Consumer complaint received 2023-05-16
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: DE
Product: Credit reporting, credit repair services, or other personal consumer reports
Sub-product: Credit reporting
Issue: Unable to get your credit report or credit score
Sub-issue: Other problem getting your report or credit score

Complaint:
I am writing to file a civil complaint against Equifax for the violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) and my consumer rights due to the false reporting of my status as deceased. This complaint seeks appropriate legal remedies for the harm caused by Equifax 's negligent actions and willful disregard for the accuracy of my credit report. 
Factual Background : XXXX. I am an individual residing at XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX DE XXXX. I have been a living consumer throughout the period in question and continue to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. 
XXXX. Equifax is a consumer reporting agency operating within the United States and is subject to the provisions of the FCRA. 
XXXX. On XX/XX/2023, I discovered that Equifax had falsely reported me as deceased in my credit report, causing significant damage to my financial reputation, creditworthiness, and personal life. 
XXXX. As a direct result of Equifax 's false reporting, I have suffered the following damages : a. Denial of credit applications : Several lenders, creditors, and financial institutions have denied my credit applications based on the inaccurate information provided by Equifax. 
b. Harassment by debt collectors : Erroneously marked as deceased, I have been subjected to relentless harassment by debt collectors attempting to collect debts from my purported estate, causing emotional distress and intrusion on my privacy. 
XXXX Financial loss : Equifax 's false reporting has led to financial losses in terms of increased interest rates, inability to secure favorable loan terms, and loss of potential business and employment opportunities. 
d. Emotional distress : The false reporting of my demise has caused significant emotional distress, anxiety, embarrassment, and mental anguish, resulting in a diminished quality of life. 

Legal Violations : Equifax 's actions have violated multiple provisions of the FCRA, including but not limited to : XXXX. Section 1681e ( b ) : Equifax failed to employ reasonable procedures to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in my credit report. 
XXXX. Section 1681i ( a ) : Equifax neglected to conduct a reasonable reinvestigation of the inaccurate information after being notified of its errors. 
XXXX. Section 1681i ( a ) ( 5 ) : Equifax failed to promptly notify the furnisher ( s ) of the incorrect information that I disputed the reported inaccuracies. 
XXXX. Section 1681o : Equifax willfully and negligently provided false information regarding my creditworthiness, causing harm and damage to my reputation. 
Relief Sought : In light of the above, I hereby request the following relief : XXXX. Corrective Action : Equifax must immediately correct my credit report to accurately reflect that I am a living consumer, removing any and all references to my alleged demise. 
XXXX. Compensatory Damages : Equifax shall compensate me for the financial losses incurred, including interest rate differentials, increased loan costs, lost business and employment opportunities, and any other provable economic damages. 
XXXX. Emotional Distress Damages : Equifax shall provide appropriate compensation for the emotional distress, anxiety, embarrassment, and mental anguish caused by their false reporting. 
XXXX. Punitive Damages : In order to deter Equifax from engaging in similar misconduct in the future, punitive damages should be awarded as allowed by law. 
XXXX. Attorney 's Fees and Costs : Equifax should be responsible for reimbursing my reasonable attorney 's fees and costs incurred in pursuing this legal action. 
XXXX. Injunctive Relief : Equifax must take appropriate measures to prevent future reporting inaccuracies and establish strict procedures to verify the accuracy of consumer information. 

I demand a response to this complaint within 30 days from the date of receipt. Failure to respond or adequately address these concerns may result in further legal action. 
I believe that the facts presented in this complaint clearly demonstrate Equifax 's violations of the FCRA and my consumer rights. I trust that, as a responsible consumer reporting agency, Equifax will take this matter seriously and work towards a swift resolution. 

Please consider this letter as an attempt to resolve this matter without litigation. However, if a satisfactory resolution is not achieved, I reserve the right to pursue legal remedies available under applicable federal and state laws. 
Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter. I look forward to a prompt and fair resolution. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation