Consumer complaint received 2025-10-03 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Credit card debt
Issue: Attempts to collect debt not owed — Debt was result of identity theft
Company: AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
State: FL

Complaint narrative:
I am filing this complaint against American Express for unlawful debt collection practices related to fraudulent credit card and flexible spending accounts opened in my name without my knowledge or consent. I am a victim of identity theft, and despite American Express being made aware of this situation months ago, they have continued to pursue me for debts I do not owe. These actions have caused severe damage to my credit, financial health, and emotional well-being. 

Detailed Timeline and Issues : Identity Theft & Fraudulent Accounts : I am the victim of identity theft, and I immediately informed American Express of this in XXXX and XXXX. Despite this notification, the company has continued to attempt collection on fraudulent debts linked to accounts opened in my name. I filed reports with the Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ), the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ), and local law enforcement, including police reports, which documented this identity theft. In XX/XX/XXXX, following an investigation, fraudulent accounts opened by American Express in my name and in the name of my business, XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, were closed and deleted from my records. 
However, American Express still pursues these debts as if they were legitimate. 

Unauthorized Credit Report Access : American Express has accessed my credit report multiple times without my authorization or consent. This is a direct violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ). American Express never had my permission to review my credit or use it to open accounts in my name. I hold American Express fully accountable for these unauthorized actions and request that they cease all further attempts to pull or review my credit report. 

Fraudulent Debt Collection and Civil Lawsuit : Despite my efforts to resolve this issue, American Express filed a civil lawsuit against me in XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Case No. [ XXXX XXXX XXXX ] ) in XX/XX/XXXX. This lawsuit pertains to debts that were created as a result of the identity theft. Furthermore, American Express failed to properly serve me with the summons for this lawsuit, which I have never personally received. I filed my defendant response directly with the court, and I ensured that American Expresss attorney was CCd in the communication. However, they have not responded or acted appropriately in this matter. 

Damage to My Credit Score : American Expresss actions have caused significant damage to my XXXX XXXX. They have reported false and inaccurate information to all three major credit bureausXXXX XXXX and XXXXresulting in a severe decline in my credit. This has not only affected my ability to secure loans or credit, but it has also hindered my personal and professional life. These fraudulent accounts should never have been opened, and I demand immediate removal of all such accounts from my credit report. 

Breach of Personal Information : In addition to American Express, several other companies have compromised my personal information. I was informed of a cybersecurity breach affecting XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX and XXXX These breaches have directly led to unauthorized accounts being opened in my name. American Express themselves had a breach in XXXX and again in XXXX due to one of their third party companies. I am deeply concerned about how my data was accessed and misused and hold American Express, among other companies, responsible for their failure to adequately protect my personal information. 

Impact of This Situation : The fraudulent accounts opened in my name, combined with the legal threats, have caused immense emotional and financial distress. I have been unable to access credit, secure housing, or make critical financial decisions. The stress of constantly dealing with debt collectors and legal actions has taken a significant toll on my mental and emotional well-being. I should not have to bear the burden of someone elses crimes, and American Expresss actions have exacerbated this situation to an unbearable level.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation