Consumer complaint received 2023-10-10
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: AR
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports
Sub-product: Credit reporting
Issue: Incorrect information on your report
Sub-issue: Account status incorrect

Complaint:
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX 


Re : Account Number Ending in XXXX To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to dispute the validity of the collection account being reported on my credit report with account number ending in XXXX. I recently became aware that this account was purchased by your company, XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, as a charged off account. 

I am disputing this account because it is reporting illegally on my credit report due to the fact that there was never a permissible purpose which authorized the sharing of my personal information. This violates the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), specifically 15 U.S. Code 1681b, which regulates the collection, dissemination, and use of consumer credit information. 

Additionally, I have reason to believe that XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX is attempting to collect a debt in the state of Arkansas, where they are not licensed to do so. This may be a violation of state law, and I request that XXXX XXXX, XXXX provide proof of their licensing to collect in Arkansas before engaging in any further communication with me. They are reporting the account is closed but set up arrangements for me to pay monthly. 

Therefore, I am requesting that XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX cease and desist all collection attempts related to this account, delete this and the original tradeline from my credit report, and provide proof of their licensing to collect in Arkansas. Furthermore, I remind XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX that any violation of the FCRA or the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ) may result in liability for actual damages sustained by the consumer as a result of the failure, as well as for any additional damages as the court may allow. 

Under the FCRA, any person who willfully or negligently fails to comply with any requirement of the FCRA with respect to any consumer is liable to that consumer for actual damages sustained by the consumer as a result of the failure, as well as for any additional damages as the court may allow, including statutory damages ranging from {$100.00} to {$1000.00} per violation, as the court deems appropriate. This is outlined in 15 U.S. Code 1681n. 

Similarly, under the FDCPA, any debt collector who fails to comply with any provision of the FDCPA with respect to any consumer is liable to that consumer for actual damages sustained as a result of the failure, as well as for any additional damages as the court may allow, including statutory damages of up to {$1000.00} per violation. The court may also award reasonable attorney 's fees to the prevailing party. This is outlined in 15 U.S. Code 1692k. 

In light of the violations of the FCRA and the FDCPA described above, I am formally requesting payment of {$1000.00} in damages I have sustained as a result of these violations. Please find attached an invoice for this amount, along with a written response within 30 days of receipt of this letter, outlining the steps XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX has taken in order to correct these violations and any compensation that will be provided for the damages I have sustained. 

Please note that under the FCRA and FDCPA, you are required to investigate my dispute within 30 days of receipt of this letter and respond to me in writing. Additionally, I request that all communication regarding this account be done in writing. 

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX Enclosure : Invoice for {$1000.00}

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief