Consumer complaint received 2025-04-25 00:00:00
Product: Checking or savings account — Checking account
Issue: Opening an account — Unable to open an account
Company: NAVY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
State: CA

Complaint narrative:
* * Subject : * * Dispute of Unauthorized Debt and Collection Action by Navy Federal Credit Union Dear CFPB, I am filing a complaint regarding an * * unauthorized debt * * of {$420.00} claimed by [ Credit Union Name ] from XXXX XXXX, 2008. This debt is reportedly in their * * collection department * *, but they have * * failed to provide any documentation * * supporting its validity. Additionally, the credit union has informed me that I must pay this debt in full before they will reopen my account, even though the debt has never been verified or substantiated. 

Here are the key details of the situation : 1. * * Lack of Documentation * * : The credit union has no records or documentation related to this alleged {$420.00} debt. They have stated that the debt is from XXXX XXXX, 2008, but they can not provide proof of the transaction, how the debt occurred, or any notices sent to me at the time. 

2. * * No Notification of Debt * * : I have never received any official notice, bill, or communication regarding this debt in the years following 2008. The first time I learned of this alleged debt was * * recently * *, when I attempted to reopen my account.

3. * * Fraudulent and Unjust Requirement * * : Despite the lack of documentation, the credit union is * * requiring payment * * of this unverified debt before they will reopen my account, which I believe to be an unlawful practice. They are effectively using this unverifiable charge to deny me access to my account, which seems to be a form of * * unjust and potentially fraudulent collection activity * *. 

4. * * Violation of Consumer Rights * * : The actions of [ Credit Union Name ] appear to violate my consumer rights under the * * Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ) * * and * * other applicable consumer protection laws * *. The credit union is taking adverse action based on a debt that can not be properly substantiated, and they have failed to provide any documentation supporting the legitimacy of this claim. 

My Request : I request that the * * CFPB investigate * * the actions of Navy Federal Credit Union regarding this alleged debt. Specifically, I am seeking : 1. A full * * investigation into the credit unions handling of this debt * *, their failure to provide supporting documentation, and the lack of notices sent to me regarding this debt.

2. A * * requirement for the credit union to substantiate the debt * * with appropriate documentation and verification.

3. A * * resolution of the unfair practice * * of requiring payment on an unverifiable debt in order to reopen my account, which I believe is a * * violation of consumer protection laws * *.

4. An official * * removal of any collection action * * tied to this alleged debt if it can not be properly verified.

I have attached relevant communications and records of my interactions with the credit union related to this matter. 

Thank you for your attention to this issue. 

Respectfully, XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Veteran

Company public response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law
Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief