Consumer complaint received 2025-09-09 00:00:00
Product: Credit card — General-purpose credit card or charge card
Issue: Problem with a purchase shown on your statement — Credit card company isn't resolving a dispute about a purchase on your statement
Company: AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
State: CA

Complaint narrative:
I am disputing a {$26000.00} charge made on XX/XX/year>, to XXXX XXXX on American Express card. This individual built my trust over time and used manipulation and coercion to pressure me into authorizing this purchase. My consent was neither voluntary nor informed, and I did not benefit from this transaction. I have not seen this individual since, and I am blocked from all communication channels. 

I have experienced ongoing financial abuse from this individual, who opened multiple accounts in my name. These accounts include XXXX XXXX  ( which was closed after recognizing the abuse ), XXXX, XXXX XXXX, XXXX, and unauthorized use of my personal XXXX  XXXX XXXX account. He pressured me to open so many accounts that I eventually reached a point where I was no longer able to open any new ones. That limitation was the only relief from further financial abuse. He also made additional purchases totaling {$10000.00}, {$2500.00}, and more. 

I repeatedly told him to stop and said no to further purchases. He would initially agree, often after taking me out to dinner or trying to smooth things over by promising " no more shopping. '' But he continued to pressure me in person sometimes in public, insisting that I open accounts or authorize charges. I felt compelled to comply despite my objections. On several occasions, cashiers even noticed my nervousness during these transactions. 

XXXX incident involved the charge to XXXX XXXX. He told me we were going out to eat, but when I arrived, he was already in the store. He claimed he was looking for something for me, but everything he was looking at in the store was mostly for men. He then told me, Im getting this watch, can you give him your card? I was caught off guard and pressured into handing over my card, even though I had not agreed to the purchase. I did not benefit from the watch in any way, it was for him. 

Ive spoken multiple times with both American Express representatives and law enforcement to resolve this issue. However, when I disclosed that I knew the individual at the time, my concerns were repeatedly dismissed or not taken seriously. My local law enforcement informed me that there was little they could do and that I am essentially on my own to resolve this matter. 

I submitted a formal dispute to American Express with my written statement, an FTC Identity Theft Report, and text messages in which the individual admits responsibility for the charges. Despite this, American Express denied my dispute, stating that the merchandise was delivered and the charge is valid, without properly investigating the context of abuse and coercion. 

This situation has not only affected me financially, but also emotionally. As a result of the ongoing stress, fear, and instability caused by this individuals actions, I have been dealing with XXXX and XXXX. My doctor is still monitoring my XXXX XXXX. I continued making payments out of fear, fear of confrontation, manipulation, and emotional retaliation. I did not feel I had a real choice, and I was doing what I could to avoid further emotional harm. 

This has severely impacted my financial stability. My credit has been damaged, and Ive had to take on multiple jobs just to keep up with the debt caused by this abuse. Ive experienced emotional distress, loss of financial freedom, and a serious disruption to my life. 

I am asking for this charge to be removed and for my credit report to be corrected so I can begin recovering from the harm this has caused. I am willing to provide any additional information or evidence necessary to support my claim. I respectfully request the CFPBs assistance to ensure American Express reopens their investigation and corrects my account in accordance with consumer protection laws related to coerced and fraudulent charges. 
I am open and willing to provide any other information to help my case.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief