Consumer complaint received 2023-07-04
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: NC
Product: Credit reporting, credit repair services, or other personal consumer reports
Sub-product: Credit reporting
Issue: Problem with a credit reporting company's investigation into an existing problem
Sub-issue: Their investigation did not fix an error on your report

Complaint:
I am writing to file a formal complaint against XXXX and Equifax two of the major credit reporting agencies, regarding two fraudulent accounts that they have been reporting on my credit report. The accounts in question, namely XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX, XXXX ( removed by XXXX ) and XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX are not mine, and I have taken all necessary steps to dispute their accuracy. However, XXXX and Equifax has failed to rectify this issue despite my repeated attempts to resolve it. 

I initially contacted XXXX and Equifax in XX/XX/2023 to dispute the fraudulent accounts on my credit report. Despite providing them with ample evidence and documentation clearly indicating the inaccuracies of these accounts, XXXX and Equifax continues to report them as accurate. This situation has been ongoing for several months and has significantly hindered my credit profile, causing undue stress and frustration. 

It is my firm belief that these credit reporting agencies actions in this matter have violated multiple consumer protection laws. I would like to draw your attention to the following specific U.S. codes and statutes that I believe have been infringed upon : Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) - 15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.

Section 611 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) : Requires credit reporting agencies to provide accurate and complete information in consumer reports. 
Section 611 ( a ) ( 2 ) : Mandates credit reporting agencies to conduct reasonable investigations upon receiving a consumer dispute regarding the accuracy of information in their reports.

Section 611 ( a ) ( 5 ) ( A ) : Obliges credit reporting agencies to delete or modify inaccurate or unverifiable information within 30 days of receiving a dispute notice.

Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act ( FACTA ) - 15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.

Section 605B : Requires credit reporting agencies to block fraudulent information resulting from identity theft upon proper notification by the consumer. 
I have made every effort to provide XXXX with the necessary evidence and documentation to prove the fraudulent nature of these accounts. Despite their claim of verifying the accuracy of the accounts, I firmly believe they have failed to conduct a reasonable investigation and have not taken appropriate action as required by law. 

Violation of FCRA 611 ( a ) ( 7 ) : XXXX has failed to conduct a proper investigation of my dispute as required by this statute. Instead of providing a detailed description of the investigation procedure and the information used during the investigation, XXXX has simply responded with a statement that the accounts in question are verified. This demonstrates a disregard for the obligations outlined in FCRA 611 ( a ) ( 7 ).

Violation of FCRA 611 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) : Under this provision, I have the right to request and receive information about any account reported on my consumer report, including validation documents to prove the accuracy and legitimacy of the reported account. XXXX 's failure to provide the requested verification documents is a violation of this provision. 
Violation of FCRA 611 ( a ) ( 2 ) : This provision states that if a credit reporting agency, such as XXXX, fails to complete an investigation within a reasonable period, it shall, upon the consumer 's request, remove the disputed information from the consumer report. XXXX 's prolonged delay and non-compliance with my previous requests indicate a violation of this provision. 

I kindly request the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to intervene in this matter and ensure that XXXX fulfills its obligations under the FCRA and XXXX. I seek your assistance in compelling XXXX to promptly remove these fraudulent accounts from my credit report, rectify any resulting inaccuracies, and provide me with an updated and accurate credit report. I have asked for verification/validation documents used to verify these accounts on multiple occasions but I have not received anything. These accounts should be removed immediately according to the laws stated above.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief