Consumer complaint received 2024-12-16 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Improper use of your report — Credit inquiries on your report that you don't recognize
Company: SYNCHRONY FINANCIAL
State: GA

Complaint narrative:
Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing to formally dispute an unauthorized credit inquiry made by SYNCB/TJX CO DUAL CARD that appears on my credit report. The inquiry in question, dated XX/XX/year>, was made without my authorization or any permissible purpose as defined under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ).

Specific Violations : Lack of Permissible Purpose ( 604 ) : Under the FCRA, a credit report may only be accessed for specific permissible purposes, such as an existing credit transaction, employment purposes, or explicit consent from the consumer. I did not apply for credit, initiate any transaction, or authorize SYNCB/TJX CO DUAL CARD to

access my credit report. As such, this inquiry constitutes a violation of 604 ( 15 U.S. Code 1681b ).

Failure to Ensure Consumer Authorization ( 607 ) : FCRA 607 ( a ) requires users of consumer reports to ensure that inquiries are made only for permissible purposes. The existence of this unauthorized inquiry demonstrates a failure on your part to comply with this provision.

Willful Noncompliance ( 616 ) and Civil Liability ( 617 ) : FCRA 616 provides for damages of up to {$1000.00} per violation in cases of willful noncompliance with the Act, while 617 establishes liability for negligent noncompliance. Accessing my credit report without proper authorization violates these provisions and exposes your organization to legal and financial liability. 

Harm and Resolution Requested : This unauthorized inquiry has caused harm to my creditworthiness and has the potential to negatively affect my ability to obtain credit. To resolve this matter, I am requesting the following : Immediate Removal : Delete the unauthorized inquiry from my credit reports with XXXX, XXXX, and XXXX. 
Compensation : Payment of {$1000.00} as allowed under FCRA 616 for damages caused by this violation.

Confirmation of Actions Taken : Written confirmation of the removal and resolution of this issue within 30 days of receipt of this letter. 
Correspondence Request : To ensure proper documentation and my peace of mind, I request that all future correspondence regarding this matter be conducted exclusively via email at XXXX. I do not feel comfortable or safe corresponding through other means, and email ensures a clear and verifiable record of our communication.

Costs of Litigation and Itemized Expenses : Should this matter remain unresolved, I am prepared to pursue litigation to enforce my rights under the FCRA. Below is an itemized list of the costs associated with litigation, which your organization would likely incur should this matter escalate : Attorney Fees : {$10000.00} to {$15000.00} ( Depending on the complexity of the case and time required for representation. ) Court Filing Fees : {$400.00} to {$500.00} ( For initiating legal action in
federal or state court. ) Discovery Costs : {$5000.00} to {$8000.00} ( Including depositions, subpoenas, and production of documents. ) Expert Witness Fees : {$3000.00} to {$5000.00} ( For expert testimony related to FCRA violations and damages. ) Travel and Miscellaneous Costs : {$2000.00} to {$3000.00} ( Associated with depositions, court appearances, and legal proceedings. ) Potential Damages : Statutory Damages : Up to {$1000.00} ( per violation ).

Actual Damages : Amount TBD ( including credit harm, emotional distress, and financial losses ).

Punitive Damages : Amount TBD ( at the court 's discretion for willful violations ).

Total Estimated Litigation Cost to Your Organization : {$20000.00} to {$35000.00} ( or more ). 

Opportunity to Resolve Amicably : In light of these potential costs, I am offering your organization the opportunity to resolve this matter amicably and without the need for litigation. If the requested actions are completed to my satisfaction, I am willing to sign a settlement agreement where neither SYNCB/TJX CO DUAL CARD

nor its clients admit to any wrongdoing. Failure to respond or resolve this issue within 30 days will leave me no choice but to escalate this matter through the appropriate legal and regulatory channels, including filing a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ).

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I look forward to your prompt response via email.

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