Debt collection -- Attempts to collect debt not owed -- Complaint #17991920
Synchrony Financial Accused of Collecting Unowed Debt
Complaint Overview
Complaint ID: 17991920
Company: Synchrony Financial
Product: Debt collection
Sub-Product: I do not know
Issue: Attempts to collect debt not owed
Sub-Issue: Debt is not yours
State: California
ZIP Code: 94303
Date Received: 2025-10-31T12:00:00-05:00
Date Sent to Company: 2025-12-12T12:00:00-05:00
Company Response: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Submitted Via: Web
Risk Assessment
Risk Level: high
The risk is high because debt collection practices, especially concerning debts not owed, are heavily regulated and can lead to significant penalties and reputational damage if mishandled.
Consumer Sentiment: negative
Topics: Debt Collection, Unowed Debt, Consumer Protection
AI Analysis
CFPB complaint 17991920 was filed against SYNCHRONY FINANCIAL regarding Debt collection (I do not know), specifically about "Attempts to collect debt not owed". A consumer filed a complaint against Synchrony Financial alleging attempts to collect a debt that the consumer claims is not theirs. The complaint was received on October 31, 2025 from California. The company responded with "Closed with explanation".
What You Should Do -- Consumer Action Plan
Consumers should keep detailed records of all communications with debt collectors and dispute any debt they believe is not theirs in writing.
Legal Context & Consumer Protection Laws
This falls under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which prohibits abusive, deceptive, and unfair debt collection practices.
Regulatory Insight
Regulators are particularly focused on ensuring debt collectors have valid proof of debt before attempting collection and that they cease collection efforts when a debt is disputed.
Resolution Likelihood
likely
State-Specific Consumer Protections
California has strong consumer protection laws that may provide additional recourse for consumers facing improper debt collection practices.
Industry Comparison
This is a common issue across the financial services industry, with many debt collectors facing scrutiny for their collection methods.
Related Issues
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CFPB complaint 17991920 about?
CFPB complaint 17991920 involves Debt collection (I do not know). The consumer reported an issue with "Attempts to collect debt not owed", specifically "Debt is not yours". This complaint was filed against SYNCHRONY FINANCIAL on October 31, 2025.
Which company is complaint 17991920 filed against?
Complaint 17991920 was filed against SYNCHRONY FINANCIAL. You can view all complaints against this company on their profile page at /company/synchrony-financial.
What was the company's response to complaint 17991920?
SYNCHRONY FINANCIAL responded with "Closed with explanation". The response was marked as timely by the CFPB.
When was complaint 17991920 filed?
Complaint 17991920 was received by the CFPB on October 31, 2025. It was sent to SYNCHRONY FINANCIAL on December 12, 2025.
What state was complaint 17991920 filed from?
Complaint 17991920 was filed from California. You can view all complaints from this state at /state/CA.
Was the consumer satisfied with the resolution of complaint 17991920?
Dispute information is not available for complaint 17991920.
What product category is complaint 17991920 about?
Complaint 17991920 is categorized under "Debt collection", specifically "I do not know". This is one of the product categories tracked by the CFPB.
How was complaint 17991920 submitted?
Complaint 17991920 was submitted via Web. The CFPB accepts complaints through web, phone, mail, email, fax, and referral channels.
What are the consumer's legal options for complaint 17991920?
This falls under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which prohibits abusive, deceptive, and unfair debt collection practices. This relates to a Debt collection complaint against SYNCHRONY FINANCIAL involving "Attempts to collect debt not owed".
How likely is complaint 17991920 to be resolved?
Resolution likelihood: likely. The company's current response is "Closed with explanation". The company did respond in a timely manner, which is a positive indicator.
What does the risk level mean for complaint 17991920?
This complaint is rated as high risk. The risk is high because debt collection practices, especially concerning debts not owed, are heavily regulated and can lead to significant penalties and reputational damage if mishandled.
What regulatory actions apply to complaint 17991920?
Regulators are particularly focused on ensuring debt collectors have valid proof of debt before attempting collection and that they cease collection efforts when a debt is disputed. The CFPB tracks complaints like this one to identify patterns of misconduct across the Debt collection industry.
What should the consumer do about complaint 17991920?
Consumers should keep detailed records of all communications with debt collectors and dispute any debt they believe is not theirs in writing.
Are there state-specific protections for complaint 17991920?
California has strong consumer protection laws that may provide additional recourse for consumers facing improper debt collection practices. This complaint was filed from California.
How does complaint 17991920 compare to industry norms?
This is a common issue across the financial services industry, with many debt collectors facing scrutiny for their collection methods.
What steps should a consumer take if they receive a debt collection notice for a debt they do not owe?
The consumer should immediately send a written dispute letter to the debt collector within 30 days of the initial notice to request debt validation. They should also keep copies of all correspondence.
What are the potential consequences for a debt collector attempting to collect a debt that is not owed?
Consequences can include FDCPA violations, leading to lawsuits, fines, and damage to the collector's reputation. State laws may also impose penalties.
Disclaimer
This analysis is AI-generated and does not constitute legal advice.