Consumer complaint received 2023-05-19
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: CO
Product: Credit reporting, credit repair services, or other personal consumer reports
Sub-product: Credit reporting
Issue: Improper use of your report
Sub-issue: Credit inquiries on your report that you don't recognize

Complaint:
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX CO XX/XX/2023 Credit Bureaus : XXXX Equifax XXXX Subject : Violation of Consumer Rights- Credit Inquiries Dear Credit Bureaus, I am writing to bring to your attention a matter concerning the violation of my consumer rights related to credit inquiries made on my behalf. As a consumer protected under the relevant laws and regulations, I believe that my rights have been infringed upon based on the following credit inquiries : XXXX. XXXX XXXX XXXX. XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX. XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. 
XXXX. XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. XXXX XXXX XXXX. XXXX XXXX XXXX. XXXX XXXX. XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. XXXX XXXX XXXX. XXXX XXXX XXXX. XXXX XXXX XXXX. XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. XXXX XXXX XXXX. XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. XXXX XXXX XXXX. XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. XXXX XXXX XXXX I believe that these credit inquiries have violated my consumer rights as outlined under the applicable consumer protection laws, including but not limited to : 1. Defamation of Character 2. Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress 3. Violation of 15 U.S.C. 1681 Section 602A - Right to Privacy 4. Violation of 15 U.S.C. 1681 Section 604A ( 2 ) - Unauthorized Furnishing of Account Information 5. Violation of 15 U.S.C. 1681n - Civil Liability for Willful Noncompliance Furthermore, it has come to my attention that the credit inquiries may be indicative of potential identity theft and fraud. I would like to emphasize that I have not authorized these credit inquiries nor have I engaged in any transactions or agreements with the entities listed above. Therefore, I strongly suspect that my personal information has been misused without my consent, which is a grave concern.

I would like to remind you that according to 15 U.S.C. 16811c 2 - Block of Information Resulting from Identity Theft, a police report is not a lawful requirement for the identity theft block and removal process. Additionally, I do not possess the identity of the person responsible for the identity theft, as it is not a requirement for submitting the necessary documentation.

In light of these violations and concerns, I kindly request that you promptly investigate the credit inquiries made by the aforementioned entities, take appropriate action to rectify any inaccuracies or unauthorized activities, and provide me with a written explanation of the situation. Furthermore, I expect full compliance with the provisions of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) and other applicable consumer protection laws to ensure the protection of my rights and privacy.

If necessary, I am prepared to take legal action to safeguard my consumer rights and seek appropriate remedies. However, I believe that resolving this matter amicably and in a timely manner would be in the best interest of all parties involved.

Please acknowledge receipt of this letter within [ reasonable timeframe, e.g., 10 business days ] and inform me of the steps you will be taking to address the violations outlined above. I anticipate your cooperation and prompt resolution of this matter.

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

Yours sincerely, XXXX XXXX Attached FTC Report Regarding the question of why a police report isn't needed or required for a Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ) identity theft report or investigation, it is essential to consider the provisions of consumer law and the reporting process established by the FTC.

Consumer protection laws, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) and the Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act ( ITADA ), aim to safeguard the rights and interests of individuals affected by identity theft. These laws recognize that requiring a police report for every instance of identity theft may pose practical challenges and create unnecessary burdens for victims. As a result, alternative reporting mechanisms have been established to ensure that victims can report identity theft incidents without the need for a police report.

The FTC provides an accessible and streamlined reporting process through its website and helpline. This mechanism allows individuals to report incidents of identity theft directly to the FTC, providing them with the necessary information and documentation to initiate an investigation. The FTC acts as a central point for collecting and analyzing identity theft reports, which can aid in identifying trends, patterns, and larger-scale identity theft operations.

The reasons why a police report may not be required or necessary for an FTC identity theft report are as follows : 1. Variations in Local Requirements : Jurisdictions may have different requirements for filing a police report in cases of identity theft. Recognizing this discrepancy, the FTC provides an inclusive reporting process that does not solely rely on a police report, ensuring that victims from various jurisdictions can report incidents without hindrance.

2. Limited Law Enforcement Resources : Law enforcement agencies have limited resources and prioritize cases based on severity and available personnel. Individual cases of identity theft with relatively low financial losses may not receive the same level of attention as more significant crimes. The FTC 's reporting system enables victims to report incidents directly to the FTC, ensuring that their cases are documented and investigated, regardless of the prioritization of local law enforcement agencies.

3. Streamlined Reporting and Investigation Process : The FTC 's reporting process is designed to be accessible and straightforward, allowing victims to provide the necessary information directly to the agency. This streamlined approach enables the FTC to collect and analyze data efficiently, investigate patterns and trends, and coordinate with other law enforcement agencies if necessary.

While a police report may not be required for filing an FTC identity theft report, it is important to recognize that it can still serve as valuable documentation in specific circumstances. For instance, creditors or financial institutions may request a police report as part of their internal investigation process or when resolving fraudulent transactions or accounts. In such cases, victims may choose to file a police report to bolster their claims and support their defense.

It is advisable for individuals who believe they are victims of identity theft to review the guidelines and requirements provided by the FTC, consult consumer protection attorneys, or seek legal advice to understand the specific procedures and documentation needed for their particular situation. By familiarizing themselves with the relevant consumer protection laws and reporting processes, individuals can assert their rights and protect their interests effectively.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation