Murray v. Bank of America, N.A.

HUFF, J.:

Margaret Murray sued Bank of America, formerly known as NationsBank, (Bank) alleging it was negligent when it allowed an imposter to open an account in her name. The jury awarded Murray $300,000 in actual damages. The Bank appeals. We affirm.

FACTS

Margaret Murray lost her driver’s license in May 1997. On May 14, 1997, a woman opened an account with the Bank in Murray’s name. The imposter presented Murray’s driver’s license and a social security card to the Bank employee and deposited $100.00 in the account. The employee contacted Check Systems, which is a company that verifies credit,…