Consumer complaint received 2026-01-23 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — I do not know
Issue: Attempts to collect debt not owed — Debt is not yours
Company: BARCLAYS BANK DELAWARE
State: TX

Complaint narrative:
I am submitting this complaint to dispute a derogatory account being reported by Barclays Bank Delaware on my consumer credit report. This account is being reported as a charge-off with a past-due balance, even though I do not own this account and never authorized it. The account is the direct result of identity theft. 

I did not apply for, open, authorize, sign for, or use any credit account with Barclays Bank Delaware. I have never entered into any contractual relationship with this company, nor have I received goods, services, or credit from Barclays Bank Delaware. Any account Barclays claims is associated with me was opened fraudulently by an unknown third party without my knowledge or consent. 

I first became aware of this account when reviewing my credit report and seeing that Barclays Bank Delaware was reporting a charged-off credit card account with a balance that exceeded the original credit limit. The account was listed as delinquent and derogatory, which immediately raised concern because I have no history with this company and did not recognize the account. 

After discovering this account, I took prompt and responsible action to protect myself. I filed an identity theft report with the Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ) and began disputing the account as fraudulent. I notified the credit reporting agencies and Barclays Bank Delaware that this account does not belong to me and that it was the result of identity theft. 

Despite being notified that the account was fraudulent and that I had filed an FTC identity theft report, Barclays Bank Delaware has continued to report this account as a valid charge-off. The account remains on my credit report with a balance and past-due amount, which is inaccurate and misleading. 

As part of my dispute, I requested that Barclays Bank Delaware provide proof that I am the rightful account holder. Specifically, I requested documentation such as a signed credit application, a signed cardholder agreement, proof of identity verification used at account opening, billing statements showing my use of the account, or any evidence demonstrating that I knowingly agreed to or benefited from this debt. 

Barclays Bank Delaware has failed to provide any such documentation. Instead, it appears that the company is relying on internal records or automated systems to justify its reporting. The mere existence of an account number or internal data does not establish that I opened or authorized the account. Without a signed agreement or proof of authorization, Barclays Bank Delaware can not reasonably or lawfully attribute this account to me. 

Under federal law, once a consumer reports identity theft and submits an FTC identity theft report, companies are required to take reasonable steps to ensure that fraudulent information is not reported. The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires that inaccurate information not be furnished and that information resulting from identity theft be blocked or removed. Barclays Bank Delawares continued reporting of this account after being notified of identity theft is unreasonable and inconsistent with these obligations. 

The ongoing reporting of this fraudulent charge-off has caused harm. It falsely portrays me as having defaulted on a credit obligation that I never incurred. It negatively affects my creditworthiness and creates an inaccurate credit profile. This harm is significant because it is based entirely on fraudulent activity committed by someone else. 

In addition, the way Barclays Bank Delaware has handled this dispute raises concerns about the adequacy of its investigation process. A reasonable investigation must determine whether the consumer actually opened and authorized the account. Simply verifying that data matches internal records or that an account exists is not sufficient. A proper investigation requires confirmation of identity and authorization at account opening. 

I have acted in good faith throughout this process. I promptly disputed the account, filed an FTC identity theft report, and requested verification. Barclays Bank Delaware has not met its corresponding responsibility to ensure accuracy before continuing to report negative information. 

I am not disputing this account due to dissatisfaction with interest rates, fees, or payment terms. I am disputing it because the account is not mine. I did not open it, I did not authorize it, and I do not owe the alleged debt. 

I am requesting that Barclays Bank Delaware be required to take corrective action to resolve this issue. This includes stopping the reporting of this account, deleting it from my credit report, and acknowledging that the account resulted from identity theft. 

Identity theft victims should not be required to repeatedly dispute fraudulent accounts or suffer ongoing damage to their credit due to a companys failure to properly investigate. Continuing to report this account after notice of identity theft is unfair and harmful. 

I am seeking the CFPBs assistance to ensure that Barclays Bank Delaware complies with federal consumer protection laws, corrects the inaccurate reporting, and prevents further harm caused by this fraudulent charge-off account.

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