{"took":207,"timed_out":false,"_shards":{"total":5,"successful":5,"skipped":0,"failed":0},"hits":{"total":{"value":10,"relation":"eq"},"max_score":null,"hits":[{"_index":"complaint-public-v1","_id":"2679874","_score":17.804474,"_source":{"product":"Credit reporting, credit repair services, or other personal consumer reports","complaint_what_happened":"Equifax did not have enough security in place to protect my private information. They claim that my information may have been stolen by hackers. As a result, I took an entire day off work to : - call credit reporting agencies to freeze my accounts ( {$44.00} for my wife and myself total ) - add additional security to my accounts where possible In addition, I am now faced with the additional overhead of needing to unfreeze my credit report whenever necessary - for the rest of my life. Furthermore, I am at a significant risk of identify theft and will either need to regularly scrutinize my accounts and credit reports or hire a company to do this for me. The going rate is $ XXXXmonth ( LifeLock ) for anyone with a 401k ( which I have ). $ XXXXmonth for the rest of my life is roughly {$9000.00} amortized. \n\nIt is my belief that Equifax understood their responsibility to protect my data and the risks that they were taking. I believe that they chose to implement lax security protocol in order to increase their profits, despite the increased risk this placed on my data. \n\nThey currently have a website you can use to check the safety of your data. Unfortunately, there is ample evidence that this site returns somewhat random results. For example, it would seem that the SSN you enter is not used in most cases. I tried with several common surnames and they all returned exactly the same result ( your data may have been compromised ) regardless of what SSN I entered. This clearly significantly increases the cost to those whose data was NOT stolen by making it seem like it was.","date_sent_to_company":"2017-09-20T07:55:29.000Z","issue":"Improper use of your report","sub_product":"Credit reporting","zip_code":"98122","tags":null,"has_narrative":true,"complaint_id":"2679874","timely":"Yes","company_response":"Closed with explanation","submitted_via":"Web","company":"EQUIFAX, INC.","date_received":"2017-09-20T03:39:58.000Z","state":"WA","company_public_response":null,"sub_issue":"Reporting company used your report improperly"},"highlight":{"complaint_what_happened":["I believe that they chose to implement lax <em>security</em> protocol in order to increase their profits, despite the increased risk this <em>placed</em> on my data. \n\nThey currently have a website you can use to check the safety of your data. Unfortunately, there is ample evidence that this site returns somewhat <em>random</em> results. For example, it would seem that the SSN you enter is not used in most cases."]},"sort":[17.804474,"2679874"]},{"_index":"complaint-public-v1","_id":"9569823","_score":15.644414,"_source":{"product":"Checking or savings account","complaint_what_happened":"I have been begging robinhood to release whatever security lock they randomly placed on my account. They have ALL my money, including XXXX funds, savings, and my emergency funds. I have had nothing left for almost XXXX weeks. I have tried calling all the phone numbers imaginable, but they all lead to an automated voice that says to request a callback from the app and hangs up immediately with no way of reaching an agent. On the app, there has been no button anywhere to request a callback. Ok desktop, I saw a prompt to call in at the top of my screen, but upon inspecting it, it did absolutely nothing. When talking to the chat bot, I could sometimes force it to show a request callback prompt, but it was *ALWAYS* grayed out. When I finally got a person in the chat, or at least what I think is a person, they would always paste back the same give me a moment to review your account. Followed by a the only way we can resolve this issue is over the phone please request a callback by following these instructions that led me to the same instructions that clearly showed no way of requesting any call. Eventually, I saw another pop-up saying take action on your account. I assumed that clicking it would take me to a form I could submit to verify my identity with documentation or something, but it just glitched out and said request sent. \n\n\nThis allowed me to receive an email from another agent, who just gave me the same darn instructions over and over again. I did this about XXXX times until I got someone to reply to my emails. He said, I understand the app isnt working, use this link to upload your ID. I uploaded my ID and selfie, and then heard nothing for about a week. I spammed the emails again, and the agents said request a call back to unlock your account. After begging them over email many times, one of them finally replied saying, oh, you can just call this specific number, and give them our case ID to the computer. I thought I was saved! But no, sadly Robinhood had other plans. I tried calling that number on different days of the week and hours of the day, for an entire week. I received multiple different case IDs to try and call with but EVERY SINGLE TIME : That case number could not be verified Please request a callback on the app And then it immediately hangs up! \n\nThis can not be real, there is literally no way for a customer to reach someone about a security lock. I feel really cared about not being able to pay my bills.","date_sent_to_company":"2024-07-20T18:55:47.000Z","issue":"Managing an account","sub_product":"Other banking product or service","zip_code":"30152","tags":null,"has_narrative":true,"complaint_id":"9569823","timely":"Yes","company_response":"Closed with explanation","submitted_via":"Web","company":"ROBINHOOD MARKETS INC.","date_received":"2024-07-20T18:31:52.000Z","state":"GA","company_public_response":null,"sub_issue":"Problem accessing account"},"highlight":{"complaint_what_happened":["I have been begging robinhood to release whatever <em>security</em> <em>lock</em> they <em>randomly</em> <em>placed</em> on my <em>account</em>. They have ALL my money, including XXXX funds, savings, and my emergency funds. I have had nothing left for almost XXXX weeks. I have tried calling all the phone numbers imaginable, but they all lead to an automated voice that says to request a callback from the app and hangs up immediately with no way of reaching an agent. On the app, there has been no button anywhere to request a callback."],"product":["Checking or savings <em>account</em>"],"issue":["Managing an <em>account</em>"],"sub_issue":["Problem accessing <em>account</em>"]},"sort":[15.644414,"9569823"]},{"_index":"complaint-public-v1","_id":"4035783","_score":13.844172,"_source":{"product":"Credit card or prepaid card","complaint_what_happened":"There were fradualent charges and transfers on my Citi double cash card credit card that i did not authorize. This type of fradulent activity started from XX/XX/2020 to XX/XX/2020. There were big amounts of balance transfers on my account. Every month i keep calling about the fradulent charges, but they never seem to do anything. They keep stalling and saying that the \" fradulent charges are going under investigation that is be taken cared of by the security team ''. I keep getting transfered from departments to departments with no help, just rotating around in a circle with the same departments. Citibank sent unusual blank checks through the mail that i did not request. For some reason they hid all the previous online statement documents from my account. This makes it harder for customer services to see the fradulent transactions every time i call. These charges were balance transfers checks that i can't even open or see. Usually you can see the checks online, they make visible to see when the checks are used. The front and the back. But with the citibank account, you cant open these balance transfer checks. I filed a grand larceny local police report for the fradulent charges, and the police officer told me that it makes no sense for the banks to hide these checks from their cilents. There were 3 fradulent balance transfer checks and 1 fradulent credit payment onto my account. Citibank keeps saying that the charges werent \" fradulent '' when there is so many evidence that i provided. Also citibank keeps changing my contact information. They keep changing the mailing address for no reason. I never had a problem with this until this year after the incidient occured. Citibank keeps telling me that the \" local postoffice doesn't recoginize my mailing address '' This is a complete nonsense because my mailing address is not hard to find or being difficult to track. You can just XXXX  the first line of the address, and it will pop right there. It would make sense if the mailing address was to a local post office, but instead its a random residential apartment. I keep telling them to stop doing that, but it keeps being reverted to the same random residential apartment. I dont get anything from citibank from the mail now. It's been more than half a year. They keep saying that they are going to send some letters to my mail, and a few days later my mailing address gets changed for no reason. Then i dont receive anything. It's just weird that i can't see anything of these balance transfer checks and citibank just keeps changing my mailing address without my authorization. They just do it on their own. \n\n\nAccount number ending in XXXX Account number ending in XXXX It's one account, one credit card. I had to get replacements of the credit card due to these fradulent charges that i did not authorized. Citibank advised me to get a new card. These two account numbers ending is for the monthly statements for fradulent activities that occured. These are hidden under my online account and for customer service. They can't seem to see past previous dates. I had to request for these billing statements. Right now i have a brand new card and it is being placed on locked.","date_sent_to_company":"2020-12-29T07:04:23.000Z","issue":"Problem with a purchase shown on your statement","sub_product":"General-purpose credit card or charge card","zip_code":"11358","tags":null,"has_narrative":true,"complaint_id":"4035783","timely":"Yes","company_response":"Closed with explanation","submitted_via":"Web","company":"CITIBANK, N.A.","date_received":"2020-12-29T01:17:55.000Z","state":"NY","company_public_response":"Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response","sub_issue":"Card was charged for something you did not purchase with the card"},"highlight":{"complaint_what_happened":["Right now i have a brand new card and it is being <em>placed</em> on <em>locked</em>."]},"sort":[13.844172,"4035783"]},{"_index":"complaint-public-v1","_id":"4983203","_score":12.3351965,"_source":{"product":"Credit card or prepaid card","complaint_what_happened":"To begin, I received an offer from FNBO ( First National Bank Of Omaha XXXX credit card XXXX. In brief, I received a credit card with what seemed to be an exceptional 0 % APR offer on purchases, and balance transfers. Therefore, I wanted to contact them to make certain on how their offers worked. I contacted FNBO 2 times in which they needed to send me a code to fully verify me. A point worth mentioning, I had already provided my full name, D.O.B., full address, email address, cell phone number, card number, security code on the card, and my mothers maiden name. Since I have a VOIP both times when I contacted FNBO they sent the code by calling me with a voice automated person similar to XXXX verification. I simply placed them on a brief hold, and then switched back to provide them the code. However, the first week of XXXX when I called FNBO I was unfortunate to have been connected with their representative XXXX. When I attempted to explain to her that my phone is VOIP, and the process in which the other rep 's handled it, this did not go over well. She was quite rude, and when I switched back to deliver her the code she was already in mid sentence telling me the card is locked for fraud purposes. Immediately I explained to her I appreciate the concern, but there must be an easier way to verify me. I provided a wealth of personal information already, and even provided the amount down to the cents in which I had already made a balance transfer. Then the conversation took a most ridiculous turn. She told me that FNBO will not provide me access to my account or speak to me at all about the account until I go to any random bank, and prove my identity?! FNBO demanded that I ask a bank teller to contact FNBO on behalf of me a person who is not even their customer to verify that I am in fact XXXX XXXX. FNBO demanded I provide some random bank my drivers licence, and social. FNBO demanded that I ask a bank teller to take time out of their business day to provide FNBO who they have no business with proof that I am XXXX XXXX. Needless to say, although I will, this is the most asinine process I have ever heard of. The time to do your due diligence as a reputable company is before hand. As humiliating, and embarrassing as FNBO 's demands were I went into not XXXX but XXXX banks for assistance. I spoke with both bank managers who were floored. They both felt that I may be being scammed, and had never heard of such a policy ever. Needless to say they wanted no involvement with this. After leaving the second bank, I made my way over to my local town hall. I called FNBO, and like deja vu spoke with supervisor XXXX. On it's face this can not be an actual policy, because the degree and nature of the process is confusing, and degrading forced upon the consumer. Meanwhile, I explained to XXXX I would be going to a notary public at the town hall in which I would produce to him or her a letter stating who I am where I live, and my required ID 's. XXXX then informed me that would not be sufficient and that I would have to provide my W-2 's as well as other documents. Obviously at that point I had suffered enough degrading and jumping through hoops for FNBO. I am not the only person that has suffered this deplorable treatment by FNBO. If they desire to have a good relationship with this customer they need to correct an egregious wrong. FNBO 's actions, customer care, and lack of respect are shameful.","date_sent_to_company":"2021-12-07T20:28:14.000Z","issue":"Trouble using your card","sub_product":"General-purpose credit card or charge card","zip_code":"06492","tags":"Servicemember","has_narrative":true,"complaint_id":"4983203","timely":"Yes","company_response":"Closed with explanation","submitted_via":"Web","company":"FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF OMAHA","date_received":"2021-12-07T18:44:00.000Z","state":"CT","company_public_response":"Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response","sub_issue":"Can't use card to make purchases"},"highlight":{"complaint_what_happened":["She told me that FNBO will not provide me access to my <em>account</em> or speak to me at all about the <em>account</em> until I go to any <em>random</em> bank, and prove my identity?! FNBO demanded that I ask a bank teller to contact FNBO on behalf of me a person who is not even their customer to verify that I am in fact XXXX XXXX. FNBO demanded I provide some <em>random</em> bank my drivers licence, and social."]},"sort":[12.3351965,"4983203"]},{"_index":"complaint-public-v1","_id":"2706768","_score":11.550582,"_source":{"product":"Checking or savings account","complaint_what_happened":"I recently purchased a home and shopped around for home insurance quotes. I eventually spoke to USAA and had a long conversation with a representative that quoted me a great price on home owners insurance if i bundled other products together. After a very lengthy conversation, I agreed to sign up for home owners insurance, auto insurance, a small personal value insurance and finally a savings account. While setting up the account, i expressed concerns about the lack of \" brick and mortar '' establishments and I was told that i could do everything online or over the phone. I accepted and agreed to them creating the account. At no point whatsoever was there any discussion about identity verification. This occurred approximately XXXX XXXX. \n\nAbout a month after opening the account, USAA solicited me for a credit card account via email. Up to this point, I was happy with their product so I applied. After applying, I received an email asking for a front and back copy of my SSN ( social security number ) card. I called and explained that I was uncomfortable with this as i have had ID theft issues in the past. I was told they could not extend the credit without it and I was fine with that. The letter had a 10 day deadline so I asked what would happen then and was told they would close the application. \n\nRoughly 2 weeks after the above contact, I tried to login to my online banking and was locked out. I called USAA and was automatically transferred to the security department. I attempted to get my account unlocked and was told they would not do so unless I gave them a copy of my SSN card. They stated that they were required to do so by the US Government due to the patriot act. I asked where in the patriot act this was addressed and they refused to answer. I explained that locking access to my account not only blocked my ability to use my savings, but also all of my other products. I also advised them that they were accepting money from me for my auto insurance and my home insurance was prepaid for a year, yet i could not use them. I was repeatedly told it was due to the privacy act and no matter how many times i asked, I was not allowed to speak to another department. After countless hours, I gave up. \n\nShortly after the above contact, I need to rent a trailer to transport a large purchase home. While my wife and kids were waiting in the car, I started the paperwork and was asked for my insurance information. I could not get it online, so I called USAA. I was again routed to the same department and they refused to give me any information until I supplied them my SSN card. I advised that I already paid for the service and they effectively were holding me XXXX. After [ literally ] hours on the phone I gave up and called back to establish new insurance. I spoke to a new gentlemen whom ; after hearing about my circumstance, placed me on hold. After another lengthy hold, he came back and gave me my member number and said thats all he could get. I asked if this was my insurance number and he said close enough. At this point, my children were very upset and i had reached what I thought was my maximum frustration level. \n\nI called back at a later date to talk to USAA and once again my call was directly intercepted and passed to the security team. I explained to a representative the circumstances and they promised to try to help. unfortunately, I had a call that I had to take and asked for a call back number to finish our conversation. I was supplied a direct number and told that this typically does not occur. I called the number back at a later time that day and discovered that it was not a direct number, but a local number to their call center. The person that called asked if it was an emergency after I asked to speak to the representative and I explained that it was a business call. I was placed on hold and the line disconnected. I called back and another person answered and was very rude. She advised me that i was not allowed to call this number and that she could refer the call to the police. I advised her that I would have no problem with that as I would love a written police report detailing as such and she backed off of her threat. I was finally transferred to the original representative and explained that I was very upset at how that call progressed. She apologized and told me that even though she should n't she would unlock my account. I thought this was the end of this. \n\nFor months, I was able to use my account and I had not issues. Randomly, about 1.5 months ago my account accessed was once again locked out. I also got a letter that stated that my auto insurance was delinquent and that I had to make a payment immediately or it would be cancelled. I was confused as this account was setup for auto billing and there was plenty of money in my account. I called to try and figure this out and was again transferred to the security team. Once again, I was told that I was required to supply my SSN card or I could not access my account or even speak to the insurance department due to the patriot act. I told them my concerns as well as the fact that I read the patriot act and there was no reference to insurance providers. I explained that I was taking a road with my wife and children and wanted to insure that I was covered. I was told to supply the SSN or nothing would occur. This was one of many conversations that I devoted hours towards. I was never able to confirm if I had insurance and had to go on a road trip with my wife ( and young children ) with this uncertainty hanging over me. \n\nUpon return from my trip, I again started to reach a resolution with USAA. I called and was finally given a number to the \" office of the president/CEO '' and was told they could help. I called over there and spoke to someone that stated they needed to transfer me. I asked that they did not transfer me as I keep reaching the same department and they wont help. I was transferred anyway and sent back to the security team. the security team transferred me to another department. These calls and transfers occurred over a 30 minute period. After my final transfer, I asked if the call was being recorded and was told yes. i advised that i lived in NH and this was a dual party consent state and that this was an issue. There was no response to this complaint either. Over the next week, I probably invested over 10 hours into this issue. \n\nI continued to call back and escalated a call to a supervisor named XXXX. I explained the situation and XXXX kept referring to policies and refused to answer. He kept being coy with his answers and refused to try and assist. He would repeat himself over and over even if the response had nothing to do with my question. I repeatedly asked him to stop and he refused. This was the most abusive call i have ever had to deal with in a professional capacity. I asked for his manager and he told me his job was to take the call and not pass it no matter what. He also told me that no one higher than him would speak to me but deferred to other departments when i explained my issue. I told him that if i was given information up front about this false and deceptive policy, I would never have moved my account over. I also told him this issue never occurred until i responded to an unsolicited email asking for a credit card application and that this is not due to policy as my wife is on the account and has not been locked out. Finally after about three hours I advised him that i was recording the call and that I was going to file a compliant. His attitude changed [ slightly ] and he said he would escalate this for a call back from a manager and that I should hear from them in a week. That call never occurred. \n\nI also think that USAA/XXXX decided to retaliate for my complaint calls as the lone thing that actually worked on my account was my ATM card. I took my kids to the fair and attempted to withdrawal money only to be met with an \" ineligible account '' error. This caused me to have to use another account ( multiple times due to the small ATM limit ) that does not have ATM fee forgiveness. So after all of the above, they also caused me to incur undue fees. The reason that I say this is retaliatory, is that my wife 's account ( that i established at her request and who has never supplied ID documents ) account is still active. \n\nI also plan to file this same compliant for each individual product as this is not isolated to just my savings account.","date_sent_to_company":"2017-10-19T19:56:09.000Z","issue":"Managing an account","sub_product":"Savings account","zip_code":"030XX","tags":null,"has_narrative":true,"complaint_id":"2706768","timely":"Yes","company_response":"Closed with non-monetary relief","submitted_via":"Web","company":"UNITED SERVICES AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION","date_received":"2017-10-19T18:50:04.000Z","state":"NH","company_public_response":"Company believes complaint is the result of an isolated error","sub_issue":"Problem accessing account"},"highlight":{"complaint_what_happened":["She apologized and told me that even though she should n't she would unlock my <em>account</em>. I thought this was the end of this. \n\nFor months, I was able to use my <em>account</em> and I had not issues. <em>Randomly</em>, about 1.5 months ago my <em>account</em> accessed was once again <em>locked</em> out. I also got a letter that stated that my auto insurance was delinquent and that I had to make a payment immediately or it would be cancelled."],"product":["Checking or savings <em>account</em>"],"issue":["Managing an <em>account</em>"],"sub_product":["Savings <em>account</em>"],"sub_issue":["Problem accessing <em>account</em>"]},"sort":[11.550582,"2706768"]},{"_index":"complaint-public-v1","_id":"8939933","_score":11.122604,"_source":{"product":"Prepaid card","complaint_what_happened":"On XX/XX/XXXX I reached out to PayPal customer service in reference to my online account being locked. The account was verified and the female agent informed me the reason my account and card were locked. She inquired if I had made a purchase on Friday XX/XX/XXXX that flagged the account. I told her I did not manually make the charge but it could be a monthly draft. I reiterated I just wanted my account unlocked to have online access. During the back and forth exchange she made reference to my card being already blocked. I shouted to her, \" I never authorized you to do that. This is the same {$39.00} charged monthly! '' While going back to look through my billing. PayPal should have never sent a \" fraud alert '' for a charge that has been billed monthly since XXXX of 2023 ( See attached ). Agent stated based on my response that is why it was blocked. I asked her if she knew what the word manually meant and repeated again angrily, \" I did not give you permission to block my card. I never said my card was lost or stolen. I never stated the charge was fraud. '' I told her she illegally blocked my card. This card still had a remaining balance from my social security benefits. I also told her this card is the card account that my benefits are deposited on and that I would be contacting a government agency in reference to the deceptive behavior. I requested to speak to a supervisor. The agent then transferred me back into the initial que with the main menu options. I called back a second time and spoke with an agent by the name of XXXX. I rehashed the entire situation. I asked for a supervisor. I was put on hold for XXXX minutes before XXXX then disconnected my call. A XXXX call was placed, speaking to agent XXXX, then explaining the same situation. I requested a supervisor once again, however XXXX stated that he would need to transfer me to another line, customer service in order to get my card unblocked. I asked him to confirm that customer service would be able to unblock my card and he answered in the affirmative, \" Yes they will. '' After being transferred to a customer service agent I was informed that in no way could my card be unblocked. PayPal does not unblock cards once they have been reported lost or stolen. My question to the agent, \" When exactly was the card reported lost or stolen? '' He replied, \" It was reported today XX/XX/XXXX. '' Supposedly I verified the transactions as fraud through either text message or via email. ( see email attached confirming I never responded to the fraud alert and phone logs confirming fraud alert text was never sent to me ) I explained to the agent that no one ever sent me a text to confirm, AND that I never responded to the email. The call was then disconnected. \nWhat's more troubling, outside of the fact that I never authorized the block, I should have never received a fraud alert for a charge that has been billed to me monthly since XX/XX/2023. PayPal has done this on numerous occasions by obstructing my use of my government benefits. This practice of \" randomly '' locking and or blocking cards/accounts w/o justification is an illegal business practice. There was no reason for PayPal NetSpend to send out a fraud alert and then have a customer service agent state the reason for the fraud alert was due to a charge that is unfamiliar to their system. This statement is completely false, and charge has been \" familiar '' to their system at least for the last 14 months. Another concern and or a deceptive practice are the dates my online account indicates the card in question was reported lost/ stolen. I noticed after gaining access, my account illustrates my card was reported los/stolen yesterday, Sunday, XX/XX/XXXX. With a second card on the account listed as being lost /stolen Thursday XX/XX/XXXX. On either date did I contact Paypal. So then how were my cards reported lost /stolen, when there was no contact with PayPal in any form. In other words, PayPal listed these cards as reported lost/ stolen prior to me reaching them. Agents attempted to convince me I responded to either a text message or an email confirming the charge was fraud. To reiterate, I did neither. I never responded to a fraud alert email and fraud alert text message was never sent. ( see attached cell phone log ). Disturbing is the fact that the first agent, being a female, sent XXXX separate texts. First one, that my card was lost, and the XXXX it was stolen. So then, why does the system indicate that my card was reported lost/stolen yesterday XX/XX/XXXX.","date_sent_to_company":"2024-05-07T00:15:21.000Z","issue":"Trouble using the card","sub_product":"General-purpose prepaid card","zip_code":"30083","tags":null,"has_narrative":true,"complaint_id":"8939933","timely":"Yes","company_response":"Closed with explanation","submitted_via":"Web","company":"Netspend Corporation","date_received":"2024-05-06T23:21:04.000Z","state":"GA","company_public_response":"Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response","sub_issue":"Trouble using the card to spend money in a store or online"},"highlight":{"complaint_what_happened":["On XX/XX/XXXX I reached out to PayPal customer service in reference to my online <em>account</em> being <em>locked</em>. The <em>account</em> was verified and the female agent informed me the reason my <em>account</em> and card were <em>locked</em>. She inquired if I had made a purchase on Friday XX/XX/XXXX that flagged the <em>account</em>. I told her I did not manually make the charge but it could be a monthly draft. I reiterated I just wanted my <em>account</em> unlocked to have online access."]},"sort":[11.122604,"8939933"]},{"_index":"complaint-public-v1","_id":"5718929","_score":5.63256,"_source":{"product":"Checking or savings account","complaint_what_happened":"To Whom it may concern : The following is my complaint, as part of an affidavit, against Bank of America for racially discrimination, unfair, deceptive, abusive acts and practices, and breach of fiduciary duty, breach of trust, against me unreasonably, while depriving me of my rights, when the fiduciary agents have led me to believe that they would be working in the best interests of myself and my property and continued to perpetuate that belief in me when in reality more sinister actions were being conducted without my knowledge. Attached is either a zip file containing 118 exhibit files or the maximum allotted files by this website to support the claims made herein ; to support the fact that other consumers are engaging in their rights unobstructed ; to support the fact that both the fiduciary agents and the fiduciary institution have been placed on a lawful fiduciary notice ; to support the fact that I have recorded evidence that I was intentionally lied to, misled, and deprived of my rights as a consumer. \n\nPlease examine the complaint and the attached evidence, and if you are not the correct agency that I need to file my complaint with, I implore you to forward this complaint and the accompanying exhibits to the correct agency and provide documentation that, either you are the correct agency and you will be looking into the matter or that you are not the correct agency and that you have forwarded the complaint to the correct agency on my behalf. \n\nXXXX. That on XX/XX/XXXX, I went into the Bank of America branch located on XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX, Texas, XXXX, which is known as the XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. Having been greeted by XXXX XXXX, Assistant Vice President, she led me to the office of XXXX XXXX XXXX, Relationship Manager and Business Owner Specialist, because I wanted to open a new deposit account with the bank, despite the banks previous history of XXXX XXXX  against me. I have recorded the two interactions between me and the agents, on this day, in two recordings, because I was forced to leave and return with a current utility bill to open the account even after I had already provided to the agent the two required forms of identification ( where the law only permits two forms of identification not three forms of identification ), where one recording is one hour and seventeen minutes and fifty-nine seconds and the second recording is just fifty-eight minutes and twenty-nine seconds. The horrendous encounter does not entail me giving XXXX XXXX permission to use my private identifying information to run a background check on me in order for the account to be established nor is it specified ( disclosed ) to me that my social security information would be used solely to determine my eligibility in opening an account. What can be heard is me giving XXXX XXXX my permission ( consent ) to use my social security number solely for the purposes of applying for credit. That is the purpose that XXXX XXXX made me believe he was running my social security number for. It is at the end of the transaction, when I was about to live the XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX and questioned about the credit application, where I discovered that XXXX XXXX had not even submitted a credit application. I only found out on XX/XX/XXXX from an adverse action Declination Letter sent to me by Bank of America and XXXX XXXX, that my credit was ran by XXXX XXXX for the purposes of opening the account. It was never disclosed to me nor did I receive any disclosure notices that my credit would be ran for any other purposes than what I specified. And not only was my credit ran without my permission in a transaction that I didnt receive notification or disclosure on, but based on what was produced in the credit report, I was illegally denied services based on the credit report generated, which still baffles me because I left the XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX with documentation and evidence that I had an active, existing account and I also received in the mail from Bank of America a debit card for the account prior to my receipt of the letter of adverse action Declination Letter. \na. During the encounters with XXXX XXXX, he was extremely unprofessional and rude with me and genuinely seemed as though he did not even want me to be in his presence. This became even more apparent when I began asking him ( as on his door is posted signage that alludes that he is a loan officer and can make loans as an Mortgage Loan Original ( MLO ) ) about TILA. He didnt even want to answer the questions I asked about TILA and it took me several attempts to even get the answer that I was looking for in regards to TILA from him and he seemed genuinely frustrated with me for even asking questions regarding the topic. I literally had to ask XXXX XXXX why he was getting upset with me and he tried to say that I was being XXXX with him. I honestly cant see how me asking him questions to protect my rights, protesting his abuse of my consumer rights, and being upset at being forced to disclose voluntary information would in any way, shape or form be considered as me being racially disparaging to him. In my first encounter with XXXX XXXX he asked if I was currently employed and I stated yes, because I both currently work part time at XXXX XXXX and have just started a financial company in the hopes of improving my current life. It appears that XXXX XXXX has purposefully lied and placed application and/or my account that I am unemployed, a fact I found out on XX/XX/XXXX from another loan officer in my attempt to apply for a loan. Near the end of the transaction, XXXX XXXX literally left me in his office alone after providing some of the required disclosures ( not all disclosures as is required by law and especially not the Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending disclosures which may or may not govern him as a loan officer ) as he went out and played around on the phone directly outside his office with XXXX XXXX. \n\n13. That on XX/XX/XXXX, XXXX XXXX, Assistant Vice President, Financial Solutions Advisor, and XXXX XXXX, title unknown to me but stated by him to be the same position as XXXX so most likely Assistant Vice President, did receive from me an original signed and endorsed with notary signature copy b of the 1099-A along with the original copy of copy a that too was signed and endorsed with notary signature of 1099-A. These two also received a signed original copy of copy A for the form 1099-OID, a copy of the form 56-F, as well as a copy of the receipt showing that I had mailed the same foregoing instruments to XXXX XXXX XXXX the CEO of Bank of America. This occurred after I had went into the XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX on that day in attempt to acquire and sign four loan instruments and was completely denied the opportunity to do so by both of these men. In fact, XXXX XXXX did indeed take the 1099-A, 1099-OID, 1040V, Form 56-F, and receipts from me and proceeded to lead me on with his false statements as if he had intended to act in my best interests, all the while misleading me with his sugar coated venom in order to have me leave the financial institution with no idea of the true machinations that were about to take place behind the scene. XXXX XXXX against me to deprive me of my right to physically sign the four loan agreements in violation of the Electronic Signature in Global and National Commerce Act is one thing, but leading me on to believe that you had been made aware of and accepted fiduciary responsibility in the transaction that has already been reported to the Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service in the amount of {>= $1,000,000} is another breach of fiduciary responsibilities and a unscrupulous/perfidious breach of the trust that I had placed in XXXX XXXX that sickens me to no end. A trust he continued to nonchalantly violate even as the next time I physically interacted with the man rolled by. XXXX XXXX was exceptionally rude and condescending to me throughout the entire encounter and made several blatant lies in attempt to make me believe that Bank of America first required me to consent to electronic communications and would not be able to allow me to apply in person for a loan application without first being pre-approved online. I know full well that pursuant to the E-Sign Act that a consumer has every right to refuse to do an application electronically and that if the consumer requests to physically sign a loan application the bank is required to provide a hard copy application to the consumer so that he may fill out the application and inspect the application to his liking. This is not the first time that I have been denied my ability to enforce/enjoy my basic consumer rights by Bank of America and its agents. \n\n14. That on XX/XX/XXXX, Bank of America Fraud Department agents placed a complete account restriction against me while I was on the phone with them detailing to them the transaction in question. The agent did inform me that I needed to go into the bank the following day in order for me to verify my identity but never disclosed to me that he placed a account restriction and the purpose of me having to go into the bank was due to the account restriction. He led me to believe that the purpose of me having to go into a bank was because my identity had to be verified in order for the transaction that I have been attempting to make for the past week or so finally commence. It wasnt until I was at work attempting to make a small purchase of snack and drink that I discovered that my card had been blocked and my access to online accounting restricted that I found out that he had locked the account stating in his notes that he did not believe me to be the account holder. The subsequent call had me question the very notion as in order for me to even speak with a representative of Bank of America I need to verify every account detail and then log into the account through the mobile app and give them authorization via the app before the agents of Bank of America are even willing to speak to me and assist me in any matter that I am calling about. Having done the same thing with fraud department agent XXXX and the agent prior to him, I still find it exceptionally hard to believe that he would have a difficult time believing that I am the account holder in any reason, way, shape or form. It took me having to go into a financial center to lift the restriction and even then I was unable to process the transaction that I have been attempting to make. \n\n15. That on XX/XX/XXXX, XXXX XXXX, title unknown to me as she claimed to not have a business card available to give to me but probably Relationship Manager, being rude and extremely unprofessional and laughing at me alongside many of her cohorts listed herein, when I came into the XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX to provide the demanded identifying document and my debit card to lift the unfair restrictions placed against me, attempted several times to get me to either leave the financial institution without the assistance I was told I should ask for or not even do the task that XXXX XXXX and XXXX XXXX assigned to her. \n\n16. That on XX/XX/XXXX and the days after, Bank of America completely restricted and completely closed my account without giving me prior notice or warning, citing that notice was given in the contract ( a unilateral contract that I do not have a copy of anyone signing and where my own signature is missing ). On that day I had made several attempts to call into Bank of America and on the first couple of attempts I discovered that when putting in account information such as the last four digits of my private Social Security Account Number or the last four digits of my debit card, I would automatically be routed to an automated voice recording informing me that the bank was closed and would not be reopen until Monday-Friday between the hours of XXXX XXXX thru XXXX XXXX Eastern Time. However, if I leave out my information and press random prompts I am able to be routed to an agent and that is how I discovered that Bank of America, without having disclosed to me the reason as to why my account is being closed or for what reason for the closure, declared that for undisclosed of risks Bank of America was enacting its rights to closed the account for any reason without having to provide notice and would mail to me the reason as well as inform me of how I will be able to obtain my money after they have conducted their investigation and have closed the account. \na. Mind you, since this account closure process commenced a literal week after I went into the XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX and physically hand delivered Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Form 56-F Notice Concerning Fiduciary Relationship of Financial Institution that has the OMB Control Number of XXXX to Assistant Vice President XXXX XXXX and had the form mailed using the delivery service provider XXXX to both the Bank of America Headquarters/CEO XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX with the tracking number XXXX, and the Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service , with tracking number XXXX XXXX it is clear evidence that Bank of America and it agents , including the CEO, is in direct breach of trust, is maliciously violating/breaching its fiduciary responsibilities of me and my estate, has deliberately and perfidiously under unscrupulous means, caused the closure of my account without benefit to me the beneficiary nor benefit to my estate, causing actual damages where damages are : i. XXXX XXXX  XXXX. XXXX XXXX XXXX. XXXX XXXX iv. Deprivation of Rights v. Negligence vi. Misconduct vii. Actual damages, statutory damages, and all other such relief as per statutes viii. Where actual damages include : ix. Any funds remaining in the checking account at the time of fiduciary breach ; around {$900.00} x. {$500000.00} line of credit with Bank of America xi. {>= $1,000,000} ( interest included ) in four loans, personal, auto, home, business, with Bank of America that has already been filed and accepted by the Department of the Treasury- Internal Revenue Service via online filing of 1099-A xii. Where Bank of America has wholly or in part made a decision to deny me services based on a consumer report that may or may not have been provided by Consumer Reporting Agency, which is a direct and willful violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) and the Truth In Lending Act ( TILA ) xiii. All of these have occurred against an American National entitled to Full Faith and Credit b. Where I can legally and lawfully seek relief in equity, relief in common law, relief in maritime jurisdiction, and relief in admiralty jurisdiction via i. A Class Action under Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 23 ( Jury Demand ) ii. Award compensatory damages ( jointly and severally as well as severally ) iii. Award punitive damages ( jointly and severally as well as severally ) iv. Award treble damages ( jointly and severally as well as severally ) in courts of Article 1 where common law and equity jurisdictions apply v. Award treble damages ( jointly and severally as well as severally ) in courts of Article 3 where admiralty and maritime jurisdictions apply in equity or by law vi. Pre-judgment and post-judgment interest on monetary relief vii. The costs of bringing the suit, including reasonable attorneys fees, and viii. All other relief to which Plaintiff ( jointly and/or severally ) may be entitled to by law or in equity c. Where I have recorded audio of every encounter with as many agents of Bank of America thus far, I have the receipts for proof of mailing, I have certified copies from the Library of Congress to substantiate any other claim I may make, I have certificates of authentication to prove my Nationality and Identity sworn to and subscribed by the Secretary for the Department of State for the United States of America and his Officer of Authentications 17. That Bank of America and its agents XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX, including agents XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXX have engaged in direct willful violations of United States Codes pursuant to the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act ( GBLA ) ( 15 U.S.C. 6801 et seq. ) ; the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act ( RESPA ) ( 12 U.S.C. 26012617 ) ; the Truth-in-Lending Act ( TILA ) ( 15 U.S.C. 1601 et seq. ) ; the Equal Credit Opportunity Act ( ECOA ) ( 15 U.S.C. 1691 et seq. ) ; the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) ( 15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq. ) ; the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act ( FACT Act ) ( also 15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq. ) ; the Electronic Signature in Global and National Commerce Act ( E-Sign Act ) ( 15 U.S.C. 7001 et seq. ) ; the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act ( S. 2155 ) ; the Privacy Act of 1974 ( 5 U.S.C. 552a ) ; the Unfair, Deceptive, Abusive Acts or Practices Act of the Dodd-Frank Act ( UDAAP ) ( 12 U.S.C. 5531 ) ; Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ( GAAP ) ; Generally Accepted Auditing Standards ( GAAS ) ; 42 U.S.C. 1981 ; Tex. Fin. Code. Ann 156.303 ; Tex. Bus. & Com. Code Ann. 17.41 17.63, Government Accounting Standards Board ( GASP ) Regulations ; Financial Accounting Standards Board ( FASB ) Regulations 18. That Bank of America has a recorded history of practicing racially biased, racially discriminatory behavior/policies/procedures against me and my estate, culminating in a settlement that I recently received from the bank after years of battle with the bank. The settlement between me and the bank also includes another 512 injured individuals that have faced the XXXX XXXX  banking practices of Bank of America in not only the State of Texas, but throughout the entirety of the United States of America in each and every state of America. I have the two settlement agreements and on numerous occasions of speaking with Bank of Americas representative made mention that I have a settlement with Bank of America in the hopes of preventing/circumventing all such practices and behaviors that are currently taking place against me right now. \n\n19. That I have never signed nor received a copy of any signed document that I have agreed to the diminishing, removing, waiving, obstruction, deprivation, destruction, of my or my propertys rights in any way, shape or form. I have not signed away my rights and even though Bank of America may intend to fraudulently demonstrate that I have signed away my rights I would never willingly or knowingly sign away my rights. To the contrary, I always sign any document in a way that reserves my rights pursuant to Uniform Commercial Code 1-308 C.F. Texas Business and Commerce Code 1.308. It is my right and I enforce my right at every chance I get. This is to ensure that in no feasible way, it can be presumed, assumed, construed, misinterpreted, interpreted, etc., that I have will ever intentionally, unintentionally, voluntarily, involuntarily, knowingly, unknowingly, purposefully, accidentally, ever waive any right substantive or procedural in any way, shape, or form. \n\n20. That it has come to my attention that according to Title 12 of the United States Code financial institutions such as Bank of America are required to follow GAAS Regulations, FASB Regulations, GAAP Regulations, the Yellow Book, the Green Book, the Gold Book, and according to these regulations Bank of America is required to follow the guidelines and procedures found in Statement of Financing Accounting Standards ( FAS ) FAS 125 ; FAS 140 ; FAS 133 ; FAS 5 ; FAS 95 ; These established FAS guidelines would allow Bank of America to convert the 1099-A by whatever established conversion method prescribed into the currency that I have requested and have been approved for by the United States XXXX Treasury as a non-repayable loan, securitize the loan instruments so that Bank of America can follow other established procedures detailed in various Federal Reserve Bank publications detailing how to convert consumer promissory notes such as loans so the bank can net profits from at least 10-20 times the face value of the loans. However, because of the continuous discriminatory behavior that continues to persist even after settlement, the representatives of Bank of America upon my inquiry of TILA laws, have decided to deny the opportunity to even apply for a loan in violation of the E-Sign Act, and in breach of trust and in breach of fiduciary responsibilities have altogether caused further harm by closing the account and denying me asses to my own money. \n\n21. That I am aware of the fact that there are millions of other American Consumers that are able to engage in their right to report tax information on 1099-A and receive the funds/items that have been requested by the 1099-A with no issue or hinderance. Financial Institutions, Auto Dealers, Mortgage Brokers, and even Attorneys are aware of the fact and uses of the 1099-A and are allowing consumers to use their services or purchase their products with no issue. But because I have inquired of my TILA rights and have informed them of their fiduciary responsibilities Bank of America has decided with perfidy and unscrupulous indignation continued to trespass my rights and racially discriminate against me, causing the greatest harm a financial institution has ever caused me. \n\nNOTICE : It is stare decisis in such cases as XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX ( XXXX XXXX. XXXX ) ; XXXX XXXX XXXX v. United States, XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX. XXXX, XXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXX ( XXXX ) ; XXXX & XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. v. United States, XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. XXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXX ( XXXX ) Proof of an implied-in-fact contract comes not from an express agreement, however, but from conduct of the parties and The government enters into contracts with the public through contracting officers. XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX ( XXXX )","date_sent_to_company":"2022-06-29T04:08:34.000Z","issue":"Opening an account","sub_product":"Checking account","zip_code":"75231","tags":null,"has_narrative":true,"complaint_id":"5718929","timely":"Yes","company_response":"Closed with explanation","submitted_via":"Web","company":"BANK OF AMERICA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION","date_received":"2022-06-29T03:38:02.000Z","state":"TX","company_public_response":"Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response","sub_issue":"Unable to open an account"},"highlight":{"complaint_what_happened":["It wasnt until I was at work attempting to make a small purchase of snack and drink that I discovered that my card had been blocked and my access to online <em>accounting</em> restricted that I found out that he had <em>locked</em> the <em>account</em> stating in his notes that he did not believe me to be the <em>account</em> holder."],"product":["Checking or savings <em>account</em>"],"issue":["Opening an <em>account</em>"],"sub_product":["Checking <em>account</em>"],"sub_issue":["Unable to open an <em>account</em>"]},"sort":[5.63256,"5718929"]},{"_index":"complaint-public-v1","_id":"7503428","_score":5.188802,"_source":{"product":"Checking or savings account","complaint_what_happened":"This complaint is regarding my treatment as a consumer at US Bank and their mishandling of my money. I have been with US Bank for nearly 20 years and I have had multiple accounts with them including most recently : one checking account, 5 CDs ( ~ {$10000.00} total ), a credit card ( {$18000.00} limit ), a brokerage account ( {$470.00} ), and a reserve line for overdraft protection ( {$2500.00} ). I am the sole account holder on all of my accounts. My mother lives about XXXX miles from my local US Bank branch and her address is my permanent mailing address. I live in the XXXX and moved here in XXXX  for school. I have had this bank for so long, it has been with me through many life changes. When I first opened my account, I was dirt poor, living in poverty and receiving state assistance. My bank has followed me on a long journey through many trials and tribulations of life, change, and personal growth. I worked my way through school, survived domestic abuse, and eventually moved to XXXX XXXX XXXX to attend XXXX University for my XXXX XXXX. I was so poor when I attended XXXX that for two years I rented a living room in a XXXX apartment, slept on the floor with no furniture and my belongings beside me, with sheets hanging from the ceiling to give myself a room. I was so poor that I did not leave the XXXX until I was XXXX XXXX XXXX, when I moved to XXXX for an internship after completing my XXXX XXXX. From there, I got a position as a US Department of Defense contractor and for the next several years, I worked at XXXX on XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. I decided to pursue my XXXX  at the University XXXX XXXX in XXXX, XXXX where I excelled, and now I work in XXXX as a professor at a wonderful university. Before I left the US to pursue my XXXX, I put nearly all of my money into CDs for a rainy day or emergencies. My attachment to my bank and my bank account is a reflection of how far I have come in my life journey and though I moved to the XXXX, this relationship with my bank is not an easy one to part with and I decided to keep my US Bank accounts when I moved in XXXX. I have since decided to stay in the XXXX for the next long while since I have a permanent academic job now. \n\nI called US Bank on XXXX XXXX and candidly explained that I now live in XXXX and am applying for a mortgage for my first-time home purchase. In order to gather enough for my downpayment, I asked to early withdraw three CDs at US Bank totaling {$6000.00} that were yielding extremely low interest rates and far from maturity ( two at 0.15 % APY, and another at 0.74 % APY ). I asked for my remaining 2 CDs to be left alone as they will mature next year and while the interest rate is low for this market ( 2.1 % and 2.3 % ), I plan to renew them next year at a higher APY. I also explained that after this transaction of early withdraw on the XXXX CDs completes, I will need to do an international wire transfer from my US Bank checking account into my XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX checking account. \n\nDuring my conversation of closing the XXXX CDs, the US Bank customer service representative on the phone explained the penalties and fees for my early withdraw and I agreed to all of them. I calculated that I will benefit more from a larger downpayment on my home, than leaving the CDs to mature at their interest rate. And, while the size of the CDs is modest, the fees and penalties do not really impact the final value in my view. He stated that it may take 1-2 business days for the transaction to complete. On the topic of an international wire transfer, he took down my XXXX phone number and said he would call me back to explain my options. \n\nOn XXXX XXXX I saw that the CD withdraw and transfer to my US Bank checking account had completed but I did not receive any phone calls from the bank to discuss the international wire transfer. I called the customer service line to request information about how I can do the transfer. I also logged into my online banking account. Online, I was prompted to update my phone number in the system before I could access my accounts, but it would not accept my XXXX phone number. The phone number that had been on file was an old one that has since been disconnected. I asked my sister if she would allow me to use her XXXX mobile number and she agreed so I updated my phone number in my account to hers. At this point, from then on, any time that I called the US Bank customer service line -- even for information -- I was prompted for a one-time verification code in real-time before any agents would speak to me. My sister provided me with the codes that were being sent to her phone, though on several occasions she was not able to provide it to me fast enough which meant that I could not continue with my call to customer service. This resulted in me making many calls to US Bank customer service, some were to discuss my options and for informational purposes, and others were to attempt to make a transfer. Different customer service agents provided me with different information on each call. The inconsistency was confusing, not least because I viewed them as the authority about how transfers work, having never done one with this particular checking account before. For example, an agent would tell me that an international transfer over the phone is allowed since I am out of the country, but that my call would need to be transferred to another department. Upon the transfer to another representative, they would provide me with different information and options, leading me to tell them I would need to think about it and call back. When I called back, agents would tell me completely different information about transfers and how they work. This led to many one-time verification codes between my sister and myself I counted approximately 12 codes verifying me between XXXX XXXX and XXXX XXXX, several of which involved multiple verifications during single calls to customer service. \n\nAt the same time, I did an early withdraw of two CDs with XXXX XXXX  in the amount of {$22000.00}. I am the sole account holder on all accounts. The XXXX CDs were closed quickly and were deposited into my US Bank checking account on XXXX XXXX. \n\nTo deal with the real-time verification codes, I therefore arranged to call US Bank at times when my sister said she would be available to help me to forward the real-time code verifications to me. Each time I called the customer service line, I candidly explained that the phone belongs to my sister, that I am living in the XXXX, I am calling from XXXX because its expensive to call the XXXX, that I have no ability to come in-person to a branch, that am getting my savings together for a mortgage downpayment for a home purchase in the XXXX, and that my goal is to ultimately transfer some of the funds in my US Bank checking account to my XXXX bank account. \n\nOn another login to online banking, I was randomly prompted to reset my password. One of the options that the customer service agents gave me was to do an international wire transfer and that it was no problem- I could do it all at once. This contradicted information that I had been given earlier. Another option was to use XXXX but it is limited to domestic transfers only and transfer amounts would be limited to {$3500.00} per day and {$15000.00} per month. These limits meant that the soonest I could have funds in my XXXX account would be XXXX, which means I may need to delay my home purchase. Information about these options shifted depending on which customer service representative I spoke with. After being transferred to several customer service agents, and then calling back one additional time to confirm the information that the last agent gave me ( the inconsistencies were difficult to follow! ) I understood that it was against policy for me to initiate an international wire transfer over the phone. I called back to the customer service line to file a complaint with the first representative that I spoke with, and asked her to pass my complaint to her manager, that I have been given grossly inconsistent information and it has taken a lot of my time on hold to the bank to even understand that I was being given inconsistent information. I then called my local US Bank branch in XXXX XXXX, Oregon and spoke to the branch manager. I explained what I was trying to do and the difficulties that I was encountering. He said that I should write myself a check and cash it in my foreign bank. I did not bring US Bank checks with me when I moved to the XXXX, I asked if it was possible to send them to my XXXX address or if I needed to send them to my mothers address on file. Based on the information that I was given, it sounded like ordering new checks would take much longer than doing a transfer of funds, even with the XXXX option and having my sister complete the international wire transfer. \n\nGetting frustrated with the time it was taking me waiting on hold for so many calls to the customer service line, I decided not to pursue an international wire transfer at all. So, on XXXX XXXX, I ordered checks through the online banking system and had the option to specify either my address on file ( my mothers near the bank branch ) or an international address. I opted for the international address. I received an email confirming that I had paid for the new checks. I called the customer service to get more information about how long it would take to arrive and they explained that the order will likely be rejected because they cant ship checks internationally. To this day, the status online is just pending and I can not get any updates on the checks that I ordered. \n\nAlso on XX/XX/XXXX, I arranged a time with my sister where we both sat on the phone together to do a domestic wire transfer of {$28000.00} from my US Bank checking into her XXXX XXXX checking account. First, I called the bank to confirm that this is allowed and possible, unlike the international transfer. The agent assured me that this was possible and would be quick. I then got on the phone with my sister and the bank to do the domestic wire transfer to my sister ( from US Bank XXXX XXXX XXXX ). We completed the transaction on the phone and I was told it would take just a couple of hours. Several hours later, I received a call from my sister that US Bank called her but were unable to say why. So I immediately called the bank back and was told that XXXX of my CDs on the early withdraw had a problem because the penalties could not be waived. I had never asked for penalties to be waived so I was very confused. I was then transferred from department XXXX department, ending up with a very aggressive customer service agent. He told me that he thought I was a criminal, that what I am trying to do is illegal, and that I need to be physically standing on XXXX soil in order to do my banking. I told him that I wanted to speak to his manager, but he said his manager was unavailable. So I asked to be transferred to someone else. He did not transfer me and I was put into the automated online system and asked to re-verify myself again by PIN, and at some point was disconnected from the phone banking system. I called back and explained that I was not happy with the way I was treated. The customer service representative explained to me that one of the three CDs that I was withdrawing had an issue and was credited back to my CD account, leaving insufficient funds for my transfer. She said she was not able to provide me with more details about the CD but said that it should automatically resolve after the XXXX XXXX weekend, with business resuming on Tuesday XXXX XXXX. Seeing that this transfer of funds was going to take much longer than 1-2 business days, I decided to try the domestic transfer to my sisters XXXX XXXX account XXXX the XXXX service available to me in online banking, and also XXXX. Keeping in mind the daily and monthly limits as I mentioned above, I initiated a XXXX transfer of {$3500.00} and a XXXX transfer of {$3000.00} to my sisters account. \n\nOn XXXX XXXX, I called US Bank customer service to check on my CD and the two transfers. I learned that a hold had been placed on my account and that I needed to speak with the local US Bank branch. During the transfer, I was disconnected. I called back three times and was continuously disconnected. When I finally got through, the person at the local branch named XXXX explained that he thought my account looked suspicious and that he had placed a hold on my account. He asked me several verifying questions. I answered them correctly. I explained my situation to him, that this is for a mortgage downpayment and that I ultimately need to move the funds to my sisters account so that she can do an international wire transfer. He agreed to put a note in my account so that I could do several transfers each day ( XXXX XXXX and XXXX Transferwise ) until the desired amount of funds had been transferred to my sisters account. I then had to call back to US Bank customer service to discuss the CD issue, and the representative said she could see the notes on my account and she said that she completed fixing the issue with my CD. In other words, re-doing the early withdraw of my CD in the amount of {$2900.00}, except that since a couple days had passed, the amount was going to be instead {$2900.00}. I agreed to this. \n\nBoth my XXXX and XXXX domestic transfers are still pending and my CD has not yet been fixed at the time of writing this. I am tired of being on hold with the bank, and its interfering with my health to spend so many hours on the phone when I have a full time job. In addition, the uncertainty of how long it XXXX take me to access my funds is postponing my application for my mortgage which is costing me money as XXXX interest rates are changing. If I can not retrieve my money from my US Bank account, I will be forced to do only a 10 % downpayment on my mortgage instead of a 24 % downpayment as I have planned for. This difference in the downpayment will cost me tens of thousands of dollars in interest and is difficult to recover from. Being treated as a criminal has had a severe impact on my well-being and the conduct of the representative that I mentioned above was beyond unprofessional it is mortifying, derogatory, and humiliating. I was poor when I opened my account with US Bank, and now, Im still poor after all of my years of hard work blood, sweat, and tears to make something of myself and be somebody. Not to mention my service to this nation. In all of my 6 years living abroad, I have never felt so alone, so far, and so disconnected from my own country as I did on XXXX XXXX when the customer service representative called me a criminal. My savings was for a rainy day or emergencies, and the thought that this still would have happened to me in a genuine emergency makes me so incredibly scared. Locking someone out of their hard-earned money is not security, it is a form of fraud. Giving me inconsistent information and then locking me out of my account is not security, it is criminal. US Bank has committed gross misconduct and should be held accountable for the impacts it has on the rest of my future. What is the point of having money? What was all of my hard work for? I'd rather be dirt poor again than feel the way US Bank has made me feel about myself. I bawled my eyes out on Friday night ( XXXX XXXX ) after that call with the agressive representative. I bawled my eyes out again tonight on the phone with the Consumer Finance guy who treated me like a human being. At this point, I bet there's so many flags on my account that even if I came to the bank in-person, I wouldn't be able to withdraw any of my money. And it's because your customer service representatives led me down a winding rabbit hole to XXXX. I'm not going to stand for this. Give me my XXXX money so I can buy a XXXX house.","date_sent_to_company":"2023-09-06T02:21:06.000Z","issue":"Managing an account","sub_product":"Checking account","zip_code":"97502","tags":null,"has_narrative":true,"complaint_id":"7503428","timely":"Yes","company_response":"Closed with monetary relief","submitted_via":"Web","company":"U.S. BANCORP","date_received":"2023-09-05T23:39:07.000Z","state":"OR","company_public_response":"Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response","sub_issue":"Funds not handled or disbursed as instructed"},"highlight":{"complaint_what_happened":["<em>Locking</em> someone out of their hard-earned money is not <em>security</em>, it is a form of fraud. Giving me inconsistent information and then <em>locking</em> me out of my <em>account</em> is not <em>security</em>, it is criminal. US Bank has committed gross misconduct and should be held accountable for the impacts it has on the rest of my future. What is the point of having money? What was all of my hard work for? I'd rather be dirt poor again than feel the way US Bank has made me feel about myself."],"product":["Checking or savings <em>account</em>"],"issue":["Managing an <em>account</em>"],"sub_product":["Checking <em>account</em>"]},"sort":[5.188802,"7503428"]},{"_index":"complaint-public-v1","_id":"14284555","_score":3.0638952,"_source":{"product":"Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports","complaint_what_happened":"XX/XX/XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Original Account Number is unknown DOB is XX/XX/XXXX, and the last 4 SSN is XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX Litonia, GA XXXX Equifax : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX, GA XXXX Experian : XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX, XXXX, TX XXXX TransUnion : XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX, XXXX, PA XXXX Dear CFPB, FTC, and Credit Bureaus, I am writing to file a formal complaint against all three credit reporting agencies regarding identity theft. In XX/XX/XXXX, after discovering my identity had been stolen, I contacted all three credit reporting agencies, the original creditors, and the collection agencies. I also placed a freeze on my credit accounts and filed a police report. \n\nWith nearly 30 years of experience as a private investigator, primarily tracking fraud, I recognize the type of theft committed against me as synthetic identity theft or synthetic fraud. This form of identity theft involves fraudsters making minimum payments to gain more credit before eventually defaulting.\n\nI was severely injured with a XXXX XXXX, XXXX, ribs, and a XXXX XXXX XXXX, which resulted in two years of hospitalization for therapy, followed by an additional year due to XXXX, further surgeries, and therapy. Currently, I am still hospitalized with no set release date, which has significantly hindered my ability to communicate with the credit reporting agencies, as they only correspond by mail. Although I offered my medical information to them, they declined due to HIPAA. However, to prove my whereabouts for the past three years and resolve this nightmare, I am willing to provide your agency with access to my medical file. \n\nFurthermore, I can provide proof that my mail was compromised, including a letter from my bank stating that unknown individuals attempted to access my account from my cell phone number. The bank placed them on hold when they could not verify my password. They tried to reach me, but I was in the XXXX  at the time. My account was subsequently put on hold until I could speak with the bank and visit in person with my identification. My local branch, where I am well-known, can confirm the attempted identity theft on my account. My account was also linked for automatic payments on these fraudulent accounts, leading me to believe the two ladies hired to assist me for medical reasons had access to my address for the purpose of entering and cleaning. My home is equipped with 18 cameras that record 24/7, but footage must be backed up within seven days to avoid being recorded over.\n\n1. The account for XXXX XXXX XXXX has two different amounts listed on each report. ( XXXX ) They failed to validate the debt as requested in XXXX, and the original creditor failed to validate the dispute and the debt 2. XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX failed to validate the debt for the XXXX XXXX, and the original creditor failed as well. XXXX  was removed from Trans Union but remains on the other agencies, with a threat to add it back onto TransUnion by the collection agency 3. XXXX XXXX and XXXX were opened by the same company. The collection agency failed to respond, and the original creditor failed to properly respond timely manner and based their findings on personal beliefs. \n4. My account with XXXX and XXXX  XXXX XXXX is the only account that belongs to me. XXXX  is not accurate for the three late payments. I spoke with them several times and have the recording with them stating it will be updated as pays as agree. My bank stopped the automatic payments after my account was flagged by the fraud department. It was money that ahd accumulated on XXXX ( for my XXXX XXXX XXXX ) that would have cleared the ayments. I was told not to worry because they cover me for ninety days.\n\n5. I am being penalized by the bureaus and they are accepting whatever creditors and collection agencies say with no valid information. None of the creditors original creditors or the collection agencies had provided me with validation of the debts or the 623 dispute and validation pursuant to the FCRA. I am also locked out of all my accounts oline and can not upload anything.\n\n6. Synthetic Identity Theft : 7. .Opens in new tab 8. This is a specific form of identity theft where fraudsters create a new identity by blending real and fabricated information.\n\n9.\n\n10. \" Clean '' Credit Building : 11. .Opens in new tab 12. The fraudsters may initially make small purchases and pay them off on time to establish a good credit score and build trust with the financial system.\n\n13.\n\n14. Defaulting on Larger Loans : 15. .Opens in new tab 16. Once a good credit history is established, the fraudsters will then attempt to obtain larger loans or credit lines, which they often default on, causing significant financial losses.\n\n17. This type of fraud is difficult to detect because it involves a combination of real and fake information, making it harder to trace back to a single individual.\n\n18. Other terms related to this type of fraud include : 19. Account Takeover : 20. .Opens in new tab 21. While this term refers to gaining control of an existing account, it can also be part of synthetic identity theft if the fraudulent account is created from scratch using a stolen identity.\n\n22. Payment Fraud : 23. .Opens in new tab 24. This is a broader term that encompasses any fraudulent activity involving payments, including synthetic identity theft.\n\n25. Address Fraud : This specific type of identity theft leverages the victim 's address for illegal activities. Examples include mail forwarding fraud, where mail is redirected to the fraudster, package interception after goods are ordered online with stolen credit card details, and using the address to open accounts or obtain credit in the victim 's name.\n\n26. Opening New Accounts or Making Purchases : Using the victim 's information to apply for credit cards, bank accounts, or loans, and potentially intercepting related mail.\n\n27. Other Schemes : The address can be used in various fraud schemes, such as bank account fraud, school enrollment fraud, or insurance fraud.\n\n28. Warning signs of address fraud or identity theft : 29. Receiving mail or packages not intended for you.\n\n30. Finding unfamiliar accounts or charges on your financial statements or credit report.\n\n31. Missing or tampered mail.\n\n32. Receiving debt collection notices for unknown accounts or loans.\n\n33. Unauthorized inquiries or new accounts on your credit report linked to your address.\n\n34. Lack of dedicated resources : White-collar crimes, including fraud, have historically received less attention and resources compared to violent crimes within victim advocacy and law enforcement.\n\n35. Victim vulnerability : handicap individuals, often targeted in financial fraud, who is barely home, and underreport their victimization.\n\nReasons Fraudulent Accounts Might Be Misidentified as Valid : Sophistication of Fraud Schemes : Modern fraud methods, such as synthetic identity theft, can be incredibly complex and difficult for investigators to detect.\n\nData Limitations and Inconsistencies : Lack of complete and accurate fraud data can make it hard to identify the total extent of fraudulent activity.\n\nAdministrative Errors : Processes for tracking and reporting fraud may have limitations, potentially leading to errors or delays in recognizing fraudulent accounts.\n\nConsequences for Victims : Financial Loss : Victims may face financial losses due to fraudulent transactions and damage to their credit history.\n\nEmotional and Psychological Distress : Victims often experience XXXX, XXXX, XXXX, and a sense of violation when their identity is compromised. \nDifficulties in Resolution : Correcting fraudulent accounts can be a challenging and time-consuming process.\n\nDebt Validation Requirement : The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ) and the CFPB 's Debt Collection Rule require debt collectors to provide consumers with specific information about the debt, known as \" validation information ''.\n\nTimeline for Providing Validation Information : Generally, this information should be provided in a written notice either as the initial communication or within five days of the debt collector 's first contact with the consumer.\n\nConsequences of Failure to Validate : Ceasing Collection Activities : If a debt collector fails to validate a debt when requested to do so within the specified time frame, they must cease collection activities.\n\nCFPB Enforcement Actions : The CFPB brings enforcement actions against companies that violate debt validation requirements, including failure to provide timely notices and mishandling disputes.\n\nConsumer Remedies : Consumers who are not provided timely debt validation or whose disputes are mishandled may be entitled to financial relief and potential lawsuits against the debt collector.\n\n15 U.S.C. 1692g The failure of a consumer to dispute the validity of a debt under this section may not be construed by any court as an admission of liability by the consumer XXXX XXXX provided me a copy of the validation they claimed they sent on XX/XX/XXXX, which is not sufficient. Even if they allege they mailed it bills alone is not sufficient to validate the debt, which is probably why it was removed from once report. \nWhile copies of credit card billing statements can be a component of debt validation, they alone may not be sufficient to fulfill the requirements for validating a debt under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ).\n\nWhat constitutes valid debt validation?\n\nDebt validation involves a debt collector providing clear and accurate documentation to prove that you owe a specific debt and they have the legal right to collect it. According to the FDCPA and related regulations, this documentation generally includes : A copy of the original credit agreement : This could be the original credit card agreement signed by you.\n\nDocumentation showing the collector 's right to pursue the debt : If the debt has been sold, this would include records demonstrating the chain of ownership.\n\nA detailed accounting of the total amount owed : This includes the original debt amount, interest, fees, payments, and credits since a specific date ( the \" itemization date '' ).\n\nDuty to Provide CRAs with Accurate Information Prohibition on Reporting Inaccurate Information. Section 623 ( a ) of the FCRA generally prohibits a person from furnishing inaccurate information to a CRA. The standards for the prohibition differ, depending on whether the person specifies an address for receipt of notices from consumers concerning inaccurate information. If the person specifies such an address, it may not furnish information relating to a consumer to any CRA, if ( a ) the consumer notified the person, at the specified address, that the information is inaccurate, and ( b ) the information is, in fact, inaccurate.18 If the person does not specify such an address, the FCRA prohibits the person from reporting information to a CRA if the furnisher knows or has reasonable cause to believe that the information is inaccurate.19 The statute defines reasonable cause to believe that the information is inaccurate to mean having specific knowledge, other than solely allegations by the consumer, that would cause a reasonable person to have substantial doubts about the accuracy of the information.20 Duty to Promptly Correct and Update Information. Section 623 ( a ) of the FCRA also requires a person who regularly furnishes information to CRAs to promptly notify a CRA if the person determines the previously furnished information is not complete or accurate.21 The person must then provide corrected information and ensure it does not refurnish the incomplete or inaccurate information.\n\nDuty to Provide Notice of Dispute. If a consumer disputes the completeness or accuracy of furnished information, the furnisher must provide a notice of the dispute to the CRAs when furnishing the disputed information.22 Duty to Provide Notice of Accounts Closed Voluntarily. A person who regularly furnishes information to CRAs must notify the CRAs when a consumer voluntarily closes a credit account.23 This notice must be included in the information regularly furnished for the period in which the account is closed.\n\nDuty to Provide Dates of Delinquency. When an account is placed for collection, is charged to profit or loss, or a similar action is taken, and that delinquency is furnished to a CRA, the furnisher must notify the CRA of the date of delinquency on the account no later than 90 days after furnishing the information.24 This date is the month and year the account first becomes delinquent, not when the creditor places the account for collections, charges the account to profit or loss, or takes a similar action.25 Duty to Prevent Repollution of Consumer Reports. If a consumer submits an identity theft report to a furnisher indicating that furnished information resulted from identity theft, the furnisher must not report the information to the CRAs unless the furnisher subsequently knows or is informed by the consumer that the information is correct.26 In addition, furnishers are required to maintain reasonable procedures to respond to notifications from the CRAs relating to information that results from identify theft to prevent refurnishing this information.\n\nDuty to Provide the Customer with a Notice about Negative Information Duty to Provide a Notice to the Customer. If a financial institution that extends credit and regularly furnishes information to a nationwide CRA furnishes negative information to the CRAs about a credit extension, the financial institution must provide a clear and conspicuous written notice to the customer indicating that it furnished negative information to the CRAs.27 The term negative information means information concerning a customers delinquencies, late payments, insolvency, or any form of default.28 Timing of Notice. The financial institution must provide the notice to the customer no later than 30 days after furnishing the negative information to a CRA. After providing the notice, the financial institution is not required to send the customer additional notices if it furnishes additional negative information to the CRAs about the same transaction, credit extension, account, or customer.29 Format of Notice. The notice generally may be included on or with any notice of default, any billing statement, or any other materials provided to the customers ; however, if the notice is provided to the customer prior to furnishing the negative information to a CRA, the notice may not be included in the initial disclosures provided under Section 127 ( a ) of the Truth in Lending Act.30 Two model forms ( Model Notices of Furnishing Negative Information ) are available in Appendix B of Regulation V.31 Although use of the model forms is not required, a financial institution is deemed to comply with the requirements if it uses one of the model forms.32 Duty to Implement Reasonable Policies and Procedures Regulation V requires furnishers to establish and implement reasonable written policies and procedures regarding the accuracy and integrity of the consumer information furnished to CRAs.33 Accuracy means that the information the furnisher provides to a CRA correctly : Identifies the appropriate consumer ; Reflects the accounts terms and liability ; and Reflects the consumers performance with respect to the account.34 Integrity means the information the furnisher provides to a CRA : Is substantiated by the furnishers records at the time it is furnished ; Is in a form designed to minimize the likelihood that the information may be incorrectly reflected in a consumer report ; Includes the information in the furnishers possession regarding the credit limit, if applicable ; and Includes any other information in the furnishers possession that the Bureau has determined the absence of which would likely be materially misleading in evaluating a consumers creditworthiness, credit standing, credit capacity, character, general reputation, personal characteristics, or mode of living.35 Regulation V requires that the furnishers policies and procedures be appropriate to the nature, size, complexity, and scope of its activities.36 In developing the policies and procedures, a furnisher must consider the Interagency Guidelines Concerning the Accuracy and Integrity of Information Furnished to Consumer Reporting Agencies found in Appendix E of Regulation V ( Interagency Guidelines ), and incorporate those guidelines, as appropriate. Each furnisher must also review its policies and procedures periodically and update them as necessary to ensure their continued effectiveness.\n\nThe Interagency Guidelines include : Using standard data reporting formats and standard procedures for compiling and furnishing data, where feasible, such as electronic transmission of information about consumers to CRAs ; Deleting, updating, and correcting information in the furnishers records, as appropriate, to avoid furnishing inaccurate information ; Conducting reasonable investigations of disputes ; Establishing and implementing appropriate internal controls regarding the accuracy and integrity of information about consumers furnished to CRAs, such as by implementing standard procedures and verifying random samples of information provided to CRAs ; and Training staff that participates in activities related to the furnishing of information about consumers to CRAs.37 Duty to Investigate Disputes Filed Directly with the Furnisher The FCRA and Regulation V generally require a furnisher to conduct a reasonable investigation of a dispute submitted directly to a furnisher by a consumer concerning the accuracy of any information contained in a consumer report and pertaining to an account or other relationship that the furnisher has or had with the consumer ( direct dispute ) .38 Covered Disputes. A furnisher is required to investigate if the dispute relates to : The consumers liability for a credit account or other debt with the furnisher ; The terms of a credit account or other debt with the furnisher ; The consumers performance or other conduct concerning an account or other relationship with the furnisher ; or Any other information contained in a consumer report for an account or other relationship with the furnisher that bears on the consumers creditworthiness, credit standing, credit capacity, character, general reputation, personal characteristics, or mode of living.39 The direct dispute rule does not apply if the dispute relates to the consumers identifying information, the identity of past or present employers, or inquiries or requests for a consumer report. It also does not apply to disputes relating to information that is derived from public records, provided to a CRA by another furnisher, or related to fraud alerts or active duty alerts.40 Finally, the rule does not apply if the furnisher has a reasonable belief that the direct dispute is submitted by a credit repair organization, is prepared on behalf of the consumer by a credit repair organization, or is submitted on a form supplied to the consumer by a credit repair organization.41 Consumers Obligation to Submit a Proper Notice of Dispute. A furnisher is required to investigate the dispute only if the consumer submitted the dispute notice to one of the following addresses : An address the furnisher provided that is listed on the consumer report ; An address the furnisher clearly and conspicuously identified for submitting direct disputes that is provided to the consumer in writing or, if the consumer agrees, electronically ; or If no address is specified, any business address of the furnisher.42 Moreover, the consumers dispute notice must include : Sufficient information to identify the account or other relationship in dispute ; The specific information being disputed ; An explanation of the basis for the dispute ; and All supporting documentation reasonably required by the furnisher to substantiate the basis of the dispute.43 Furnishers Duty to Investigate. Upon receiving a consumers proper notice of dispute, the furnisher must conduct a reasonable investigation of the dispute.44 The furnisher also must review all relevant information provided by the consumer with the dispute notice.\n\nThe furnisher has 30 days from the receipt of the dispute notice ( with the possibility for a 15-day extension under certain circumstances ) to complete the investigation and report the results to the consumer.45 If the furnisher finds that the information reported was inaccurate, the furnisher must promptly notify each CRA to which it provided the inaccurate information of the determination and provide the changes necessary to make the information accurate.46 Exception for Frivolous or Irrelevant Disputes. A furnisher is not required to investigate a direct dispute if the furnisher has reasonably determined that the dispute is frivolous or irrelevant.47 Under Regulation V, a dispute is frivolous or irrelevant if the dispute notice ( 1 ) does not contain sufficient information to investigate the dispute, ( 2 ) raises a dispute about information exempted from the rule, or ( 3 ) raises a dispute that is substantially the same as a dispute previously submitted by the consumer and resolved in accordance with the regulations. If the furnisher determines that a dispute is frivolous or irrelevant, the furnisher has five business days to notify the consumer of its determination. The notice must include the reasons for the determination and identify any information required to investigate the disputed information.\n\nDuty to Investigate Disputes Filed with CRAs The FCRA requires furnishers to investigate consumer disputes filed with the CRAs about information the furnishers provided.48 More specifically, when a furnisher receives notice from a CRA that a consumer disputes the completeness or accuracy of information the furnisher provided to the CRA , the furnisher must investigate the disputed information, review all relevant information the CRA provided, and report the results of its investigation to the CRA.49 If the furnisher determines the information it provided was incomplete or inaccurate, the furnisher must notify all nationwide CRAs to which the information was furnished of its findings.50 Finally, if the furnisher determines the disputed information is inaccurate or incomplete or can not be verified, the furnisher must promptly modify or delete the information or permanently block the reporting of that information.51 The furnisher generally has 30 days from the date the consumer filed the dispute with the CRA to complete its investigation and make appropriate notifications, but the investigation period may be extended an additional 15 days in some circumstances.52 EQUAL CREDIT OPPORTUNITY ACT/REGULATION B Regulation B, which implements the ECOA, imposes certain obligations on creditors that furnish credit information to CRAs.53 In addition, Regulation B prohibits discrimination on a prohibited basis regarding any aspect of a\ncredit transaction.54 At the federal level, the Board, FDIC, OCC, and NCUA have supervisory authority for ECOA and Regulation B for depository institutions with assets of {$10.00} XXXX or less.55 For depository institutions with assets over {$10.00} XXXX, the Bureau has this authority. Also, if any of these agencies has reason to believe that the creditor engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination, then the agency must refer the matter to the U.S. Department of Justice.56 The Board has referred one matter involving discrimination on the basis of sex and marital status in credit reporting.57 In this matter, the creditor failed to provide information to CRAs about the payment history of spouses ( almost all of whom were women ) who were contractually obligated on the note.\n\nIn addition to the federal regulators, private plaintiffs have the right to file lawsuits under the ECOA.58 Violations of Regulation B can subject creditors to civil liability for actual and punitive damages in individual and class actions.59 If a furnisher fails to comply with the regulation because of an inadvertent error, there is no violation.60 The term inadvertent error means a mechanical, electronic, or clerical error that a creditor demonstrates was not intentional and occurred notwithstanding the maintenance of procedures reasonably adapted to avoid such errors,61 but it does not include an error of legal judgment.62 Upon discovering the error, the furnisher must correct it as soon as possible.\n\nCoverage Regulation B applies to a creditor, which is broadly defined to mean a person who, in the ordinary course of business, regularly participates in a credit decision, including setting the terms of the credit.63 The Official Staff Commentary to the regulation clarifies that the furnisher requirements only apply to consumer credit.64 Moreover, they apply only to creditors that opt to furnish credit information to CRAs or to other creditors ; a creditor is not required to furnish credit information on its accounts.\n\nDuties for Accounts Held or Used by Spouses Section 1002.10 of Regulation B imposes three obligations on creditors furnishing consumer credit information to the CRAs for accounts held or used by spouses.\n\nFirst, a creditor must designate accounts to reflect both spouses participation in the accounts in the following circumstances : For new accounts, when the spouse is an authorized user or is contractually liable on the account ( except as a guarantor, surety, endorser, or similar party ) ; and For existing accounts, when one of the spouses makes a written request to reflect both spouses participation on the account. In this situation, the furnisher must change the designation on the account within 90 days after receiving the written request.65 Second, when an account is designated to reflect the participation of both spouses, the creditor must furnish the information to the CRAs in a way that enables the CRAs to provide access to the information in the name of each spouse.66 Finally, if a creditor receives an inquiry about an account that reflects both spouses participating, the creditor must furnish the information in the name of the spouse for whom the information is requested.67 For example, if the inquiry concerns an account on which a husband and wife both participate, and the inquiry specifically is about the wife, the creditor must provide the information in the wifes name.\n\nProhibition on Discrimination In addition to the specific furnisher provisions, Regulation B broadly prohibits creditors from discriminating in any aspect of the credit transaction on any prohibited basis.68 The term credit transaction includes the furnishing of credit information.69 The term prohibited basis means race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, or age ( provided that the applicant has the capacity to enter into a binding contract ) ; the applicants receipt of income, in whole or part, from any public assistance program ; or the applicants exercise in good faith of a right under the Consumer Credit Protection Act or any state law upon which an exemption has been granted by the [ Bureau ] .70 This general rule covers, for example, the administration of accounts and the treatment of delinquent or slow accounts.71 CONCLUSION Credit reports play an important role for consumers and creditors. Specific provisions of the CARES Act, the FCRA, Regulation V, the ECOA, and Regulation B are designed to ensure the fairness and accuracy of these reports. Financial institutions that furnish information to the CRAs should have adequate policies and procedures in place to ensure that they are complying with these requirements, including procedures to periodically test systems to verify compliance. Compliance with the credit reporting laws can promote fair and efficient access to credit, benefiting consumers and creditors alike. Specific questions should be addressed to your primary regulator.\n\nENDNOTES 1 Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq., implemented in part by Regulation V, 12 C.F.R. Part 1022. Most of the furnisher requirements discussed in this article under Section 623 of the FCRA ( 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ) do not have implementing regulations, so furnishers must focus on the statutory requirements.\n\n2 Equal Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. 1691 et seq., implemented by Regulation B, 12 C.F.R. Part 1002. In addition, under the ECOA, Regulation B ( 12 C.F.R. 1002.9 ), and the FCRA ( 15 U.S.C. 1681m ), consumers and businesses applying for credit must be provided notice of the reasons a creditor took adverse action on the application or on an existing credit account in certain circumstances.\n\n3 Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security ( CARES ) Act, Pub. L. No. 116-136, 134 Stat. 281 ( March 27, 2020 ).\n\n4 Section 4021 of the CARES Act amended Section 623 ( a ) ( 1 ) of the FCRA ( 15 U.S.C. 1681s2 ( a ) ( 1 ) ).\n\n5 Kenneth Benton and Casey McHugh, Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia , Furnishers Compliance Obligations for Consumer Credit Information under the FCRA and ECOA, Consumer Compliance Outlook ( Second Quarter 2012 ).\n\n6 See 15 U.S.C. 1681s ( b ), 1681s-2 ( d ).\n\n7 See 15 U.S.C. 1681s ( c ), 1681s-2 ( d ).\n\n8 See 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( c ).\n\n9 See 15 U.S.C. 1681a ( b ).\n\n10 See 15 U.S.C. 1681a ( c ).\n\n11 See 15 U.S.C. 1681a ( f ).\n\n12 See 12 C.F.R. 1022.41 ( c ). An entity is not a furnisher when it : ( 1 ) provides information to a consumer reporting agency solely to obtain a consumer report in accordance with Sections 604 ( a ) and ( f ) of the FCRA ; ( 2 ) is acting as a consumer reporting agency as defined in Section 603 ( f ) of the FCRA ; ( 3 ) is a consumer to whom the furnished information pertains; or ( 4 ) is a neighbor, friend, or associate of the consumer, or another individual with whom the consumer is acquainted or who may have knowledge about the consumer, and who provides information about the consumers character, general reputation, personal characteristics, or mode of living in response to a specific request from a consumer reporting agency.\n\n13 See 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( F ), as added by Section 4021 of the CARES Act.\n\n14 See 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( F ) ( i ) ( I ).\n\n15 See 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( F ) ( i ) ( II ). Under the National Emergencies Act, an emergency declaration will automatically terminate on the one-year anniversary of the declaration if the President does not extend it during the 90-day period before the anniversary. 50 U.S.C. 1622 ( d ). An emergency declaration can also be terminated by a joint resolution of Congress enacted into law or by a Presidential proclamation. 50 U.S.C. 1622 ( a ).\n\n16 See 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( F ) ( iii ).\n\n17 See 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( F ) ( ii ).\n\n18 See 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( B ). FCRA does not require a person to specify an address for receipt of notices from consumers concerning inaccurate information. 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( C ).\n\n19 See 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ).\n\n20 See 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( D ).\n\n21 See 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 2 ) ( B ).\n\n22 See 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 3 ).\n\n23 See 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 4 ).\n\n24 See 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 5 ).\n\n25 See 15 U.S.C. 1681c ( a ).\n\n26 See 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 6 ).\n\n27 See 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 7 ).\n\n28 See 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 7 ) ( G ) ( i ).\n\n29 See 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 7 ) ( A ) - ( B ).\n\n30 See 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 7 ) ( B ) ( ii ) and ( C ) ( i ).\n\n31 See 12 C.F.R. Part 1022, Appendix B Model Notices of Furnishing Negative Information.\n\n32 See 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 7 ) ( D ).\n\n33 See 12 C.F.R. 1022.42. The FCRA requires the Bureau to establish and maintain guidelines for furnishers regarding the accuracy","date_sent_to_company":"2025-08-08T15:56:18.000Z","issue":"Incorrect information on your report","sub_product":"Credit reporting","zip_code":"30058","tags":null,"has_narrative":true,"complaint_id":"14284555","timely":"Yes","company_response":"Closed with non-monetary relief","submitted_via":"Web","company":"EQUIFAX, INC.","date_received":"2025-06-25T21:49:56.000Z","state":"GA","company_public_response":null,"sub_issue":"Information belongs to someone else"},"highlight":{"complaint_what_happened":["When an <em>account</em> is <em>placed</em> for collection, is charged to profit or loss, or a similar action is taken, and that delinquency is furnished to a CRA, the furnisher must notify the CRA of the date of delinquency on the <em>account</em> no later than 90 days after furnishing the information.24 This date is the month and year the <em>account</em> first becomes delinquent, not when the creditor places the <em>account</em> for collections, charges the <em>account</em> to profit or loss, or takes a similar action.25 Duty to Prevent Repollution"]},"sort":[3.0638952,"14284555"]},{"_index":"complaint-public-v1","_id":"14284554","_score":3.0638952,"_source":{"product":"Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports","complaint_what_happened":"XX/XX/XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Original Account Number is unknown DOB is XX/XX/XXXX, and the last 4 SSN is XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX Litonia, GA XXXX Equifax : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX, GA XXXX Experian : XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX, XXXX, TX XXXX TransUnion : XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX, XXXX, PA XXXX Dear CFPB, FTC, and Credit Bureaus, I am writing to file a formal complaint against all three credit reporting agencies regarding identity theft. In XX/XX/XXXX, after discovering my identity had been stolen, I contacted all three credit reporting agencies, the original creditors, and the collection agencies. I also placed a freeze on my credit accounts and filed a police report. \n\nWith nearly 30 years of experience as a private investigator, primarily tracking fraud, I recognize the type of theft committed against me as synthetic identity theft or synthetic fraud. This form of identity theft involves fraudsters making minimum payments to gain more credit before eventually defaulting.\n\nI was severely injured with a XXXX XXXX, XXXX, ribs, and a XXXX XXXX XXXX, which resulted in two years of hospitalization for therapy, followed by an additional year due to XXXX, further surgeries, and therapy. Currently, I am still hospitalized with no set release date, which has significantly hindered my ability to communicate with the credit reporting agencies, as they only correspond by mail. Although I offered my medical information to them, they declined due to HIPAA. However, to prove my whereabouts for the past three years and resolve this nightmare, I am willing to provide your agency with access to my medical file. \n\nFurthermore, I can provide proof that my mail was compromised, including a letter from my bank stating that unknown individuals attempted to access my account from my cell phone number. The bank placed them on hold when they could not verify my password. They tried to reach me, but I was in the XXXX  at the time. My account was subsequently put on hold until I could speak with the bank and visit in person with my identification. My local branch, where I am well-known, can confirm the attempted identity theft on my account. My account was also linked for automatic payments on these fraudulent accounts, leading me to believe the two ladies hired to assist me for medical reasons had access to my address for the purpose of entering and cleaning. My home is equipped with 18 cameras that record 24/7, but footage must be backed up within seven days to avoid being recorded over.\n\n1. The account for XXXX XXXX XXXX has two different amounts listed on each report. ( XXXX ) They failed to validate the debt as requested in XXXX, and the original creditor failed to validate the dispute and the debt 2. XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX failed to validate the debt for the XXXX XXXX, and the original creditor failed as well. XXXX  was removed from Trans Union but remains on the other agencies, with a threat to add it back onto TransUnion by the collection agency 3. XXXX XXXX and XXXX were opened by the same company. The collection agency failed to respond, and the original creditor failed to properly respond timely manner and based their findings on personal beliefs. \n4. My account with XXXX and XXXX  XXXX XXXX is the only account that belongs to me. XXXX  is not accurate for the three late payments. I spoke with them several times and have the recording with them stating it will be updated as pays as agree. My bank stopped the automatic payments after my account was flagged by the fraud department. It was money that ahd accumulated on XXXX ( for my XXXX XXXX XXXX ) that would have cleared the ayments. I was told not to worry because they cover me for ninety days.\n\n5. I am being penalized by the bureaus and they are accepting whatever creditors and collection agencies say with no valid information. None of the creditors original creditors or the collection agencies had provided me with validation of the debts or the 623 dispute and validation pursuant to the FCRA. I am also locked out of all my accounts oline and can not upload anything.\n\n6. Synthetic Identity Theft : 7. .Opens in new tab 8. This is a specific form of identity theft where fraudsters create a new identity by blending real and fabricated information.\n\n9.\n\n10. \" Clean '' Credit Building : 11. .Opens in new tab 12. The fraudsters may initially make small purchases and pay them off on time to establish a good credit score and build trust with the financial system.\n\n13.\n\n14. Defaulting on Larger Loans : 15. .Opens in new tab 16. Once a good credit history is established, the fraudsters will then attempt to obtain larger loans or credit lines, which they often default on, causing significant financial losses.\n\n17. This type of fraud is difficult to detect because it involves a combination of real and fake information, making it harder to trace back to a single individual.\n\n18. Other terms related to this type of fraud include : 19. Account Takeover : 20. .Opens in new tab 21. While this term refers to gaining control of an existing account, it can also be part of synthetic identity theft if the fraudulent account is created from scratch using a stolen identity.\n\n22. Payment Fraud : 23. .Opens in new tab 24. This is a broader term that encompasses any fraudulent activity involving payments, including synthetic identity theft.\n\n25. Address Fraud : This specific type of identity theft leverages the victim 's address for illegal activities. Examples include mail forwarding fraud, where mail is redirected to the fraudster, package interception after goods are ordered online with stolen credit card details, and using the address to open accounts or obtain credit in the victim 's name.\n\n26. Opening New Accounts or Making Purchases : Using the victim 's information to apply for credit cards, bank accounts, or loans, and potentially intercepting related mail.\n\n27. Other Schemes : The address can be used in various fraud schemes, such as bank account fraud, school enrollment fraud, or insurance fraud.\n\n28. Warning signs of address fraud or identity theft : 29. Receiving mail or packages not intended for you.\n\n30. Finding unfamiliar accounts or charges on your financial statements or credit report.\n\n31. Missing or tampered mail.\n\n32. Receiving debt collection notices for unknown accounts or loans.\n\n33. Unauthorized inquiries or new accounts on your credit report linked to your address.\n\n34. Lack of dedicated resources : White-collar crimes, including fraud, have historically received less attention and resources compared to violent crimes within victim advocacy and law enforcement.\n\n35. Victim vulnerability : handicap individuals, often targeted in financial fraud, who is barely home, and underreport their victimization.\n\nReasons Fraudulent Accounts Might Be Misidentified as Valid : Sophistication of Fraud Schemes : Modern fraud methods, such as synthetic identity theft, can be incredibly complex and difficult for investigators to detect.\n\nData Limitations and Inconsistencies : Lack of complete and accurate fraud data can make it hard to identify the total extent of fraudulent activity.\n\nAdministrative Errors : Processes for tracking and reporting fraud may have limitations, potentially leading to errors or delays in recognizing fraudulent accounts.\n\nConsequences for Victims : Financial Loss : Victims may face financial losses due to fraudulent transactions and damage to their credit history.\n\nEmotional and Psychological Distress : Victims often experience XXXX, XXXX, XXXX, and a sense of violation when their identity is compromised. \nDifficulties in Resolution : Correcting fraudulent accounts can be a challenging and time-consuming process.\n\nDebt Validation Requirement : The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ) and the CFPB 's Debt Collection Rule require debt collectors to provide consumers with specific information about the debt, known as \" validation information ''.\n\nTimeline for Providing Validation Information : Generally, this information should be provided in a written notice either as the initial communication or within five days of the debt collector 's first contact with the consumer.\n\nConsequences of Failure to Validate : Ceasing Collection Activities : If a debt collector fails to validate a debt when requested to do so within the specified time frame, they must cease collection activities.\n\nCFPB Enforcement Actions : The CFPB brings enforcement actions against companies that violate debt validation requirements, including failure to provide timely notices and mishandling disputes.\n\nConsumer Remedies : Consumers who are not provided timely debt validation or whose disputes are mishandled may be entitled to financial relief and potential lawsuits against the debt collector.\n\n15 U.S.C. 1692g The failure of a consumer to dispute the validity of a debt under this section may not be construed by any court as an admission of liability by the consumer XXXX XXXX provided me a copy of the validation they claimed they sent on XX/XX/XXXX, which is not sufficient. Even if they allege they mailed it bills alone is not sufficient to validate the debt, which is probably why it was removed from once report. \nWhile copies of credit card billing statements can be a component of debt validation, they alone may not be sufficient to fulfill the requirements for validating a debt under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ).\n\nWhat constitutes valid debt validation?\n\nDebt validation involves a debt collector providing clear and accurate documentation to prove that you owe a specific debt and they have the legal right to collect it. According to the FDCPA and related regulations, this documentation generally includes : A copy of the original credit agreement : This could be the original credit card agreement signed by you.\n\nDocumentation showing the collector 's right to pursue the debt : If the debt has been sold, this would include records demonstrating the chain of ownership.\n\nA detailed accounting of the total amount owed : This includes the original debt amount, interest, fees, payments, and credits since a specific date ( the \" itemization date '' ).\n\nDuty to Provide CRAs with Accurate Information Prohibition on Reporting Inaccurate Information. Section 623 ( a ) of the FCRA generally prohibits a person from furnishing inaccurate information to a CRA. The standards for the prohibition differ, depending on whether the person specifies an address for receipt of notices from consumers concerning inaccurate information. If the person specifies such an address, it may not furnish information relating to a consumer to any CRA, if ( a ) the consumer notified the person, at the specified address, that the information is inaccurate, and ( b ) the information is, in fact, inaccurate.18 If the person does not specify such an address, the FCRA prohibits the person from reporting information to a CRA if the furnisher knows or has reasonable cause to believe that the information is inaccurate.19 The statute defines reasonable cause to believe that the information is inaccurate to mean having specific knowledge, other than solely allegations by the consumer, that would cause a reasonable person to have substantial doubts about the accuracy of the information.20 Duty to Promptly Correct and Update Information. Section 623 ( a ) of the FCRA also requires a person who regularly furnishes information to CRAs to promptly notify a CRA if the person determines the previously furnished information is not complete or accurate.21 The person must then provide corrected information and ensure it does not refurnish the incomplete or inaccurate information.\n\nDuty to Provide Notice of Dispute. If a consumer disputes the completeness or accuracy of furnished information, the furnisher must provide a notice of the dispute to the CRAs when furnishing the disputed information.22 Duty to Provide Notice of Accounts Closed Voluntarily. A person who regularly furnishes information to CRAs must notify the CRAs when a consumer voluntarily closes a credit account.23 This notice must be included in the information regularly furnished for the period in which the account is closed.\n\nDuty to Provide Dates of Delinquency. When an account is placed for collection, is charged to profit or loss, or a similar action is taken, and that delinquency is furnished to a CRA, the furnisher must notify the CRA of the date of delinquency on the account no later than 90 days after furnishing the information.24 This date is the month and year the account first becomes delinquent, not when the creditor places the account for collections, charges the account to profit or loss, or takes a similar action.25 Duty to Prevent Repollution of Consumer Reports. If a consumer submits an identity theft report to a furnisher indicating that furnished information resulted from identity theft, the furnisher must not report the information to the CRAs unless the furnisher subsequently knows or is informed by the consumer that the information is correct.26 In addition, furnishers are required to maintain reasonable procedures to respond to notifications from the CRAs relating to information that results from identify theft to prevent refurnishing this information.\n\nDuty to Provide the Customer with a Notice about Negative Information Duty to Provide a Notice to the Customer. If a financial institution that extends credit and regularly furnishes information to a nationwide CRA furnishes negative information to the CRAs about a credit extension, the financial institution must provide a clear and conspicuous written notice to the customer indicating that it furnished negative information to the CRAs.27 The term negative information means information concerning a customers delinquencies, late payments, insolvency, or any form of default.28 Timing of Notice. The financial institution must provide the notice to the customer no later than 30 days after furnishing the negative information to a CRA. After providing the notice, the financial institution is not required to send the customer additional notices if it furnishes additional negative information to the CRAs about the same transaction, credit extension, account, or customer.29 Format of Notice. The notice generally may be included on or with any notice of default, any billing statement, or any other materials provided to the customers ; however, if the notice is provided to the customer prior to furnishing the negative information to a CRA, the notice may not be included in the initial disclosures provided under Section 127 ( a ) of the Truth in Lending Act.30 Two model forms ( Model Notices of Furnishing Negative Information ) are available in Appendix B of Regulation V.31 Although use of the model forms is not required, a financial institution is deemed to comply with the requirements if it uses one of the model forms.32 Duty to Implement Reasonable Policies and Procedures Regulation V requires furnishers to establish and implement reasonable written policies and procedures regarding the accuracy and integrity of the consumer information furnished to CRAs.33 Accuracy means that the information the furnisher provides to a CRA correctly : Identifies the appropriate consumer ; Reflects the accounts terms and liability ; and Reflects the consumers performance with respect to the account.34 Integrity means the information the furnisher provides to a CRA : Is substantiated by the furnishers records at the time it is furnished ; Is in a form designed to minimize the likelihood that the information may be incorrectly reflected in a consumer report ; Includes the information in the furnishers possession regarding the credit limit, if applicable ; and Includes any other information in the furnishers possession that the Bureau has determined the absence of which would likely be materially misleading in evaluating a consumers creditworthiness, credit standing, credit capacity, character, general reputation, personal characteristics, or mode of living.35 Regulation V requires that the furnishers policies and procedures be appropriate to the nature, size, complexity, and scope of its activities.36 In developing the policies and procedures, a furnisher must consider the Interagency Guidelines Concerning the Accuracy and Integrity of Information Furnished to Consumer Reporting Agencies found in Appendix E of Regulation V ( Interagency Guidelines ), and incorporate those guidelines, as appropriate. Each furnisher must also review its policies and procedures periodically and update them as necessary to ensure their continued effectiveness.\n\nThe Interagency Guidelines include : Using standard data reporting formats and standard procedures for compiling and furnishing data, where feasible, such as electronic transmission of information about consumers to CRAs ; Deleting, updating, and correcting information in the furnishers records, as appropriate, to avoid furnishing inaccurate information ; Conducting reasonable investigations of disputes ; Establishing and implementing appropriate internal controls regarding the accuracy and integrity of information about consumers furnished to CRAs, such as by implementing standard procedures and verifying random samples of information provided to CRAs ; and Training staff that participates in activities related to the furnishing of information about consumers to CRAs.37 Duty to Investigate Disputes Filed Directly with the Furnisher The FCRA and Regulation V generally require a furnisher to conduct a reasonable investigation of a dispute submitted directly to a furnisher by a consumer concerning the accuracy of any information contained in a consumer report and pertaining to an account or other relationship that the furnisher has or had with the consumer ( direct dispute ) .38 Covered Disputes. A furnisher is required to investigate if the dispute relates to : The consumers liability for a credit account or other debt with the furnisher ; The terms of a credit account or other debt with the furnisher ; The consumers performance or other conduct concerning an account or other relationship with the furnisher ; or Any other information contained in a consumer report for an account or other relationship with the furnisher that bears on the consumers creditworthiness, credit standing, credit capacity, character, general reputation, personal characteristics, or mode of living.39 The direct dispute rule does not apply if the dispute relates to the consumers identifying information, the identity of past or present employers, or inquiries or requests for a consumer report. It also does not apply to disputes relating to information that is derived from public records, provided to a CRA by another furnisher, or related to fraud alerts or active duty alerts.40 Finally, the rule does not apply if the furnisher has a reasonable belief that the direct dispute is submitted by a credit repair organization, is prepared on behalf of the consumer by a credit repair organization, or is submitted on a form supplied to the consumer by a credit repair organization.41 Consumers Obligation to Submit a Proper Notice of Dispute. A furnisher is required to investigate the dispute only if the consumer submitted the dispute notice to one of the following addresses : An address the furnisher provided that is listed on the consumer report ; An address the furnisher clearly and conspicuously identified for submitting direct disputes that is provided to the consumer in writing or, if the consumer agrees, electronically ; or If no address is specified, any business address of the furnisher.42 Moreover, the consumers dispute notice must include : Sufficient information to identify the account or other relationship in dispute ; The specific information being disputed ; An explanation of the basis for the dispute ; and All supporting documentation reasonably required by the furnisher to substantiate the basis of the dispute.43 Furnishers Duty to Investigate. Upon receiving a consumers proper notice of dispute, the furnisher must conduct a reasonable investigation of the dispute.44 The furnisher also must review all relevant information provided by the consumer with the dispute notice.\n\nThe furnisher has 30 days from the receipt of the dispute notice ( with the possibility for a 15-day extension under certain circumstances ) to complete the investigation and report the results to the consumer.45 If the furnisher finds that the information reported was inaccurate, the furnisher must promptly notify each CRA to which it provided the inaccurate information of the determination and provide the changes necessary to make the information accurate.46 Exception for Frivolous or Irrelevant Disputes. A furnisher is not required to investigate a direct dispute if the furnisher has reasonably determined that the dispute is frivolous or irrelevant.47 Under Regulation V, a dispute is frivolous or irrelevant if the dispute notice ( 1 ) does not contain sufficient information to investigate the dispute, ( 2 ) raises a dispute about information exempted from the rule, or ( 3 ) raises a dispute that is substantially the same as a dispute previously submitted by the consumer and resolved in accordance with the regulations. If the furnisher determines that a dispute is frivolous or irrelevant, the furnisher has five business days to notify the consumer of its determination. The notice must include the reasons for the determination and identify any information required to investigate the disputed information.\n\nDuty to Investigate Disputes Filed with CRAs The FCRA requires furnishers to investigate consumer disputes filed with the CRAs about information the furnishers provided.48 More specifically, when a furnisher receives notice from a CRA that a consumer disputes the completeness or accuracy of information the furnisher provided to the CRA , the furnisher must investigate the disputed information, review all relevant information the CRA provided, and report the results of its investigation to the CRA.49 If the furnisher determines the information it provided was incomplete or inaccurate, the furnisher must notify all nationwide CRAs to which the information was furnished of its findings.50 Finally, if the furnisher determines the disputed information is inaccurate or incomplete or can not be verified, the furnisher must promptly modify or delete the information or permanently block the reporting of that information.51 The furnisher generally has 30 days from the date the consumer filed the dispute with the CRA to complete its investigation and make appropriate notifications, but the investigation period may be extended an additional 15 days in some circumstances.52 EQUAL CREDIT OPPORTUNITY ACT/REGULATION B Regulation B, which implements the ECOA, imposes certain obligations on creditors that furnish credit information to CRAs.53 In addition, Regulation B prohibits discrimination on a prohibited basis regarding any aspect of a\ncredit transaction.54 At the federal level, the Board, FDIC, OCC, and NCUA have supervisory authority for ECOA and Regulation B for depository institutions with assets of {$10.00} XXXX or less.55 For depository institutions with assets over {$10.00} XXXX, the Bureau has this authority. Also, if any of these agencies has reason to believe that the creditor engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination, then the agency must refer the matter to the U.S. Department of Justice.56 The Board has referred one matter involving discrimination on the basis of sex and marital status in credit reporting.57 In this matter, the creditor failed to provide information to CRAs about the payment history of spouses ( almost all of whom were women ) who were contractually obligated on the note.\n\nIn addition to the federal regulators, private plaintiffs have the right to file lawsuits under the ECOA.58 Violations of Regulation B can subject creditors to civil liability for actual and punitive damages in individual and class actions.59 If a furnisher fails to comply with the regulation because of an inadvertent error, there is no violation.60 The term inadvertent error means a mechanical, electronic, or clerical error that a creditor demonstrates was not intentional and occurred notwithstanding the maintenance of procedures reasonably adapted to avoid such errors,61 but it does not include an error of legal judgment.62 Upon discovering the error, the furnisher must correct it as soon as possible.\n\nCoverage Regulation B applies to a creditor, which is broadly defined to mean a person who, in the ordinary course of business, regularly participates in a credit decision, including setting the terms of the credit.63 The Official Staff Commentary to the regulation clarifies that the furnisher requirements only apply to consumer credit.64 Moreover, they apply only to creditors that opt to furnish credit information to CRAs or to other creditors ; a creditor is not required to furnish credit information on its accounts.\n\nDuties for Accounts Held or Used by Spouses Section 1002.10 of Regulation B imposes three obligations on creditors furnishing consumer credit information to the CRAs for accounts held or used by spouses.\n\nFirst, a creditor must designate accounts to reflect both spouses participation in the accounts in the following circumstances : For new accounts, when the spouse is an authorized user or is contractually liable on the account ( except as a guarantor, surety, endorser, or similar party ) ; and For existing accounts, when one of the spouses makes a written request to reflect both spouses participation on the account. In this situation, the furnisher must change the designation on the account within 90 days after receiving the written request.65 Second, when an account is designated to reflect the participation of both spouses, the creditor must furnish the information to the CRAs in a way that enables the CRAs to provide access to the information in the name of each spouse.66 Finally, if a creditor receives an inquiry about an account that reflects both spouses participating, the creditor must furnish the information in the name of the spouse for whom the information is requested.67 For example, if the inquiry concerns an account on which a husband and wife both participate, and the inquiry specifically is about the wife, the creditor must provide the information in the wifes name.\n\nProhibition on Discrimination In addition to the specific furnisher provisions, Regulation B broadly prohibits creditors from discriminating in any aspect of the credit transaction on any prohibited basis.68 The term credit transaction includes the furnishing of credit information.69 The term prohibited basis means race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, or age ( provided that the applicant has the capacity to enter into a binding contract ) ; the applicants receipt of income, in whole or part, from any public assistance program ; or the applicants exercise in good faith of a right under the Consumer Credit Protection Act or any state law upon which an exemption has been granted by the [ Bureau ] .70 This general rule covers, for example, the administration of accounts and the treatment of delinquent or slow accounts.71 CONCLUSION Credit reports play an important role for consumers and creditors. Specific provisions of the CARES Act, the FCRA, Regulation V, the ECOA, and Regulation B are designed to ensure the fairness and accuracy of these reports. Financial institutions that furnish information to the CRAs should have adequate policies and procedures in place to ensure that they are complying with these requirements, including procedures to periodically test systems to verify compliance. Compliance with the credit reporting laws can promote fair and efficient access to credit, benefiting consumers and creditors alike. Specific questions should be addressed to your primary regulator.\n\nENDNOTES 1 Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq., implemented in part by Regulation V, 12 C.F.R. Part 1022. Most of the furnisher requirements discussed in this article under Section 623 of the FCRA ( 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ) do not have implementing regulations, so furnishers must focus on the statutory requirements.\n\n2 Equal Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. 1691 et seq., implemented by Regulation B, 12 C.F.R. Part 1002. In addition, under the ECOA, Regulation B ( 12 C.F.R. 1002.9 ), and the FCRA ( 15 U.S.C. 1681m ), consumers and businesses applying for credit must be provided notice of the reasons a creditor took adverse action on the application or on an existing credit account in certain circumstances.\n\n3 Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security ( CARES ) Act, Pub. L. No. 116-136, 134 Stat. 281 ( March 27, 2020 ).\n\n4 Section 4021 of the CARES Act amended Section 623 ( a ) ( 1 ) of the FCRA ( 15 U.S.C. 1681s2 ( a ) ( 1 ) ).\n\n5 Kenneth Benton and Casey McHugh, Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia , Furnishers Compliance Obligations for Consumer Credit Information under the FCRA and ECOA, Consumer Compliance Outlook ( Second Quarter 2012 ).\n\n6 See 15 U.S.C. 1681s ( b ), 1681s-2 ( d ).\n\n7 See 15 U.S.C. 1681s ( c ), 1681s-2 ( d ).\n\n8 See 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( c ).\n\n9 See 15 U.S.C. 1681a ( b ).\n\n10 See 15 U.S.C. 1681a ( c ).\n\n11 See 15 U.S.C. 1681a ( f ).\n\n12 See 12 C.F.R. 1022.41 ( c ). An entity is not a furnisher when it : ( 1 ) provides information to a consumer reporting agency solely to obtain a consumer report in accordance with Sections 604 ( a ) and ( f ) of the FCRA ; ( 2 ) is acting as a consumer reporting agency as defined in Section 603 ( f ) of the FCRA ; ( 3 ) is a consumer to whom the furnished information pertains; or ( 4 ) is a neighbor, friend, or associate of the consumer, or another individual with whom the consumer is acquainted or who may have knowledge about the consumer, and who provides information about the consumers character, general reputation, personal characteristics, or mode of living in response to a specific request from a consumer reporting agency.\n\n13 See 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( F ), as added by Section 4021 of the CARES Act.\n\n14 See 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( F ) ( i ) ( I ).\n\n15 See 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( F ) ( i ) ( II ). Under the National Emergencies Act, an emergency declaration will automatically terminate on the one-year anniversary of the declaration if the President does not extend it during the 90-day period before the anniversary. 50 U.S.C. 1622 ( d ). An emergency declaration can also be terminated by a joint resolution of Congress enacted into law or by a Presidential proclamation. 50 U.S.C. 1622 ( a ).\n\n16 See 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( F ) ( iii ).\n\n17 See 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( F ) ( ii ).\n\n18 See 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( B ). FCRA does not require a person to specify an address for receipt of notices from consumers concerning inaccurate information. 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( C ).\n\n19 See 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ).\n\n20 See 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( D ).\n\n21 See 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 2 ) ( B ).\n\n22 See 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 3 ).\n\n23 See 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 4 ).\n\n24 See 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 5 ).\n\n25 See 15 U.S.C. 1681c ( a ).\n\n26 See 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 6 ).\n\n27 See 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 7 ).\n\n28 See 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 7 ) ( G ) ( i ).\n\n29 See 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 7 ) ( A ) - ( B ).\n\n30 See 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 7 ) ( B ) ( ii ) and ( C ) ( i ).\n\n31 See 12 C.F.R. Part 1022, Appendix B Model Notices of Furnishing Negative Information.\n\n32 See 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 7 ) ( D ).\n\n33 See 12 C.F.R. 1022.42. The FCRA requires the Bureau to establish and maintain guidelines for furnishers regarding the accuracy","date_sent_to_company":"2025-08-08T16:02:56.000Z","issue":"Incorrect information on your report","sub_product":"Credit reporting","zip_code":"30058","tags":null,"has_narrative":true,"complaint_id":"14284554","timely":"Yes","company_response":"Closed with non-monetary relief","submitted_via":"Web","company":"TRANSUNION INTERMEDIATE HOLDINGS, INC.","date_received":"2025-06-25T21:49:56.000Z","state":"GA","company_public_response":null,"sub_issue":"Information belongs to someone else"},"highlight":{"complaint_what_happened":["When an <em>account</em> is <em>placed</em> for collection, is charged to profit or loss, or a similar action is taken, and that delinquency is furnished to a CRA, the furnisher must notify the CRA of the date of delinquency on the <em>account</em> no later than 90 days after furnishing the information.24 This date is the month and year the <em>account</em> first becomes delinquent, not when the creditor places the <em>account</em> for collections, charges the <em>account</em> to profit or loss, or takes a similar action.25 Duty to Prevent Repollution"]},"sort":[3.0638952,"14284554"]}]},"aggregations":{"has_narrative":{"meta":{},"doc_count":10,"has_narrative":{"doc_count_error_upper_bound":0,"sum_other_doc_count":0,"buckets":[{"key":1,"key_as_string":"true","doc_count":10}]}},"product":{"doc_count":10,"product":{"doc_count_error_upper_bound":0,"sum_other_doc_count":0,"buckets":[{"key":"Checking or savings account","doc_count":4,"sub_product.raw":{"doc_count_error_upper_bound":0,"sum_other_doc_count":0,"buckets":[{"key":"Checking account","doc_count":2},{"key":"Other banking product or service","doc_count":1},{"key":"Savings account","doc_count":1}]}},{"key":"Credit card or prepaid card","doc_count":2,"sub_product.raw":{"doc_count_error_upper_bound":0,"sum_other_doc_count":0,"buckets":[{"key":"General-purpose credit card or charge 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