First Bank USA Out of Control

bkonner · Feb 2, 2002

Hi,

I have never had an account with First Bank USA (One of the three reports had the listing under Wachovia). One month ago I pulled my three credit files from the three major CRA's. I am planning to buy a condo, and I was denied credit a year ago, which I could not understand because my credit should be good (except for a student loan deferment three years ago--deferred for six months), so I decided to check. Man, was I shocked!

In my file was listed a credit card taken out in 1988 that I have never had. I am certain it is not mine, because in my entire life I have had five credit cards (I currently use only one and do not have the others any more). They reported in 2000 I was late 90 days or more 17 times. I never got a bill from them or a call!!! I contested it with all three CRA's. It came back deleted with Experian, confirmed with TU, and best of all, it came back not only confirmed with Equifax, but that I was in chapter 7 bankruptcy! Man was I scared when I saw this. So I contested it again, and it came back as deleted with Equifax and so far I have had nothing from TU. What really annoys me is that I called the bank on January 9, 2002, and they had no record of the account. I was told to send a letter. So I sent a certified letter on January 10, 2002. It was signed for I think on January 16, 2002, and I have not heard from them since.

I know I can complain to the FTC and my state's Attorney Generals office, but this has cost me not only time, but money. I was denied a motorcycle loan, I am assuming because of this. I think I should be paid for this, and I would like some advice on what to do. Should I go to small claims court or is this a waste of time.

I just want to add, that it amazes me a company can just destroy someone's financial record as easily as this company did. By the way, my credit score because of this is bad, it is around 670 with all three. It should be much better than that.

Thanks,