Consumer complaint received 2025-04-28 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Problem with a company's investigation into an existing problem — Was not notified of investigation status or results
Company: DISCOVER BANK
State: MO

Complaint narrative:
Complaint Regarding Inaccurate Discover Credit Card Reporting ( XXXX ) To Whom It May Concern : I am writing to file a formal complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau regarding inaccurate and conflicting information being reported by Discover Financial Services ( Discover ) on my credit reports. The reporting on my Discover credit card account contains discrepancies that appear to be contradictory and incorrect, and despite my extensive efforts over several years to have these issues addressed directly with Discover and through the credit bureaus, they remain unresolved. I am requesting the CFPBs assistance in investigating and correcting this matter, as the continued presence of this erroneous data is unjustly damaging my credit profile.

Account Reporting Discrepancies : On my credit reports, the Discover card account in question is currently showing the following data simultaneously : Past Due Balance : {$3600.00} ( listed as the amount past due ) Charge-Off Amount : {$3600.00} ( the amount Discover charged off ) Credit Limit : {$3500.00} Highest Balance : {$3700.00} These figures are inconsistent and seemingly impossible to reconcile with one another. For example, the reported past due balance of {$3600.00} exceeds the credit limit of {$3500.00}, which by itself is puzzling. Additionally, the account is noted as having been charged off for {$3600.00}, yet it also shows a past due balance ( and the two amounts are not even identical ). It is unclear how an account could simultaneously have an outstanding past-due balance and be charged-off especially with differing amounts reported for each. The reporting also indicates a highest balance of {$3700.00}, an amount above the credit limit. While I understand that fees and interest can cause a balance to exceed the limit, this still does not explain why the past due amount ( {$3600.00} ) does not match the charge-off amount ( {$3600.00} ), nor why both are being reported at the same time. In short, the data reported for this account is contradictory and suggests a significant error in how Discover or the credit bureaus are reporting the account status. I have strong reason to believe that this information is inaccurate and does not comply with the requirement that credit reports contain correct, consistent data. I am very concerned that such an obvious discrepancy has been allowed to persist on my credit file. 
History of Attempts to Resolve : I have made diligent efforts over an extended period to resolve these reporting issues through the proper channels, but without success. Below is a summary of the actions I have taken : Direct Correspondence with Discover : I sent multiple written letters to Discover most recently in XX/XX/XXXX and previously in XXXX XXXXXXXX detailing the above discrepancies and requesting clarification on how these figures were derived and how they can logically all be accurate. In these letters, I asked Discover to either correct the information or provide a written explanation reconciling the past due balance, charge-off amount, credit limit, and highest balance. To date, Discover has not responded to any of my correspondence. I have received no explanation or correction from them regarding this account. 
Disputes with Credit Bureaus : I have disputed this account multiple times with each of the three major credit reporting agencies ( XXXX XXXX, and XXXXXXXX ) over the past several years ( from approximately XXXX through XXXX ). In each dispute, I clearly identified the errors/inconsistencies in the account information and requested an investigation. Unfortunately, in every case the bureaus reported back that the information had been verified by the data furnisher ( Discover ) and no changes were made. I was never given any substantive explanation as to how the account could be verified as accurate given the obvious conflicts in the data. Essentially, the credit bureaus relied on Discovers verification, and Discover has been completely unresponsive to me directly. This leaves me stuck with an account on my credit report that makes no logical sense, with no one taking responsibility for correcting it. 
Despite my persistent efforts, neither Discover nor the credit reporting agencies have provided relief or clarity. I have exhausted the normal dispute process. It is extremely frustrating as a consumer to know that I have a right under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) to fair and accurate credit reporting, yet I am faced with a clearly flawed tradeline that I can not get corrected. The lack of action by Discover ( as the furnisher of this information ) and by the credit bureaus ( who continue to report it without proper explanation ) is unacceptable. This situation has now dragged on for years, and the presence of this derogatory and inaccurate account has likely harmed my credit score and overall financial well-being during this time. I am very concerned that my creditworthiness is being unfairly tarnished by information that may not even be valid.

Requested Relief and CFPB Action : Given the failure of Discover and the credit bureaus to address this matter, I am seeking the CFPBs intervention. I respectfully request the CFPB to investigate and take appropriate action regarding the inconsistent reporting of this Discover account. Specifically, I ask that the CFPB : Investigate the Accuracy of the Discover Account Reporting : Please initiate a formal investigation into this accounts reporting. The goal would be to determine how such conflicting figures ( past due balance vs. charge-off amount vs. credit limit vs. high balance ) came to be reported and whether this information is in compliance with FCRA accuracy requirements. Discover should be required to provide a detailed, written explanation for each of the figures reported and how they can simultaneously be valid. 
Ensure Correction of Any Inaccurate or Unverifiable Information : If Discover and/or the credit bureaus can not provide a clear and factually supported justification for these discrepancies, they should be directed to correct the information immediately. This could involve updating the account so that all fields are consistent and accurate ( for instance, ensuring that if the account was charged off, it no longer shows an ongoing past due balance, and that any reported balances do not exceed the credit limit without explanation ). In essence, all reported data should align correctly with the actual status and history of the account.

Facilitate Removal of the Account from My Credit Reports if Not Resolved : If the furnishers are unable to verify the accuracy of the current reported information or fail to make the necessary corrections, I request that the CFPB require the removal of this Discover account from all of my credit reports. Under the FCRA, consumers should not have to endure inaccurate or unverified information on their credit files. Given the length of time this issue has persisted and the lack of cooperation from Discover, removal of the entire tradeline would be a fair resolution should Discover continue to be unable or unwilling to fix the errors. 
In summary, I am asking for the CFPBs help to finally resolve this matter. I have acted in good faith for years to get this corrected on my own, to no avail. Now, I am turning to your agency as a last resort to uphold my rights. I believe that an intervention by the CFPB will be necessary to prompt Discover and the credit bureaus to address this issue with the seriousness it deserves. No consumer should have to accept blatantly inconsistent information on their credit report, especially when it can not be explained or justified by the furnisher.

I am prepared to provide any additional documentation or information the CFPB may require. I have kept copies of my correspondence with Discover, records of my disputes with the credit bureaus, and copies of credit reports showing the disputed information, which I can furnish upon request. I appreciate the CFPBs time and attention to this complaint. It is my hope that with your assistance, this matter can be resolved promptly and the inaccurate data can be either corrected to reflect the truth or removed entirely from my credit history. 
Thank you for investigating this issue and advocating for consumers like myself. I look forward to a prompt response and a fair resolution. 
Sincerely, XXXX XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation