Consumer complaint received 2023-07-08
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: FL
Product: Debt collection
Sub-product: I do not know
Issue: Attempts to collect debt not owed
Sub-issue: Debt was result of identity theft

Complaint:
Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding a fraudulent account that has been reported by your organization, XXXX XXXX. The account in question, bearing the account number XXXX, has been listed as a collection account, despite the fact that I have never had any association or involvement with it. 

I recently discovered this account 's existence when reviewing my credit report from [ Credit Bureau ]. The account details listed on the report are as follows : Account Type : Collection Account Type - Detail : Collection Bureau Code : Individual Account Status : Derogatory Monthly Payment : - - Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Balance : {$3100.00} No. of Months ( terms ) : - - High Credit : {$3100.00} Credit Limit : - - Past Due : - - Payment Status : Collection/Chargeoff Last Reported : XX/XX/XXXX Date Last Active : XX/XX/XXXX Date of Last Payment : - ( This account is not mine ) I must emphasize that this account does not belong to me, and I am a victim of identity theft. As such, I demand an immediate investigation into this matter to rectify the fraudulent account and remove it from my credit report. I am fully aware of my rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), and I intend to exercise them to ensure a fair and accurate representation of my credit history. 

Furthermore, I have taken the necessary steps to report this identity theft to the local law enforcement agency. I have filed a police report with [ Name of Police Department ] under the reference number [ Police Report Number ]. Enclosed with this letter, you will find a copy of the police report for your reference and records. 

Case law supports the responsibility of creditors and credit reporting agencies to investigate and rectify fraudulent accounts. For your reference, I would like to highlight the following relevant case : [ Provide the details of the case, including the name, citation, and key points that support your position. ] In light of the aforementioned case and the evident discrepancy between the reported account and my personal financial records, I insist that XXXX XXXX undertakes the following actions : Conduct a thorough investigation into the fraudulent account [ XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  and its associated details. 

Provide me with a written response acknowledging the fraudulent nature of the account and your commitment to rectifying the situation promptly. 

Cease any and all attempts to collect payments, report negative information, or engage in any further activities related to this fraudulent account. 

Take immediate steps to remove the fraudulent account from my credit report with all major credit bureaus, including Equifax, XXXX, and XXXX. 

Provide me with written confirmation, within [ reasonable timeframe ], that the fraudulent account has been completely removed from my credit report. 

Failure to comply with these demands will leave me with no choice but to escalate this matter further. I am prepared to exercise my rights under the FCRA and explore legal remedies to seek redress for the damage caused by this identity theft. 

I expect prompt action and resolution regarding this matter. Please acknowledge receipt of this complaint within [ reasonable timeframe ]. You can reach me at the contact information provided above. 

Thank you for your immediate attention to this serious matter. I trust that XXXX XXXX will handle this situation with the urgency and professionalism it deserves. 

Sincerely,

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief