Anyone know of "SentiLink?": PenFed Checking Account Identity Verification Issue

[Absolution16]

Anyone heard of "SentiLink?"

PenFed keeps rejecting my application for their checking account because... according to their reasoning, they cannot verify my identity through "SentiLink."

Googling or searching this forum results in NO mention of this company.  All I found out is that some CUs seem to use their services for KYC and identity (SSN) verification.  I don't know what I need to do to fix this issue.  PenFed doesn't seem to know either, and they are not asking me to provide them with anything extra either.

I had no problem opening up their shared savings account.  I was hoping to apply for their PCR card, but I am certain I would run into the same "SentiLink" issue there.  Besides, I have no reason to get the PCR without their checking account and their Honors Advantage bonus.

[coldfusion]

Only obliquely,  when you apply for credit from a client of theirs the information on the application is mined using an automated model to come up with a probability of there being a fraudulent application.

Have you pulled a copy of your Lexis Nexis consumer report recently?  While Sentalink may not use them as a source of truth if there are errors in your LN report such as the comingling of someone else's information with yours that could point to a cause of the identify issue.

[Absolution16]

@coldfusion 

I looked through the encyclopedia of information contained in my LexisNexis report recently.  I found small errors in the addresses, either typos or missing a number, but nothing major there.

What I did notice to be somewhat concerning were:

1.  Under "Business Association Records," there seems to be a guy with the same name in some Writer's Guild Association, as it has multiple records of "me" supposedly belonging to that organization when I never had any relationship with them.

2. I am not sure if my using a VoIP phone number as my main contact number is causing this, but under "Phone Records," it only lists my old and outdated cell phone numbers that I no longer use.

Other than that, I see nothing majorly wrong.  The SageStream part of the report is only 2 pages long; it does not even list any accounts I have, but only lists the most recent inquiries.

I am at a loss as to what is really going on.

[coldfusion]

Have you contacted LN to correct the spelling mistakes, ask about the missing phone number, and dispute off the information that isn't yours?

[Absolution16]

@coldfusion 

That is on my To-Do list, as soon as I get the major 3 CRAs sorted out first, as they also seem to have some minor errors as well.

Since I am on the west coast, I have not been able to find time to call them during their business hours.  This will be addressed soon.  Though I am not sure how far I need to go to "fix" things.  Even the smallest spelling errors or missing a digit in the apartment number?  I suppose I might as well?

[coldfusion]

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@Absolution16 wrote:

@coldfusion 

That is on my To-Do list, as soon as I get the major 3 CRAs sorted out first, as they also seem to have some minor errors as well.

Since I am on the west coast, I have not been able to find time to call them during their business hours.  This will be addressed soon.  Though I am not sure how far I need to go to "fix" things.  Even the smallest spelling errors or missing a digit in the apartment number?  I suppose I might as well?

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You might as well.   

Small errors that propogate through to identity-related questions like an actual previous address of 79 Main St. whereas the only choice listed that was even remotely close was "19 Main St." are easy to live with but I learned that a minor misspelling of your name or an alias can lead to getting someone else's information (derog, death notice, SSN info) attached to your report.   

[Absolution16]

@coldfusion 

I went ahead and called LexisNexis.  There were 2 reports: one standard consumer report, and another specifically for CA residents.  I went through each entry one by and one, disputed them all.  They are going to be sending me a letter within 30 days after their investigation is complete.  Hopefully, that will be the end of it all.

There are still Innovis and ARS that I need to deal with, but I will have to get my reports from them by mail, without online access.  For now, I have frozen ALL "secondary" credit bureau reports.  If any FIs require me to unfreeze these "secondary" reports, I just won't do business with them for now.  The "major" 3 CRAs should be sufficient for anyone looking to pull my information.

PenFed hasn't reached out to me at all.  I am not going to bother opening a checking account or another credit card from them for now.  Maybe when I am desperate for some type of loan in the future from them, I may consider contacting them.  I will leave the $10 savings account with them just to build "relationship" with them, whether it makes any difference.

Thank you for your feedback, as always.