New York's attorney general is investigating six of the top U.S. banks over reports that they are unfairly using databases to disqualify people seeking to open checking or savings accounts, the New York Times reported on Thursday, citing people briefed on the matter. Bank of America Corp, Citibank Inc and JPMorgan Chase & Co are among the banks that received letters from state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, according to the newspaper. The banks have until Tuesday to schedule a meeting and discuss the matter with the agency. Schneiderman's office did not immediately respond to a request by Reuters for comment. Citigroup declined comment, while JPMorgan and Bank of America were not immediately reachable. The newspaper did not identify the other three banks. An increasing number of banks and credit unions are running stringent checks to guard themselves against risky customers and fraud. However, the databases on which these banks rely are disproportionately affecting lower-income
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