# Why does AT&T make it so hard to report a fraudulent account?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-at-t-make-it-so-hard-to-report-a-fraudulent-account/982209>\
**Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\
**Created:** [April 5, 2023, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-at-t-make-it-so-hard-to-report-a-fraudulent-account/982209 "2023-04-05T16:05:55Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![doreen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/858c86/32.png) [@doreen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doreen)\
**Post date:** [April 5, 2023, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-at-t-make-it-so-hard-to-report-a-fraudulent-account/982209/1 "2023-04-05T16:05:55Z")

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I got a bill yesterday for an AT&T cell phone account that I never opened. In trying to report it, I found a phone number for Global Fraud Management. Calling that number directed me to a website to fill out a form- but I kept getting an error. I finally located the form - and in addition to me filling out the form, they want me to upload my ID, proof of residence , an affidavit and either a police report or a notarized statement explaining why I could not file a police report.

I’ve had fraudulent activity on credit cards before , and the credit card companies have never made it this difficult. Is there a reason A&T makes it so difficult - besides the hope that people will give up and just pay it ? I might believe that they do it so I can’t close someone else’s account except that they clearly didn’t require ID from the person who opened the account using my name and address.