Innocent Customers Caught in Terrorist Dragnet

Companies refuse business to partial name matches on OFAC's list
By Heather McPherson,  Newser User
Posted Mar 27, 2007 1:57 PM CDT
Innocent Customers Caught in Terrorist Dragnet
DSC01772    ((c) Karen Eliot)

Hassans, Muhammeds, and other men with Arabic-sounding names  are being turned away when they try to buy cars, homes, and even exercise equipment. Responding to post-9/11 requirements to screen customers against terrorist lists, companies are turning down buyers with even partial name matches rather than risk stiff fines and prison time.

A report released today documents at least a dozen cases of such mistaken identity. Tom Kubbany, whose middle name is Hassan, was denied a mortgage when a credit report claimed that "Hassan" was an alias for one of Saddam Hussein's children. Never mind that he's 30 years older than Hussein's offspring. Now, Kubbany says, "There's a dark cloud over us." (More OFAC stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X