Why did capital one send me a w-9?

I work for capital one in the National Direct Bank division (Also aquiring ING Direct). My division may be requesting a w9 form from you for one of two reasons.

1) The most recent name and SSN/EIN we reported to the IRS does not identically match the most recent name and SSN they have. When this occurs the IRS requires we adjust the information to match all other IRS records. Most often it is an SSN that was imput in error, or a hyphenated last name that the IRS has, but we do not. In either event, the w9 form clarifies info for both parties.

2) You opened your account online with us and never signed any acceptance documents. Capital One, b/c of a misunderstanding in online opening requirements, is in the process of collecting a number of w9 forms for its online opened accts. It's not that we don't have your SSN or name and are trying to acquire it, but rather that we need some kind of document that you personally affirmed your lawful responsibility to pay income taxes on the interest you earn.