Citibank’s Fraud Verification Process Makes Absolutely No Sense

So I am so glad I found this post and all of these comments. I am yet another victim of Citibank’s cruel fraud prevention services. A few months ago, I did something on my phone where all of my cards were removed from ApplePay. I added my Citi card again and I got the notice to call to complete verification. They asked if they could text my cell number but my phone number is a VoIP line so it doesn’t work with their verification system. Then they asked me if I had any changes on my account within 90 days. I didn’t. Next they asked me if I had a checking or savings account with Citi which I don’t. Finally they verified some of my recent activity and that cleared it.

Fast forward to about a month ago. This time I did something on my computer that made me have to add my Citi card for ApplePay again. Went through the same process but this time they didn’t ask to verify account activity, they just went right to having to mail a letter! So I waited and waited and finally cleared my account with the code on the letter.

Now today. I recently purchased a new phone so guess what? I had to add my Citi card to ApplePay again. I was very nervous about it since I figured I would have to go through this process again but I thought I would give it a shot. Sure enough, I was back on the phone with Citi’s fraud department. Thankfully, this time I was able to verify the last 6 digits of my checking account which I used to make my last payment. “Great!” I thought, this is more reasonable! So about 10 minutes after having my card added to ApplePay, I tried to use it to buy something small, just to test it out….Declined! And my account was flagged again. I called the rep to explain that I just went through this entire process about 15 minutes ago. Didn’t matter. This time, no other options besides waiting for the letter in the mail.

I mean, seriously? I just DID this???? Is there no common sense in this process? They really need to fix this because I don’t feel like using a card that gets flagged for fraud every month and makes me wait for a dumb code in the mail. I really hope they fix this.

I recently opened checking account with Citibank barely 2 months old and it’s been nothing but a headache. Now my account is blocked claiming I’m unable to verify the information on the account even down to mother’s maiden name. I’ve filled complaint with BBB, Citibank Ethics Department, Federal department, even going far as getting a lawyer

I’m stunned at this information and just had an unbelievable experience with Citi as well. Last Sunday, I bought a new watch and phone at a well-known company’s retail store in a mall near my home in Orlando. Both these devices have secure payment systems (not naming manufacturer so my post doesn’t get removed). Due to my cellular provider having provisioning issues with the new watch, I found myself having to activate my Citi card with the payment service multiple times. After a few times, it said I had to call them. No text message or phone call code option. And of course, no option for the 3 digits anymore. So I call. I am asked for my security word and it calls it a place I’d like to visit or such. I have one of those. And I am 100% sure that that answer is. But they said it is wrong. They offered no other authentication option and stated they would send a letter to my address of record and froze the account until then.

So today, it’s the end of the month, so I’m paying my credit card bills. My citi card is the Costco one, which I normally don’t use. But I did this month. So I want to make the payment before I pay my other cards off. I log into their mobile app and I’m warned that I must call Citi. They were rude, dismissive, and I will NEVER do business with them again. While on the phone, I found that I could still make my payment, which I paid my entire balance while on the phone. But can they see I just paid them? Nope. So I started looking into what the “security word” could possibly be. I applied for it at Costco on one of their terminals with the Costco rep. I don’t remember there being a security word asked for, but can see by web searches that the security word is on that application. Problem is, I DID NOT FILL THAT PART IN, THE COSTCO REP DID. And what they entered obviously is NOT my ideal vacation spot. So seriously? A Costco employee is the only one who knows my security word? And they won’t do any other authentication? I told them I wanted the account closed immediately. THEY REFUSED. They will not close the account until a piece of USPS mail comes with a code printed on it. At that time, when they originally claimed I could set up my payment app again, I will now be cancelling the card. AND BTW COSTCO, I’LL BE CUTTING UP YOUR CARD AS WELL FOR DOING THIS WHEN I APPLIED FOR YOUR CITI CARD! Shame on you both. I worked for a large company doing IT Security for decades and this is NOT acceptable in any shape or form.

Amen!!!! Same same same!! Citi fraud process is alarming to say the least, and it should be renamed from fraud system to cruel system….. i am soooo close to paying it off , canceling my account because their behavior is criminal!!

Watch closely at the increases in service charges across the business.

Banks will all be going directly to a phone app with their buiness models. The transition is going on now. Branches will be closed.

International bankers (of which most all are) track to the all digital phone visit to avoid international “reps” and the many mistakes made when doing human voice phone business.

Again for effect: Watch closely at the increases in service charges across the business.

“Boomers” and others that would rather contact “old school”. Within the next 15 or 20 years that generation will be gone anyway. Now the internationals a ramping up.

Hope this adds to some conscious thought and changes on the part of your readers.

I feel so validated reading that I’m not the only one going through this. OMG the person that said they don’t want to wait for mail like some WW2 soldier had me screaming laughing.

It’s so true though. These people have come so crazily close to taking me out of character, I was about to rage at the supervisor for constantly, LITERALLY repeating the sentence to me over and over while I’m asking her for at LEAST some clarification, understanding as to what this confusing process is, and why it’s the SECOND time that it’s happening. Know what her response was?

“Yeah you’re gonna have to wait for the letter in the mail.”

When I tell you I STOPPED talking? It was literally silence on the phone call because I knew if I said another sentence that it’d be one misaligned with my character. So I literally just said “ok”. She was talking to me and I said “ok” only as a response like three times.

OutRAGEOUSLY frustrated when I hung up I just stared into space thinking about what to do with this card because ooooo WEE!!!! I’m not interested in this being able to make 1 or 2 purchases before the account is LOCKED for a week, then rinse and repeat, at ALL.

They literally had me questioning my intelligence, like I’m stupid or something for not being able to comprehend this process or what they’re telling me because they’re saying it with such CONFIDENCE and certainty. Not only had to have a mini conversation with myself to remind myself that’s not the case, but reading dozens of comments saying the same thing also helped.

September 2023 and no idea what I’m going to do about the card itself. Tried calling the EXEC number but nothing happens after I select options. I’ll try again in the AM. Phew….good luck everyone

The same thing happened to me today. I was questioning whether I was a victim of fraud when talking to them, and they were going to then hack into my bank accounts. I asked to talk to a supervisor. She did give me a pretty quick solution. She told me she could call me back on the number I gave her. I gave her that number, and she called within a few minutes, and we had it resolved. As others have said, I’m not sure this prevents fraud but promotes it.

July 2023 and it hasn’t changed. Had the card for a few weeks, was working on the welcome bonus, tried to pay for some four figure car repairs and it was declined without even an attempt to contact me. I call them, we get to the verification and I’m like “I’m calling you from my phone, the number on my profile,” so they suggest providing an alternate number. I gave two, which failed. So I settled for the letter.
Week and a half later, I call with the code and they say everything is fine, but no – card declined a few hours later. Bad news though – I threw away the letter since I was done with it. Since I was making “a new call” to them, they had to verify me again and without the code we’re back to square one. The retention people refused to talk to me as well since I couldn’t be verified – as if I need to be protected from someone closing my locked credit card!

I recently open a Citi savings account and transferred a six figure some from my savings account at a different bank. All was looking good, up to three weeks of opening the account. I got my ATM card and pin for the account. Great! Then about two weeks later I could not access my credit card or savings account via the citi app. I immediately called citi and they said all looked good on there end and to reinstall the app. I did this up to four times and still could not access my accounts. I went online to Citi.com and accessed my accounts, just to discover the my savings was missing. I immediately called Citi and the said the account was being closed and my money would be mailed back to me with a letter explaining what the issue was. One week later no letter and no check. I called the new savings account line 1 800 745 1534 and the representative accessed my account and said she couldn’t see the notes explaining why the account was being closed. She said call 844 856 8815 and they will explain to you what happened. I called the number and the representative said he was not allowed to tell me what was written in the notes and that only the people in the back room could do this, but they don’t take calls. At this stage I’m am absolutely frustrated and I don’t trust Citi with anything there telling or more so, not telling me. The representative said a latter was in the mail with a check for funds that belonged to me. I’m alarmed at this statement. Was he implying that there was money in my savings account that didn’t belong to me? He would not clarify and said I would have to wait for the letter. I’m left wondering what happened here, do the think I did something illegal, what is going on here. Today is 28 June 2023, I’m upset, scared and totally in the dark as to what happened with my account and my savings. As soon as this nightmare is resolved I’m running as far away from citi as I can. I can’t trust them with my banking needs. There’s no transparency and as a customer, no support. Please think twice before you decide to do use this bank.

$21 charge declined for Citi Costco visa, with 26k limit and a few hundred dollar balance… that I’ve had for many years. No text, they called me and computer voice said “we need to speak to you.” Would not or could not tell me what tripped fraud warning. I was using it at Major league baseball park concession stand…$21 dollars for a couple brats (another crime but whatever) ! Back and forth and no answer? The worst part… “Sir we flagged for your protection”

April 2023. Exact same thing happening to me now. I am beyond frustrated. As soon as I get my verification letter via USPS I am closing my account with Citibank. Apparently I cannot close the account while it is suspended. They are the worst.

i have trouble posting reply and asking question here. just wanted to know if anyone got the mailer with code and how long did it take?

have you been able to resolve this? has anyone had issues with citi bank account instead of credit card?

This is my first Citi card and it will be my last. First transaction, I get flagged for fraud. I call them thinking I just need to clear the transaction. I give them my phone number for identification, they say that number can’t be used, I am like what that is my only number. Then they call my other credit card Chase and use them to validate my identity and I can tell by the Chase rep’s responses that she is confused as hell as to what is happening. So my identity gets validated after about good 30 mins of calling Chase and I am like okay now I can start using my AA Citi card for points.

Third transaction, flagged again. WTF. So I call them again, same thing. My number can’t be used for identification. Then I had to give them my mothers number who is like 70 years old to identify myself so I can just cancel this stupid card. Then they say that number can’t be used either. WTF?

Then I say okay do we have to go through this Chase thing again? Because I want to just cancel this stupid card, pay off my balance and be done with this. AMEX, Chase, Discover, you name it, never have I had to jump through so many hoops to just to clear some transactions to identify myself. Then they say no they can’t use Chase again because that was used last time and we have to use another bank. WTF, if you have that on the record and cleared me last time why the hell are we going through this again?

I swear for the first time in my life I actually started to almost curse in front of customer service. I used to work for a company where next to my office was the company’s customer service center so I know what they have go through on a daily basis so I try to be patient as I can but this was beyond ridiculous.

I am going to make sure that in every forum, reddit, here, facebook, where ever that I let people know about this dumb fraud check procedure that Citi uses and how absurd it is. I am also fairly close to one of the executives at AA which was only reason why I got the stupid card in the first place and will let him know about this.

In this modern era, I don’t want to wait for a damn letter like a damn soldier at World War II. Jesus I never been so infuriated in my life and it pains me to see that this is a common practice. What an absurd company policy.

Happening with me right now with new AA Business Card.
Got card. Tried $300 transaction. Had to get call with code. Put code in transaction still denied.
Have spoken to 3 different people at Citi and Supervisor.
They want to know if I have any other Citi accounts.
Said I will get a letter tho they sent the card initially to the wrong address and it got returned to them.
I finally got some one after 1 month to send it express.
I asked what zip code or address will they send it to said they couldn’t divulge.
I said you can reduce credit limit from 10’s of 1000s to $1000 to test me.
Crickets and the supervisor was treating me like a criminal.
This reminds me why I canceled Citibank in past.

I just had a this insane nonsense happen to me!
Except I called after I got a text I verified and did so by using the other card on my account. Then she tells me to try my purchase again, so I did and it again had an issue.

This time I didn’t get an alert, this time I logged into my account and at citi and it told me there was a problem.

So I called the same phone number, talked to another person and that’s when they wanted another phone number.. I was confused, so I logged in again and checked my profile info to see.. No I only have this one number, but I’ll go get the spouses phone and we can use that. No, the system won’t accept that.

How on earth can they ask for some random phone number to verify my identity when I’m calling them from my phone number I’ve had on file with my account for over 7 years.

I asked him to explain to me how this made sense, why the other person verified me with my other account, why the system texted me a few minutes ago when I went into my profile to verify me and why he couldn’t do the same thing.
It enrages me to no end, but what choice is there. Now I have to wait for mail to somehow verify my account and God forbid someone else gets my mail and verifies themselves somehow.

I’ll give this ethics department a call tomorrow, but it it wouldn’t hurt my credit to lose such an old account I’d throw them in the trash.

Just another data point, I had the same thing happen with a new Custom Cash card that was opened at the end of last month. I had wish that I had seen this beforehand and I would’ve skipped it entirely. At this point, everything is “working,” but I think if I have to go through this process again, I may kick them to the curb.

Are they fixing this?

I quit using my Citicard because of this messed up process last year, but I got an email today asking for my mobile phone number so that they can automatically text me fraud alerts and questions.
The email said:
“When you have a mobile number on file, we’ll be able to text you right away if we detect suspicious activity on your account. You can easily confirm authorized transactions or quickly identify those that are not recognized — no matter where you are. Add your mobile number today so we can help you stay on top of your account.”

I just went through this whole song and dance with Citi over my double rewards Mastercard. I brought out only that card and my ID for NYE because it has a 4k limit and I thought if I spend more than that on NYE I have issues. Used it for like 5 $25-30 purchases and a $70 purchase. Then a $220 purchase. Next spot tried to run my card for $220 again and it declined. Called them and went though the whole charade with a guy I could barely understand. Called them back and he was very rude “you just called here, you don’t need to speak to a supervisor, just wait for the letter.” I was furious. The one supervisor offered to call my cell phone to verify. He did. I answered and couldn’t hear anyone on the other line-twice. I called back. Asked to speak to a supervisor. At this point I’m cussing. Because why are none of the phone number working that’s insane. My landline was across the island and so the rest of the night I had no money. Today the landline isn’t in my name that’s why they won’t unlock it still. Filed a complaint and I will call the ethics number tomorrow.

AAAh…. Amazing to find that other people went through this, too.
I got an alert on my app, so I called to unblock.
1) They couldn’t verify me through mine or my husbands number (we’ve never had any other number).
2) They couldn’t verify me with 3 other cards!
3) They couldn’t verify me through my employer (its a small company, open space, they never called)
4) They couldn’t verify me through my bank account (even though its the same one I use to pay the CC bill, never had another one, and they posted a payment through that account)
5) I am waiting for snail mail (even though XMas is fast approaching and I was planning on earning the rewards through gift purchases)..

I filed a complaint yesterday with Consumer Protection. This is ridiculous!

I’m fighting with them the same way except I just sold my house with that address on my account….. have a change of address in but I’m still not getting my mail
The whole thing is a this is the joke and I’m pissed at 11:11

They did the same to me today. Same story, same process, same ridiculous process.
At the end they told me that it is my 1st warning of profanity and that they will hang up if it happens again – I don’t even know what they mean…

12/20/22 and citi bank is still doing this. They locked my account because I used door dash(after 3 months of using card). They said my number wouldn’t work. Wanted a number to a different bank. I told them no. THey asked for home letter. I said I’m not waiting for a home letter. I asked for a supervisor. They asked for my wives number then that wouldnt work. SO THEY CALLED MY WORK LAND LINE AND TRANSFFERED TO ME AND UNLOCKED MY ACCOUNT.

HOW IS THAT EVEN VERIFYING ANYTHING. I COULD GIVE THEM ANY NUMBER AND HOW WOULD THAT EVEN WORK. WTF

Can anyone actually confirm that they did get this magical letter, what state it was mailed from and how long it took? I have not heard yet if anyone actually getting this verification mailer.

For everyone like me going through this (same bullshit about being unable to use phone on file as verifier and sending a code via post), do this:

1) Call the Citi Executive Resolution Office: 6053311698

2) File a complaint with CFPB: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/

3) File an ethics complaint stating you are being unjustly denied access to your money along with others:
https://secure.ethicspoint.com/domain/media/en/gui/78797/report.html

Similar story for me today, but with debit card. The (no)fun part is that I just got to US a month ago, I have only 1 US mobile phone and after 5 attempts to get something from Fraud Department all I know is I have to call them with another number or call them once my current number gets verified – whatever this means.. any ideas?

Exact same thing happened to me. I didn’t know there could be such a ridiculous process existing in the world before today. This would be my last credit card from Citibank. Really disappointing.

The same thing happens to me I have been waiting for this they don’t want to verify my phone number because it’s not under my name but this is the same number I used when I signed up in person at the banking center now they can’t use it but wait you send me an alert to contact you so how can’t you verify my number it’s all bull shit

I had this same bewildering interaction today with my new Citi AA business card. They wouldn’t talk to me after using my code word, account verification etc because they told me they had to call a land line & all I have is a cell phone. I’ve never been so frustrated with a bank in my life. I have a new card, want to hit the MS and it’s locked so I can’t use it until they SnAIL MAIL me a code! Wtf?

Citi Still shooting at ducks in the sky hoping for a home run.Total BS
citibank fraud dept October 2022 still polluting the air
My account got locked for a purchase under 500
The overseas call centers totally suck and the company is being run by a bunch of total robotic turds
Sad as they used to be world class back when Citi Prestige was a great card
After 10 years with them I’ve thrown in the towel and opened new ones
Take my citi cards and shove it!

Same issue! Tried to register for Google Wallet and opened a can of worms. Wallet did not show the text message. Then I called in, had a few reps trying to get wallet to work, one verified me with the checking account I use. Then wallet STILL didn’t work, told me to call back, said I am not verified. went thru the circus with the 3 stupid questions. Landline, other accounts at citi(seems sears don’t count), and finally the letter and account locked. I escalated and they told me at this point only the letter will work. It is ridiculous, they should give customers a 2FA app if they are that worried. Other cards have no problem in google wallet.
I guess they have a reason to do this, they must have lost huge sums of money.

I’m having the same issue with them now. Absolute joke of a process. I had to change my password (that required a code sent by text). They said they can’t send me a text lmao From the previous comments, seems like this is pervasive and they know it, but act like it’s a one-off issue. Made me miss my train to an important meeting bc I had to verbally fist fight with a Citi rep. Unbelievable.

Happened to me today. Just got the premier last week. Trying to book a flight on jetblue when the fraud thing came up. After 1 hour and 3 csr who kept telling me they cant text my phone, i lost it and told them to bring me their supervisor. Be hold, she was finally able to call my phone instead, got me verified and lifted the fraud. But in the end i lost my booking and the flight got a lot more expensive. Unbelievable

TO EVERYONE ON HERE I TOO HAD SHARED YOUR SAME EXPERIENCE AND HAD CALLED A LAW FIRM TO START A LAWSUIT CONTACTED THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU BUT THIS MORNING I GOT A CALL FROM THE CITIBANK EXECUTIVE RESOLUTION OFFICE AND THEY FIXED EVERYTHING ALL I DID WAS FIRST CONTACTED THE CITIBANK ETHICS DEPARTMENT AND FILED A COMPLAINT THAT WAS JUST 2 DAYS AGO THEY LOOKED OVER MY ACCOUNT AND SEEN THAT THE FRAUD DEPARTMENT WAS IN THE WRONG I GOT THE DEEPEST AND MOST SINCERE APOLOGY FROM THEM AND THEY NOTED MY ACCOUNT SO THIS WILL NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN I WAS LOCKED OUT MY ACCOUNT AND HAD A BLOCK ON IT AND SET FOR CLOSURE BY THE FRAUD DEPARTMENT I EXPERIENCED THE SAME UNFORTUNATE SITUATION THAT ALL YOU ARE GOING THROUGH BUT AFTER MAKING THAT CALL TO THE ETHICS DEPARTMENT THEY GOT IT FIXED JUST GOOGLE CITIBANK ETHICS DEPARTMENT OR CALL THE EXECUTIVE RESOLUTION OFFICE AT (605) 331-1698

I cannot believe at this bank. It took them 3 weeks to get me the card and they locked it the moment I tried to add it to Apple Pay. They’re now saying they must send me a letter to verify my identity. Idiots.

I’m so frustrated. I applied for this card for the bonus only. First, they don’t provide an immediate virtual number and then took two weeks to get me the card. Next, they immediately flag me for trying to add the card to Apple Pay. They refuse to verify me via my cell or my office number, even though they match the application and they don’t care that I can answer all the security questions. Now I have to wait another 7-10 days for a letter so I can actually use the card.

These comments seem to indicate there’s a good chance I’ll keep getting flagged, even after the letter. At this rate, I can’t imagine how I’ll meet the minimum spend in time if the card shuts down every few days.

I’m so peeved I wasted one of my 5/24 on this card.

100% this. I closed my citi account 7 years ago because of them constantly flagging legit charges as fraud, but letting illegitimate charges through. Fast forward 7 years, I open a new account hoping it had improved. It has not. If anything it’s gotten worse. Now not only can you not verify things online like any other 21st century bank, now things have to be verified by mail.

Received a text and email from citibank claiming that someone tried to charge on my card. Called the number on the back of my card and gave my name, card number, and security password. They said they needed to send a code via text to another cell phone. Gave them three seperate numbers and none of them cpuld receive the text for various reasons. They then asked for my banking number that I use to pay the accout with. Im at work and dont have it. They then want a credit card number from another company, which I refuse to give. Had five different conversations with who I believe is the same woman using several names. Asked for a supervisor and she hung up on me. She refused to give me any info on my own account. Dont know if its hacked, has other charges, is on or off hold. They wont let me cancel, report it stolen, change number ect. My account is basically beong held hostage right now. I told her that they will receive a payment when they take me to court. Notified my banks not to release payments to the company. It is beyond frustrating and I believe that its all a rouse to collect phone numbers and personal banking information.

This just happened to me! I have been banking with Citibank for over 20 years and have lade numerous purchases in and out of the country!!

All of a sudden I am an extreme fraud risk! And the service reps are no help at all!! I can’t believe this. It’s nice to know I am not the only person who is experiencing this.

Recently I reported my Premier card was lost and had a new card issued. Prior to this I could charge things without any issue. But this card….not so much. The first time I tried to purchase something over $500 the fraud system activated. I got a text asking me if it was me making the charge, “Text 1 if yes” which I did. then I got a text saying”thank you please reprocess the charge, your card is ready to use” except it was decline again, and we went through this circle three times. Then the 45 minute phone call with the person who wants to know all 16 digits of my other Citi card (which was at home) or wants to call me back on a landline (!) . The card is good to go–she says–and I try again. and…declined again. Another long call and the charge processed. And then I ‘ve been through this process over and over again. Every. Single. Time. I even had one of the reps say she’d “changed the sensitivity on the account” so that the charge would process without trigger and yet, it declined again. Really bad. Going to just give up and move onto cards that actually let me use them.

Hello everyone. I’m dealing with this Fraud Prevention nonsense as well and a blocked account. I don’t even live in the US and I don’t know what else to do or who to call, it is an extremely desperate situation right now. I’m thinking about a lawsuit but I don’t even know where to start. Does anyone here have an advice for me on this matter? Thanks in advance

It is so nice to see that I am not alone in this madness – the whole experience was actually comical. I received by Citi card in the mail today and went to activate it – everything went smoothly. Then I had the audacity to try to add it to Apple Pay. I selected the option “text verification code” and nothing came through. I think selected the option “receive verification code via phone call” and wouldn’t you know it, never got a phone call. With no more options I gave up and resigned myself to calling Citi to verify for Apple Pay. I call Citi and the customer service rep informs me that he has no way to verify my identify (despite me being able to provide literally every piece of information he needs), he cannot send me a verification code via text as their system can’t do it, so I should call back in 3 days. I asked what will be different from now to 3 days time in their ability to verify my identify and I quote his response “I cannot tell you what will be different in 3 days time you will have to ask the person you talk to in 3 days what will be different”. I have honestly never been so baffled on a call with a bank before!

I hang up the phone and move on with my life, using the physical card to make a 20 dollar purchase in target. I then get a fraud alert, call Citi for the second time in 30 mins and I am told that as well as not being able to use Apple Pay, they have now blocked my physical card and I will have to wait for a letter in the mail to call them back and then verify my identity.

I now understand what internet banking must have been like when it first started nearly 20 years ago – frustrating, slow and downright comical. Thinking of closing my account on the day I opened it because I don’t want a future of fraud alerts and snail mail as discussed above. Get it together Citi.

This was still happening as of early 2022, although it never used to be that way. I’ve had my Citi card for decades, and I’ve had to deal with fraud activity in years past, and the response was pretty normal, same thing Amex would do, flag the charge, file a dispute, issue a new number. Early this year it was crazy — they refused to issue me a new number, claimed they flagged the charge. A week later, after going on line to check and recheck my account, I see three more of exactly the same fraudulant charges! They didn’t even flag anything. So I called, threw a fit, insisted on new cards, but they wouldn’t issue them unless I gave them the checking account number from which we pay our bill. Needless to say, that wasn’t going to happen, so I filed complaints with the Federal Reserve and Consumer Protection, hit them up on Twitter, FB, et al., and asked why they were allowing their offshore customer reps to refuse to accept fraud disputes, and why they were forcing American citizens into divulging sensitive financial information from other institutions to offshore call centers, and I go an apology from corporate and brand new cards.

It’s an insane policy, and, as I wrote in my complaints, how on earth can this even be legal?

Also, they told me American customers have a right to ask for an American CS office & rep, which i do now.

It really hasn’t changed. I just had to go through it by trying to add my CITI to apple pay. If it hadn’t come through the apple wallet, I would have bet money I was a victim of some sorta of elaborate scam. The rep on the phone kept asking me if i wanted to continue and i kept saying that i needed to look up what he was telling me such as websites or phone numbers or charges. The same phone text nonsense still exists. The phone I’ve had for 15+ years doesn’t work all of a sudden for a text message. And then wanting the credit card for my other citi account. I told him that this felt like a scam and he said i can hang up and call back to the phone number on the back of the card and restart the process. In the end, I got added to apple pay but on review of charges that didn’t go through, even though I had reported a charge back in March (now june) and there was another fraud charge i never even knew about, the card got cancelled and now I have to wait for the new one in the main. The whole process feels like a very sophisticated scam but based on everything i’ve been reading, citi just sucks at this. They couldn’t use the app for verification? Like send a code to the app and I read that back to the rep? Or how about letting me know there were charge attempts so I would know that I needed to get a new card.

I’m feeling a bit better by getting a real dimension of howbad Citibank fraud customer care is, looking at this forum and the sharedinformation. I hope information found here would help me to be less bitter, less rudeand less angry by the time of my next interaction with these folks, in case it’d be needed.  It has been more than 40 days since my credit card got lockedbecause of a fraud that was not a fraud at all. It has been around 10 or moreinternational long-distance calls, to talk to inoperant, lost employees.Folks that are following bad processes, using bad tools and pitchingbad customer care scripts. Folks that are totally unable to solve your problem, no matter howdeep and long you disclose private life information tothem, to a point that is insulting and is a violation of your privacy. Actually, It’s disgusting. I’mhaving a headache from the stress and the impotence caused by the interaction I just had over the phone, trying toget them to send once again the so-called letter. As they call it,the last way you have to produce a positive identification of yourself. The previous two requests were never honored and delivered. One that was requested “in loco”, at a Citigold branch,with the intermediation of my Citigold account manager, speaking at the sametime as me with the fraud team “manager”. The account manager used hisinternal Citibank IT credentials to identify himself, trying to help me prove to the Sherlock Holmes at the other side of the line that, indeed,  I was myself, in person, alive, in real-time mode, at the bank’s branch.The second request to get the letter made has been made some10 business days ago, over the phone. I’m considering ending this nightmare by ultimately closingthe Citigold account, the credit card and, last but not least, the bad investmentaccount to try better, sunny days, elsewhere.

I have the same issues. Fraud alerts literally twice a week, which takes 45 minutes each call. They done fraud alerts so often, they said they ran out of ways to verify. It’s a full time job. I now have to wait for a letter of verification via pony express (7days) not sure what happens after that, perhaps I have to go with my passport or notorized letter to some high level security office? Who knows, but I’m sooo sick of this.

omg, I thought it was me. Or that Citi was being extra cautious because of increased hacking.

I just spent an insane part of the afternoon talking to no fewer than four agents, plus a supervisor (magically, one agent knew how to get one on the line, though she really did no more than the others did). I told them that hell no, they could not have more phone or financial-account info from me, they’ve already got my life on a plate, use the info they’ve got. One girl did manage to figure out how to do that, verified purchases, unlocked the account, and naturally, as soon as I go back to to complete a declined purchase for all of $48, because big-time fraudsters like to buy yarn, I guess, it’s locked up again.

Apparently four of these charming verification letters are on their way to me now.

I appreciate the retention dept tip above. Will use it, and then will quick-lock and file the card away, and find someone else’s card to use. (Which I did while trying to unbollox the yarn purchase. Pity about the miles, but it’s not like other airlines don’t exist, and besides I don’t fly much anymore anyway. CO2 + pandemic, dontcha know.)

Just went through the same nightmare today, now waiting on my code to come in the mail…Seriously bad process, they couldn’t use either of my phone numbers or my wifes. They also asked if I had a landline they could text to…morons. Thank god I wasn’t traveling. And the customer service reps not speaking english as a first language doesn’t help. I’ve been with Citi since 1990, I’m done. Switching everything over to Chase.

This is apparently STILL an issue.
I decided to start using my Citi doublecash (2%) card instead of my Paypal Cashback as recently Citi enabled OAuth data transfer for Mint which is much more convenient (whereas with Paypal I had to constantly have them text me a verification code each time I want to sync transactions).

Then the madness ensued – while they might seem modern on that side, I had issue after issue getting ahold of anyone as soon as a single $250 transaction flagged on their website and I had to sit on hold for an hour, to finaly talk to a rep who wasn’t very helpful.

Contrast this with Synchrony, where I got fraud alerts all the time, BUT they would just immediately send me a text with a notification that said “Transaction alert: $xx.xx at , reply Y to confirm N if not you”, and I would just text back Y and they would immediately unblock/allow the charge – I NEVER had to talk to their fraud team (unless I ignored the text message for days and let fraud alerts pile up).

The person told me everything was resolved, but online it is still showing my account is limited and I can’t update the information.

I never leave comments but this multi million dollar company is literally holding $12 in my bank account hostage the phone number that their app uses to send me VERIFICATION codes and the number I opened the account with can not be used to verify the account that I opened up with that number. Like 9 phones calls with these idiots and there is no way a company this big doesnT have a way to fix this issue. I’m only 37 but in 37 years I have never just seen a company who holds our money not their own but ours and can sit there with a straight face and say there’s nothing we can do call back when you have a verified number? So I get a new phone with a new carrier all in my name and registered and proof and no. It cannot be verified. I gave them my cell , my business number in my name and company which is my actual name, my google voice number I forgot I have since it came out in my name, and my 2 numbers I have listed online in the app and we can’t verify that I’m who I am you have a copy of my ID. So they taken hostage a $12 account, yes it’s 12 dollars just let me have it well this is the account all my federal aid will be deposited in Monday morning lol and I can’t even close the account to stop it. Wait on this letter they said, it took them 49 days to get me my debit card when I opened it up threatening to close the account cause I didn’t make the opening deposit but you can’t access the account without activating the debit card so I couldn’t even transfer money into it WTH…. I have had many still do online banks like chime, and lilli, green dot, etc. never had 1 issue from them never. Change number you might have to call in change it boom see ya. These idiots have lost their minds. Oh I’m
Gonna access my account you better believe it.
Citi bank you are the worst banking institution I have ever and will ever deal with

I’m glad you shared this story. This same thing happened to me, but I accused the second rep of trying to commit fraud against me. After getting all your phone numbers and “secret passcode”, why would you ever ask for someone’s credit card number at another bank? Is that not red flag 101?

I am so sorry there are SO MANY others who have shared my Citi nightmare…but at least I know I am not alone. My story is pretty similar – fraud alert (that no one can explain the reason for…), can’t use the card, 14 calls to Citi (no, not exaggerating). On hold a total of 85 minutes. Told that they “could not verify” my phone # – I’ve had it for 20+ years. Wanted the number from another of my credit cards, I refused. Escalated this through executive emails found on Elliot Advocacy site – still no resolution. I can’t even close the stupid card because I can’t prove it’s my account. This company could learn from Discover – the best credit card company I have ever done business with.

I can’t even get ahold of any person at all this is ridiculous I earn my money they have no right

Wow, I thought it was just me. I am currently travelling, have one of their AmericanAirlines cards which obviously travel is the main purpose. Travel to a few places internationally and no problem. Tried to make a purchase for $20 and it triggered a fraud alert. Called them and the same story. The number I used to apply for my card to which they send me a code during the application process they said they couldn’t text me as they couldn’t verify it was on my name. I am now waiting for a letter to arrive at home back in the US, while I am still abroad. I am hoping the letter has a code or something to help me unlock the card. I have had the card less than a month.

Yup can’t believe all the stories Ive read. Same thing, got a new cc w citi to do a balance transfer. I recently got a new phone so wanted to add it to my Apple
Pay as all my other cards are and came to the same issue. I asked to speak to supervisor bc I couldn’t understand the 1st rep clearly. Got asked same questions, gave them couple siblings numbers and they said those wouldn’t work. I asked if I could go to a branch to verify my self and they said no bc they don’t have access to unlock the fraud process or some bs like that. Already waited like a month for my card bc they never sent the first one and has to request another so this is so inconvenient. Will call them again tomorrow to see if they can verify through a different credit card. Or maybe try telling them I want to cancel my card trick and see if they can transfer me to someone that can expedite the process.

Worst experience!!! I got a fraud alert letter in the mail right after I applied, before i even had the card in hand. I threw letter away because I thought it was junk or a scam (don’t do that because fraud dept needs it to verify your identity, or so they say, we never got that far.) I did get out of one rep that they use a 3rd party to verify phone numbers on new accounts and that my phone number didn’t have a name attached so that’s why they were unable to verify. I even checked with Verizon and my number is absolutely registered to me. Now it is a new number to me as of a few months ago so my conclusion is that that the 3rd party data that Citi uses is a few months behind and this recency gap is to blame. Thank you all for sharing!

Wow this really pisses me off, I’ve had the same exact run around with foreign bank tellers over the phone and I can hear dogs barking in the background. Like they’re at their house, I was almost afraid to give him my card number. After the same exact stuff happened to me and 4 hours later they basically told me that my new account is frozen until I get that code in the mail, I just transferred all my money there, I have a daughter and I have no gas in my car what am I supposed to do for a week and a half without money to get to work because they took it all and held it. I’m literally ready to walk to the bank and take my money back whether they like it or not even if I have to use Force, they have a name for that I think it’s called a bank robb… No, but I’m screwed because of them, I can’t put food on my table because my money has been taken

Exact same shit happen to me yesterday!!! First they took almost 1 month to have my new card delivered (lost one time then ship replacement card) then locked my card at my 2nd purchase. Citi’s service and process is just incredible!!! Thanks Mark to share your experience, need to go back to fight with them to unlock the card….

I am literally sick to my stomach and I am the most peaceful person alive yet this experience talking to these foreign citizens bank reps have made me g insane. I had a transfer to my account of $20,000. I tried to wire it to another account and they said they had to verify me. Even though I have my social my drivers license account number and debit card. They said they needed to send a text to a phone to verify e. I gave them the same exact phone that I use when I log into the online site where they call and give a code which u have to enter to further access the system. It always works and I always get in. She says the system will not allow them to use that number or some bullshit. This is now the third rep. The first one I demanded a supervisor and she couldn’t find one, said someone would call back and never did. Then they tried to verify me with old addresses and cars I had and I answered all correctly and she still said no. This money need to go to my girlfriends grandma who has hospital bills and I’m just sick, sick. I can’t even go to the branch as I am in North Carolina. I guess I could take it out the atm but it would take almost 14 days to withdraw. How the fuck they get away with this.

I’m very grateful for the conversation that Mark has initiated, and for all of the interchange above.

I have been contemplating leaving Citi, after 25 years of membership, largely for the reasons you mention. And, I’m not sure which bank I should consider transitioning to: I find it somewhat daunting to undertake, amidst all of the other changes at this time.

But I have found that Citi’s reliance on an overly-sensitized automated fraud-alert infrastructure is paralyzing and has even put me in a few precarious situations. Such jeopardy seems antithetical to a bank’s primary purpose.

Each time I have traveled, for instance, even en route to visit family or take care of a loved one (even though I do due diligence and contact them a week in advance to provide my geolocation and dates) I inevitably have my cards shut down. Not once during the trip, but every single day. No matter how many times I spend 3-6 hours on the phone with Citi (escalating it up, as so many have mentioned), no matter how many times they confirm that I did indeed pre-notify about my travel and assure me that the “flag” has been removed and I can use my card again, no sooner do I awake the next morning than my card is shut down again. I can’t eat breakfast, pay for my hotel or rental car, sometimes I will spend an entire 48 hour trip unable to pay for a meal (esp. these days when cash isn’t always accepted) or know if I will be able to get home. And I work at a major university, never pay bills late, earn a decent salary, etc.

It’s deeply demoralizing and unnecessarily anxiety-inducing.

I think that the closure of local branches has also compounded this problem: there used to be someone who felt accountable for rectifying such situations or at the very least for problem-solving for future fraud issues and travel plans.

I’d be immensely grateful if someone could recommend a bank that does not suffer from such an automated state of affairs. I’m based in Boston, and would also appreciate any suggestions for a bank that has a branch in the vicinity (or in Massachusetts).

I just had the same thing happen to me. Admittedly, I was purchasing something expensive at Tiffany with my AAdantage Executive card. They wouldn’t send a text to my phone, they said that they would NEED TO CALL MY MOM!! (I am 52 and haven’t lived with her in over 30 years) She’s not on my account. Luckily she was able to answer the call and I got the code but they still didn’t clear the account. When I tried to use it again it was declined. I used my chase sapphire which was approved immediately.

does anyone know what happens after receiving the verification letter?what steps to take or whts next?

Just had this issue myself and found this site through google while I was on hold….I was transferred to a supervisor who could barely speak English…at that point I asked for a person in the United States. After a 10 minute hold I got to talk to someone in the US. She asked for a four digit code on the letter…it didn’t have one. She asked if I had another other Citibank cards. I said yes and she was able to verify my identity through my other card, as it had a code word set up. I told her flat out that their overseas call center sounds like a giant phishing operation. Hopefully my card is truly unlocked…I just got it a couple of weeks ago and have not used it yet.

Could be a LOT worse!!
I too have had my card declined by Citi when I am traveling and tried to buy a $30 dinner etc. because I forgot to tell them I was going out of state.
Getting declined and then getting a call from their fraud department may be a pain, but, far worse is what they allowed over the last few weeks!!
I am assuming this is partially due to their large data breach recently , but, they allowed over $60,000 worth of fraudulent charges to my three cards i have not used in 2 years !!!! I had a zero Balance and then in days, it appears they allowed convenience checks to be cashed (or some other scam). I filed a case with the police department, but this is beyond insane!
After hours and thousands of dollars of my time, I still am not sure what, if anything (it appears nothing), is being done to address this!! When I call Citi , I get bounced all over and nobody takes responsibility

I am in this same boat right now. I ordered a Citi AAdvantage card to use on my upcoming (2 days from now) trip to Montana. I was so excited! I tried to add my newly activated card to my samsung watch after using it on gas then headed to the grocery store. I got an alert that I needed to call them to add the card to my watch so that’s what I did. The guy I spoke with said he needed to call me back to verify, I said ok, gave him the number and he never called back. No big deal I thought. I’ll call back an finish when I get home. NO SUCH LUCK! Tried to run the card for a $23 grocery purchase and declined. So I called back and that when they told me they needed to verify me using a home phone number. I explained I dont have one nor is there one associated with my card. That is when they said I would have to verify using a letter in the mail in 5-7 days. I SNAPPED. I got this card specifically to use on this trip. I explained that and they asked if they could call my work and if someone was there to verify me. IT WAS 8:30 pm and I work in a 9-5 office. I asked if I could call back tomorrow when I was at work. Yes they assured me. Fast forward to today. NO SUCH LUCK AGAIN! I give them my work number and they said it can be verifyed. I couldn’t handle my anger anymore and yelled at the guy and asked for a supervisor. Explained the whole thing over again and same result. Needless to say I want to stick the card so far up their ass sadly companies don’t have them. If I had known about this issue I wouldnt have ever signed up with them. I hate using cards because I have an irrational fear of being declined. I will now have a panic attack everytime I use this card. THANKS CITI.

Worst process of CIti bank to stop fraudulent check deposit.
I wrote to check to a handyman and deposited check using online system, check was accepted and money was withdrawn from my non citi bank account(thanks no citi account), after 10 days handyman bank account was frozen and he can’t operate his account saying they check you deposited was stolen check, poor guy texted me, so I called him back and send him pics of front and back check print from my bank account the day they withdrawn fund.. poor guy at the citi bank and associate was not able to provide me name of the person or what kind of process they have to alert for such fraud.. I called my bank and they provided all the details and negative about any stolen check or blah blah.. Poor guy walk to my bank and request bank to write letter that check I wrote to him is valid .. Citi called me to verify that if I wrote that check.. I asked person what makes you think that check was fraud or was stolen, no answer.. Such a waste of time for me and the person who has account with Citibank.

I got a letter in the mail from Citibank stating the account I opened with them has unusual activity on it and they need to speak with me to verify some things. Here’s the kicker… I don’t have a Citibank account at all AND whomever opened it used my maiden name and not my legal name. So yall wanna talk about fraud? There you go smh.

Yes! Happened to me too! Citi is so infuriating! When i got my Prestige card, I paid for $25 bill at a restaurant and it didn’t work. Tried later somewhere else, and ditto.

Call Citi, lots of back and forth, and finally they say, “We have to call your sister to give her a code that you can use to activate your card”

My sister? How did they know she is my sister? How did they have her contact info? Why is it my sister’s responsibility to help me with my cards? What if we were not on speaking terms, etc?

Every new Citi card seems to have a fraud warning kick in the first time I use it, it’s maddening. If I were not just chasing bonuses, I would have given up on them.

Yes, Citi IT & customer service is pretty dreadful

You actually gave a Citi rep you Chase account info? That’s a hard pass from me.

Everything above sounds awful, condolences to all. After a recent snafu with my college age daughter’s new Citi account being declined, I’ve started making payments before charging, at least at the beginning. And then if I have a substantial charge, I make a payment immediately before I try to charge much else. I’m not sure if this is making a difference, but I think it might be.

The same thing happened to my fiance and I last night. We were trying to get my daughter’s student visa. The initial IHS charge was declined. They texted and my fiance approved it but he still had to call. They went through a few things, she approved it and the charge went through. Then when it came time to pay the actual visa the charge was declined again. This time when my fiance called it was the exact same thing that you describe. What is a phone number we can use to verify? He gave them his. They said no that won’t work. He gave them mine as I am a user on the account, they said that won’t work. They then asked for a home phone number, we don’t have one. She then asked if we had another Citi account. We said no. She said then we will have to send you a letter. My fiance said absolutely not. He told her this is our every day card and it is imperative for business travel and she did not care. He proceeded to call back no less than 15 times and they all said the exact same thing. We ended up using our Hilton Honors Amex for the 2nd charge and had no problems whatsoever. He has already applied for a different card and says that this one will go in the garbage. Especially since my daughter and I are getting ready to go to the UK to take her to University. I cannot have this type of thing happening every time I try to purchase something in London or Scotland. Ridiculous. Fix it!

Thank you for writing this. I have felt like I’m absolutely out of my mind. Call #4 for me, I ask what they do to verify someone with no phone at all, rep says they have other procedures but they can’t use that for me. When I start saying that they are straight-up thieves and crooks, she hangs up on me. I am going to have to figure out how to take legal measures. They are stealing from their customers. So glad I found this forum.

Oh my word, I’m so glad I found this web page. I’ve been battling with Citi for 2 days. Same thing that everyone has mentioned. They cannot verify my identify, I’ve been with them for 40 years! What the heck???? So after numerous calls and asking for a “manager” I’m now waiting for my secret letter through the mail. What a scam, the fraudsters have more lucking getting my information than I do. What is the point of having secret code words, numbers on my account, etc? Not a happy customer but they don’t care.

Anyone has a solution for the text messages? Citi is unable to send me a code to my phone number since they cannot verify it.

Same thing happened to me however my alert fraud was triggered after I activate the new AAdvantage card for online access, had to wait for the freacking letter!!!! at this point I dont know why would they make us create a security word lol