Consumer complaint received 2025-06-16 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Credit card debt
Issue: Written notification about debt — Didn't receive notice of right to dispute
Company: DISCOVER BANK
State: KY

Complaint narrative:
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX [ Date : XX/XX/XXXX ] Discover Bank XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX Subject : Urgent : Formal Dispute of Unauthorized Charges and Debt Validation Request Discover Account Number : XXXX - Evidence of Fraudulent Activity Dear Discover Bank, This letter serves as an urgent and formal dispute of unauthorized charges and a request for validation of a debt that Discover Bank is attempting to collect from me, and which is currently being reported on my credit report. 


I recently obtained a copy of my XXXX  credit report, dated XX/XX/XXXX, which shows an account under Discover with account number XXXX. This report indicates the account was opened on XX/XX/XXXX, closed, and " Account charged off, {$3000.00} written off, {$3000.00} past due as of XX/XX/XXXX. '' The last payment date listed is XX/XX/XXXX. 



I MUST REITERATE that I was XXXX  from XX/XX/XXXX, until XX/XX/XXXX. During this entire period, I was completely unable to receive, review, or respond to any correspondence, manage my financial accounts, or authorize any activity on them. Upon my release from XXXX  on XX/XX/XXXX, I have received no debt validation notice from Discover Bank regarding this alleged debt. 


Crucially, I have evidence that my account was accessed and an unauthorized user was added shortly after my XXXX. I possess an email from Discover Card, dated XX/XX/XXXX, which states, " We are happy to inform you that your request to add an Authorized User ( s ) to your Discover card account has been approved. '' My account number ending in XXXX is referenced in this email, which corresponds to the last XXXX digits of the reported account XXXX. 


It is impossible for me to have made this request, as I had been XXXX  since XX/XX/XXXX, XXXX days prior to the date of this email. This email serves as irrefutable proof that someone accessed my account and added themselves as an authorized user without my knowledge or authorization, while I was physically incapable of doing so. This constitutes unauthorized use and potentially fraudulent activity on my account. 


Under the Fair Credit Billing Act ( FCBA ), specifically 15 U.S.C. 1666, consumers have protections against unauthorized use of credit cards. I am disputing any and all charges made by this unauthorized user, as well as any charges incurred after XX/XX/XXXX, given my XXXX  and the subsequent fraudulent activity. 

Furthermore, under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ), specifically 15 U.S.C. 1692g ( a ), a debt collector is required to provide a consumer with a written notice containing specific information about the debt within five days of the initial communication. As I was XXXX  and then received no notice since my release, I assert that I have never received such a required validation notice from Discover Bank. 

Under 15 U.S.C. 1692g ( b ), if a consumer disputes a debt within the 30-day period, the debt collector must cease collection efforts until they obtain verification of the debt and mail a copy of such verification to the consumer. Given the unauthorized activity and my prior XXXX, I am formally asserting my right to dispute this entire alleged debt and request immediate and thorough validation. 


Therefore, I respectfully request that Discover Bank thoroughly investigate the unauthorized authorized user addition and provide me with the following information and documentation to fully validate this alleged debt, with a clear separation of any legitimately incurred charges versus those from unauthorized activity : * Investigation into the unauthorized authorized user addition : Provide details regarding the individual added as an authorized user, the method by which they were added, and any records of their activity on the account. 

* Proof of the original creditor : Please confirm if Discover Bank is the original creditor. If the debt was purchased or assigned from another entity, provide the name and address of the original creditor and all subsequent owners. 

* The exact amount of the debt, clearly segregating authorized vs. unauthorized charges : Provide a detailed breakdown of the principal amount, interest, fees, and any other charges that comprise the total alleged debt of {$3000.00}. This breakdown must clearly delineate all charges made after XX/XX/XXXX, especially those related to the unauthorized user. 


* Documentation establishing the validity of the debt : This must include, but is not limited to, copies of the original account agreement bearing my signature, all monthly statements showing all charges and payments from account opening ( XX/XX/XXXX ) through the present date. This documentation should specifically highlight any charges made by the unauthorized user. 

* A complete payment history for the account : This should clearly show all payments made, all charges applied, and all credits issued to the account from its inception to the present date, distinguishing between authorized and unauthorized transactions. 

* Proof that Discover Bank has the legal right to collect this debt : This includes any assignment or transfer of the debt to Discover Bank, if applicable, demonstrating a clear chain of title. 

Please be advised that under the FDCPA, specifically 15 U.S.C. 1692e, it is a violation for a debt collector to use any false, deceptive, or misleading representation or means in connection with the collection of any debt. This includes falsely representing the character, amount, or legal status of any debt. The reporting of an account as " charged off '' and " past due '' with charges stemming from unauthorized use, without proper investigation and validation, is a serious concern.

Furthermore, under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), specifically 15 U.S.C. 1681i, I have the right to dispute inaccurate or incomplete information on my credit report. Until proper validation is provided and the unauthorized charges are removed, I will consider the reporting of this alleged debt on my credit report as inaccurate and will dispute it with all credit reporting agencies. 


I expect a thorough investigation into this unauthorized activity and a timely response to this request, along with all requested documentation. Please cease all collection activities, including any further reporting to credit bureaus, until this debt is fully validated and the fraudulent charges are resolved as required by law. 
Nothing in this letter should be construed as an acknowledgment or acceptance of this alleged debt or any unauthorized charges. I look forward to your prompt attention to this critical matter. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with monetary relief