Consumer complaint received 2026-03-03 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — I do not know
Issue: Attempts to collect debt not owed — Debt is not yours
Company: WELLS FARGO & COMPANY
State: MO

Complaint narrative:
I am submitting this complaint regarding a WFC account that is currently reporting on my credit file as a charge-off. I am formally stating that I do not own this account. I did not open this account, I did not authorize anyone to open it on my behalf, and I did not benefit from any credit extended under this account. This account is the result of identity theft. I became aware of this XXXX charge-off after reviewing my credit report and noticing a derogatory tradeline reflecting that the account was charged off. A charge-off is a severe negative item that indicates extended delinquency and default. The presence of this account on my credit report is extremely damaging to my credit profile and does not accurately reflect my financial behavior. I have never knowingly applied for or opened a credit account with XXXX corresponding to the account being reported. I did not sign any loan agreement, credit agreement, or application for this account. I did not authorize any extension of credit in my name associated with this tradeline. Upon discovering this account, I immediately took steps to protect myself. I filed an Identity Theft Report with the Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ), formally documenting that this XXXX account was opened fraudulently using my personal information. I also initiated disputes with the credit reporting agencies, clearly stating that this account does not belong to me and that it is the result of identity theft. Despite filing the FTC Identity Theft Report and submitting formal disputes, the XXXX charge-off continues to report on my credit file. The continued reporting of this fraudulent account is causing ongoing financial harm and misrepresents my creditworthiness. The reporting reflects that the account became delinquent and was eventually charged off. I did not make late payments on this account because I did not open it and was unaware of its existence at the time it was allegedly active. The negative payment history associated with this account is not reflective of my financial responsibility but rather of fraudulent activity conducted by an unknown third party. After discovering the account, I requested that XXXX provide documentation proving that I personally opened and authorized this account. Specifically, I requested : A copy of the original signed application or agreement. Documentation showing the identity verification procedures used at the time of account opening. Copies of any identification documents allegedly provided. Complete account statements from inception through charge-off. Documentation showing how any balance was calculated. To date, I have not received original signed documentation bearing my authorization. I have not received proof that I entered into a contractual relationship with XXXX for this account. Any response stating that the account was verified is not sufficient to establish responsibility, particularly after a formal identity theft report has been filed. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), furnishers and credit reporting agencies are required to ensure maximum possible accuracy of the information they report. Reporting an account as belonging to me when I did not open or authorize it violates this requirement. Additionally, under Section 605B of the FCRA, once a consumer submits a valid Identity Theft Report, the credit reporting agencies must block the reporting of fraudulent information unless they determine that the report was false or based on misrepresentation. I have complied with all required steps to assert my rights as a victim of identity theft. I filed the FTC Identity Theft Report and formally disputed the account. The continued reporting of this XXXX charge-off suggests that proper blocking procedures were not followed or that a meaningful investigation was not conducted. If this account was opened electronically, I request review of : IP address logs associated with the application. Device identification or digital fingerprinting data. Email addresses and phone numbers used during the application process. Records of identity authentication procedures performed at approval. If this account was opened in person or through another method, I request copies of any identification documents presented and records of the identity verification process conducted at the time of account opening. The financial impact of a charge-off is significant. Credit scoring models heavily penalize charge-offs because they indicate severe delinquency. Even if the balance is small or paid, the presence of a charge-off lowers credit scores and negatively affects lending decisions. The harm caused by this account includes : Decrease in my credit score. Difficulty qualifying for credit. Higher interest rates. Potential denial of rental or housing applications. Emotional distress and financial instability. Because this account is fraudulent, I should not bear the burden of this harm. It is also concerning that this account progressed to charge-off status without me being aware of it. I did not receive statements, delinquency notices, or other correspondence regarding this account. Had I known earlier, I would have immediately reported the fraud and taken steps to prevent further damage. If XXXX believes that this account belongs to me, I request detailed documentation demonstrating : The date the account was opened. The method of application ( online, phone, in-branch ). The identity verification procedures used. Copies of signed agreements bearing my signature. Proof that I personally authorized the charges associated with the account. Without such documentation, there is no legitimate basis for continuing to report this account as mine. I also request clarification as to whether this account has been sold, transferred, or assigned to any third-party collection agencies. If so, I request documentation of the chain of assignment and confirmation that the identity theft dispute was communicated to any third parties involved. Transferring a disputed fraudulent account without proper notice perpetuates harm. The Fair Credit Reporting Act was enacted to protect consumers from inaccurate and fraudulent reporting. The continued reporting of this XXXX charge-off undermines the purpose of the law and causes unjust harm. I have acted responsibly by reviewing my credit report, filing an FTC Identity Theft Report, and submitting formal disputes. I am fully cooperating and willing to provide additional documentation if necessary to support my claim. A meaningful investigation must include review of original documentation and verification records. Simply confirming information through automated systems is not sufficient when identity theft has been reported. If XXXX can not produce documentation showing that I personally opened and authorized this account, the only appropriate resolution is permanent deletion from my credit file. I am not attempting to avoid legitimate debt. If I had opened and used this account, I would address it accordingly. However, I can not and should not be held responsible for a debt incurred through identity theft. The resolution I am seeking in this complaint is recognition that this XXXX charge-off was opened fraudulently, correction of the inaccurate reporting, and restoration of accuracy to my credit profile. I respectfully request that XXXX conduct a thorough and meaningful investigation into this matter and take corrective action consistent with federal consumer protection laws. I appreciate the opportunity to formally document this issue and request corrective action. I look forward to receiving a written response explaining the results of the investigation and confirming that the fraudulent XXXX charge-off account has been removed.

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