Consumer complaint received 2017-11-26
Product: Credit card or prepaid card — Store credit card
Issue: Getting a credit card — Card opened as result of identity theft or fraud
Company: Bread Financial Holdings, Inc. (TX)

XXXX XXXX XXXX I am an XXXX veteran, proud to have served my country and proud that the Consumer Protection Financial Protection XXXX exists thanks to democratic ideals and social and economic justice. 

Below is a copy of letter sent to XXXX XXXX XXXX 
Unknown person applied online for a credit card with XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. 
Bank/Store immediately approved the online application without any form of verification. 
I confirmed this practice when I did an online chat. 
XXXX XXXX sent me copies of the screen shots showing that they approved application from the crook in less than XXXX minute. 
They also had the XXXX to send a bill to me for the {$2400.00}, after I am the one who caught the fraud over a month prior. The account still remained open despite my report of fraud. 

Over the course of almost two months, I made multiple phone calls to the Bank and XXXX XXXX XXXX to ask what investigation took place and outcome. No one returned my calls, except XXXX at the bitter end. 

XXXX XXXX XXXX simply closed the fraudulent acct without investigation. I reminded the Investigator that I had replied to their form letter quoting the Freedom of Information Act and also sent out this letter copied below. No response from Comenity Bank, other than to abruptly cut me off and say I had not filled out their form to investigate. 
Investigator added that I was not responsible for the charges, as if that was the solution. 
No change in practice from the Bank. 

XXXX has also dropped my credit score based on several inquiries they made without my knowledge or permission. 
The credit bureaus could not identify why this was done and reported they could not restore my credit score. 

Banks should not be allowed to open credit cards online without proper identification of the requestor, particularly in light of the XXXX breach and Government breach. 

See letter below. 

XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Department XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, Ohio XXXX XXXX Account XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX : Request for Records Pursuant to Section 609 ( e ) of the Fair Credit Reporting Act Case # XXXX XXXX Fraudulent opening of credit card without verification and fraudulent charges of {$2400.00} On XXXX Acct #? used for purchases at XXXX XXXX Department XXXX XXXX, NY. 

Dear Sir or Madam : I am a victim of identity theft. The thief made a fraudulent transaction/opened a fraudulent account in my name with your company. In accordance with section 609 ( e ) of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. 1681g ( e ), I am requesting that you provide me copies of business records relating to the fraudulent account ] identified above. The law directs that you provide these documents at no charge, and without requiring a subpoena, within thirty ( 30 ) days of your receipt of this request. I am enclosing a copy of the relevant federal law and the XXXX XXXX XXXX business education publication on this topic. 

Enclosed with this request is the following documentation, as applicable : 1. Proof of my identity : A copy of my drivers license, other government-issued identification card, or other proof of my identity ; and 2. Proof of my claim of identity theft : A copy of the XXXX police report about my identity theft ; email address is XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXX Police Department XXXX XXXX Unit XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, Texas XXXX Telephone : XXXX A completed FTC Identity Theft Report Please provide all records relating to the fraudulent transaction/account, including : Application records or screen prints of internet/phone applications Statements/invoices Payment/charge slips Investigators summary Delivery addresses All records of phone numbers used to activate or access the account Any other documents associated with the account Please send these records to me at the above address. 
In addition, I authorize the law enforcement officer who is investigating my case to submit this request on my behalf and/or receive copies of these records from you. 
Please also send copies of all records to this officer. 

If you have any questions concerning this request, please contact me at the above address or at my work number or cell Sincerely, Name in original letter was sent Cc : XXXX XXXX XXXX Department XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX New York, NY XXXX