Consumer complaint received 2025-03-13 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: MO

Complaint narrative:
Subject : Formal Request to Cease Reporting of American Express Account Due to Multiple Legal Violations Dear [ Credit Bureau ] / American Express Representative, I am writing to formally demand that you immediately cease reporting my closed American Express accounts on my credit report due to multiple violations of federal consumer protection laws. Under these laws, I have the right to request the removal of these accounts, as their continued reporting constitutes unlawful and inaccurate credit reporting. 

Violations of Federal Consumer Protection Laws 1. Violation of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act ( GLBA ) 15 U.S.C. 6802 The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act ( GLBA ) establishes strict rules regarding the sharing of consumers personal financial information by financial institutions. According to 15 U.S.C. 6802 ( a ), financial institutions are prohibited from disclosing nonpublic personal information to nonaffiliated third parties without first providing a clear and conspicuous privacy notice and an opportunity for the consumer to opt out. 

In this case, my personal credit information was shared with your credit bureau without my authorization, and I was not provided the required notice to opt out of this data-sharing practice. This is a direct violation of the GLBA. 

Penalty for Violation : Under 15 U.S.C. 6805, financial institutions that violate the GLBA can face civil penalties of up to {$100000.00} per violation, and responsible officers or directors may be personally fined up to {$10000.00} per violation. Additionally, the Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ) has enforcement authority and may impose further sanctions.

2. Violation of the Truth in Lending Act ( TILA ) 15 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.

The Truth in Lending Act ( TILA ) ensures that consumers are fully informed of the terms and conditions regarding their credit accounts. Regulation Z ( 12 C.F.R. 1026.2 ), which implements TILA, mandates that creditors provide advance notice before taking adverse actions, such as closing a consumers credit account.

I was never provided any such notice before American Express closed my accounts, which directly violates 15 U.S.C. 1637 ( i ), requiring written advance notice for significant changes in credit terms.

Penalty for Violation : Financial institutions violating TILA may be subject to statutory damages of up to {$5000.00} per willful violation, along with possible class-action lawsuits and enforcement actions by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ).

3. Violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) 15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) ensures the accuracy, fairness, and privacy of consumer information contained in credit reports. Under 15 U.S.C. 1681m ( a ), if adverse action is taken against a consumer based on credit report information, the financial institution must provide the consumer with written notification of the action and details on how to dispute the information.

I was never notified that my American Express accounts were being closed due to information in my credit report. This failure to notify me directly violates 15 U.S.C. 1681m ( a ).

Additionally, under 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( b ), credit reporting agencies and furnishers must investigate any disputed account within 30 days and remove any inaccurate or unverifiable information. Given that my account closure was unlawful, its continued presence on my credit report is inaccurate and must be removed immediately.

Penalty for Violation : Violations of the FCRA can result in statutory damages of up to {$1000.00} per violation, actual damages, punitive damages, and attorneys fees. Willful noncompliance may lead to criminal charges.

4. Violation of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act ( ECOA ) 15 U.S.C. 1691 et seq.


The Equal Credit Opportunity Act ( ECOA ) prohibits discriminatory or unfair credit practices. Under 15 U.S.C. 1691 ( d ) ( 2 ), creditors must provide written notice explaining the reason for adverse actions, including account closures due to creditworthiness concerns.

American Express failed to provide me with a written explanation for closing my accounts, violating this requirement. The law mandates that such notice must be provided within 30 days of taking the adverse action, which was not done in my case. 

Penalty for Violation : Institutions violating the ECOA can face penalties of up to {$10000.00} per violation and class-action damages of up to {$500000.00} or 1 % of the creditors net worth, whichever is lower.

5. Violation of the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure ( CARD ) Act 15 U.S.C. 1665c The CARD Act requires creditors to provide at least 45 days written notice before making significant changes to a credit account, including account closures. American Express failed to provide me with any prior notification before closing my accounts, violating 15 U.S.C. 1666c.

Penalty for Violation : Violators of the CARD Act may be subject to civil penalties, regulatory sanctions, and potential consumer lawsuits for damages.

Demand for Immediate Removal Due to these multiple legal violations, the continued reporting of my closed American Express accounts is unlawful and must be immediately corrected. The Fair Credit Reporting Act ( 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ) grants me the right to dispute any inaccurate or unauthorized reporting, and under 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( b ), you are legally required to conduct a reasonable investigation and remove any information that can not be verified as accurate and lawfully reported.

If this issue is not resolved within 30 days, I will take the following actions : File a formal complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) and the Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ) regarding the unlawful credit reporting practices and violations of consumer protection laws. 
Seek legal action against American Express and the credit bureau ( s ) involved, seeking statutory damages, punitive damages, and injunctive relief.

Report these violations to the appropriate regulatory agencies, including the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency ( OCC ) and state attorneys general, to ensure compliance enforcement.

I expect written confirmation within 30 days that this account has been removed from my credit report. Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter. 
Sincerely, XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation