Consumer complaint received 2022-01-17
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: MT
Product: Credit reporting, credit repair services, or other personal consumer reports
Sub-product: Credit reporting
Issue: Problem with a credit reporting company's investigation into an existing problem
Sub-issue: Their investigation did not fix an error on your report

Complaint:
To whom it XXXX concern : Since 2015, I have been disputing a debt with a business that is a bad actor. I disputed this debt with the three major credit bureaus as is my right under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ). I submitted items of proof of a false filing of debt including but not limited to documents showing : The debt collector reported this debt falsely under my sons name which was then disputed, removed from his credit and placed under mine. 

The specs of the home reported in the debt are not my home. 

The original debtor, XXXX XXXX ( XXXX ) was listing a different starting debt than the collection agency lists. 

Both the original debtor ( XXXX ) and the collection agency XXXX XXXX Collections ( XXXX ) refused to provide me with information or a detailed account of the debt they were claiming multiple times upon request. 

Years later when some paper work was provided, it was full of inaccuracies, false claims, made up documents; including back dating letters declaring they were certified mail when most were never sent or were placed on my back porch with certified mail typed on a two-line bill. 

Documents created after the dispute. 

Debtors used abusive language and illegal debt collection practices including but not limited to calling several times a day, not stating who they were or why they were calling and refusing to leave messages. When I asked for this behavior to stop, I was laughed at and it continued for years. I also asked that they only communicate in writing so that I could have a record of their claims and harassment, they did not stop calling and did not communicate by mail. 

Upon disputing this debt with the three major credit bureaus through XXXX XXXX online, all credit bureaus claimed that they investigated and found the debt to be accurate. 

I then mailed these specific documents with a letter of dispute to the three major credit bureaus. Two of them XXXX and Equifax both responded that they had investigated this debt and found it to be valid. XXXX did not respond. 

I then called Equifax to find out how this was possible. They told me that they had investigated and found the debt to be valid. Knowing that I had provided proof that this debt was not valid, I knew this was not possible and asked about my documentation. They had no response. I then asked what the investigation consisted of and the agent told me that they had contacted the business and the business did not wish to remove this from my credit report. I told them I knew that, but again asked about my documentation refuting their claims. They stated that they provided it to the business. The agent then explained to me that because this business ( XXXX ) was a member of the major credit bureaus it was up to them if they wanted to remove this debt. 

I again stated, that is not a chance for someone to dispute an invalid debt or an investigation. They told me that is how it works. I asked again, so if I provide you with clear cut proof that I do not owe this debt, if the business chooses to keep it on my report anyway, there is nothing I can do? They stated, that is correct. 

It was mind boggling and I honestly thought maybe I had gotten someone new and they were confused about what an investigation was or the fairness of that process. I asked to speak to a supervisor and was told, they will tell you the same thing, that is how it works. I asked to speak to someone anyway, as surely a supervisor would know that this is a violation. I was transferred to another person. I had the same exact conversation only adding to my point. 

If a business can pay money to put something valid or not on someones credit report, then I have no chance of dispute. Years of disputing this debt has amounted to a corrupt business paying to extort me. This has had such a negative impact on my life that it can not be possible that a business can pay for this action. This bad acting business is controlling my ability to purchase a home, vehicle, get a personal loan and even a fair car insurance rate. They own my finances with every report. Not only does this affect my finances but their continued harassment has affected me with extreme anxiety, unwarranted rejection and the all-around quality of life that I can obtain. Their explanation of investigation was complete garbage. I was again told this is how it works. I stated that was not true and I had the right to dispute something on my credit report outside of asking for permission to do so by the people who were harassing me. I was appalled. 

I spoke with a financial advisor about this, because I was XXXX smacked. They recommended filing a lawsuit which is also my right. However, under the credit bureaus policy, it would not matter if I got a judgement, as they would simply call the business and ask them again. I was told that this is not how the FCRA works. I took some time to cool down and continue to collect the rejections, poor credit ratings, and denials of credit specifically related to this reporting and called Equifax back again. I honestly thought that someone would correct this by a few months later. They did not. I was given the same explanation that the only way to remove this from my credit was to have the business want to do so. What would their motivation be to do so, if the payment they made to the credit bureaus is less that the money they extort? 

Therefore, I would like to officially file a complaint against Equifax, XXXX and XXXX for a violation of the FCRA. 

It does not matter to me that this will soon fall off my credit report as the fact, is that, they have allowed this to damage my credit and my life for years, willfully. Too much is at stake concerning this credit score for these agencies to continue to profit from these types of activities. The credit bureaus are literally profiting from extortion and I fail to see how this is any different that the mob. They are making people pay money they do not owe to be able to operate effectively in their lives. I do not believe I am overly dramatic or exaggerating in the least when I say that. It is terrifying to see that this kind of system is in place and I believe they should be held accountable for their actions and the impact it has had on my life. 

I can only ask that you please take this seriously and pursue this matter. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation