Date Received: 2023-08-12
Issue: Problem with a purchase shown on your statement
Subissue: Card was charged for something you did not purchase with the card
Consumer Complaint: I applied for my credit card and it never arrive. I have never done or attempted to do business with these two merchants " XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX NY {$55.00} XX/XX/XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX NY {$150.00} I contacted American Express to dispute my card, they closed my case for no reason. These are fraud charges. They should suspend those two charges.
Company Response:
State: NY
Zip: 11214
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-08-12
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with monetary relief
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-08-12
Issue: Problem with a purchase shown on your statement
Subissue: Card was charged for something you did not purchase with the card
Consumer Complaint: So the issue is that I had a major injury during my vacation. I had to go to the hospital in XXXX. They told me that everything would be {$5000.00}. So I agreed and they did XXXX and recovery. Then I got these additional charges, and they are justifying it because they had my credit card to use it. I don't have it in writing as I was rushed into the XXXX. But the idea as you can see from all the disputes that they charged me 3 times. I have disputed all 3 charges and let them know that one of them should be for XXXX XXXX only. Yet they are not listening and are allowing the disputes to cancel and this hospital in XXXX XXXX to just charge me XXXX I want them to cancel the 2 un-acceptable charges against the card. And lower the main charge to the XXXX XXXX that was promised to me before I was rushed into XXXX. To add onto all of this I had to get a second XXXX here in the USA to fix and remove all the damage they did during the original XXXX. So I paid for a XXXX that literally did nothing.
Company Response:
State: CA
Zip: 941XX
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-08-12
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-08-12
Issue: Attempts to collect debt not owed
Subissue: Debt was result of identity theft
Consumer Complaint: Greetings, This is a complaint against the American Express fraud department. Ive been trying to assist the fraud department in resolving a theft against American Express that I happen to be entangled in simply because the thief in question fraudulently used my identity to open an American Express account. It is through the negligent business practices of American Express that this theft happened - not mine. I have never had an American Express account never have and never will! Despite that, your fraud department has threatened me with a letter stating that I am liable for the theft of $ XXXX dollars from your company. A theft that was committed by another person. That is ludicrous! American Express has this situation so twisted. I did not steal from you! Someone else did! Simply because someone fraudulently used my identity to commit theft does not make me liable! I am sick and tired of your company threatening me and harassing me! This complaint is rather long but please read it because I do not know how to get your company to stop threatening and harassing me, potentially destroying/disrupting my credit, and potentially damaging my work clearance. My name is XXXX and I recently discovered that I was the victim of Identity Theft. I found out that I was a victim of Identity Theft on XXXX XX/XX/XXXX. It was on this day that I was at my bank ( XXX - Ive banked there for 30+ years ) discussing our ( My wife and I ) application for a construction home loan with our banks loan officer, XXXX XXXX. During our discussion, XXXX XXXX asked me about an American Express Account that was on my credit report which was indicating overdue by 90 days with an $ XXXX outstanding balance. I told XXXX XXXX that I did not have an American Express Account. He printed off the American Express portion of the credit report and gave it to me. After we finished our discussion, I went out to my car and contacted American Express that same day XXXX XX/XX/XXXX and made the fraud report ( I want to mention that the account number that was on the credit report differed from what your company had on file ). It was at this time, I The Real XXXX, gave your company my address and phone number. Unfortunately for me the victim, I also think it was at this time that your expert fraud investigators decided that they were just going to stick it to me, even though they had plenty of avenues ( with a little bit of work ) they could have used to identify the person that had stolen from your company and fraudulently used my identity. In subsequent conversations with your company about this matter, I learned from your representatives that there were two ( 2 ) fraudulent on-line attempts ( one that was successful ) to open an American Express Account in my name. One was in XX/XX/XXXX and the other in XX/XX/XXXX. This information coincides with the information contained in my credit report. I was advised by American Express that one of those on-line attempts was denied/closed because they were unable to reach the person when they attempted to contact them back. In my opinion, these back-to-back on-line attempts to open accounts using my name and social security number should have been a huge red flag for fraud. I also learned from your representatives that the person that opened this account in my name supplied your company with an address and phone number - both of which are not mine and have never been an address or phone number associated with me. During the time I was attempting to resolve this matter with American Express on my own, I became overwhelmed and decided to join an Identity Restoration Service ( Identity Force ) to assist me in this matter. On advice from Identity Force, I filed a police report about the matter, I completed an FTC report online, I completed an affidavit with Identity Force outlining the circumstance of the Identity Theft. I made copies of my drivers license, passport, and our current rental agreement ( which indicated where I was living at the time this credit card account was open ). I then supplied all the above information to American Express. Confident this matter would be resolved, I finally felt like I could enjoy life again as this situation has been very unnerving and stressful for me. Unfortunately, again, for me the victim, I received a letter from your expert fraud department, dated XXXX XX/XX/XXXX, saying that they were not accepting my claim since I made payment arrangements, and for that reason, I accepted liability for this account ( Dispute Reference Number : XXXX which, by the way, none of your customer service representatives was ever able to use to reference my case ). Upon receiving this letter, I contacted American Express and was advised by your representatives that yes indeed, that was the position of your companys so-called fraud department and that the account would soon be placed in collections. I asked your representative if I could have any documents that authorized the opening of this account and any documents that said I agreed to make payments. Your representative said that she could send me the documents but that she needed to verify my address. When I gave her The Real XXXXs address your representative stated that since that was not the address on file for the account, she could not give those documents to me. Your company representative did advise me that arranged payments were being made, or had been made, from an account with XXXX Bank XXXX XXXX ( phone number XXXX ) and perhaps I should contact them. I honestly felt that I was being " punked ''. I felt that to correct this crime against me the victim that I was going to have to do a XXXX XXXX and track down XXXX XXXX myself like in the movie Identity Theft. By the way, I contacted the above-named bank. There is no account with that bank in my name or my social security number. So more than likely the thief that stole from your company used their own account because the last time I checked to open a bank account a person is required to supply a picture ID. Feel free to pass that information on to your expert fraud team. Or better yet, do not open a credit card account without first requiring applicants to come to an office and produce a picture ID. This practice would surely, at least, slow down identity theft and keep people from stealing from you. But I get it Identity Theft is so rampant now that your company must be cautious in accepting my words and documents. If only American Express had been so cautious when you first opened this fraudulent on-line account - I could be enjoying life instead of trying to straighten this mess out and your company wouldnt be trying to steal money from me, in the way of collections attempts, to recoup your negligent losses. So now I am at an impasse I am begging your company asking you not to re-victimize me. Have your expert fraud department do just a little bit of work. I will be XXXX XXXX XXXX in XXXX. I am a XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Ive been banking at the same bank for XXXX years. Ive worked all my life. I have never been late paying a bill. Even though Ive sent your company plenty of documents that should prove I did not do this, I am willing to send you anything you need just tell me what you need to clear this matter up. I will give you a copy of my credit report, which will show that Ive paid off a house, have made on-time payments to all my creditors. Currently, my wife and I only have one credit card and it has no balance on it. I am retired from the military collecting retired pay and have a fulltime job. My wife works full-time as well. Our XXXX child is grown, is a fireman, and we have XXXX grandchildren. Why in the world would I open a credit card and make no payments on it. Please tell me what documentation I need to provide your company. Better yet, since I do not live to far from XXXX Florida, I am willing to make an appointment and come in person to XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX, FL XXXX ( An American Express Location ). I will bring any documentation your company requests to prove I, The Real X did not open this account. That way your company does not have to attempt to steal from me in the way of starting collections and your expert fraud team can actually conduct a real investigation and you can go after the person who committed theft from your company. I get that someone stole my identity, and I am damaged by them and right now I do not know who they are. But I do know the company American Express, and I think I can demonstrate that I have been damaged by your company too. I think your company demonstrated gross negligence in allowing this account to be open to begin with given the fact that two attempts to open an account in my name were made so close together and your company chose not to open one of them because they were unable to verify its validity. I think I will also be able to claim punitive damages in the way of pain and suffering. Ive been under extreme stress because of your company. Even after I reached out to your company and provided documentation which clearly showed I was the victim of Identity Theft, your company chose to send me a letter that stated I was liable for the monies that was stolen from your company by another person and had XXXX of your representatives act as your strong man and advise me that you were in the process of starting collections from me a crime victim. I am under stress because of your company and now I am under fear from your company. Even after all the attempts I made with your company to clear this matter up, your company is openly telling me they are now going to start to attempt to steal from The Real XXXX - Victim in the form of collection attempts. That is threatening to me and makes no logical sense. Therefore, I have no idea what your company might attempt to do next against me and it scares me. If your company does start the collection process against me, I think I can easily demonstrate harassment. Lastly, my job requires a background clearance and if your expert fraud team only shuffled papers in their attempt to identify the real criminal that committed theft against your company and in the process my clearance is disrupted in any manner, after all of my attempts to clear this matter up, you can rest assured I will demonstrate damages on that matter as well. Awaiting you reply Sincerely, XXXX
Company Response:
State: GA
Zip: 316XX
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-08-12
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-08-12
Issue: Closing your account
Subissue: Can't close your account
Consumer Complaint: I am writing to file a complaint against American Express for unfair and deceptive practices related to account cancellation and points forfeiture. I have been trying to cancel my American Express card ( Account Ending XXXX ) since XX/XX/XXXX XXXX Despite multiple requests, American Express has been unable to provide me access to my card, claiming they need to ship it to me first before I can cancel. It has now been over a month and I still can not access my card to complete closure as they are advising. I have made numerous calls and complaints, but the issue persists. Additionally, their policy states that if I cancel my card, I will immediately forfeit all my accumulated rewards points, which have a cash value equivalent of approximately {$3600.00}. This seems like an unfair policy meant to punish customers who want to cancel their card. By making it exceedingly difficult to access my card and close my account, combined with threats of rewards forfeiture, American Express is deliberately trapping me in their service. This is deceptive conduct that takes advantage of consumers. I request that the CFPB compel American Express to close my account immediately without need for the physical card, and allow me to redeem my accumulated rewards points prior to closure as is reasonably expected. American Express should not be allowed to hold customers captive via unfair policies and practices. Please investigate my complaint against American Express and work to stop these deceptive business practices. I have included copies of my account statements and correspondence with American Express representatives documenting the cancellation issues and points policy. Thank you for your help resolving this complaint. Please let me know if you need any additional information. I look forward to your response.
Company Response:
State: NY
Zip: 10011
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-08-12
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-08-12
Issue: Fees or interest
Subissue: Charged too much interest
Consumer Complaint: Dear CFPB Team I have been a long time Amex card member ; 15 plus years. I use several of their credit card products ( 4 ) and pay over USD XXXX per year on fees on these cards. On my Amex Hilton Honors Card ( Card number ending in XXXX ), I was charged an interest charge of {$230.00} on XX/XX/XXXX. I called the rep and wanted to understand how the charge was calculated. The rep mentioned the payment due date on the balance was XX/XX/XXXX, and I had paid a few hours delay on XX/XX/XXXX. I explained I have never defaulted on any Amex payments over the last 15-plus years and, for a few hours of delay, should not be charged such high interest. I asked on what balance the interest was charged, and the rep, XXXX said he could not tell me on what balance the interest was applied as the system does not maintain that record. He said my last balance was about {$2900.00}, and my interest rate was 24.99 % per annum. I explained charging {$230.00} on a {$2900.00} balance for a few hours delay at 24.99 % is difficult to calculate even from a maths point of view. I asked him to explain, and he said he did not know how to explain as the system has no record of the balance on which the interest was applied. The call recordings should have the details of the conversation with the rep. The rep refuse to provide me a copy or transcript of the call recording and mentioned the recording could not be provided. I spend ~57 minutes across 3 reps. I would request the CFPB to look the unfair practice 1 ) f charging such interest not only for me but for all such Amex consumers, 2 ) provide a clear explanation to customers on the calculations, 3 ) Train their customer service to handle and respond and 4 ) look at possible class action benefits. Thanks
Company Response:
State: NJ
Zip: 070XX
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-08-12
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-08-12
Issue: Trouble using your card
Subissue: Credit card company won't increase or decrease your credit limit
Consumer Complaint: American Express has violated my rights as a consumer. They have broken the law and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act ( ECOA ). I have been discriminated against more times than once. This is my final attempt to rectify the situation before heading to a federal courthouse. I have provided proof of the violation in the letter response that they provided me.
Company Response:
State: IL
Zip: 60620
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-08-12
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-08-12
Issue: Incorrect information on your report
Subissue: Information belongs to someone else
Consumer Complaint: XXXX-Disputed for balance of XXXX but didn't remove XXXX XXXX Disputed for balance of XXXX but didnt remove XXXX XXXX-disputed balance for XXXX but didnt remove
Company Response:
State: FL
Zip: 33411
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-08-12
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-08-13
Issue: Took or threatened to take negative or legal action
Subissue: Threatened or suggested your credit would be damaged
Consumer Complaint: My name is XXXX XXXX XXXX, a federally protected consumer, and I am making this complaint against AMERICAN EXPRESS XXXX AMEX for their abusive, deceptive, and unfair collection practices in the collection of extensions of credit. In a conspiracy with the consumer reporting agencies to cause a restraint of trade and commerce, this debt collector has engaged in racketeering activity. I have never given this company any consent to be in possession of my nonpublic personal information. I disaffirm any alleged agreement or contract between I, the consumer, and the original creditor, whether implied or explicit. This account is a billing error. Please provide me with documentary evidence of the obligors indebtedness. As a federally protected consumer, I am making this complaint against AMERICAN EXPRESS / AMEX, for committing identity theft. I have never given AMERICAN EXPRESS / AMEX, any permission to use any of my identifying information to commit mail fraud by contacting me about an alleged debt they claim I owe. I am aware that in accordance with Article 9, the assignment of a defaulted note is illegal. Both the assignee and the assigned are both liable for violations under 15 U.S. Code 1692e ( 12 ). I have not validated any alleged debt with AMERICAN EXPRESS / AMEX and my failure to dispute the validity of the alleged debts shall not be construed as an admission of liability pursuant 15 USC 1692g ( c ). As of XX/XX/, I have not received any documentary evidence, such as a trilateral contract, giving AMERICAN EXPRESS XXXX AMEX any right to collect on this alleged debt. I have never received any documentation requesting validation from AMERICAN EXPRESS XXXX AMEX, before they committed multiple violations under FCRA and the FDCPA by furnishing this alleged debt to my consumer report, including but not limited to 15 USC 1692d ( 4 ) which the FTC defines as debt parking. If AMERICAN EXPRESS / AMEX, can not provide me proof such as a tracking number that they attempted to lawfully validate this alleged debt with me, the consumer, prior to furnishing it on my consumer report, this has been a fraudulently furnished account with forethought and malice as an attempt to bring harm to me and my financial reputation. This company is in violation of the false claims act and is jeopardizing my consumer credit reputation with other financial institutions by fraudulently furnishing this alleged debt to coerce payment. Any payments made or future payments are a result of threat, duress, and coercion, due to undue influence. I am legally refusing to pay this debt pursuant to 15 U.S. Code 1692c ( c ). I am demanding a cease and desist of all illegal activity, any communication and collection activity, of this and any alleged debts until AMERICAN EXPRESS XXXX AMEX, can provide me with sufficient documentary evidence that I have any legal obligation to pay them. If this documentary evidence can not be produced and AMERICAN EXPRESS XXXX AMEX, continues its collection efforts, I will file for litigation for actual damages caused and AMERICAN EXPRESS XXXX AMEX, shall be liable for violations of TILA, FCRA, GLBA, CFPA, the Sherman Antitrust Act, Robinson-Patman Act, Clayton Act , FTC ACT, and RICO Act. AMERICAN EXPRESS / AMEX shall be held accountable for actual damages caused, and shall be held criminally liable for aggravated identity theft pursuant to 18 USC 1028A, extortion, theft by deception, securities fraud, and mail fraud. Upon the receipt of the documents herein and of this notice, you are hereby notified Pursuant UCC 1-202f. Your prompt attention and response are both requested and required.
Company Response:
State: WA
Zip: 98391
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-08-13
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-08-12
Issue: Problem with a purchase shown on your statement
Subissue: Credit card company isn't resolving a dispute about a purchase on your statement
Consumer Complaint: I stayed at XXXX XXXX XXXX as part of a large work group XXXX. I had my own room and provided my Amex for room incidentals. When I checked out I noticed there were {$110.00} worth of charges on my bill that were not mine. The front desk said they were from a food truck. I explained I never went to a food truck. They removed the charges, printed me a new folio, and I checked out. The correct folio amount posted to my AMEX the same day. On XXXX I checked my AMEX and what do you know, XXXX had processed the correct folio AND added the incorrect charges 3 days later in a separate charge and they were pending on my card. I promptly called XXXX and accrued {$59.00} dollars in long distance explaining to the XXXX that the charges were incorrect. She told me the charges were alcoholic beverages from the pool ( note : not food truck ). I explained I do not drink alcohol ( technically irrelevant ) and did not order any drinks at the pool. She then asked if I drank water which I said I did and she stated well theres XXXX water on this tab too implying I mustve been a part of the tab because I drank water ( like XXXX other people did that XXXX degree day at the pool in XXXX? ) I got no where and was placed on hold and she never returned. At this point fed up, I disputed the charge electronically with Amex and provided my folio and an explanation of the situation. On XXXX I received notice from Amex that the dispute was closed and I was charged {$110.00} because XXXX provided a receipt from XXXX XXXX with XXXX alcoholic drinks for {$110.00}. Again NOT MINE ( and not the pool or food truck as erroneously stated by the hotel ). Again I did not buy these drinks or patron XXXX XXXX. I reach out to Amex electronically who said this was not filed correctly and was not a dispute but instead fraud. I explained this was a basic run-of-the-mill disputed charge if ever there was one ( aka charged for product I did not receive ). Amex was not hearing it, transferred me to the fraud department who then canceled my card and started a fraud case! Yesterday frustrated by receiving a new card I called Amex fraud department who told me this never should have been fraud and should have been a DISPUTE, closed the fraud case, transferred me to dispute, where yet ANOTHER dispute was created! I am going round and round. Please help CFPB!
Company Response:
State: FL
Zip: 336XX
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-08-12
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with monetary relief
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-08-12
Issue: Problem with a purchase shown on your statement
Subissue: Credit card company isn't resolving a dispute about a purchase on your statement
Consumer Complaint: American Express ' response to previous complaints is unsatifisfactory.
Company Response:
State: HI
Zip: XXXXX
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-08-12
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A