UNFAMILIAR ACCOUNT
What to do about an account you don’t recognize
An unfamiliar name may be a legitimate lender, account buyer, or issuing bank—but it can also signal a mixed file or identity theft.
Do not assume fraud immediately
The CFPB notes that lenders may sell accounts, use collection companies, or list a retail card under the issuing bank’s name. Contact the listed company and compare account details.
Check the full entry
Review the account number fragment, opening date, balance, address, status, and whether you were an authorized user. Compare all three credit reports.
If the information is inaccurate
Dispute the entry with the reporting company and the information provider. Explain why it is not yours and include relevant identity or account records.
If identity theft is possible
Use IdentityTheft.gov to create a recovery plan and identity theft report. Consider appropriate fraud alerts or freezes and review other financial accounts promptly.
Primary references: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau credit report resources and Federal Trade Commission consumer credit guidance.
CFPB credit resources ↗ · FTC consumer protection ↗ · IdentityTheft.gov ↗