Consumer complaint received 2023-10-18
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: PA
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports
Sub-product: Credit reporting
Issue: Problem with a company's investigation into an existing problem
Sub-issue: Their investigation did not fix an error on your report

Complaint:
Subject : Dispute of Inaccurate Credit Reporting Information Dear Sir/Madam , I am writing to formally dispute the accuracy of information on my credit report as reported by Equifax and XXXX. The disputed account in question is the XXXX XXXX XXXX ( Installment ) account, which is listed on my credit report under account number [ Account Number ]. I believe that the reporting agency has not followed the law in conducting a proper investigation and has failed to maintain maximum accuracy, as required by the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) under 15 USC 1681e ( b ).

I have initiated this dispute because it has come to my attention that the credit reporting agency, in handling my dispute, has merely parroted the information provided by the furnisher of the credit information. This is not a proper investigation as mandated by the FCRA, which requires credit reporting agencies to ensure maximum accuracy of the information they report from the furnisher. A simple reliance on the information provided by the furnisher is insufficient and does not meet the standards set forth in 15 USC 1681e ( b ).

Furthermore, I assert that the credit reporting agency 's investigation did not meet the requirement for a reasonable investigation, as stipulated in 15 USC 1681i. It is clear that a comprehensive and independent review of the disputed account was not conducted, which is necessary to ensure that the information is accurate and in compliance with the FCRA.

Moreover, I believe that there was no permissible purpose for this account to be included on my credit report, as required by 15 USC 1681b. The FCRA mandates that consumer credit reports should only include information that serves a legitimate and permissible purpose. The presence of this account on my credit report, without a valid permissible purpose, constitutes a violation of the law. 

Failure to comply with the provisions of the FCRA not only jeopardizes my creditworthiness but also exposes Equifax and XXXX to potential liability under 15 USC 1681n for civil and willful non-compliance. I would like to remind [ Credit Reporting Agency Name ] that, under the FCRA, consumers have the right to seek legal remedies and compensation when their rights are violated. 

In light of the violations of the FCRA as outlined above, I request that Equifax and XXXX conduct a thorough and independent investigation into the accuracy and permissible purpose of the disputed XXXX XXXX XXXX ( Installment ) account. I also request that the inaccurate information be promptly removed from my credit report. Additionally, I expect [ Credit Reporting Agency Name ] to provide me with a written response outlining the results of the investigation and any corrective actions taken.

Please consider this letter as a formal request under the FCRA to correct the inaccuracies on my credit report. I also request that you provide me with a free copy of my updated credit report after the investigation is completed.

I expect a prompt response to this dispute within 30 days, as required by federal law. Failure to comply with this request may compel me to pursue legal remedies available under the FCRA.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. I look forward to a swift resolution. 


Please see attached for proof there was investigation done

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation