Consumer complaint received 2023-05-17
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: IL
Product: Credit reporting, credit repair services, or other personal consumer reports
Sub-product: Credit reporting
Issue: Incorrect information on your report
Sub-issue: Personal information incorrect

Complaint:
Dear Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, I hope this letter finds you well! I am writing to file a complaint against Equifax XXXX XXXX XXXX for their persistent failure to report my correct legal name, " XXXX XXXX, '' on my credit report. Additionally, despite my repeated disputes and requests for correction, Equifax continues to report a second incorrect name, " XXXX XXXX, '' which has caused significant distress and financial hardships for both me and my family. 

Having XXXX names on my credit report has led to several problems and complications that need to be addressed urgently : XXXX XXXX : When a person has multiple names listed on their credit report, it becomes challenging for lenders and financial institutions to verify the individual 's identity. This can raise concerns about potential fraud or identity theft, leading to delays or denials in credit applications. 

XXXX XXXX : Inaccurate or inconsistent names can impact the assessment of an individual 's creditworthiness. Lenders rely on credit reports to evaluate an individual 's credit history and determine their risk level. Having different names can create confusion and XXXX result in an inaccurate assessment, potentially leading to unfavorable loan terms, higher interest rates, or even credit denial. 

XXXX XXXX XXXX : Having multiple names on a credit report can complicate the tracking and monitoring of one 's credit history. It becomes challenging to accurately track credit accounts, payment history, and credit utilization when the information is associated with different names. This can result in errors, missing information, or discrepancies in credit reports. 

Credit Score Calculation : Inaccurate reporting of names can impact the calculation of credit scores. Credit scoring models use a range of factors, including name consistency, to assess creditworthiness. Inconsistencies in names can disrupt this process, potentially leading to an inaccurate credit score calculation. 

Dispute Resolution : When attempting to dispute inaccurate information on a credit report, having multiple names can make the process more complex and time-consuming. It XXXX require additional effort to prove one 's identity and establish the correct name associated with the disputed accounts, which can delay the resolution of disputes and the correction of inaccurate information. 

XXXX Opportunities : Inaccurate reporting of names can limit access to favorable financial opportunities and terms. It can hinder the ability to negotiate fair interest rates, obtain favorable loan terms, qualify for competitive credit card offers, or secure other financial opportunities that depend on accurate credit reporting. 

Overall, having XXXX different names on my credit report has created confusion, affected my creditworthiness assessments, impeded personal identity verification, and limited my financial opportunities. 

As you are aware, it is crucial to ensure accurate reporting of names to maintain a reliable and comprehensive credit profile. Similarly, credit reporting agencies have a legal obligation, as stated under Section 607 ( b ) of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), to maintain reasonable procedures that ensure the maximum possible accuracy of the information contained in consumer reports. It is evident that Equifax has violated this provision by inaccurately reporting my name, which is a fundamental aspect of one 's credit report and created confusion, affected my creditworthiness assessments, impeded personal identity verification, and limited my financial opportunities.

Furthermore, Section 611 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) of the FCRA grants consumers the right to request an investigation of disputed information in their credit reports. In line with this provision, I have diligently disputed the incorrect names directly with Equifax, providing substantial evidence to support my correct legal name. This evidence includes copies of my social security card, driver 's license, bank statements, insurance documents, and credit card statements. Despite this, Equifax has failed to conduct a reasonable investigation into the accuracy of the disputed information, thus disregarding their obligation under Section 611 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ). I am attaching the same evidence to this complaint to ensure the relevancy and urgency of my concern.

Furthermore, Section 611 ( a ) ( 2 ) of the FCRA clearly states that the reporting agency must provide written notice of the results of the investigation within a specified period, 30 days, after receiving a dispute from the consumer. Regrettably, Equifax has not fulfilled this requirement, leaving me uninformed of the progress or outcome of the investigation into the disputed information. 

As mentioned above, the aforementioned violations of the FCRA have had severe consequences for me and my family. I only have XXXX name : XXXX XXXX. I do not have XXXX names as my driver 's license, social security card, and other documents submitted clearly show. The inaccurate reporting of my name on my credit report, which is a fundamental aspect of one 's credit report, has created confusion, affected my creditworthiness assessments, impeded personal identity verification, and limited my ability to access favorable financial opportunities and terms. It has hindered my capacity to negotiate fair interest rates, obtain favorable loan terms, and qualify for competitive credit card offers. As a result, I have been subjected to financial distress, and my family 's financial stability has been compromised. 

I implore the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to intervene in this matter and address the grave nature of Equifax 's violations. Equifax ought to report only my name and not any other names that are not mine. The provisions of Section 611 of the FCRA were established to safeguard consumers ' rights to dispute and rectify inaccuracies in their credit reports. By allowing Equifax 's noncompliance to persist, the integrity of the credit information used by lenders, employers, and other entities for creditworthiness assessments is compromised.

Additionally, I would like to draw your attention to Section 616 of the FCRA, which addresses the consequences of willful noncompliance with the provisions of the act. Equifax 's persistent failure to correct the inaccurate reporting of my name, despite evidence provided and repeated disputes, constitutes willful noncompliance. According to Section 616, willful noncompliance refers to a deliberate or intentional act of disregarding the FCRA 's provisions. Equifax 's actions, or lack thereof, have clearly been intended to injure my interests, rights, and reputation. 

Section 616 further establishes that those found guilty of willful noncompliance can be held liable for actual damages suffered by the affected individual. Equifax 's willful noncompliance warrants appropriate remedies, including punitive damages, to serve as a deterrent for future noncompliance. 

Considering the aforementioned violations and their profound impact on my well-being, I kindly request that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau XXXX XXXX thorough investigation into Equifax 's actions. I seek your intervention to rectify the inaccurate reporting of my name and ensure that Equifax complies with the provisions of the FCRA. I also request your assistance in holding Equifax accountable for their willful noncompliance and the damage incurred as a result. 

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I trust in the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau 's commitment to protecting consumer rights and promoting fairness within the credit reporting system. I look forward to your prompt response and resolution of this complaint. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation