A victim of the Patriot Act?

[FarLeftRage]

I received this e-mail from a friend:

Hi *****,

Today I tried to open bank accounts at one bank near my home. I could not open them without any proof showing a physical address.

I am living in an "illegal" apartment and my landlord would not have any paper showing that I live here. Even I cannot get a lease form.

I realized my mistake because I should let the customer service representative use the address on my license which is the mailing address. Unfortunately, when he inquires about # **** and I replied it is a box. He just stopped in his track and would not proceed any further with opening accounts.

Now I have to look for the place that is within my price range and that is "legal." This new law Patriot Act certainly hurts a little man in my opinion.

Regards,

**************


What do you think of this?

[shance]

1. I think its more of what we are seeing regarding a fascist Administration.

They hide in scrececy while they watch everyone else through an illegal (made legal* through the Patriot Act) microscope.

These are but a few of the abuses that come with fascist document like the Patriot Act. It allows banks and other institutions to violate your rights because of Terrorism (their excuse to do essentially illegal things) they can invade any citizens privacy, can withold your power to open an account at a bank and come into your house whenever they want. These are all illegal in the America I know and love. We've been taken hostage by an extremist group who is stripping our Constitutional rights daily.


Of course the ones that could stop this abuse by this Administration would be us. If we unify and work together to get them out.

[candle_bright]

2. I thought

banks always asked for a home address. It would make sense in terms of them knowing how to locate you if you bounce a check, etc.

[housewolf]

3. New Bank Accts - Patriot Act

Getting a new bank acct since the Patriot Act has been in effect has become a real issue for some.

Yes, proof of id, proof of address, etc. My sister tried to open a new bank acct for her investment club at a bank where she has banked for years. They needed to see paperwork on the club and id for ALL Members of the club, some of whom lived miles away. And this same bank hold checks for about 2 weeks claiming Homeland Security regs.

If you live in an area where you can join a credit union, use a credit union. Many are no longer tied to unions or employment but can be used by people who reside in a county/city/local area, etc. Credit unions are not bound by all the same laws that banks are and are much friendlier and better places to do your banking. Plus there is a network of credit unions across the country so you can use credit union service centers in many places if you are travelling.