Consumer complaint received 2026-06-02 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — I do not know
Issue: Attempts to collect debt not owed — Debt is not yours
Company: The CBE Group, Inc.
State: IL

Complaint narrative:
I am submitting this complaint regarding CBE Group because the company is reporting a collection account on my consumer credit reports that does not belong to me. I do not recognize this account, I never opened or authorized it, and I have no knowledge of any debt that would justify the reporting of this collection account. After discovering the account on my credit reports, I immediately reviewed my records and attempted to determine whether there was any legitimate connection between me and the alleged debt. Despite my efforts, I could not locate any documentation, agreement, contract, billing statement, payment history, or other evidence showing that I am responsible for this account. Because I do not believe this account belongs to me, I became concerned that my personal information may have been used without my authorization. As a result, I filed a report with the Federal Trade Commission and submitted an Identity Theft Report. I took these steps because I genuinely believe that this account may be the result of identity theft, inaccurate reporting, or a mixed-file error. I wanted to ensure that my rights were protected and that there would be an official record documenting my claim that this debt is not mine. The account being reported by CBE Group is appearing as a derogatory collection account and is causing damage to my credit profile. Collection accounts are among the most harmful items that can appear on a consumer credit report because they can significantly lower credit scores and negatively affect a consumer 's ability to obtain credit, secure housing, obtain favorable financing terms, and pursue other financial opportunities. As a result of this reporting, I have suffered unnecessary stress and financial harm. Upon discovering the account, I disputed the information and requested that it be investigated. I informed the appropriate parties that I did not recognize the account and that I had filed an FTC Identity Theft Report. I requested documentation proving that I am legally responsible for the alleged debt. Specifically, I requested evidence showing the origin of the account, the identity of the original creditor, any signed agreements, contracts, applications, billing statements, account records, payment histories, and documentation demonstrating how CBE Group determined that I am the person responsible for the debt. To date, I have not received sufficient documentation proving that I owe this alleged obligation. The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires that information reported to consumer reporting agencies be accurate, complete, and capable of verification. It also requires reasonable investigations when consumers dispute information appearing on their credit reports. When a consumer notifies a company that an account may be the result of identity theft and provides an FTC Identity Theft Report, the company should take the matter seriously and conduct a meaningful investigation. Continuing to report information without proper verification undermines the accuracy and integrity of the consumer reporting system. Despite my dispute and identity theft claim, the account continues to be reported. I believe this is unfair because I have never admitted responsibility for the debt and have consistently maintained that the account does not belong to me. The continued reporting of this collection account suggests that either the account has not been properly investigated or that the reporting is based on incomplete or inaccurate information. I am particularly concerned about the lack of documentation supporting the account. If CBE Group believes that I am legally responsible for the debt, there should be documentation establishing that fact. Such documentation should include a signed application or agreement, records showing when the account was opened, records identifying the original creditor, statements showing transactions associated with the account, and evidence demonstrating that I incurred the debt. Without such evidence, there is no basis for continuing to report the account as a verified collection obligation. In addition to the harm caused by the collection account itself, the continued reporting of inaccurate information creates uncertainty regarding the accuracy of my overall credit file. Consumers have a right to expect that the information appearing on their credit reports is accurate and supported by reliable evidence. When an account that does not belong to a consumer is reported as a collection account, it can have long-lasting consequences that extend far beyond the credit report itself. The reporting of this account has negatively affected my financial reputation and has created obstacles that I should not have to face. Credit reports are routinely used by lenders, landlords, insurance companies, and employers when making important decisions. The presence of a collection account that does not belong to me creates an inaccurate picture of my financial history and unfairly places me at a disadvantage. I have acted responsibly throughout this process. Upon learning of the account, I immediately reviewed my records, disputed the information, filed an FTC Identity Theft Report, and requested verification. I have cooperated fully and have made every effort to resolve the issue through the proper channels. Despite these efforts, the account remains on my credit reports and continues to cause harm. I believe that a thorough investigation would reveal that I am not responsible for this debt. If CBE Group is unable to provide documentation proving that I opened, authorized, or benefited from the account, then the account should not continue to be reported. The burden should not fall on me to prove that I did not incur a debt that I do not recognize. Instead, the burden should fall on the company reporting the information to establish that the debt belongs to me through competent evidence. I am requesting that this matter be thoroughly investigated and that CBE Group provide complete documentation supporting its claim that I am responsible for the alleged debt. If the company can not provide such documentation, I request that the account be immediately and permanently removed from all consumer reporting agencies. I also request that any derogatory information associated with the account, including collection status, delinquency indicators, and negative remarks, be deleted. Furthermore, I request that the company explain the procedures used to verify the account after receiving notice of my dispute and identity theft claim. I would like to know what records were reviewed, what information was relied upon, and how the company concluded that the account belonged to me despite my FTC Identity Theft Report. Transparency is essential in situations where consumers are challenging the accuracy of information being reported about them. I am not attempting to avoid responsibility for a legitimate debt. If there is evidence showing that I am legally responsible for the account, I am willing to review that evidence. However, I have not been provided with any documentation establishing that the account belongs to me, and I continue to maintain that I do not own this debt. Until such evidence is produced, the account should not continue to be reported as a verified collection obligation. The relief I am seeking is simple and reasonable. I want CBE Group to conduct a comprehensive investigation, review my FTC Identity Theft Report, verify the account through competent documentation, and remove the account if it can not be substantiated. I also request that all consumer reporting agencies be notified of any corrections or deletions resulting from the investigation so that my credit reports accurately reflect the outcome. In summary, I do not own the CBE Group collection account that is being reported on my credit reports. I discovered the account during a review of my credit file, disputed it immediately, and filed an FTC Identity Theft Report because I believe the account may be the result of identity theft or inaccurate reporting. Despite these efforts, the account continues to be reported and continues to damage my credit profile. I respectfully request a full investigation, complete verification of the account, and permanent deletion of the account and all associated derogatory information if the company can not establish through reliable documentation that I am legally responsible for the debt. I appreciate the CFPB 's assistance in helping ensure that my credit reports contain only accurate, complete, and verifiable information.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief