Consumer complaint received 2019-05-13
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: PA
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:
On XX/XX/2019, I disputed the ownership of a collections account in the amount of {$110.00} that is listed on my Equifax credit report. Remaining skeptical of the integrity of Equifax, I maintained diligent records of all activity, including e-mails, confirmation numbers, times and dates, screenshots, webpages, credit reports, etc. I received an e-mail from Equifax on the same day containing a confirmation number, and a URL link to a webpage where I could view the status of my dispute at any time. On numerous occasions I have attempted to access the status of my dispute from the Equifax website, using the provided URL link as well as going to the website first and going through the steps manually to reach the dispute status page, without ever being able to gain access. Before my dispute was " completed '', as Equifax says via e-mail, when I would attempt to view my dispute status, I would see a webpage that claimed they " could not verify my identity '', and they would need me to send them proof of my identity in the mail. This was red flag # 1 to me, as I have used the exact same information in the past to view my credit report, prior to starting my dispute with them. I am certain that I know my own address and date of birth, and Equifax suggesting otherwise is silly to me, and raises concerns of malice towards me. Seeking advice on why I would see this message, I have heard from some this may be an attempt for Equifax to extend the 30 day period required by law to complete their dispute investigation by another 15 days, by reason of me " updating the information for my dispute ''. Whether or not this is true, I can not say, but I will say that it has me concerned. I maintain records of these actions. 

On XX/XX/2019, I received an email from Equifax stating they have " completed my dispute request ''. Attempting to gain access to the status of my dispute would again prove impossible, as I would always receive an " error '' message that is different from the above mentioned webpage concerning my identity. I would see a webpage that says " service is currently unavailable '', on multiple occasions. Red flag # 2. I maintain records of these actions. 

On XX/XX/2019, I attempt to view the status of my dispute, and I am again unable to gain access, with a webpage now saying that Equifax could not confirm my identity. Red flag # 3. I maintain records of these actions. 

In the end, after the 30 day investigation period had elapsed, and to this day, currently, nothing has been changed in regards to the above mentioned collections account on my Equifax credit report. In reference to the FCRA, it is my knowledge that after any credit reporting bureau completes an investigation regarding a consumer dispute such as mine, the credit reporting bureau must : remove any disputed accounts from the consumer 's credit file, in the event that the account/debt could not be validated ; or the credit reporting bureau must update the account to reflect new information, including a notation mentioning that the consumer disputes the account, and the consumer shall be allowed to input a statement in regards to the dispute. It is also my knowledge, from the FCRA, that a credit reporting bureau has a period of 15 days from a consumer 's request to provide the method of verification used in their determination in an investigation of a dispute, including hard evidence going back to the original creditor, and not just a collections agency, that proves beyond a reasonable doubt that the debt belongs to the consumer. 
I hereby formally request of Equifax to provide to me the appropriate and verifiable evidence of the method of verification, upon receiving this complaint, and it is my understanding that upon receiving this complaint, Equifax has formally read and acknowledged this request, and accepts the responsibility of honoring it, without excuse. 
Understanding my rights and protections under federal law, I believe Equifax to be in gross violation of my consumer rights, and willfully negligent to fulfill their obligations, and in doing so, are causing me a significant amount of damage and grief, to my good character and reputation, making it near impossible to be approved for any line of credit, loan, or otherwise.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation