Consumer complaint received 2023-04-13
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: MI
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:
Hello, I am writing to dispute several violations of federal laws committed by the creditor regarding my credit report. I am extremely frustrated and emotionally distressed due to the negative impact these violations have had on my life. 

My correct name is XXXX XXXX but bureaus are reporting it as a XXXX, XXXX XXXX, J, XXXX, XXXX, XXXX, I. Also, my current address is XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, Michigan XXXX, But bureau reported that I have many addresses like XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, PA XXXX XX/XX/XXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, MI XXXX XX/XX/XXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, MI XXXX. 

The creditor has reported inaccurate information on my credit report, including multiple addresses that I have never lived at. These inaccuracies have affected my credit score, and have made it difficult for me to obtain credit and loans at reasonable rates. The creditor has violated several federal laws including : Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) - 15 U.S.C. 1681e ( b ) - This section requires credit reporting agencies to follow reasonable procedures to ensure the accuracy of the information in a consumer 's credit report. The inaccurate reporting of multiple addresses may be a violation of this section.

Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ) - 15 U.S.C. 1692e - This section prohibits debt collectors from using false, deceptive, or misleading representations in the collection of a debt. Reporting inaccurate addresses may be a violation of this section if the debt collector knew or should have known that the information was false or misleading.

Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act ( FACTA ) - 15 U.S.C. 6821 - This section requires businesses to implement reasonable policies and procedures to protect sensitive consumer information from unauthorized access or disclosure. The failure to protect sensitive consumer information resulting in inaccurate reporting of multiple addresses may be a violation of this section.

Truth in Lending Act ( TILA ) - 15 U.S.C. 1601 et seq. - This law requires lenders to provide borrowers with certain disclosures about credit terms and costs. While the reporting of multiple addresses is not a direct violation of TILA, it may be a violation if the incorrect reporting is tied to an inaccurate disclosure of credit terms or costs.

Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act ( RESPA ) - 12 U.S.C. 2601 et seq. - This law requires mortgage lenders to provide certain disclosures to borrowers and prohibits certain practices, such as kickbacks for referrals. Reporting incorrect addresses could be a violation of RESPA if it is tied to a failure to provide required disclosures or if it is tied to a kickback scheme.

Equal Credit Opportunity Act ( ECOA ) - 15 U.S.C. 1691 et seq. - This law prohibits lenders from discriminating against borrowers on the basis of certain protected characteristics, such as race, gender, or age. Reporting incorrect addresses could be a violation of ECOA if it results in a lender using inaccurate information to make a discriminatory decision.

Fair Credit Billing Act ( FCBA ) - 15 U.S.C. 1666 et seq. - This law requires credit card issuers to provide certain billing error resolution procedures to cardholders. While the reporting of multiple addresses is not a direct violation of the FCBA, it could be a violation if it is tied to a failure to properly handle a billing error dispute.

These violations have caused me significant financial harm and emotional distress. I have been denied credit and loans, and have been forced to pay higher interest rates due to the inaccurate reporting. It has also caused me significant stress and anxiety, as I feel like my financial security and future opportunities have been compromised.

I request that you enforce the legal provisions that have been violated, and that the creditor be required to remove the unverified accounts from my credit report. I also request that the creditor be held accountable for the financial and emotional harm they have caused me. 

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation