Because “verified” can mean the credit bureau or furnisher confirmed that the account matches the information in their existing records.
That does not necessarily mean somebody proved that you actually opened the account.
If an identity thief used your name, Social Security number, date of birth, or other identifying information, the creditor’s records may look like they belong to you. That is exactly what identity theft is designed to accomplish.
So the important question is not simply whether the records match. It is whether the investigation actually addressed who opened and used the account.
I explain this in my blog “That Account Isn’t Mine. Why Is It on My Credit Report?”:
https://www.cardozalawcorp.com/blog/that-account-isn-t-mine-why-is-it-on-my-credit-report-.cfm
If an account you never opened keeps coming back verified, call us, start a chat, or use our contact form and select Identity Theft.
