Red flags require the completion of an ID Verification Red Flag Discrepancy form and the transaction or account opening should NOT be completed.
Click on each tab to learn more about the scenarios that could be a red flag and be an indicator of possible identification theft.
See Detecting Red Flags in ID Verification for more information.
Address Discrepancies
Verify the correct address with the client using another method (for example: utility bills mailed to the address). Do not accept post office boxes or mail drop services as the physical address. Those may be used for account mailings, however, if the physical address is recorded in the IRS address in the CIF record.
If the address cannot be verified, do not open the account.
Altered/Forged Identification Documents
If the provided identification appears to be altered or forged, do not open the account or process the transaction.
Other Personal Information Inconsistent
Compare the ID or personal information with other information provided, including with documentation and personal ID information already on file. Look for the following:
- Name is not the same: Obtain evidence of a name change (for example: marriage license; divorce papers from the court, court order to change name).
- Date of birth: Verify this with a birth certificate.
- Height: Observe the client. Clients with an ID from age 16 may have grown since the ID was produced.
- Gender: Do not open the account if the gender on the ID does not match the person opening the account.
- Expiration Date: Check the expiration date of the ID. Do not accept expired ID.
If the name, date of birth, gender, height, or expiration date discrepancies cannot be verified, do not open the account or process the transaction.
Photo Does Not Match
Check the picture carefully. Identification photos may be outdated and the client could have changed somewhat since the picture was taken.
Look for the following possible red flags:
- Picture is blurry, out of focus or not aligned correctly
- Picture does not look like the individual
- Most states have a second lighter picture on DL. If there is not a second picture it is more than likely fake.
- Picture does not look digital.
Do not open the account if the ID photo does not look anything like the client.
Required Identification Not Provided
If the person opening the account or requesting account information/services does not provide all required identification, do not open the account or process the request.
SSN Matches Other People
If the SSN provided matches that submitted by other people opening accounts or other clients, do the following:
- Verify the SSN and tax identification number type (i.e., SSN, EIN, and TIN). Numbers may be duplicated in different tax ID types.
- Verify the SSN provided with the number on the Social Security card.
Do not open the account if the duplicate number issue cannot be resolved.