Consumer complaint received 2021-09-11
Company: CITIBANK, N.A.
State: OH
Product: Credit card or prepaid card
Sub-product: Store credit card
Issue: Getting a credit card
Sub-issue: Card opened as result of identity theft or fraud

Complaint:
I applied for a Credit Card in XXXX, and was denied due to delinquent payments. I requested a credit report I needed to know who the creditor was to get this corrected. 

I was married in XXXX and was divorced XXXX. My married name was placed on a Merchants Credit Card by the Primary Account holder as an Authorized user. The creditor placed itself on all 3 Credit Reporting Agencies that I am a Joint Owner. 

I called the creditor in XXXX and spoke to a Representative XXXX, and I explained that I never applied for credit. I was listed as an Authorized User Only, but the Creditor is showing on my credit report as Joint Owner. I asked how can I get my name removed off of the account, and XXXX stated the primary person has to remove my name. I called the primary person, and asked if they would remove my name off the account, they said Yes. I didnt think anymore about this issue because I thought the issue was handled, and the file was closed. 

Once I realized that this creditor was still listed on my Credit Reports. I submitted Disputes for several years requesting Removal, XX/XX/XXXX, XX/XX/XXXX, XX/XX/XXXX, XX/XX/XXXX. I scanned my Divorce Decree to show that all parties were responsible for paying there own debts. The credit reporting agencies didnt remove the creditor, and they stopped me from being able to submit anymore Disputes Electronically. 

I was reading information about fraud, and how accounts are opened without your knowledge. The literature stated that I should file an Identity Theft Police Report if I have Fraudulent accounts showing on a credit report. XX/XX/XXXX I filed a Police Report Case Number XXXX. 

I searched the internet for additional help with my problem, and I stumbled upon the Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft Report system. I created an account and followed the instructions on the website. XX/XX/XXXX I filed a FTC Report number XXXX listing the Creditor, Account Number, Date Fraud began, and the Amount of debt {$1700.00} requesting removal. 

I was instructed to create Dispute letter Notice to Furnisher dated XX/XX/XXXX mailed the letter with enclosures : 1 ) Identity Theft Report, 2 ) Proof of Identity 3 ) Notice to Furnishers of Information, I received no response so I sent a 2nd Dispute Letter dated XX/XX/XXXX. I received a response letter from the Creditor dated XX/XX/XXXX the Creditor used a former name listed in the Divorce Paperwork, that I never used. The letter stated the information was forwarded to the Fraud Investigation Department for further Investigation, and the Fraud department will contact me regarding my concerns. I have not received anymore letters regarding this matter.

Further instruction had me create 3 letters named Request to Block Unauthorized Charges from the credit report under FCRA 605B to all 3 Credit Bureaus dated XX/XX/XXXX. XXXX with enclosures : 1 ) FTC Identity Theft Report, 2 ) Proof of Identity, 3 ) Copy of Credit Report, 4 ) Fair Credit Reporting Act Section 605B.

Company public response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation