"Unable to verify my identity"

[SYale2010]

Hello everyone! I am actually new, after being a lurker for some time, and I just first want to say "Thank You" for making this a very informative and nice atmosphere to learn about credit and everything revolving around it.

So my story is with a GEMB Chevron/Texaco credit card. I applied a few days ago and received the online email providing me with a code to check my decision. I was unfortunately denied for the reason that they "could not verify my identity". I ended up calling the backdoor number twice. They essentially said the same thing in response to my issue. I would have to re-apply in 30 days because my phone number was a cell phone number. I said I did not want another hard inquiry on my report, with their response being that my application was finalized and nothing could be done now about the decision.

They offered the solution of: 1. calling my cell phone service provider and verifying if my name is on the account and able to be viewed publicly, or 2. using the home phone number of the same last name relative of yours (which I find hypocritical that that can quickly bypass security...). So, since I really would like the card, I myself don't mind another inquiry, I'm just deeply upset that my phone number of all things was the block, even though every other credit card I applied I used my cell phone number and was not denied like that.

I just thought I'd pass over this information, and if you guys recommend anything else to me. Once again, thank you for essentially just chatting on this forum. I'm still in college and feel like I'm way ahead of my friends with understanding FICO scoring and whatnot just from this! 

[Anonymous]

It seems like GE throws out that excuse often to deny people for whatever reason i have 3 accounts with GE an i used my cell phone when i applied cause that's the only number i have. So the phone number thing sounds like crap to me.

[Anonymous]

I have a GEMB/Ritz Camera account. A cell phone was all I had when I applied. But then again I had a $4500 credit limit with zero balance on that account when I applied for GEMB/CareCredit and got denied. LOL.

[Red1Blue]

I got the same message when I applied for Walmart Card with GEMB. I have no idea what that meant. It is common for GEMB to give that excuse when they decline the app.

[Anonymous]

I got the same email this morning.

I applied for a Wal-Mart card last week.

The reason was "Unable to Verify Identity"

I too called the backdoor number. I was told to reapply in 30 days as well.

I called the CSR number and they told me a letter is being sent and they had no other information to give.

So, who knows what the deal is.

[Anonymous]

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@Red1Blue wrote:
It is common for GEMB to give that excuse when they decline the app.

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Yes very common i read it on this forum so many times.

[Anonymous]

I was denied for the same reason when I applied online for a Victorias Secret card.Said they couldn't verify my address or phone number. I on ly have a cell phone...never been a problem before and they managed to get the denial letter to me at that "unvarifiable" address!

[Anonymous]

I got a letter from Target today.

I applied with them last week on the same day I applied for a Wal-Mart card. I don't have any store cards, so, I thought I'd pick up a couple.

Well, they sent a denial response similar to the one Wal-Mart sent. Unable to verify your address, Unable to verify your home telephone number.

The consumer reporting agency they list as the one I should contact is Lexis Nexis Risk & Information.

They checked my TU report, I know that much, but apparently that's no longer good enough.

I guess creditors are utilizing the help of companies like the one listed above now.

Funny thing is, they had no issues getting me the letter in the mail.

Oh well, I didn't really need a Target or Wal-Mart card anyway.

Message Edited by stgnov05 on 02-02-2009 10:38 AM

[creditdream]

SYale2010

I went thru the same problem MAY-2008 when I tried to apply for Chevron cc.

So 3 days later after i been denied i call this number 1888 699-9581,and they told me my information is not in their system,because they do not keep it for more then 48 hours for security reasons.

Anyway I was asked to apply again and give her a call as soon as I finish with my application were she can verify my identity .

Finally I was approved with $700,and i got 2 inq on EQ cr

I hope this will help,and good luck to all of you

Message Edited by creditdream on 02-02-2009 05:24 PM

[SYale2010]

Thank you creditdream!

That gives me hope for getting my Chevron card in the future!