What is a fictitious account number typically used for?

A fictitious account number is generally utilized for fraudulent purposes, primarily because it allows individuals to create false identities or accounts to bypass security measures, commit financial fraud, or engage in other deceptive activities. This type of account number does not correspond to a legitimate account holder within a financial institution, making it a tool for those seeking to exploit systems without the risk of being tied to a real individual.

The other contexts in which account numbers might be used, such as creating legitimate accounts for new users, facilitating valid transaction processing, or providing instant credit approvals, involve the use of genuine account numbers tied to real individuals or entities, thereby ensuring authenticity and compliance with legal and banking regulations. Fictitious account numbers, in contrast, undermine the integrity of financial transactions and systems, rendering them ineffective in legitimate processes.