Consumer complaint received 2023-10-29
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: CA
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports
Sub-product: Credit reporting
Issue: Incorrect information on your report
Sub-issue: Account information incorrect

Complaint:
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, CA XXXX XXXX SSN : XXXX Phone Number : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Representative XXXX County Department of Child Support Services XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX CA XXXX XX/XX/XXXX Subject : Dispute and Request for Deletion of Inaccurate Child Support Information from Credit Report Dear XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  XXXX XXXX XXXX PA XXXX Equifax XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX GA XXXX. XXXX is XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX, XXXX, TX XXXX. 

I am writing to dispute and request the immediate removal of inaccurate and inconsistent information related to a child support account on my credit report, which is maintained by your agency. This letter is a formal request for investigation and deletion under the provisions of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), which ensures the accuracy, fairness, and privacy of consumer information. 

I have recently reviewed my credit report from your agency and discovered significant discrepancies and inaccuracies in the reporting of the child support account. The account details, as reported, are as follows : - Account Type : Child Support - Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX - Open/Closed Status : Open - Status Updated : XX/XX/XXXX - Balance : {$40000.00} - Last Payment Date : XX/XX/XXXX - Monthly Payment : {$660.00} - Past Due Amount : {$39000.00} - Original Balance : {$39000.00} XXXX dispute the accuracy of this information for the following reasons : 1. **Inclusion of Irrelevant Transaction History : ** The reported transaction history includes irrelevant details, which violate the FCRA regulations. There is no clear explanation for the inclusion of this information, making it inaccurate and misleading. 

2. **Lack of Written Consent : ** I did not provide written consent for the inclusion of this child support account on my credit report, as required by 15 U.S. Code 1681b. The absence of my consent renders this reporting inaccurate and in violation of consumer protection laws. 

XXXX. **Inconsistencies Among Credit Bureaus : ** Discrepancies exist among the payment status and balances reported by Equifax XXXX XXXX XXXX and XXXX. These inconsistencies further indicate inaccuracies in the reporting of this account. 

4. **Late Payment Reporting : ** The reported late payment details ( 30, 60, and 90 days late ) are inaccurate. There are errors in the reporting timeline, and these inaccuracies violate the FCRA guidelines.

I kindly request that you conduct a thorough investigation into these discrepancies and inconsistencies and delete this inaccurate child support account information from my credit report as soon as possible. I am also requesting a written confirmation of the deletion and an updated copy of my credit report reflecting the removal of this erroneous information.

I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter, as it significantly impacts my financial standing and future opportunities. Please provide me with information on the steps taken to resolve this dispute within the timeframe mandated by the FCRA.

Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX regarding debt collection are primarily governed by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ) in the United States. The FDCPA sets guidelines and restrictions on how debt collectors can conduct their activities. Here are some key provisions of the FDCPA : 1. **Prohibited Harassment or Abuse : ** Debt collectors can not engage in harassing, oppressive, or abusive behavior. This includes threats, use of profanity, or continuous, annoying phone calls.

2. **False or Misleading Representations : ** Debt collectors are prohibited from making false or misleading statements about the debt, the debtor 's legal obligations, or consequences for not paying.

3. **Unfair Practices : ** Collectors can not use unfair practices, such as attempting to collect an amount not owed or depositing post-dated checks early.

4. **Validation of Debt : ** If a consumer disputes a debt in writing, the collector must provide verification or cease collection attempts until verification is provided.

5. **Cease and Desist : ** Consumers have the right to request that a debt collector cease further communication, except for certain legal actions.

6. **Privacy and Confidentiality : ** Debt collectors must respect the debtor 's privacy. They should not discuss the debt with third parties without permission, except to obtain location information.

7. **Time and Place Restrictions : ** Debt collectors should not contact consumers at inconvenient times or places, such as before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., unless the debtor agrees to it.

8. **Legal Actions : ** Debt collectors must abide by state and federal laws when pursuing legal actions against consumers.

Company response to consumer: In progress