Consumer complaint received 2026-01-02 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — I do not know
Issue: Attempts to collect debt not owed — Debt is not yours
Company: FORD MOTOR CREDIT CO.
State: MO

Complaint narrative:
I am submitting this complaint regarding the way Ford Motor Credit Company ( FMCC ) has reported an account on my credit reports as a derogatory account, including charge-off and/or collection activity, along with negative payment history and related adverse information. I dispute the accuracy, completeness, and verification of this reporting and believe it does not meet reasonable standards for fair and accurate credit reporting.

I became aware of this issue after reviewing my credit reports and identifying that FMCC was reporting negative information associated with an auto finance account. This reporting includes a derogatory status, references to delinquency, and indications of charge-off or collection activity. The presence of this information has had a substantial negative impact on my credit profile. Despite the seriousness of the reporting, I have not been provided with documentation that would allow me to independently verify that the information being reported is accurate, complete, or properly supported.

One of my primary concerns is the derogatory status reported by FMCC. Auto finance accounts typically involve detailed contracts, payment schedules, and payment application records. However, I have not been provided with copies of the original retail installment contract, any amendments, or a complete payment history showing how payments were applied over time. Without these documents, it is not possible to verify whether the reported delinquency or charge-off status accurately reflects the accounts history.

The account is reported with late payments, including 30-day, 60-day, and 90-day delinquencies. These late payment notations significantly damage my credit standing. However, I have not been provided with billing statements, payment application records, or documentation showing when payments were due, when statements were issued, or how any missed payments were determined. Late payment reporting should be based on documented billing cycles and payment activity. Without this information, the accuracy of the late payment history can not be verified.

Another serious issue involves the charge-off and/or collection designation. A charge-off is a significant credit reporting event that should be supported by clear documentation showing when the charge-off occurred, the balance at the time of charge-off, and the criteria used to determine that the account should be charged off. In this case, FMCC has not provided documentation showing the date of charge-off, the charged-off balance, or the basis for that decision. Without this information, the reporting is incomplete and potentially misleading.

I am also concerned about the reported balance associated with this account. Auto finance balances can change based on payments, fees, interest, repossession activity, or deficiency calculations. However, I have not received an itemized accounting explaining how the reported balance was calculated. There has been no disclosure showing how principal, interest, fees, repossession costs, or credits were applied. Without a detailed accounting, it is impossible to determine whether the reported balance is accurate.

Another major concern is the lack of documentation regarding any repossession, sale of collateral, or deficiency balance, if applicable. In auto finance situations, negative reporting often follows repossession and sale of a vehicle. If repossession occurred, there should be documentation showing when the vehicle was repossessed, how it was sold, for what amount, and how any resulting deficiency balance was calculated. I have not been provided with such documentation. Reporting a deficiency or charge-off balance without this information deprives me of the ability to verify or dispute the accuracy of the reported amount. 

I am also concerned about the authority under which FMCC continues to report this account. I have not been provided with documentation showing whether FMCC retains ownership of the account or whether it was sold, transferred, or assigned to another entity. In some cases, accounts are placed with third-party collection agencies or sold to debt buyers, which can affect reporting authority. Reporting an account without clearly establishing ownership and authority creates confusion and undermines accuracy.

The reporting of this FMCC account appears to rely heavily on automated verification processes rather than a reasonable, manual investigation. Automated systems may confirm that information exists in a database, but they do not ensure that the information is accurate, complete, or supported by original records. Given the lack of documentation, clarity, and transparency surrounding this account, automated verification would be insufficient to resolve the issues raised.

The continued reporting of this account has caused ongoing harm. Auto loan derogatory entries can have a severe impact on credit scores and can significantly limit access to transportation, refinancing options, and future credit opportunities. This harm is particularly concerning when the reporting appears unsupported by documentation or clear explanation.

Another issue is the lack of meaningful communication from FMCC. I have not received clear explanations detailing how the account became delinquent, how the charge-off or collection status was determined, how any repossession or deficiency was calculated, or why the reported information should be considered accurate. Without this information, I am unable to meaningfully assess or resolve the issue.

I am not disputing this account to avoid legitimate obligations. Rather, I am seeking fairness, accuracy, and accountability. Credit reporting has serious consequences, and auto finance companies that report negative information have a responsibility to ensure that it is correct, complete, and verifiable. In this case, the reporting by FMCC does not appear to meet those standards.

The paper trail for this account appears incomplete. There is no clear, continuous record showing how the account progressed from current to delinquent to charge-off or collection. There is no explanation of how missed payments were identified, how any repossession was conducted, or how any resulting balance was calculated. Without a complete and transparent history, the derogatory reporting can not be reasonably verified. 

I am also concerned about the potential for misleading or exaggerated impact. Reporting an auto loan as charged off or in collections without proper context or documentation can create an inaccurate picture of a consumers creditworthiness. If the reported information is incorrect or unsupported, the resulting harm is unjustified. 

In reviewing my credit reports, I have also noticed that information related to this account may not be reported consistently across credit bureaus. Differences in balances, dates, or statuses suggest errors in reporting or failures in verification. Accurate credit reporting should be consistent and supported by the same underlying documentation across all bureaus.

I am requesting that FMCC conduct a full, reasonable reinvestigation of this account. This reinvestigation should include a review of the original retail installment contract, any amendments, complete billing statements, full payment histories, repossession records if applicable, sale documentation, deficiency balance calculations, and documentation supporting any charge-off or collection activity. If FMCC can not produce this documentation, the account should be corrected or removed from my credit reports.

I am also requesting that any inaccurate late payment entries be deleted if they can not be fully verified with billing and payment records. Late payments should not be reported unless there is clear evidence that payments were due, billed, and missed according to agreed-upon terms.

If FMCC believes that the account is accurate and should remain on my credit reports, I request full transparency regarding how that determination was made. This includes identifying what documents were reviewed, how the balance and payment history were verified, and why the reporting meets reasonable standards. Generic or conclusory responses would not resolve the issues raised.

This complaint is submitted in good faith and for the purpose of achieving an accurate credit report. I believe that resolving this issue will require FMCC to either substantiate the reporting with proper documentation or correct the record by deleting inaccurate or unverifiable information.

Ultimately, I am seeking a fair outcome in which my credit reports reflect only information that is accurate, complete, and supported by evidence. The current reporting of the FRD MOTOR CREDIT ( FMCC / Ford Motor Credit ) account does not meet that standard. I am requesting CFPB assistance to ensure that this matter is properly reviewed and resolved in compliance with consumer protection laws and fair credit reporting principles.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation