Consumer complaint received 2023-08-04
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:
NOTICE TO PRINCIPAL IS NOTICE TO AGENT NOTICE TO AGENT IS NOTICE TO PRINCIPAL I have submitted multiple disputes through the CFPB Portal regarding my experiences with the credit reporting agencies since XXXX. However, I have not received satisfactory results, and I would like to address the response I received from the credit reporting agencies. 

The response claims that my disputes were not specific enough to be processed. While it is important to provide specific details when disputing information on a credit profile, it is equally important for the credit reporting agencies to thoroughly investigate and address any concerns raised by consumers. It appears that the credit reporting agencies are placing the entire burden on me to provide specific disputes, rather than taking proactive steps to investigate potential inaccuracies or incomplete information on credit reports. 

Moreover, the response suggests contacting the credit reporting agencies directly with specific disputes, including names and/or account numbers of the items being disputed. While this may be a valid course of action, it is important to acknowledge that many consumers may not have access to such detailed information or may not be aware of the specific items causing concern. The credit reporting agencies should adopt a more proactive approach in investigating potential inaccuracies, rather than solely relying on consumers to provide specific disputes. 

Additionally, the response mentions the option of mailing a current copy of the personal credit report for review, which may take up to 10 days for delivery. In today 's digital age, where information can be accessed instantly, this delay seems unnecessary and inconvenient for consumers who are seeking timely resolution to their disputes. The credit reporting agencies should consider providing digital access to credit reports, enabling consumers to review and dispute information more efficiently.

According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, Section 609 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ), it is a federal law requirement for the credit reporting agencies to physically verify the original signed consumer contract for any and all accounts posted on a credit report. This verification is crucial to prevent fraudulent accounts from being included in credit reports. I demand to see verifiable proof, such as an original consumer contract with my signature, for the accounts that were previously disputed. Your failure to positively verify these accounts has negatively impacted my ability to obtain credit. According to the FCRA, unverified accounts must be removed, and if you can not provide a copy of verifiable proof, the accounts must be removed. This is my second written request, and the unverified items listed below continue to violate Federal Law. You are obligated under the FCRA to have a copy of the original creditors ' documentation on file to verify the accuracy of this information. In the results of your first investigation, you claimed in writing that you " verified '' that these items are being " reported correctly. '' I would like to know who verified these accounts.

You have not provided me with any original documentation required under Section 609 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) and Section 611 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) of the FCRA, which includes a consumer contract with my signature. Additionally, under Section 611 ( 5 ) ( A ) of the FCRA, you are required to promptly delete all information that can not be verified.

The law is clear regarding civil liability and the available remedy for " negligent noncompliance '' ( Section XXXX ) if you fail to comply. As a litigious consumer, I fully intend to pursue litigation in this matter to enforce my rights under the FCRA. 

In conclusion, the response from the credit reporting agencies to my dispute places an undue burden on me and lacks a proactive approach to investigating potential inaccuracies or incomplete information on credit reports. The credit reporting agencies should take more responsibility in thoroughly investigating consumer concerns and providing efficient and accessible means for dispute resolution.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation