I went into a new bank the other day to open a simple checking account. I brought in my driver's license and an internet print out of my home phone bill with my address on it. I explained that I don't receive paper bills any longer. The bank representative said that was not good enough and to request a paper bill from my phone company to bring in. I thought he was being difficult, but I said that I would do that.

Later, I called that same rep and said I thought it was a little ridiculous of him to require me to bring in my billed that had been mailed to me. I said, "What about people who are no longer receiving statements in the mail, just on the internet?" He said I still needed to bring in the paper bill.

He also said over the phone that he had checked out something about me, giving me some vague idea of a way that banking people can do an inquiry. I have no idea what he was looking for, perhaps my DMV registration address. He did have my SS#.

I know he did not do a credit check because I have credit monitoring and I called to find out if there had been an inquiry. So what was he checking up on?

I find it all amusing, since I have been with two other banks in the area for years with no problem. I think he believes he is Sherlock Holmes or something.