Consumer complaint received 2017-03-23
Company: SYNCHRONY FINANCIAL
State: NY
Product: Credit card
Issue: Unsolicited issuance of credit card

Complaint:
Dear Sir/Madame, Approximately 2 years ago, I became victim of identity theft. Someone was using my SSN to open credit card accounts. I was informed by more than XXXX bank that he/she provides a misspelled version of my last name. He/She does not have my correct address nor my correct phone number. The fraud was detected with no further incident. Around XX/XX/XXXX of last year, I received a call from a collection agency. I was informed that Synchrony Bank had opened a TJX account under the mispelled version of my last name. I clarified everything with the collection agency. I clarified everything with Synchrony Bank. However, I was disappointed in Synchrony Bank for granting a credit card account to someone using my last name incorrectly and for not notifying me all along that I would be put in collection. I chose to forget and forgive on condition that any account previously opened under the same circumstances with Synchrony Bank be closed immediately. ( I need perfect credit history as I am ready to request a 30 year mortgage. ) Last week I generated XXXX credit reports : my credit score was tarnished by a collection claim due to unpaid balances from a JCPenny credit card opened through Synchrony Bank. Once again, the account was opened under an incorrect version of my last name ( as was the TJX account ). I contacted Synchrony Bank to ask for an immediate resolution and for clarifications. I was informed that if my last name is just slightly misspelled, the Bank can open an account solely based on SSN without the need to reach out to the prospective client. I was informed that the Bank tried to reach me by mail and by phone. The mail was returned to them. The phone number was incorrect. Still, I was reported to a collection agency twice. Now, please consider the following : - Since last year, I spent a huge amount of time on the phone with Collection Agencies, Consumer Reporting Agencies, and Synchrony Bank to clarify the issues. 
- I have been trying to start a mortgage. Until my credit history reflects my true self ( I was never late in any payment ), I wo n't get the best interest rates. Synchrony Bank informed me it may take an additional 2-3 months before my credit standing is correctly restored. 
- As I look at my credit report, there have been 53 requests to check my credit history mostly from credit card companies. When I filed a police report last week, it was suggested I should change SSN. If the identity thief may have been disheartened by the fact that all of his/her attempts were rejected because the information was extremely inconsistent, he/she wo n't stop trying, knowing that there is a bank out there that will open an account even if my information is incorrect. 
- The whole incident could have been avoided if Synchrony Bank had at least taken the time to contact me when so many signs were revealing a suspicious situation. They did contact me indeed when my bills were not paid ( to no avail because the phone number was incorrect ). Still, they put me through the " ordeal '' of collection. 
I have to 2 sets of questions for you. I would be extremely grateful if you could address them or somehow offer some guidance. 
- Can a Bank act so negligently and lightly to the expense of innocent victims of fraud? Can a bank open an account based on a SSN ( despite non-matching last name, address and phone number )? Twice? 
- On a personal note, this incident has cost me a lot of time, the loss of potential financial investments and distress ( I feel like I am only half way through. ) What is the best way to hold the bank accountable for their negligence? I am not sure I am ready to contact a lawyer if there is any swift and less stressful solution. However, I will do whatever is required to get personal justice and prevent other people from going through the same experience. Please advise. Thanks for your attention.

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 non-monetary relief