Citi DP Denied

[TC1223]

I applied for the Citi DP earlier this month and was automatically given the 7-10 day message. I knew this was going to happen because of a fraud alert placed on all three CBs. This theif was instantly approved for 3 Citi cards, which I was able to cancel before they sent out the cards. (But, that's a whole 'nother story) 

I called twice to recon, using different BD numbers and they all said I would have to wait. A few days later, I checked the online app status and it said I was denied.

So, after reading some posts about Citi's EO, I called to ask for the reason and to do a recon. The rep I spoke with said I would need to wait for my letter to come in to get my reason for 7-10.

When my letter did finally come in, the decision for the denial was "...We reviewed your application and can't approve it because we couldn't verify the accuracy of some of the information you provided." I called the EO, not long after reading the letter and asked what information they needed to verify.

The rep said that they couldn't verify my identity and that there is a fraud alert on my EQ report with no contact information listed. They suggested that I contact EQ and update my information and they would reconsider my application. 

I contacted EQ, but the department was closed for the weekend. So, I got this bright idea (from one of the posts on here), to call and ask if I could just send in copies of my DL, SSN, etc.

The first rep I spoke with through one of the BD numbers listed here, said that she did not have any information on why the app was denied and that I would need to re-apply because after a certain number of days, they don't have access the application anymore. I filled out the application less than 10 days ago, btw.

After that conversation, I called the Citi EO, in hopes that they were open today (Sunday), and to my surprise, they were. After speaking to the rep, she stated that they would not be able to reconsider my application because "...Once it's denied, there is nothing we can do about it." I explained to her my situation and asked if I could send in other forms of ID or even give them permission to run a different CR, since both TU and EX have my contact information listed. I even tried to ask if it were possible to just get EQ on the line tomorrow and have them on the other line to verify my information.

She declined and said that if I wanted the card, I would need to update my contact info on EQ and re-apply. Pretty cold. 

So, now, I don't know what I should do. I know I have to deal with EQ and most likely submit a new app. But, is there anything I can say to reason with Citi about doing another HP or even ask them to remove the HP from this app? My score dropped 8 points because of their pull and I don't want that looming over the next application, if I do have to re-apply.

[pipeguy]

Obviously, you have some work to do to clean up the fraudulent activity especially with CitiBank - glad to hear you caught those "new accounts" before they did any damage. I don't know that I would be looking to expand new credit through Citi right now considering how these fraudulent cards were opened in your name recently and you added, rightly so, a fraud alert on your CRA reports. 

Once you place a fraud alert on your CRA report, you can expect any lender to take extra steps to ensure you are actually you as far as extending credit - since Citi seems to be the one that really swallowed the new app bait and issued 3 new accounts, I have no doubt they are gun shy right now concerning your name-social-request, but you seemed surprised or at least annoyed that they would be extra cautious. 

If I really wanted a Citi Card (I don't), I'd probably wait 6-12 months, then call and say you'll remove the freeze for 24 hours so they can run your app - put yourself in their shoes and you'll have a better understanding of what is going on to get approved.  It might help to apply in a branch with several pieces of good ID if that is possible - they'll know it's you. 

[TC1223]

First, thank you for replying, pipeguy. I appreciate it.

I probably should have made the part about my ID theft more clear. Last year, when I was alerted of accounts being opened, I called each creditor and explained the situation. I filed reports with the local police department, FTC, SS, and the IRS. I then placed the fraud alerts on each CRA, but for some odd reason, EQ did not put my contact information on the fraud alert.

Each of the fraudulent accounts were closed and removed, along with the inquiries, from each CRA.

I was vigilant with this process. I sent them certified letters with my affidavit and copies of the police report, but still somehow, it managed to fall through the cracks.

I was even in contact with one of the reps at Citi for a few months, so they could monitor for activity. But, by then, the thief stopped.

I only decided to apply for this card because I wanted to take advantage of their 21-month 0%.

I do understand from their POV, but if I’m offering to send out other government IDs and to check the other CRAs and am still getting denied, it is really frustrating.

But, maybe I will try to just go into a branch and apply from there. Thanks.

[Meanmchine]

Be aware that EQ does not store or report phone numbers of yours.  If you have a FA on your EQ file, I suggest you adding a comment giving your current phone number should any creditor need to contact you.  This worked wonders for me when I had a FA

As a personal observation, I think file freezes >>>>>>>>> fraud alerts

[TC1223]

Thank you, Meanmchine. It was quite the hassle to try and contact EQ today. Sadly, I gave up after spending an hour holding for a rep.

But, I’m glad that I know why my contact info isn’t on the FA. I will take your advice and add a note next time. However, I’m not sure who or how to add that information.

And yes, I agree about the freezes. This is actually the first time, since adding the FA that I’ve applied for a new account(s). I didn’t think that it would be this troublesome.

Oh well. Lesson learned. Thanks again!