Consumer complaint received 2023-07-23
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: Investigation took more than 30 days

Complaint:
XX/XX/XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, Pennsylvania XXXX SS # : XXXX Date of Birth : XX/XX/XXXX Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to bring to your attention a distressing situation that has profoundly affected my life due to several violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) committed by multiple creditors. I kindly request the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau 's ( CFPB ) intervention to enforce my legal rights and assist in resolving this matter. 



Personal Story : To understand the impact these violations have had on my life, I want to share a deeply personal experience. I have always been financially responsible and prided myself on maintaining an impeccable credit history. Unfortunately, in [ XXXX, XXXX ], I encountered unexpected financial difficulties due to a medical emergency that left me unable to work for several months. During this challenging time, I was forced to make difficult decisions, including filing for bankruptcy to gain some semblance of financial stability. 



The bankruptcy filing was an arduous process, but it was essential for me to regain control of my life. After enduring the emotional toll of bankruptcy, I took steps to rebuild my life and financial standing. Despite the challenges I faced, I was determined to work diligently to restore my credit and prove my creditworthiness to creditors. 



Violations by Creditor 1 : a. FCRA ( Fair Credit Reporting Act ) Violations : i. Section 611 - Procedure in case of disputed accuracy - Subsection ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) - The consumer reporting agency must conduct a reasonable investigation upon receiving a dispute. 

- Subsection ( a ) ( 1 ) ( B ) - Incorrect information must be corrected or deleted.

b. FCRA Violations ( Bankruptcy Reporting ) : i. Section 605 - Requirements relating to information contained in consumer reports - Subsection ( a ) ( 1 ) - Bankruptcy information should not be reported after ten years from the date of the order for relief. 



Violations by Creditor 2 : a. FCRA Violations ( Bankruptcy Reporting ) : i. Section 605 - Requirements relating to information contained in consumer reports - Subsection ( a ) ( 1 ) - Bankruptcy information should not be reported after ten years from the date of the order for relief.

b. FCRA Violations ( Unauthorized Inquiry ) : i. Section 604 - Permissible purposes of consumer reports - Subsection ( a ) ( XXXX ) ( A ) - Credit inquiries should only be made with the consumer 's consent or a permissible purpose. 



Violations by Creditor 3 : a. FCRA Violations ( Unauthorized Inquiry ) : i. Section 604 - Permissible purposes of consumer reports - Subsection ( a ) ( 3 ) ( A ) - Credit inquiries should only be made with the consumer 's consent or a permissible purpose. 



These violations have had severe consequences on my creditworthiness and overall financial well-being. Due to these inaccuracies and unauthorized inquiries on my credit report, my efforts to rebuild my credit have been in vain. Potential creditors, landlords, and even employers have viewed this flawed credit history, leading to declined applications and missed opportunities. The constant emotional stress and anxiety caused by the inability to secure necessary credit have taken a toll on my mental health and overall quality of life. 



Request for Action : I humbly request the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau 's prompt assistance in investigating these violations by the respective creditors. I urge the CFPB to enforce my legal rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act and ensure that appropriate actions are taken to rectify the situation. 



Specifically, I request that the following actions be taken : Remove the inaccurately reported bankruptcy information from my credit file for Creditor 1 and Creditor 2, as it does not belong to me and is beyond the permissible reporting period. 

Delete the unauthorized credit inquiries made by Creditor 2 and Creditor 3, as they were not authorized by me or based on any permissible purpose. 

I believe that the timely intervention of the CFPB is crucial in rectifying these violations and restoring my credit report 's accuracy. I also request the CFPB to hold the involved creditors accountable for their non-compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and take necessary actions to prevent similar occurrences in the future. 



I sincerely appreciate your attention to this matter and hope for a swift resolution. I have attached supporting documentation, including relevant correspondence with the creditors and any other pertinent evidence, to assist in your investigation. 



Thank you for your consideration and support in helping me address this critical issue. I look forward to your positive response and a fair resolution of these violations. 



Sincerely, XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation