Consumer complaint received 2023-07-24
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: GA
Product: Credit reporting, credit repair services, or other personal consumer reports
Sub-product: Credit reporting
Issue: Improper use of your report
Sub-issue: Reporting company used your report improperly

Complaint:
Subject : Dispute of Unauthorized Credit Reporting un

der 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ), 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ), and 1681 ( c ) ( 2 ), 15 U.S.C. 6801 Request for Removal Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to dispute the unauthorized inclusion of certain items on my credit report, which I believe infringes upon my rights as outlined under the United States Code , specifically 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ), 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ), and 1681 ( c ) ( 2 ). I kindly request that you conduct an immediate investigation into these matters and take the necessary actions to rectify them.

Firstly, according to 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ), credit reporting agencies are not permitted to include any information on an individual 's credit report without obtaining their written consent. To the best of my knowledge, I have not provided written consent for the items in question to be included on my credit report. Hence, their inclusion violates this provision.

Furthermore, 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ) states that the unauthorized placement of items on a credit report without written consent constitutes identity theft. I assert that these unauthorized entries are a result of identity theft since I have not granted permission for their inclusion on my credit report.

Additionally, in accordance with 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( c ) ( 2 ), if a consumer notifies a credit reporting agency of inaccurate or incomplete information, the agency must promptly investigate and remove the information as necessary. Therefore, I request that you conduct an immediate investigation into the unauthorized items on my credit report and take prompt action to remove them, as they lack my written consent and inaccurately reflect my credit history.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that under the provisions of 15 U.S.C. 6801, credit reporting agencies are required to safeguard consumer information to prevent unauthorized access and use. Failure to meet these safeguards may result in violations of consumer privacy and security rights. I expect you to adhere to these safeguarding requirements and ensure the removal of the unauthorized items from my credit report.

According to the provisions outlined in the USC code, specifically Under 15 U.S. Code 1681 The definition of " INVESTIGATE '' : ( e ) The term investigative consumer report means a consumer report or portion thereof in which information on a consumers character, general reputation, personal characteristics, or mode of living is obtained through personal interviews with neighbors, friends, or associates of the consumer reported on or with others with whom he is acquainted or who may have knowledge concerning any such items of information. However, such information shall not include specific factual information on a consumers credit record obtained directly from a creditor of the consumer or from a consumer reporting agency when such information was obtained directly from a creditor of the consumer or from the consumer. I have the right to dispute inaccurate information on my credit report. I exercised this right and submitted a formal dispute to the Bureau 's on XX/XX/2023. The inaccuracies pertain to Collection entry on my credit report that I have never authorized or entered into any contractual agreement with. Cease all collection activities until investigation completion. 15 U.S. Code 1681s 2, 1681a ( 3 ).

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Despite providing all necessary documentation and evidence to support my dispute, the Bureau has failed to initiate a thorough investigation into the matter. As per the U.S.C. code definition, it is the responsibility of the credit bureau to conduct a reasonable investigation upon receiving notice of a dispute.

I am deeply concerned about this violation of the law and the potential negative impact on my creditworthiness. The failure to investigate my dispute not only undermines my rights as a consumer but also compromises the accuracy and integrity of the credit reporting system as a whole.

I kindly request your intervention and assistance in addressing this matter. I believe it is imperative for the Bureau 's to adhere to the regulations set forth in the U.S.C. code and fulfill its obligation to investigate and correct inaccuracies on my credit report.

I respectfully ask that you investigate this matter further, ensure compliance with the applicable U.S.C. code, and take appropriate actions against the Bureau 's for their non-compliance. Additionally, I kindly request that you keep me informed of any progress or developments regarding my complaint.

I kindly request that you provide written documentation of the investigation results, as well as the removal or modification of the unauthorized items, within 14 business days.

Please consider this letter as my formal request for an investigation and resolution of the unauthorized credit reporting entries on my credit report. I trust that you will fulfill your obligations under the law and promptly address this matter.

Lastly, I kindly request that you initiate a comprehensive investigation into these disputed items as outlined in my dispute. Please ensure that the investigation is conducted in accordance with the relevant sections of the FCRA, including but not limited to : 15 U.S. Code 1681i ( 5 ) - Removal of Inaccurate/Invalidated Credit Information 15 U.S. Code 1681e ( b ) - Compliance Procedures for Maximum Possible Accuracy 15 U.S. Code 1681s2 - Responsibilities of Furnishers of Information to Consumer Reporting Agencies under FCRA 15 U.S. Code 1692e - False or Misleading Representations under FDCPA 15 U.S. Code 1681a ( 3 ) - Restriction on Sharing of Medical Information 15 US Code 1681b ( 4 ) - Limitation on Redisclosure of Medical Information 15 U.S. Code 1681a ( 2 ) ( B ) - Exclusions from a Consumer Report 15 U.S. Code 1666 ( b ) - Billing Error under TILA 15 U.S. Code 1605 - Determination of Finance Charge During the investigation period, I kindly ask that you place these disputed items in dispute and refrain from reporting them to any third parties. I also request that you contact the relevant data furnishers and inform them of these disputes, instructing them to cease reporting the disputed items until the completion of your investigation and the resolution of these matters.

Below you will find all the items that are inaccurate : 1. The following personal information is incorrect Account Number : Current Address ( es ) : XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX GA XXXX XXXX. The following personal information is incorrect Account Number : Previous Address ( es ) : XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  XXXX XXXX. The following personal information is incorrect Account Number : Previous Address ( es ) : XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX. The following personal information is incorrect Account Number : Previous Address ( es ) : XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX. The following personal information is incorrect Account Number : Previous Address ( es ) : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX. The following personal information is incorrect Account Number : Previous Address ( es ) : XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX. Disputes Account Type or Term Duration/Terms Frequency or Portfolio Type disputed. Dispute Special Comment/Compliance Condition Code/narrative remarks. Dispute current balance. Disputes present/previous Account Status/Payment History Profile/Payment Rati XXXX XXXXXXXX Account Number : XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

XXXX. Disputes Account Type or Term Duration/Terms Frequency or Portfolio Type disputed. Dispute Special Comment/Compliance Condition Code/narrative remarks. Dispute current balance. Disputes present/previous Account Status/Payment History Profile/Payment Rati XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Account Number : XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

XXXX. Disputes Account Type or Term Duration/Terms Frequency or Portfolio Type disputed. Dispute Special Comment/Compliance Condition Code/narrative remarks. Dispute current balance. Disputes present/previous Account Status/Payment History Profile/Payment Rati XXXX XXXX XXXX Account Number : XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

XXXX. The following personal information is incorrect Account Number : Previous Address ( es ) : XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX. Disputes Account Type or Term Duration/Terms Frequency or Portfolio Type disputed. Dispute Special Comment/Compliance Condition Code/narrative remarks. Dispute current balance. Disputes present/previous Account Status/Payment History Profile/Payment XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Account NumbeXXXX XXXX XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

Additionally there is NO law that states a consumer can not use a third party, so using that as your excuse is a irrelevant. In fact, the United States Congress has found the whole process so overwhelming that they afford consumers the right to use a third party on their behalf if the consumer so chooses. This is why your statement is so shameful.

I reserve the right to sue a credit bureau for violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act and I believe I can prove that you did not use reasonable measures to insure the accuracy of my credit reports and now you are stalling the process even further.

I realize disputes can be expensive and it is your job to stall them, but you do so at great risk. Please take notice that this letter dated ( insert today 's date ) is formal notice to you that I am requesting that you continue forward with my original investigation request and please send the results to me within 15 days. I therefore legally and lawfully refuse your " form letter '' thus giving you only 15 days not 30 more.

I am annoyed and outraged at your accusation and I have researched my rights in regards to my credit file. Please expedite my original request immediately. 

Sincerely yours, XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief