PIPEDA findings #2015-019: OPC complaint prompts telecom’s fraud investigation

A complainant reported a fraudulent telecommunications account causing a false debt statement on their credit report. The complainant alleged they never lived at the address associated with the debt, and the telecommunications company initially refused to correct the debt or provide proof of account opening. The credit-reporting agency had validated the debt with the telecom company. Upon the OPC's intervention, the telecommunications company's fraud team reviewed the file and determined the account was fraudulent. The company then cancelled the fraudulent account and updated the credit-reporting agency with accurate information. The complainant was satisfied with these actions, leading to an early resolution.