Consumer complaint received 2025-02-13 00:00:00
Product: Checking or savings account — Checking account
Issue: Opening an account — Unable to open an account
Company: FIFTH THIRD FINANCIAL CORPORATION
State: GA

Complaint narrative:
Dear XXXX, I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding inaccurate information that has been reported to XXXX  by Fifth Third Bank XXXX and the violations of my rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ). I had been a loyal customer of Fifth Third Bank for over nine years, during which I had my payroll direct deposit set up with the bank. I am extremely frustrated by the way this situation has been handled, and I am seeking immediate resolution. 

Several months before my checking account was closed, my ex-fianc gained unauthorized access to my banking information and debit card. This resulted in fraudulent charges that caused my account to go into the negative. I was unaware of these transactions until later, and upon learning of the negative balance, I promptly paid off the debt in full to resolve the issue. 

However, I have recently learned that Fifth Third Bank has reported this negative balance to XXXX, despite the fact that the negative balance resulted from fraudulent charges. As of today, XX/XX/year>, I am still being contacted by two separate collection agencies for payment. This has significantly impacted my ability to open a new checking account and has caused undue stress and financial hardship. 

I believe that the negative information reported to XXXX is both inaccurate and unjust. Furthermore, I believe Fifth Third Bank and XXXX have violated provisions of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), including but not limited to : Section 1681e ( b ) of the FCRA- This section requires that a consumer reporting agency maintain " reasonable procedures '' to ensure the accuracy of information reported. By reporting fraudulent charges and a negative balance that was not of my own making, this requirement has been violated. 

Section 1681i of the FCRA - Under this section, I am entitled to dispute inaccurate or incomplete information reported on my consumer report. When I became aware of the fraudulent charges and made efforts to resolve the matter, I expected that my report would reflect accurate information. However, it appears that my dispute was not adequately handled or investigated by the reporting agencies. 

Section 1681s-2 of the FCRA - This section mandates that furnishers of information ( such as Fifth Third Bank ) investigate and correct any inaccuracies when notified of a dispute. I do not believe that Fifth Third Bank has fully complied with this requirement, which has led to the continued reporting of negative and erroneous information to XXXX. 

Due to these FCRA violations, I request that the inaccurate information be corrected, and that the fraudulent charges and related negative balance be removed from XXXX immediately. I also seek a full investigation into this matter and a report outlining the steps taken to resolve the issue. 

I would appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and request that you investigate the issue thoroughly. I am hopeful that you can assist me in resolving this situation as soon as possible. 

Thank you for your time and assistance. Should you require any further information or documentation, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation