A recent cautionary tale has emerged concerning Verizon Wireless subscribers and potential customers alike. A Reddit user, burning_sky12, shared a troubling experience involving identity theft, where an unknown individual opened a Verizon account impersonating the victim — without their authorization or any government-issued identification.
Verizon’s Non-Compliance with Fair Credit Reporting Act Section 609(e)
Closing the fraudulent account proved to be a challenging process. According to burning_sky12, "I had to navigate numerous obstacles and submit a police report before Verizon agreed to close the account and notify credit bureaus that I am not liable for the outstanding charges." The victim alleges Verizon neglected their responsibilities under Section 609(e) of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, which enables identity theft victims to request all relevant business records linked to fraudulent accounts created in their names.
The victim submitted a formal request to Verizon for all documents associated with the fraudulent account, including a police report and proof of identity. However, Verizon declined to release the requested information, citing “internal privacy guidelines” and protection of “proprietary information.” The victim expressed frustration, stating, "If Verizon permits accounts to be opened so easily in someone else’s name and refuses to provide law enforcement with necessary records, how can anyone effectively safeguard themselves?"
Steps to Take if a Wireless Account Is Fraudulently Opened in Your Name
The Redditor emphasized the importance of vigilance, cautioning, "Companies that fail to implement adequate security measures to prevent fraud and refuse to cooperate with victims raise serious concerns." They recommend taking the following actions if you find yourself victimized:
- File a police report immediately
- Submit a written request citing FCRA §609(e) to obtain related business records
- Keep detailed documentation of all communications and actions
If Verizon does not comply with your requests, consider lodging complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and your state’s Attorney General. The victim advises against allowing Verizon to close your case prematurely, especially if they are at fault.
Due to this experience, the victim no longer trusts Verizon and warns others to reconsider their relationship with the carrier, concluding, "I would not recommend anyone to use this poor excuse of a business."
A Former Verizon Employee’s Perspective
In response to these concerns, a former Verizon Fraud department employee with five years of experience explained that it is possible to receive a form by requesting information related to an incident. They clarified, however, that companies typically cannot disclose details about ongoing investigations or specifics regarding how fraudulent accounts were opened.
Has This Happened to You?
As a loyal Verizon subscriber for over 20 years who has considered switching to T-Mobile, I have fortunately not experienced this issue personally. Still, the advice shared by the victim is invaluable. Regardless of your wireless provider, identity theft can affect anyone. This guide will help you respond effectively if you become a victim.
