Consumer complaint received 2026-01-09 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — I do not know
Issue: Attempts to collect debt not owed — Debt is not yours
Company: SYNCHRONY FINANCIAL
State: MO

Complaint narrative:
I am submitting this complaint to formally dispute a XXXX tradeline that is reporting on my credit report as a collection/charge-off with a past-due balance of approximately {$4600.00}, closed on or around XX/XX/year>, and reported as derogatory with extensive late-payment history. I do not own this account, I did not open this account, I did not authorize this account, and I am a confirmed victim of identity theft in relation to this tradeline. 

This account does not belong to me in any capacity. I never applied for, signed for, used, benefited from, or otherwise authorized any XXXX account. The reporting of this account on my credit file is inaccurate, incomplete, misleading, and damaging, and it remains despite my efforts to dispute it and formally report the fraud. 

Background and Discovery of the Fraud I first became aware of the XXXX account when reviewing my credit reports and noticed a collection/charge-off entry that I did not recognize. The account was reported with a large balance, delinquency history, and derogatory status. At no time did I recall opening or using such an account, nor did the account details align with my legitimate financial activity. 

Upon discovery, I immediately took steps to protect myself and document the fraud. I reviewed my personal records, payment history, and prior accounts and confirmed that this XXXX account was not opened by me and did not correspond to any transaction, agreement, or authorization I have ever made. 

Identity Theft and FTC Report After confirming that this account was fraudulent, I filed an Identity Theft Report with the Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ). This report formally documents that my personal information was used without my authorization to open and/or use this XXXX account. The filing of an FTC Identity Theft Report legally establishes that I am disputing this account as fraud and identity theft, not as a billing disagreement. 

The FTC Identity Theft Report provides legal standing under federal law, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) and the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act ( FACTA ), which require creditors and credit reporting agencies to block and remove fraudulent information once identity theft has been properly reported. 

Despite this, the XXXX account continues to be reported as a valid derogatory tradeline. 

Failure to Provide Proof of Ownership or Authorization At no point has Synchrony Bank provided me with competent documentary evidence proving that this account belongs to me. Specifically, Synchrony Bank has failed to provide : A signed credit application or contract bearing my signature Any electronic signature records attributable to me Proof that I authorized the opening of this account Proof that I used or benefited from this account A complete itemized billing history from account origination Evidence linking the account opening to my verified identity Merely stating that an account was verified is not sufficient under the FCRA. Automated system confirmations or internal database checks do not constitute proper verification when identity theft has been alleged and documented through an FTC report. 

Inaccurate and Harmful Credit Reporting The XXXX account XXXX reporting : As a collection/charge-off With a past-due balance of approximately {$4600.00} With extensive XXXX, XXXX, and XXXX late payment history As a derogatory account This reporting is materially harmful to my credit profile and does not reflect my actual financial behavior. Reporting a fraudulent account as delinquent creates the false impression that I failed to meet financial obligations that I never incurred. 

Additionally, the continued reporting of this account after an identity theft report was filed constitutes continued dissemination of inaccurate information, which is prohibited under the FCRA. 

Violations and Regulatory Concerns This situation raises serious concerns regarding compliance with federal consumer protection laws, including but not limited to : Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) Under the FCRA, furnishers of information must : Conduct a reasonable investigation when a dispute is submitted Review all relevant information provided by the consumer Correct or delete information that can not be verified Block fraudulent information resulting from identity theft Synchrony Bank has failed to meet these obligations with respect to the XXXX  account. 

Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act ( FACTA ) FACTA requires that once a consumer submits an identity theft report, the furnisher must block the reporting of fraudulent accounts. Continued reporting after notice of identity theft is inconsistent with these requirements. 

CFPB XXXX XXXX Standards As a regulated financial institution, Synchrony Bank is expected to maintain reasonable procedures to prevent identity theft, respond appropriately when fraud is reported, and ensure accurate credit reporting. The continued presence of this account suggests deficiencies in those procedures. 

Impact on Me as a Consumer The presence of this fraudulent XXXX account has caused and continues to cause significant harm, including : Damage to my creditworthiness Increased difficulty obtaining credit on fair terms Emotional distress and frustration Time and effort spent disputing an account I never opened Ongoing concern about misuse of my personal information I have acted responsibly and promptly by reviewing my credit reports, filing an FTC Identity XXXX Report, and disputing the account. The burden should not be placed on me to prove that I did not open an account that the creditor can not prove I did. 

Requested Resolution I am requesting that the CFPB require Synchrony Bank to : Immediately delete and permanently remove the XXXX  account from all consumer credit reporting agencies Cease all collection, reporting, and assignment activity related to this account Provide written confirmation that the account has been identified as identity theft and removed Ensure that this fraudulent account is not resold, reassigned, or reinserted into my credit file in the future Correct any internal records to reflect that I am not responsible for this account If Synchrony Bank claims the account is valid, I request that they be required to provide actual documentary proof demonstrating my authorization and ownership. Absent such proof, deletion is the only lawful outcome. 

Closing Statement This XXXX account is the result of identity theft. I have complied with all reasonable requirements to report the fraud, including filing an FTC Identity Theft Report. I have never entered into a credit agreement with Synchrony Bank for this account, and I do not owe the alleged balance. 

The continued reporting of this account is inaccurate, unfair, and inconsistent with federal consumer protection laws. I am requesting the XXXX  assistance to ensure that this fraudulent tradeline is removed and that my credit file accurately reflects my true financial history. 

Thank you for your attention to this matter and for enforcing consumer protection laws.

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