Date Received: 2023-08-30
Issue: Problem with a company's investigation into an existing problem
Subissue: Difficulty submitting a dispute or getting information about a dispute over the phone
Consumer Complaint: Im writing today to dispute an account that appears on my credit report from Synchrony Bank/PayPal Credit XXXX I believe that this account was opened fraudulently through my compromised PayPal account. I did not open this line of credit with PayPal and can not seem to gather information from them that proves that I did. Additionally, my access to the details surrounding this line of credit has been suspended and I can not see any of the official documentation associated with it. The identifying information that I can gather from this line of credit is the bank account that was used to make the payments, the type of purchases made with the PayPal credit line, and a potential address of the culprit. With this line of credit, the thief spent the entirety of the {$1700.00} credit limit on XXXX XXXX and XXXX orders. There were a few other items purchased with the PayPal credit account ( like an XXXX game for ~ {$70.00} ), but mostly centered around purchases from food delivery apps. The purchases made with my PayPal account occurred over the course of almost a year ( XXXX to XX/XX/XXXX ) and at a frequency of 2-8 times per week. ( See the PDF labeled PurchasingPattern for examples ). I believe that someone gained access to my PayPal through my XXXX account prior to the implementation of two-factor authentication and signed up for a credit account without my consent. They then used this account to fund food delivery purchases over the course of almost a year without any intention of paying it back. The minimum payments that were made to keep the account afloat during this time period came from a XXXX account that is no longer open. Im unable to see the exact account information but it doesnt appear to belong to me. The only identifying piece of information that Ive been able to glean from the transaction history is an address associated with some of the XXXX orders. The address is XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX in XXXX, Ohio. Proof of this can be seen in the PurchasingPattern document that I provided. I have never been associated with this address and I do not know anyone who is. I called the property manager, XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, and attempted to get more information, but was denied access to the tenant records without a police warrant. Theft aside, the credit line was closed in late XXXX. Synchrony began flooding my inbox with payment reminders, which I initially assumed were some sort of error/glitch on their end, but soon found out that there was a legitimate balance in my name. I tried to dispute account ownership with Synchrony over the phone on two separate occasions in XXXX ( XX/XX/XXXX and XX/XX/XXXX ) but received ZERO assistance. Given that this account was now appearing on my credit report, I was forced to pay off the entirety of the account to ensure I could continue receiving lending for my schooling. In XXXX and XXXX of XXXX, I was forced to hand over almost over {$2300.00} to Synchrony bank for an account that I never even opened ( See the PDF labeled PayoffProof for exact amounts ). While the account has been paid off in full for over a year now, the stain that this incident left on my credit report has made it virtually impossible to get approved by even the most predatory of lenders.
Company Response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
State: OH
Zip: 442XX
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-08-30
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-08-30
Issue: Problem with a purchase shown on your statement
Subissue: Overcharged for something you did purchase with the card
Consumer Complaint: When using the Special Financing purchase option through PayPal, I purchased an item and interest began to accrue, however, if it was paid off in time then the charge is supposed to be labeled as " paid off ''. On multiple items that I purchased using the Special Financing purchase option, I later returned those items. Instead of Paypal erasing the special financing charges, they simply credited my account balance and left the charges on the special financing purchases list to continue accruing interest! So there are multiple charges on there for items that have been returned that aren't being erased and that are continuing to accrue interest which goes straight in to the pockets of Paypal. I spoke with a representative and they told me this was an error and doesn't happen often. However, it's definitely not an isolated incident and the only reason I caught was because I physically went through my statements. So there are probably thousands of people who are being charged interest for things they thought were returned and paid off!
Company Response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
State: OR
Zip: 973XX
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-08-30
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-08-30
Issue: False statements or representation
Subissue: Attempted to collect wrong amount
Consumer Complaint: I have received an updated letter from XXXX XXXX XXXX in regard to the Synchrony Bank/Paypal account , with an updated balance. Previously I have been disputing the amount of the interest that was reflected on the collection notices without explanation or any statements provided. This interest had been added after the account was charged off, the dispute lasted over 6 months and I have not involved CFPB. During the dispute, Synchrony Bank/Paypal and XXXX cashed half of the checks that I kept sending every month and the other half was not cashed. However, XXXX and Synchrony Bank/Paypal in the updated letter increased the balance owed. After almost a year of complaints and disputes, the interest of {$400.00} that was charged illegally has finally been removed from the balance owed. Now they are showing that the amount paid off to this date is slightly over {$500.00}, how is it possible if their own statement from XX/XX/22 a year back showed a balance paid to date of {$780.00}? Yes, back then it was also showing an interest of {$400.00} as a part of the amount owed and that was reflected in the higher amount owed. Now, after the interest was removed and I made payments along the time they reviewed the dispute, the balance owed decreased drastically. But, no!!! I have copies of the cashed checks by Paypal/Synchrony Bank for XX/XX/22, XX/XX/22,XX/XX/22,XX/XX/22,XX/XX/22 all in the amount of {$50.00} which totals {$250.00}, I also mailed 4 other checks but during the previous dispute they were never cashed and I had to stop payment on them. Using the following numbers of the previous statements provided, if the balance owed is {$2500.00} and interest of {$400.00} is taken away, it would make the amount owed {$2100.00} then minus the cashed checks listed above in the amount of {$250.00}, it should bring the amount presently owed to {$1800.00}. It seems they are trying to remove the disputed interest, which they can't explain, from the statement visually but quietly adding it to the amount owed on purpose to collect more. Isn't it a violation of the FDCPA? Please I have reached out multiple times offering to settle this debt, but neither XXXX nor Synchrony Bank/Paypal are cooperative, and there is always that is done to increase the amount owed, missing payments, an interest without proper explanation or statements provided showing how it was calculated, inaccuracies that when I am trying to bring them to their attention or asking to review takes months or responded in formal, ordinary letters saying that no error was found which is exhausting and simply disrespectful, unfair and harassing.
Company Response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
State: NY
Zip: 11224
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-08-30
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-08-30
Issue: Advertising and marketing, including promotional offers
Subissue: Confusing or misleading advertising about the credit card
Consumer Complaint: I opened a CareCredit account with Synchrony Bank through my XXXX XXXX I was told no interest for 2 years. I have been making payments. I got my balance down to {$1900.00} and then on XX/XX/XXXX they charged {$2400.00} in interest. They are telling me the balance had to be paid off in XXXX to avoid accumulated interested. However, they don't set up the monthly payments to meet that goal so you think everything is ok but it is not. My balance is now {$4300.00} and I believe I only charged XXXX at the beginning. So now I owe more now then I ever did. I can't check because I can't access all my statements or review the transactions going back for more then 12 months. The program is very misleading. They should have made it very clear in XXXX and XXXX that I need to pay off the balance or an balloon interest charge of XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX- was going to added to my account and they did not do that. They do not clearly tell the consumer that there will be a balloon interest payment. They do not give you any notice that the deadline is approaching to pay off principal to avoid balloon payment charge. I offered to pay principal balance and have interest waived and they rejected that suggestion and said " sorry ''. Carecredit does not CARE about anyone. Horrible business practice. They actually sent me a promotional e-mail XXXX to get me to spend more on card at XXXX instead of notifying me of what they are doing my account. Unbelievable. I logged in to the account in XXXX to make payment and that when I saw the balance. Very deceptive business practice. They are requiring payment for {$140.00} in this month but charge {$100.00} in interest. Is that legal?
Company Response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
State: FL
Zip: 33028
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-08-30
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with monetary relief
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-08-30
Issue: Advertising and marketing, including promotional offers
Subissue: Confusing or misleading advertising about the credit card
Consumer Complaint: First, I was approved for this card that at the time I didnt even have a job ( Covid ) and did not have the credit or even really the means to pay, so I should of NEVER been approved. Then, I was charged a higher amount by the provider of service than what someone paying cash or regular card would be ( to cover their fees for using care credit- my understanding is that this goes against the contract ) I was also not allowed to choose the promotion, but was told the promotion would be no interest if paid in the period of time- my monthly payments were set and paid, but not set ( by care credit ) to pay the full amount off in the promotional period ( VERY MISLEADING )- I was then charged almost DOUBLE the initial transaction in interest.
Company Response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
State: TX
Zip: 76086
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-08-30
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-08-30
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: So on XX/XX/XXXX I was to have my package delivered it wasnt after trying to talk to the merchant for week they said stop calling and we aint gon na take your calls anymore so I contacted the card company, gave them screenshots of order and info that XXXX wasnt helping even a lost package report from XXXX then they dispute {$1100.00} then sent letter and even on call told me it was closed and no need to worry they did the credit then two month later they drop the charge on my account again so I just redid the dispute and they told me today it closed and they gave the credit just like the last time and I dont wan na be used again so if you guys can help they keep telling me it is closed just to reopen it later
Company Response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
State: FL
Zip: 342XX
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-08-30
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with monetary relief
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-08-30
Issue: Improper use of your report
Subissue: Credit inquiries on your report that you don't recognize
Consumer Complaint: I called trying to figure out how did this company get on my credit report. I've never applied to this company and it hurt my score. But I was hung up on after I asked them to remove the inquiry.
Company Response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
State: NC
Zip: 28403
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-08-30
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-08-31
Issue: Incorrect information on your report
Subissue: Information belongs to someone else
Consumer Complaint: A Synchrony Bank / TJ Maxx Credit Card was opened in my name without any of my knowledge. The credit inquiry appeared on XX/XX/XXXX on my XXXX credit report and XX/XX/XXXX on my XXXX credit report. An account than appeared on my XXXX credit report on XX/XX/XXXX and on my XXXX credit report on XX/XX/XXXX. It appears the account was approved and opened on XX/XX/XXXX. I proceeded to lock my credit and instill a fraud alert on all three of my credit reports on XX/XX/XXXX. There appears to be a balance of {$380.00} on the card and a limit of {$1500.00}. All of which I did not apply for, authorize or make any purchases with. I believe have been a victim of identity theft and fraud.
Company Response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
State: NY
Zip: 10562
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-08-31
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-08-31
Issue: Improper use of your report
Subissue: Reporting company used your report improperly
Consumer Complaint: In accordance with the fair credit reporting act XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX has violated my rights. 15 USC 1681 section 602 states I have the right to privacy. 15 USC 1681Section 604 A section 2 : Also states a consumer reporting agency can not furnish an account without my written instructions. 15 USC 166b : A creditor may not treat a payment on a credit card account under an open end consumer credit plan as late for any purpose.
Company Response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
State: KY
Zip: 405XX
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-08-31
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-08-31
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 made a purchase on XX/XX/XXXX on Amazon using the Synchrony Bank Amazon store card. On the purchase, there was an ability to get 12 months of 0 % financing with a equal monthly payments, which I selected, but, at the end of the month my bill from Synchrony Bank reflects the whole amount. When I called Synchrony and inquired about the amount on XX/XX/XXXX at XXXX PM EST, I was told by a customer service representative that they would have to change the purchase manually and it would reflect in 1 or 2 billing cycles ( i.e. months ). However, since the change may not be reflected within this months cycle I would have to either 1 ) pay the full amount or 2 ) pay the minimum and be charged interests. The customer service representative only solution was for me to call back in a week or two and see if the billing change has taken place, but admitted it generally takes 1 or 2 billing cycles. I believe Synchrony is using predatory practices to entice people to select the " 12 month payment option '' and then unethically charge them the full amount so they can receive interests on the purchase while " the billing change is being made ''. I urge the CFBP to review Synchrony Bank 's use of this deceptive bait and switch tactic and to take appropriate punitive action against them.
Company Response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
State: FL
Zip: 33325
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-08-31
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A