Consumer complaint received 2025-12-10 00:00:00
Product: Student loan — Private student loan
Issue: Getting a loan — Loan opened without my consent or knowledge
Company: EdFinancial Services
State: CA

Complaint narrative:
Dear Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Fraudulent loans total approximately {$10000.00} and were taken out in my name at XXXX XXXX XXXX in XXXX XXXX, a school known for high rates of ghost student financial aid fraud. I never applied for these loans, never attended this institution, and never created a financial aid account. The individual who committed the fraud used a false phone number and email, and Edfinancial did not require government-issued photo identification before disbursing the funds. I discovered the fraud only after my credit score dropped nearly 200 points, and all evidence supports that I am the victim of identity theft.

I am writing to urgently request that the CFPB not close my complaint, as was done previously after Edfinancial stated they were investigating. Although they have claimed to be investigating for months, no resolution has been reached, and my credit continues to suffer serious harm. I can not take out any loans nor purchase a second home which I had intended to do because of my credit now.

Edfinancial has already received extensive and higher-level identity verification from me, including : Two government-issued IDs ( drivers license and passport ) Undergraduate and graduate school records Physician Assistant licensure/certification Employer verification letter Graduate school yearbook photo Address verification Police report documenting the fraud Completed identity theft discharge application Copy of my signature Despite this, XXXX is now demanding both a XXXX school diploma, and a birth certificaterequests that are not only irrelevant, but highly concerning. 

Specific Concern Regarding the Birth Certificate Request A birth certificate has no photo, no signature, and can not verify identity, making it unusable for fraud resolution. More importantly, in an identity theft case, requesting a birth certificate puts me at even greater risk, as it is one of the most sensitive pieces of personal information a victim can provide. Birth certificates are often used by fraudsters to commit further identity-related crimes. 

This request is troubling, unnecessary, and inappropriateespecially when Edfinancial already has two forms of government-issued photo identification, far stronger and more secure than a birth certificate for identity confirmation.

Requesting such sensitive documents in a fraud case raises serious concerns about whether Edfinancial understands or is appropriately handling identity theft matters. It also suggests an attempt to delay the process or create barriers rather than resolve the dispute responsibly. 

Edfinancial is also requesting a high school diploma despite the fact that I already provided verification of my college education, graduate degree, professional licensure, and employment. These unreasonable requests show a pattern of imposing excessive burdens on methe victimwhile failing to acknowledge their own failure to verify the identity of the fraudulent borrower at origination.

They did not require any government-issued photo ID, nor did they verify the fraudulent phone number or email address tied to the account.

Given these ongoing issues, I respectfully ask that the CFPB : Do not close this complaint based on Edfinancials generic statement that they are investigating.

Require Edfinancial to complete a proper, timely reinvestigation using the substantial documentation I have already provided.

Prevent Edfinancial from demanding irrelevant or high-risk documentation, such as birth certificates, that could further jeopardize my identity.

Hold Edfinancial accountable for its failure to properly verify identity when the fraudulent loans were originated.

Ensure the identity theft discharge process moves forward without further delay. 

Thank you for your attention and continued oversight. Please let me know if any additional information is required.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation