Consumer complaint received 2024-10-14 00:00:00
Product: Payday loan, title loan, personal loan, or advance loan — Installment loan
Issue: Problem when making payments — 
Company: SYNCHRONY FINANCIAL
State: NC

Complaint narrative:
XX/XX/XXXX Consumer Financial Protection Bureau XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Subject : Complaint Regarding Violations of Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), Federal Trade Commission Act ( FTCA ), North Carolina Consumer Protection Act, Washington Consumer Protection Act, XXXX and XXXX Orientation Discrimination, and First Amendment Retaliation Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to file a formal complaint against XXXX companies, Amazon and Synchrony Financial , for actions that I believe constitute violations of my rights under several federal and state laws, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), the Federal Trade Commission Act ( FTCA ) , the North Carolina Consumer Protection Act, the Washington Consumer Protection Act, as well as for engaging in discriminatory practices and retaliatory actions based on my status as an XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX senior citizen. 
The violations occurred during recent financial transactions and order-related interactions with both companies. Specifically, I believe that Amazon and Synchrony have acted unlawfully by misreporting or mishandling my financial data in a way that negatively affected my credit, in violation of the FCRA. Furthermore, their actions appear to have been conducted in bad faith, with deceptive business practices that contravene the FTCA and state consumer protection laws. 
In addition to these violations, I believe that the companies have engaged in discriminatory practices. I have reason to believe that my status as an XXXX XXXXXXXX senior citizen was a factor in how my transactions and complaints were handled by Amazon and Synchrony. Their discriminatory behavior may also include retaliation for asserting my rights under the First Amendment, given the nature of the issues I raised in my complaints. The way they processed my transactions, handled customer service communications, and responded to my concerns suggests potential bias and retaliation, all which constitutes unfair and deceptive trade practices which should be thoroughly investigated. 
Incident Details 1. On XX/XX/XXXX, I ordered XXXX computer monitors from Amazon under ( order number XXXX ). For this purchase, I utilized Synchronys " pay later '' credit terms, which resulted in a soft credit inquiry. My credit was approved, and the total cost of the monitors amounted to {$470.00}, as Exhibit XXXX. 
XXXX. On XX/XX/XXXX, Amazon informed me that one of the monitors from this order had been lost in transit. In response, Amazon generated a replacement order ( order number XXXX ), as Exhibit XXXX, and I received the replacement monitor on XX/XX/XXXX. 
XXXX. Even though I never returned either the original monitor or the replacement, Amazon falsely reported to Synchrony that both monitors had been returned on XXXX  separate dates : XX/XX/XXXX, and XX/XX/XXXX, respectively. As a result of this false reporting, Synchrony inaccurately documented that I only owed {$1.00} in finance charges, which they subsequently auto-drafted from my checking account. The relevant transaction details can be found in Exhibit XXXX. 
XXXX. This inaccurate reporting has caused significant financial and reputational harm. Amazon knowingly provided incorrect information to Synchrony, giving the impression that I had returned both monitors when I had not. Their actions suggest an intent to defraud and create the appearance that I had engaged in fraudulent activity. I believe these actions are connected to an ongoing civil rights lawsuit ( XXXX XXXX. : XXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX ) in which I am the plaintiff, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation ( SBI ) is involved. Several agents from the SBI are known to be listed as defendants in this case upon an amended complaint or an additional complaint to be filed, and I believe there is coordination between Amazon and these parties. 
XXXX. Additionally, I have reason to believe that Amazon, either knowingly or unknowingly, allowed third partiesincluding law enforcement agents involved in my civil litigationto tamper with my account. On XX/XX/XXXX, a fraudulent gift receipt was generated in my Amazon account without my knowledge or consent. A copy of this fraudulent receipt is attached as Exhibit XXXX. 
XXXX. Upon careful examination of this gift receipt, I noticed that the delivery address listed is in XXXXXXXX XXXX ZIP code XXXX. This location corresponds with the FBI field office at XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX which I have reason to believe is involved in my ongoing criminal investigation and that FBI Special Agents XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX, and XXXX XXXX, are involved not only in the investigation directly or indirectly but are involved in this incident. Additionally, FBI Special Agents from the XXXX and XXXX XXXX XXXX offices, including Special Agents XXXX XXXX and XXXX XXXX, have also been involved in my investigation and involved in this incident. 
XXXX. I strongly suspect that these fraudulent actions involving Amazon, Synchrony, and law enforcement agents are intended to undermine my civil rights case and tarnish my reputation and cause me to be falsely arrested/indicted. These coordinated efforts have caused both financial and emotional distress. 
Unlawful Interception and Retaliation XXXX. This is not the first instance in which Amazon has unlawfully allowed interference with my lawful purchases. In fact, the State Bureau of Investigation ( SBI ) agentsintercepted one of my shipments without a valid judicial warrant or any legal basis. I have been a loyal Amazon customer since XXXX, and during that time, my family ( including my sister XXXX XXXX and my mother XXXX XXXX ) and I have made XXXX purchases, Exhibit XXXX. We have never initiated a chargeback or engaged in any questionable activities that would warrant such scrutiny. The payment history of my Amazon account, which spans over XXXX pages, reflects a clean transaction record, Exhibit XXXX. 
XXXX. Despite this, Amazon now imposes a discriminatory practice by requiring me to use a special pin code for any purchase over {$120.00}. Additionally, either I or a family member must be physically present to receive the delivery, which is not a standard Amazon policy for other customers. This practice is retaliatory, discriminatory, and defamatory, as it unjustly implies that I or my family have committed fraudulent acts, which is categorically false. 


XXXX. Further raising suspicion, I have observed SBI agents acting as Amazon delivery drivers on multiple occasions. This is highly concerning, as it calls into question the legitimacy of those delivering my orders. For instance, when I received the replacement monitor from order number XXXX, it was delivered by a XXXX  male in his XXXX, wearing street clothes and using a large XXXX rental truck with XXXX XXXX tags. There were no identifiers on the individual or the vehicle indicating that he was employed by Amazon or any of its delivery contractors. The delivery note even stated that the package was handed to a person named " XXXX, '' although I signed nothing, nor was I asked my name by this individual, Exhibit XXXX. 
XXXX. Upon reviewing my account records, I found no other instance in which a delivery was handed to " XXXX or XXXX XXXX or XXXX XXXX, '' ( See Exhibit XXXX ) further suggesting that this person was not an Amazon employee but rather a law enforcement agent involved in my ongoing criminal investigation and civil rights lawsuit. 
XXXX. If this is proven to be true, Amazon has not only engaged in unfair and deceptive trade practices but has also acted as an agent of the state of North Carolina, aiding and abetting law enforcement in their investigation without a judicial warrant or court order. This constitutes an unfair and deceptive trade practice, and it has caused me significant harm. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX Placed on XX/XX/XXXX XXXX. A prime example of Amazon acting deceptively, and potentially as an agent of the state, is the case of Order Number XXXX, This order, placed on XX/XX/XXXX, was intercepted by an agent operating out of XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  This agent, identified as XXXX XXXX, took receipt of the package on XX/XX/XXXX, at XXXX XXXX, as confirmed by XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX. ( See label on box, as to Exhibit XXXX ). Later that day, around XXXX XXXX, the package was delivered to me by an unidentifiable driver, and the product arrived damaged. 
XXXX. Amazon subsequently issued a replacement order ( XXXX XXXX XXXX ) on XX/XX/XXXX, Exhibit XXXX, but this replacement was also reported lost in transit. When I contacted XXXX  regarding the replacement, they confirmed that the item could not be located, Exhibit XXXX. 
XXXX. These actions not only violate my rights but also appear to be part of a concerted effort to retaliate against me for exercising my First Amendment rights. Amazon, through its interactions with law enforcement, has effectively aided and abetted unlawful activities, contributing to an unfair and deceptive trade practice. 
XXXX. Furthermore, after I filed formal complaints with the North Carolina Attorney Generals Consumer Protection Division, Exhibit XXXX and the Washington State Attorney Generals Consumer Protection Division, Exhibit XXXX, filed on or about XX/XX/XXXX and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ), Exhibit XXXX, this was when Amazon began to impose these punitive and retaliatory measures restricting my account and denying me the ability to use credit terms with Synchrony. 
XXXX. These deliberate actions by Amazon and Synchrony not only damaged my financial standing but also defamed my character, causing significant distress. I respectfully request that the FTC investigate these matters and take appropriate action to address the violations of my rights and the deceptive practices employed by these companies. 
Credit Misreporting and Defamatory Actions XXXX. In addition to the issues mentioned above, Amazon has falsely reported to Synchrony that I returned the computer monitors purchased on XX/XX/XXXX. This inaccurate reporting has resulted in misleading information being sent to Synchrony, which now reflects that I owe only {$1.00} in finance charges rather than the full {$470.00} ( See Exhibit XXXX ). This is a gross misrepresentation of the facts, as I never returned either monitor, nor did I ever indicate any intention to do so. I owe the full amount for both monitors, and Amazons false reporting has defrauded Synchrony while creating an inaccurate and defamatory portrayal of my actions as unlawful. 




XXXX. Moreover, Amazon and Synchrony have impeded my ability to use Synchronys " pay later '' feature on my account, allegedly at the request of one or more law enforcement agents. This action has caused additional financial hardship and further harmed my reputation. The implication that I have engaged in fraudulent activities is completely baseless, defamatory, and retaliatory in nature. These punitive measures appear to be in response to my legitimate complaints filed with government agencies and violate my First Amendment rights. This conduct constitutes an unfair and deceptive trade practice, aimed at punishing me for exercising my rights. 
XXXX. At no time have I provided false information to either Amazon or Synchrony. The XXXX ( XXXX ) on file with Amazon belongs to my mother, XXXX XXXX, who has authorized all charges made through my account going back to XXXX. She is prepared to provide an affidavit and testimony as to these facts in court, and she can be reached at ( XXXX ) XXXX. 
XXXX. Upon discovering the alleged fraud stemming from Amazon 's misreporting of facts related to my credit, including the fraudulent generation of a gift receipt ( See Exhibit XXXX ) associated with order number ending in # XXXX, and the malicious false reporting to Synchrony that I owed nothing. I have taken additional legal steps. I believe these actions were carried out intentionally by Amazon, possibly at the request of law enforcement agents involved in my ongoing investigation. As a result, I filed additional complaints with the North Carolina Attorney General and the Washington State Attorney General on XX/XX/XXXX, Exhibit XXXX. 
Efforts to Correct XXXX. I made several attempts to resolve these issues directly with Amazon. On XX/XX/XXXX, I sent a letter to Amazon outlining the errors and my concerns, Exhibit XXXX. I followed up the next day, XX/XX/XXXX, with another letter, Exhibit XXXX, and later that same day, I sent an additional follow-up communication, Exhibit XXXX. 
XXXX. Despite these efforts, Amazon refused to correct the errors. It became evident that Amazon intended to cause harm to me and my family. In response, I served them with a formal notice of my intent on XX/XX/XXXX, Exhibit XXXX. Amazon 's legal counsel responded on XX/XX/XXXX, but their response failed to resolve the matter satisfactorily, Exhibit XXXX. 

XXXX. It is also important to highlight the situation regarding XXXX XXXX XXXX. This order, placed on XX/XX/XXXX, was for the same model of monitor that Amazon previously claimed was lost in transit. An Amazon supervisor had informed me that these monitors were unavailable. I placed this order to demonstrate that the Amazon employee had lied for deceptive purposes. My intent was to return the monitor upon delivery, which I did. However, the return shipment route was highly unusual, raising further suspicions, Exhibit XXXX. 
XXXX. Amazon has engaged in misleading communications and actions, which appear to be influenced by law enforcement agents involved in the ongoing criminal investigation against me and my civil rights lawsuit. These practices amount to unfair and deceptive trade practices, Exhibit XXXX. Throughout these incidents, my Amazon account has remained in good standing. The addresses I have on file for my mother, sister, aunt, and a friend have remained unchanged, and there have been no deviations in my shipments, Exhibit XXXX. My payment methods have also remained consistent, apart from XXXX XXXX XXXX ( XXXX ) being replaced, Exhibit XXXX. Additionally, I currently have a credit balance of {$68.00} on the account, which belongs to my mother, Exhibit XXXX. 
Summary of Violations and Requests for Action I believe Amazon and Synchrony have committed the following violations : 1. Fraudulent Misreporting of Credit Transactions : Amazon and Synchrony have provided inaccurate information to Synchrony in violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ). This includes the false reporting that I returned items I purchased, creating a misrepresentation of my financial obligations and impacting my credit profile. 
2. Discriminatory Actions : I have experienced discriminatory practices based on my status as an XXXX  XXXX senior citizen, which violate both the North Carolina and Washington Consumer Protection Acts. These discriminatory actions have unfairly restricted my access to services that are otherwise available to other customers. 
3. First Amendment Retaliation : Amazons retaliatory actions, including discriminatory practices and false reporting, followed my legitimate filing of complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) and state authorities. This retaliation is a direct infringement on my rights, protected under the First Amendment. 
4. Defamation : By falsely implying that I or my family have engaged in unlawful activity, Amazon has defamed us. This defamation is baseless, unsupported by any evidence, and has caused significant reputational damage. 
All which constitutes unfair and deceptive trade practices. 
Requests for Corrective Action I respectfully request that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) take the following actions to address the violations described above : 1. Order Amazon and Synchrony to Correct False Credit Information : Require Amazon and Synchrony to correct the inaccurate information reported on my account to Synchrony, including any credit reports that were negatively impacted by this false reporting. 
2. Investigate Unlawful Interference and Retaliatory Actions : Investigate the unlawful interference with my orders by State Bureau of Investigation ( SBI ) agents and the retaliatory and discriminatory actions taken by Amazon, which appear coordinated with law enforcement in violation of my civil rights. 
3. Furnish Corrected Information : Require Amazon and Synchrony to provide the corrected information to me and to the FTC as proof of their compliance with federal consumer protection laws, ensuring that all inaccuracies have been rectified. 
4. Restore Full Credit Privileges : Ensure that I am restored to full credit privileges with Synchrony, particularly the " pay later '' feature offered to other customers through Amazon. Also, require the removal of any defamatory references from all records held by both companies. 
Legal Precedents and Supporting Arguments Regarding the misreporting of credit information and inaccuracies by Amazon and Synchrony, I would like to reference the case XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX In that case, the Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ) and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) argued that companies are legally obligated to report accurate credit information and to conduct thorough investigations into disputes. Similarly, Amazon and Synchrony have failed to properly investigate and address the inaccuracies on my account, constituting a violation of the FCRA. 

In addition, these actions are discriminatory based on my status as an XXXX  XXXX senior citizen. Under federal law, it is illegal for creditors to make credit decisions based on sexual orientation or disability. The FTC has provided clear guidance on this issue, stating that discrimination in credit decisions against XXXX individuals is prohibited. By requiring me to use a pin code for deliveries and by implying that I have engaged in unlawful behavior, Amazon is violating these anti-discrimination principles. 
Furthermore, as highlighted in the case XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX, the FTC and CFPB argued that consumer reporting agencies must fully investigate credit disputes. Amazon and Synchrony have failed to address the inaccuracies regarding my credit, neglecting their legal duty under the FCRA to correct false information. 
I have made multiple attempts to resolve this matter with Amazon, including making five phone calls, the most recent of which I have recorded as evidence. Despite my efforts to address these concerns, Amazon has refused to correct the knowingly false information it has reported to Synchrony. Both Amazon and Synchrony are fully aware of my XXXX, yet their actions have intentionally caused me undue emotional distress. 
I trust that the CFPB will take appropriate action to investigate these violations and hold both Amazon and Synchrony accountable for their misconduct. 
Thank you for your attention to this matter. Please feel free to contact me at ( XXXX ) XXXX or via email at XXXX if you have any further questions or require additional information.

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 monetary relief