Is it really illegal to have a dummy bank account?

~KuroiKai-tmk Jan 11, 2013 Digital Artist

Let's just say that I have to be safe when it comes to receiving money online with PayPal. Because I still can't trust PayPal. Even if everyone says it's safe. I just can't risk my own bank account to do that.

I remember someone told me that it's illegal to have a dummy account. And then said that you'll go to prison for having a dummy bank account even if you're trying to keep your own bank account safe.

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~CharityK Jan 13, 2013 Hobbyist Photographer

If by "dummy" you mean put under an assumed name and fake information than yes, VERY illegal. If youre talking about just a separate account for Paypal with your real information and everything than no....but than its not really a dummy account and your information, credit, and money is still at risk so theres really no point. Paypal is safe. Millions of people use it and trust it and statistically the safest way to pay for something online.

*EbolaBear Jan 12, 2013

Most nations should allow you to have multiple bank accounts as long as you're using your legal name or documented business name.

If you're setting up an account with fake and false information then yeah, that's stupid and illegal.

If you're not a US citizen why are you here asking this question in the first place?

Ask your BANK!

~Starlit-Sorceress Jan 12, 2013 Professional Artisan Crafter

Do you live in the USA? If you're talking about creating a separate bank account to deposit income from your art business, that's not only 100% legal, but the IRS prefers it. Just don't use a dummy name. If you don't have a business name yet, call it something like YourFirstName's Art.

*Aapis Jan 11, 2013 Professional Interface Designer

Paypal isn't any more or less trustworthy than any other payment process out there, but they are the most popular by far. Basically if you can't trust Paypal, you can't trust anyone.

Not sure what this "dummy account" business is about, but you can't create a bank account using fraudulent (i.e. made up) information. That's just common sense.

~Lytrigian Jan 11, 2013 Hobbyist Writer

No, that's stupid. Of course you can have second bank accounts. As long as you're not using it for fraudulent reasons or to hide income from the tax man, you're fine.

~DJ0Hybrid Jan 11, 2013 Hobbyist Writer

Using real details is fine, but the bank may not be exactly happy about someone having an account that is both inactive and with little to nothing in it most of the time. They might also get suspicious when you use it to transfer money. The best thing to do is talk to your bank about dealing with a fraud transaction instead of making a dummy account.

~angelxxuan Jan 11, 2013 Professional Writer

you can always get a card which you add money when you need it. I got it and use it here and there. there's a small fee but that's about as much as an interest on a credit card would be. and there's also some which have no fees and others which act more like a bank account. it is another option than opening another bank account.

`bohobella Jan 11, 2013 Professional Traditional Artist

It's not illegal if you're using your real credentials, but I think you're just desperately masking the real issue here: Your paranoia over PayPal, of all things.

~10000Greetings Jan 11, 2013 Hobbyist Photographer

If you don't want to have the money transferredf from PayPal to your own bank account, then you can always leave it in PayPal as an account balance. Otherwise, you will need to have a bank account into which you can transfer the money. I am curious as to why you wouldn't trust Paypal, though?

=Scyoni Jan 11, 2013 Student Filmographer

I get the reason - my father's spent a lot of time cramming the evil of paypal down my throat! xD Not sure how much of a real concern it is though.

Apparently there's something in the agreement that says they can freeze your BANK ACCOUNT if they see what they think is fraudulent activity in your paypal account, and I've heard they miss the mark and tag a number of activities fraudulent by mistake.

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Is it really illegal to have a dummy bank account?

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