Debt collection -- Attempts to collect debt not owed -- Complaint #9987788
American Express Accused of Collecting Identity Theft Debt
Complaint Overview
Complaint ID: 9987788
Company: American Express Company
Product: Debt collection
Sub-Product: Credit card debt
Issue: Attempts to collect debt not owed
Sub-Issue: Debt was result of identity theft
State: Ohio
ZIP Code: 443XX
Date Received: 2024-08-31T12:00:00-05:00
Date Sent to Company: 2024-08-31T12:00:00-05:00
Company Response: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Submitted Via: Web
Risk Assessment
Risk Level: high
The company is accused of pursuing debt that was not legitimately owed by the consumer due to identity theft, which can lead to significant financial and emotional distress.
Consumer Sentiment: negative
Topics: Debt collection, Identity theft, Credit card debt
AI Analysis
CFPB complaint 9987788 was filed against AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY regarding Debt collection (Credit card debt), specifically about "Attempts to collect debt not owed". A consumer filed a complaint against American Express regarding attempts to collect debt that was the result of identity theft. The complaint was received on August 31, 2024 from Ohio. The company responded with "Closed with explanation".
What You Should Do -- Consumer Action Plan
If you are targeted for debt you do not owe due to identity theft, immediately dispute the debt in writing with the collector and provide evidence of the identity theft.
Legal Context & Consumer Protection Laws
Debt collectors are prohibited from attempting to collect debts that are not owed, and this is particularly egregious when the debt stems from identity theft.
Regulatory Insight
Collectors must have a reasonable basis to believe the debt is valid and belongs to the consumer before attempting collection, especially when identity theft is suspected.
Resolution Likelihood
likely
State-Specific Consumer Protections
The complaint originated in Ohio, indicating a potential pattern of similar issues within the state or that Ohio consumers are actively reporting such problems.
Industry Comparison
This complaint highlights a common issue where consumers are pursued for debts they did not incur, often due to identity theft, affecting various financial institutions.
Related Issues
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CFPB complaint 9987788 about?
CFPB complaint 9987788 involves Debt collection (Credit card debt). The consumer reported an issue with "Attempts to collect debt not owed", specifically "Debt was result of identity theft". This complaint was filed against AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY on August 31, 2024.
Which company is complaint 9987788 filed against?
Complaint 9987788 was filed against AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY. You can view all complaints against this company on their profile page at /company/american-express-company.
What was the company's response to complaint 9987788?
AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY responded with "Closed with explanation". The response was marked as timely by the CFPB.
When was complaint 9987788 filed?
Complaint 9987788 was received by the CFPB on August 31, 2024. It was sent to AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY on August 31, 2024.
What state was complaint 9987788 filed from?
Complaint 9987788 was filed from Ohio. You can view all complaints from this state at /state/OH.
Was the consumer satisfied with the resolution of complaint 9987788?
Dispute information is not available for complaint 9987788.
What product category is complaint 9987788 about?
Complaint 9987788 is categorized under "Debt collection", specifically "Credit card debt". This is one of the product categories tracked by the CFPB.
How was complaint 9987788 submitted?
Complaint 9987788 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 9987788?
Debt collectors are prohibited from attempting to collect debts that are not owed, and this is particularly egregious when the debt stems from identity theft. This relates to a Debt collection complaint against AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY involving "Attempts to collect debt not owed".
How likely is complaint 9987788 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 9987788?
This complaint is rated as high risk. The company is accused of pursuing debt that was not legitimately owed by the consumer due to identity theft, which can lead to significant financial and emotional distress.
What regulatory actions apply to complaint 9987788?
Collectors must have a reasonable basis to believe the debt is valid and belongs to the consumer before attempting collection, especially when identity theft is suspected. The CFPB tracks complaints like this one to identify patterns of misconduct across the Debt collection industry.
What should the consumer do about complaint 9987788?
If you are targeted for debt you do not owe due to identity theft, immediately dispute the debt in writing with the collector and provide evidence of the identity theft.
Are there state-specific protections for complaint 9987788?
The complaint originated in Ohio, indicating a potential pattern of similar issues within the state or that Ohio consumers are actively reporting such problems. This complaint was filed from Ohio.
How does complaint 9987788 compare to industry norms?
This complaint highlights a common issue where consumers are pursued for debts they did not incur, often due to identity theft, affecting various financial institutions.
What steps should a consumer take if they believe a debt collector is pursuing debt from identity theft?
Consumers should immediately send a written dispute to the debt collector, clearly stating the debt is fraudulent due to identity theft and providing supporting documentation. It's also advisable to file a police report and notify credit bureaus.
What are the potential legal ramifications for a debt collector pursuing identity theft-related debt?
Debt collectors can face significant penalties under laws like the FDCPA for attempting to collect debts not owed, especially if they fail to properly investigate claims of identity theft.
Disclaimer
This analysis is AI-generated and does not constitute legal advice.