Consumer complaint received 2025-01-24 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Problem with a company's investigation into an existing problem — Their investigation did not fix an error on your report
Company: SYNCHRONY FINANCIAL
State: SC

Complaint narrative:
To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally dispute and address your organizations failure to comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), specifically Section 1681 ( o ), which pertains to civil liability for negligence. Your non-compliance has caused harm to me, and I am requesting immediate attention and resolution of this matter. 

Details of the Issue : Nature of Non-Compliance : On XX/XX/year>, TJMaxx in XXXX, SC, offered me a credit card with the assurance that no credit check would be conducted. I was informed that I would only need to answer a few questions, and my responses would determine my eligibility for the card. However, TJMaxx failed to comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) by not providing proper notice that applying for the card would, in fact, result in a hard inquiry and decrease of credit score on my credit report.

Shortly after, I was notified that my credit score had decreased due to the inquiry. When I addressed the issue with both an employee and a manager, I was repeatedly assured that the application process would not affect my credit score. After re-reading their credit pamphlet, they acknowledged a change in their credit terms but failed to provide proper clarification. The manager informed me they would escalate the issue, but no resolution was provided. To this day, the hard inquiry remains on my credit report, despite being assured it was invalid.

Impact on Me : This score decrease has impacted my ability to secure loan approvals, resulting in financial setbacks, damage to my creditworthiness, and considerable emotional distress.

Supporting Evidence : Attached below is a screenshot from today of my hard inquiry.

Legal Obligation Under the FCRA : Under the FCRA, TJMaxx is required to ensure accuracy, fairness, and compliance in the reporting and handling of consumer credit information. Your negligence in meeting these obligations has violated my rights and caused direct harm.

Request for Resolution : To resolve this matter, I am requesting the following : Correction of Errors : Immediately correct the inaccurate and negligent information on my credit report.

Compensation : Provide compensation for damages incurred as a result of your non-compliance.

Confirmation of Action : Notify me in writing of the actions taken to address this issue and ensure future compliance.

Failure to resolve this matter promptly may result in me taking further legal action to enforce my rights under the FCRA. I am hopeful that we can resolve this issue without the need for escalation.

Please respond to this dispute within the legally required timeframe of 30 days. 

Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter. 

Sincerely, A valued customer

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