounts. Use strong passwords for all your bank and credit card accounts. Avoid reusing passwords across sites — if one is compromised, others could follow.
• Activate additional security measures. Enable banking alerts for large transactions, low balances, new device logins, or unusual activity. Choose longer PIN codes if your bank allows it.
• Enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible. It requires a special code, fingerprint, or face ID when you log in to online accounts.
• Safeguard paper documents. Shred bank statements, credit card offers, and documents with personal or financial information before discarding them. Don't let sensitive post sit in your mailbox for long. If possible, go paperless to limit exposure altogether.
• Avoid public Wi-Fi for financial activity. Public networks are easy targets for cybercriminals. If you must check your accounts on the go, use a secure connection or a virtual private network (VPN).
• Stay vigilant when shopping online. Be cautious of unfamiliar websites, especially those advertising high discounts.
• Review your credit reports regularly. Create accounts with the big credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) so you can access and monitor your credit reports.
• Monitor all financial accounts weekly. These accounts include credit card, checking, savings, and money market accounts. Use your bank's or credit card issuer’s app or online portal to make this part of your weekly routine. Report suspicious transactions right away.
• Sign up for a credit monitoring service. NordProtect's credit monitoring and fraud protection services alert you to fraudulent activity, including fake accounts. Additionally, NordProtect’s identity theft recovery offers assistance and financial support to help you recover from identity theft.