Incompetence in Identity Verification…
Incompetence in Identity Verification Preventing Me from Opening Bank Accounts
I am a lifelong California resident, born in Los Angeles County in 1966. I have held a valid California driver’s license since the age of 16 and a Social Security card issued shortly after birth, over 50 years ago. I am a homeowner with a stable address history.
Despite having accurate, verifiable information, including my correct Social Security number, date of birth, and driver’s license, the company NARMI (a third-party identity verification service used by banks) has repeatedly failed to verify my identity.
This failure has directly caused multiple banks and credit unions, including Arrowhead Credit Union, to deny my applications for checking accounts. I am not on ChexSystems, have no negative banking history, and no adverse reports that would justify a denial. The sole reason given: “NARMI cannot verify your identity.”
It is incomprehensible that a company in the business of verifying identity cannot confirm someone with a decades-long documented presence in California, complete with valid ID, Social Security history, and home ownership. This raises serious concerns about NARMI’s competence, accuracy, and the reliability of their data sources.
Their apparent negligence has caused me financial harm and unnecessary obstacles in accessing basic banking services. I strongly caution financial institutions against relying on NARMI’s services without verifying their accuracy and fairness.