Please help! CREDIT card company refusing to close/remove fraudulent account!

[NateTheGrate]

I've already put a freeze on all of my credit reports and fraud alerts, here is my current situation.

On 5/23/2023, I received a hard Inquiry alert on my credit report that was from this company. On 6/5, I received a New Credit Card Account Alert and an Over Credit Limit Alert that were both from this company  I then realized somebody used my SSN to get a credit card and maxed it out. I downloaded the company credit app and used my login information for an old company pre-activation account that I decided not to follow through with. I was able to take a screen shot of the thiefs phone number and address that was in another state. I also was able to view trsnsaction history with the card being used in that state. The card was maxed out within two days.

I called both my local police, and the local police in the other state and both refused to make a police report. Its like id theft isnt investigated unless it affects the rich! I filled out a ID Theft report on Ftc.gov. I have Pay Stubs from the week of 5/30 that shows my address. I was able to match the address on the Cardholder Information on the company app login with the unknown phone and address that reported on my Experian credit report and took screenshots.

I called the company and reported the fraudulent account on 6/6 and was told they couldn't guarantee anything but would make a note. I have no way to dispute this directly with the company online or on the phone with my supporting documents. Ive emailed them with no response. There is no phone number or phone option for fraud activity listed under them. The only option is lost/stolen cards which isnt getting me anywhere because they closed the account for a few days and my credit report listed it as closed. I thought it was over. Today, it was reported as open again. I'm afraid they will leave me responsible for this account because they are a sub par second rate company trying to get money. That's illeagal! This account is fraudulent! They have reported this account as mine and I've been denied multiple disputes through Equifax and Transunion. 

The card is maxed out and payment due on the 1st. I'm scared if I don't pay it, they will report a late payment and my payment history is clean for 4 years! Help guys!

[GApeachy]

Don't pay, don't do anything....yet! Consult a Consumer Attorney.  Find out if he/she will take it on and fees paid through compensation.  Just get advice before you do anything else. You can also file a complaint with the CFPB if you haven't already.  But get a consult asap.

[JoeRockhead]

A ID Fraud alert should immediately be placed on all of your credit reports as well as freezing all your reports. You should go, in person, with all the documentation you have to your local police department and ask them to file a ID theft report, it may make a difference to be there in person. If not, It's good that you filed a report with the FTC and that should be sent to all the credit reporting agencies as well as the company that has the account. you should also follow the suggestions and avenues available through the the CFPB, you can find that info here. You probably also want to find a local attorney that perhaps offers a free consultation and seek guidance from them if these steps don't get you going in the right direction. I wouldn't pay anything towards this fraudulent account.  

[FireMedic1]

One question. Who is the creditor?

[NateTheGrate]

Thank you everyone for replying. The creditor is First Premier. They literally have no phone option for ID Theft or Fraud! They are a horrible company. Don't ever do business with them. All of their CSRs are morons who can't comprehend that I needed to speak to someone about ID Theft and they either hang up on you or refer you to call the same generic number you just called!

[FireMedic1]

Well that explains it now. If you have all your documents showing your attemts to get his done with. File a complaint with the CFPB:

https://portal.consumerfinance.gov/consumer/s/login/SelfRegister 

If that doesnt work. FRCA lawyer. They'll have to pay lawyer fees and possibly a fine.

[GApeachy]

Go get'um tiger!   

I mean that...esp. since they could care less and hang up on you repeatedly...ridiculous!

Keep us posted @NateTheGrate 

[NateTheGrate]

Thank you! I filed a complaint with the CFPB against Equifax, Transunion, and First Premier along with all of my screenshots and documents. (Experian has the account closed, for now, Experian seems to be the best CRB). I'm also sending a copy of my ftc.gov report to First Premier and the 3 CRBs. 

The CFPB sent the complaints to Equifax and Transunion, but referred the First Premier complaint to the Federal Reserve Board of Governers. They said the Federal Reserve would better be able to assist me. They gave me instructions on how to check on the status with the FR. I trust this was a good move. I have high spirits. I've seen many credit communities recommend the CFPB. They seem to have a high percent of success in their cases.

As a last resort, I will take yalls advice and seek a credit attorney. Should I try threatening a lawsuit first? If the CFPB can't get it done. 

[Brian_Earl_Spilner]

You should get it removed from ex as well. A new account will lower your average age plus the hp is reporting. You don't want it closed, you want it removed. 

[NateTheGrate]

Hopefully First Premier will do the right thing and reported it as fraud to the 3 CRBs. If not, I'll dispute it with Experian.

A small update. I gotna call just now from the First Premier office in Sioux Falls, SD. The lady seemed stand offish. Kind of like "oh, you felt the need to report to the CFPB" well, I wasn't getting anywhere talking to your brain dead CSRs. Your google contact numbers don't list anything about how to report ID Theft. You weren't responding to my emails. No need to be mad at me. She said they "have to" complete their investigation within 30 days "because of the CFPB" lol....