Consumer complaint received 2025-06-09 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Improper use of your report — Reporting company used your report improperly
Company: AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
State: NJ

Complaint narrative:
I am writing to formally request that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) investigate the inaccurate and potentially unlawful reporting of a charge-off account currently appearing on my credit report. AMERICAN EXPRESS is in violation of multiple laws set forth by XXXX in regards to the following account ( XXXX ) : ACCT # XXXX ... and ACCT # XXXX This request is made pursuant to my rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), 15 U.S. Code 1681, and the Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S. Code 552a. 
The account ( XXXX ) in question, originally reported by AMERICAN EXPRESS, has been resolved. According to the Internal Revenue Service ( IRS ), a charge-off is considered a certificate of indebtedness, which means it is income and, therefore, eligible for removal from the records. The IRS clearly defines a charge off as Gross or Ordinary income, INCOME DOES NOT GET REPORTED ON THE CONSUMER REPORT which in fact makes reporting of this account inaccurate! I provided a screenshot from the IRS website. Accordingly, it is no longer appropriate or lawful to report this account as a current charge-off or to continue furnishing adverse monthly payment history to third parties. 
In AMERICAN EXPRESS terms and conditions they agreed not to share my information with non affiliates. XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  are not an affiliate of AMERICAN EXPRESS nor are they " bureaus ". The only true credit bureau is the CFPB and they DO NOT furnish consumer reports as stated in federal law. I have a right to privacy and Per the Privacy Act of 1974 as a federally protected consumer I am now revoking any and all authorization I the consumer XXXX have given you written, non written, verbal, and nonverbal per 5 U.S. Code 552a. Per the FCRA as a federally protected consumer I am now opting out of any and all authorization I the consumer XXXX have given you written, non written, verbal, and non verbal per 15 USC 6802.

15 U.S. Code 1681a ( 2 ) ( a ) ( i ) states that the consumer report does not include information solely as to transactions or experiences ( payment history, charge off status ), between the consumer ( myself ) and the person ( AMERICAN EXPRESS ) making the report. Additionally, 15 U.S. Code 1681 s-2 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) states that A person ( AMERICAN EXPRESS ) shall not furnish any information relating to a consumer ( ME ) to any consumer reporting agency ( XXXX XXXX XXXX  ) if the person knows or has reasonable cause to believe that the information is inaccurate. AMERICAN EXPRESS can not collect on a XXXX debt. 
I shall also point out their responsibility pursuant FRCA 15 U.S. Code 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( B ) ( ii ) : ( a ) DUTY OF FURNISHERS OF INFORMATION TO PROVIDE ACCURATE INFORMATION XXXX ) PROHIBITION ( B ) Reporting information after notice and confirmation of errors A person shall not furnish information relating to a consumer to any consumer reporting agency if ( i ) the person has been notified by the consumer, at the address specified by the person for such notices, that specific information is inaccurate ; and ( ii ) the information is, in fact, inaccurate. 
Furthermore, the Privacy Act of 1974 establishes protections for individuals from unauthorized disclosure of personal information by federal agencies or by entities acting in a similar capacity, particularly where such data is no longer relevant or accurate. 
Where is my XXXX AMERICAN EXPRESS XXXX XXXX writing off debt with the IRS without XXXX out XXXX as required by the IRS for debts greater XXXX { { {$600.00} } }. This is unsatisfactory! AMERICAN EXPRESS has been HEREBY PUT ON NOTICE that they are furnishing incorrect inaccurate information. Continued reporting of a charge-off status on an account that has been legally extinguished, restructured, or securitized into a financial instrument ( certificate of indebtedness ) constitutes a misrepresentation. It also violates my right to privacy and accuracy in the handling of my personal data, particularly when such data is shared with third-party credit reporting agencies and lenders. 
In light of this information I respectfully request the following actions for ACCT # XXXX ... and ACCT # XXXX That the referenced charge-off account be updated to reflect a Paid as Agreed or Closed Paid in XXXX, XXXX appropriate. 
Also any derogatory payment history be permanently removed from the consumer report. 
That the CFPB initiate a formal investigation into the creditors compliance with FCRA and applicable provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974. 
Attached you will find supporting documentation related to this account, including evidence of revocation of authorization and privacy opt-out under federal law letter, and a recent credit report reflecting the disputed item. 
I appreciate your attention to this matter and request written confirmation of your investigation within the timeframe mandated by federal law.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation