What does this account was opened fraudulently mean?
Emma Miller
Updated on February 05, 2026
New account fraud, also known as Account Opening Fraud or Online Account Origination Fraud, is when fraudsters use stolen or synthetic identities to open new bank accounts, intending to max out their credit limits before disappearing into thin air, usually within 90 days.
Does identity theft happen with credit cards?
Credit card fraud is a potential consequence of identity theft. Here, a thief steals your credit card information and then makes purchases in a store or online. Identity thieves can steal your personal information to open a new line of credit, open a new credit card, or obtain a false ID in your name. …
Can I press charges for identity theft?
Identity theft in California can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor depending on (1) the defendant’s criminal history, and (2) the specific facts of the case. A person convicted of misdemeanor identity theft faces up to one year in county jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.
What should I do if someone opened a bank account in my name?
6 Things You Need to Do if Someone Opens an Account in Your Name
- Call the Creditor: The first thing that you need to do is call up the fraud department of the credit card issuer to report the account as being fraudulent.
- File a Police Report: If you know the identity of the impersonator, you can have him prosecuted.
How can I tell if someone opened a bank account in my name?
The best way to find out if someone has opened an account in your name is pulling your own credit reports to check. Note that you’ll need to pull your credit reports from all three bureaus — Experian, Equifax and TransUnion — to check for fraud since each report may have different information and reporting.
What should I do if I get identity theft Social Security number?
The FTC collects complaints about identity theft from those whose identities have been stolen. You may reach the FTC’s identity theft hotline toll free at 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338) or visit their website at Consider placing a fraud alert on your Social Security number.
What can the police do about identity theft?
Report the Crime to the Police Under California law, you can report identity theft to your local police department. Give the police any new evidence you collect to add to your report. Be sure to get a copy of your police report. You will need to give copies to creditors and the credit bureaus.
How does identity theft affect your credit score?
Fraudulent accounts can damage your credit scores, especially because the identity thief is highly unlikely to make any payments on the account. So, in addition to reporting the fraud to the credit card issuer and the police, dispute the unauthorized account with the credit bureaus.
What to do when you personally know the identity thief?
The first step is to order copies of your credit reports from Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. These reports are free if you believe you are a victim of financial crime or have been refused credit or a job. Place a fraud alert on each of them. File a police report, using the information from your credit reports as evidence.
Why do you need to know about identity theft?
Identity theft is the deliberate use of someone else’s identity (e.g., name, address, Social Security number, bank accounts) to get money and credit, obtain employment, steal property, falsify educational and other credentials, access healthcare and more.
What happens if someone opens a credit card in Your Name?
An initial fraud alert stays on your credit report for 90 days and notifies lenders that you may be a victim of identity theft. Any lender that receives a credit application in your name can then contact you directly to verify your identity before opening the account.
