Consumer complaint received 2022-06-16
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: FL
Product: Credit reporting, credit repair services, or other personal consumer reports
Sub-product: Credit reporting
Issue: Incorrect information on your report
Sub-issue: Information belongs to someone else

Complaint:
On the date of XX/XX/2022 I sent EQUIFAX a Identity theft packet including an FTC identity theft report, a letter identifying the information resulting from identity theft and my identification documents via priority express which was received by EQUIFAX the next day by XXXX ( picture included ). On XX/XX/2022 I called EQUIFAX to verify that the documentation had been submitted and that the information had been blocked/removed in accordance with 15 USC 1681c-2 ( a ) of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The agent that I reached by the name of XXXX stated that the information was received by them on the date of XX/XX/2022 and confirmed that all necessary documentation was received. The agent stated that the information was currently being disputed but that he would submit an " internal dispute '' notation on the dispute so that the information would be blocked and removed pursuant the FCRA, afterwards he instructed me to call within 72 hours to verify the completion of the dispute. Today on XX/XX/2022 I called EQUIFAX to verify the completion of the " internal dispute ''. Agent XXXX of the fraud department stated that the dispute was currently in progress and that it would be completed within 30 days. I stated to the agent that I was confused as to why the dispute would take 30 days when they have the FTC report and all other required information and when it was supposed to be resolved already through their internal dispute process as Agent XXXX had told me on the XXXX. The agent stated that she understood my concern and proceeded to tell me of EQUIFAX 's policy regarding disputes. I told the agent that even though that may be true for standard disputes the FCRA 15 USC 1681c-2 ( a ) is very clear for the policy and procedure to be taken for matters regarding and resulting from identity theft. I stated that I was confused as to why EQUIFAX would have a policy that was noncompliant with the FCRA. The Agent stated that she understood my concern and forwarded me to the " Fraud disputes department '' for further assistance. After explaining the situation to Agent XXXX of the Fraud disputes department he notified me that he understood my concerns and would correct the problem on his end. After looking through the records to verify the documentation submitted he stated that although I did submit the correct documentation and that he could see everything needed on file, he would have to have me resend my identification documentation because it was " all black '' in order for him to proceed with the block. I told this agent that I had mailed them the documentation in color so that is not an error on my end but his receiving department, even my letter was sent in color. He stated that he unfortunately would be unable to proceed until I faxed them the information. The agent seemed willing to help and comply but since I know I sent the information correctly I didn't want to send the information that I had mailed them again via fax. I have already had previous issues with sending identity theft documentation via fax EQUIFAX and the companies representatives claiming I didn't send documentation when i had receipts of it. I instead feel it best to send all documentation through this CFPB portal to both ensure they have received it properly and have another witness to both their receipt and of their potential noncompliance with 15 USC 1681c-2 ( a ). The Fair Credit Reporting Act is very clear as to the policy and procedure in relation to consumers dealing with matters of identity theft. Pursuant to 15 USC 1681c-2 ( a ) I have provided ( 1 ) appropriate proof of my identity as the consumer ; ( 2 ) a copy of an identity theft report ; ( 3 ) the identification of such information as the consumer; and ( 4 ) a statement as the consumer that the information is not information relating to any transaction myself as the consumer. Pursuant to this subsection of Federal Law and the Fair Credit reporting Act EQUIFAX is required to block/remove any information in my file as the consumer that I as the consumer have identified as information that resulted from an alleged identity theft, not later than 4 business days after the date of receipt by such agency. Again EQUIFAX received this all of this information on XX/XX/2022 which I have attached the receipt for to this complaint. This information is causing me harm and I do not wish to be neglected by any consumer reporting agency who is intentionally choosing to be noncompliant with Fair Credit Reporting Act which is a Federal Law so for these reasons I am choosing to use the CFPB portal to rectify these matters. This complaint will be used as an exhibit if necessary to prove any willful noncompliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and Federal Law by EQUIFAX. For the record EQUIFAX will be willfully noncompliant with the FCRA if the BLOCK/REMOVAL of this information resulting from identity theft is not removed within 4 business days of the receipt of this complaint. The FCRA does not give any authorization to prolong these matters or " request more time '' to handle this dispute since it is a matter of identity theft nor does it state that EQUIFAX is required to do any " investigation '' in general or prior to the block/removal of the information identified.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation