Consumer complaint received 2026-03-06 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — I do not know
Issue: Attempts to collect debt not owed — Debt was result of identity theft
Company: CITIBANK, N.A.
State: NJ

Complaint narrative:
I am submitting this complaint because I have been wrongly pursued for an account that I did not open, authorize, use, or benefit from. The account is associated with CitiXXXX XXXX ending in XXXX, with an alleged balance of {$5200.00} or another claimed amount. I am a victim of identity theft, and this account was created or obtained by an unknown individual who unlawfully used my personal identifying information without my knowledge or permission. I am not the debtor. At no time did I apply for this credit account, sign any agreement, execute any contract, or authorize anyone to open an account in my name. The law firm XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, acting on behalf of Citibank, N.A., pursued collection activity and civil legal proceedings against me and treated me as if I were the debtor responsible for this obligation. Their actions have attempted to hold me legally liable for a debt that I did not incur. Being pursued for a debt resulting from identity theft has been extremely distressing and damaging to my life. I have experienced significant stress, reputational harm, and disruption because I have been forced to defend myself against a claim that should never have been brought against me in the first place. No person should have to endure the fear, anxiety, and financial uncertainty caused by being falsely accused of owing a debt that resulted from fraud. Attempting to collect a debt from someone who is not the debtor, or misrepresenting the character, amount, or legal status of a debt, constitutes a violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ). Specifically, 15 U.S.C. 1692e prohibits false, deceptive, or misleading representations in connection with the collection of a debt, and 15 U.S.C. 1692g requires that a debt collector provide proper validation of the alleged debt before continuing collection activity. XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX continued collection efforts or litigation without properly verifying the validity of the debt and the identity of the true debtor, those actions may constitute violations of the FDCPA. Such violations may give rise to civil liability under 15 U.S.C. 1692k, which provides for statutory damages, actual damages, and attorneys fees for unlawful debt collection practices. Additionally, the reporting, furnishing, or use of inaccurate information about this account may violate the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ). Under 15 U.S.C. 1681e ( b ), consumer reporting agencies and furnishers of information are required to ensure maximum possible accuracy when reporting information about consumers. Furthermore, 15 U.S.C. 1681b governs the permissible purposes for accessing and using consumer credit information. Willful or negligent noncompliance with the FCRA may result in liability under 15 U.S.C. 1681n and 1681o. Identity theft victims are also protected under federal criminal law, including 18 U.S.C. 1028, which criminalizes identity theft and the fraudulent use of another persons identifying information. Despite these protections, I have been treated as the responsible party for a fraudulent account created through identity theft. This has forced me to defend my name and credibility for something I never did. The experience has been deeply upsetting and unfair, particularly when the available facts should clearly demonstrate that I am not the true obligor on this account. Through this complaint, I am formally documenting that the Citibank , N.A . account ending in XXXX and any associated collection activity or legal proceedings are the result of identity theft and unauthorized use of my personal information. I respectfully request that this complaint serve as an official record of the identity theft and fraud. I further request that Citibank , N.A . and any associated collectors or representatives immediately correct their records and remove any information incorrectly linking me to this account. Additionally, I request that any judgment, claim, or legal record entered against me in connection with this alleged account be vacated, withdrawn, and permanently removed. I am not the individual who incurred, authorized, or benefited from this alleged obligation, and I should not be held responsible for the criminal actions of someone who stole my identity. I am asking for immediate investigation and resolution so that my name, credit history, and financial reputation can be restored.

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