Consumer complaint received 2016-09-03
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: MD
Product: Credit reporting
Issue: Unable to get credit report/credit score
Sub-issue: Problem getting my free annual report

Complaint:
These are some of the information given by XXXX, but this dispute comes as a charge off Dear XXXX, Thank you for contacting XXXX. We can help you in challenging the negative accounts on your credit reports in hopes of having them removed. However, It is important to note that XXXX has agreed to represent you on a limited scope basis for the purposes of credit repair. This representation includes challenging questionable negative items on your credit reports with all three major credit bureaus and specific creditors based on your plan type. In addition, the representation includes access to information regarding how certain negative items and life circumstances may impact your credit reports and credit score. You may access this information through the client website or by communicating with XXXX XXXX Firm via phone or email. All other legal matters are outside the scope of XXXX representation as discussed in XXXX Engagement Agreement. 
We recommend that you contact a local attorney for any other legal matter. Many attorneys offer free or low cost consultations to potential clients. Alternatively, you may want to contact your state 's bar association. They may be able to connect you with someone who can assist you. 
In regards to getting the accounts removed from your credit reports, XXXX offers alternative methods of challenging the questionable negative information through " escalation '' letters. 
There are five types of Escalation letters : 1. Goodwill Intervention Letter The goodwill intervention letter is sent on XXXX letterhead and signed by an attorney. The letter is available only for payments alleged to be up to 60 days late and requests that the provider of the negative information ( e.g., creditor or third party debt collector ) redact the item as a matter of goodwill. It is most effective when there is only XXXX late payment with a specific creditor. 
2. Full Spread Intervention Letter The full spread intervention letter focuses on challenging a questionable negative item simultaneously with a major credit bureau and the provider of the information. The intent is that this method will increase the rate of time in which provider of the information reinvestigates the information in question. 
3. Heavy Document Letter The " heavy document '' letter includes relevant underlying documentation regarding a specific negative item appearing on a credit report. The intent is to support a defense that the information is inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable. 
4. Notarized Intervention Letter The notarized intervention letter is a XXXX prepared letter challenging a questionable negative item with a section that may be notarized. The intent of this letter is to demonstrate that you are in fact the person challenging this information in addition to the seriousness of this request. 
5. Stall Letter Response Sometimes the credit bureaus will send letters that we have termed " stall letters '' that ask for additional information prior to the occurrence of an actual investigation involving the challenged negative information. This method provides a way to answer the credit bureaus ' request for information so that they then conduct an investigation into whether or not the challenged negative item is inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable. 
Please contact us with any further questions or concerns that you may have regarding your case. You may contact us via the client website available at https : //clients.lexingtonlaw.com/login or by phone. Our office hours are XXXX. to XXXX MST Monday through Friday and XXXX to XXXX MST on Saturdays. 
Sincerely, None of this happened or they were false XXXX XXXX. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Maryland, your trusted leader in credit report repair.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation