Originally Posted by
MaxVO
Do you recall what was the stated purpose that Citibank put down as reason for the information release?
I once received such request as well, with the stated reason being that I had previously requested to update or change SSN on my account.
I call the Fraud Department, and told them I would not be complying with their request b/c the stated reason was false. I had never asked to update or change my SSN. I was having a conversation with a pretty competent US-based agent. He immediately apologized, stated that I should not have received the request in the first place, and reactivated the CC account.
I have no problem playing along with Citi's quirks as long as they're harmless. But would caution not to mess with SSA just to keep Citi happy.
Like you, the rep first told me that I had requested to change SSN on my card. After I said I didn't request the change, the rep changed to say the Fed required them to verify my identification and there was no way around it. I don't know if a unsuccessful $8 foreign transaction triggered the identification review in my case but the timing was just too suspicious. Or, maybe I was affected by one of the data breach incidents (I don't know, just guessing) and Citi started to be extra cautious? I called them twice and both reps wouldn't confirm any scenario and just kept giving the same vague answer. I finally gave up and said I would wait for the letter. I am still working on the sign up bonus so I have no choice but to cooperate. I need my card to come back live again!
Just curious. Do you remember if you mailed both pages of the SSA-89 form? To me, it is ridiculous that they won't proceed with the verification unless the information page is sent back.