Consumer complaint received 2023-10-03
Company: DISCOVER BANK
State: TX
Product: Credit card
Sub-product: General-purpose credit card or charge card
Issue: Getting a credit card
Sub-issue: Card opened without my consent or knowledge

Complaint:
Hello, I am not a Discover Credit Card account holder but an account was opened under my name. The account number is XXXX. 

I have encountered a deeply troubling issue that has persisted for an extended period, despite my numerous attempts to seek resolution through your customer service channels. I am writing to request your immediate intervention and assistance in rectifying this matter. 

In XXXX, a Discover Credit Card account that had been fraudulently opened in my name. The address associated with this account was in Georgia, a location I have never resided in nor have any connection to. However, this discovery was only the tip of the iceberg. In XXXX, as I was in the process of cosigning a student loan for a sibling, I discovered a multitude of fraudulent accounts on my credit report that did not belong to me. Alarmed by this, I promptly contacted the credit bureau to gather additional information. It was during this investigation that I learned the extent of the identity theft that had occurred. To address this serious matter, I followed the recommended course of action and filed a police report with the Georgia police department, where the initial fraud occurred. I then proceeded to diligently engage with each of the creditors connected to these fraudulent accounts. In each case, I provided accurate information pertaining to the identity theft. 

My efforts to resolve this issue with XXXX Credit Card began in XXXX when I contacted your company to explain that I had fallen victim to identity theft, and I had not opened the Discover Credit Card account in question. I promptly submitted an identity theft report and cooperated by providing any requested documentation. To my surprise, within a mere 20 days, I received a letter from Discover stating that, according to their investigation, the account was considered valid, and I would be held responsible for the outstanding balance. 

The situation took a disturbing turn on XX/XX/XXXX, when I received a letter from the Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service ( IRS ). The letter revealed that my personal information had been used to access IRS online services. The IRS urged immediate action and contact if I was not the individual attempting to access my records online. I immediately contacted the IRS and was informed that someone had been accessing my account for a considerable duration, using an IP address located in XXXX, Texas. Furthermore, this same individual, with access to my personal information, was responsible for opening the fraudulent account in Georgia. The IRS agent took immediate action to block my account and informed me that I would need to contact them to have the block removed. Additionally, I was advised to file another police report in Texas and to complete an Identity Theft affidavit with the IRS, sharing copies with all affected creditors. 

On XX/XX/XXXX, I once again contacted Discover Credit Card to reopen the dispute regarding the fraudulent account. I submitted an updated Identity Theft report, a new police report, and an affidavit from the IRS. Discover informed me that it would take 90 days to review this information. However, on XX/XX/XXXX, I received a letter from Discover Credit Bureau XXXX, indicating that they had concluded their investigation, determining that the account was valid, and asserting my responsibility for the balance. It has now been more than XXXX years since I first discovered this fraudulent account, and I have diligently pursued its resolution. I emphatically maintain that I did not open this account, and I have provided all the necessary documentation and information to support my claim. However, I am increasingly concerned that Discover Credit Card 's investigation process does not align with its claims. 
In my pursuit of clarity, I contacted the XXXX Police Department to inquire whether Discover Bank had initiated an investigation with them. I was informed that no such investigation had taken place. This discrepancy raises questions about the thoroughness and legitimacy of Discover Credit Card 's investigation procedures. 
I now urgently seek the assistance of the XXXX XXXX to escalate this matter to the highest level within Discover Credit Card. It is my fervent hope that your intervention will lead to a fair and just resolution, finally relieving me of the unjust burden imposed by this fraudulent account. 

I implore you to investigate this issue thoroughly and ensure that all necessary steps are taken to rectify this situation promptly. 

Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter. I eagerly await your response and guidance on how we can proceed to rectify this deeply distressing situation.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation