Consumer complaint received 2016-01-29
Company: Experian Information Solutions Inc.
State: MI
Product: Credit reporting
Issue: Credit reporting company's investigation
Sub-issue: Problem with statement of dispute

Complaint:
I contacted Experian credit reporting agency regarding a debt that was on my credit report maintained by them for XXXX for {$850.00}. I sent them information submitted by the initial 3rd Party Debt collector attempting to collect the debt to show them that the new debt collector ( XXXX ) had fraudulently represented the debt. On XXXX XXXX, XXXX, I received a form letter updating me of the debt from Experian for report number XXXX informing me that they did not have enough information to, and I quote, " ... to make the changes or deletions you requested. '' I provided them copies of the original 3rd party debt collectors ( XXXX ) attempt to collect the debt along with the documentation submitted by the original 3rd party debt collector to establish timing for the initial delinquency of the fraudulent debt that conflicted with the current 3rd party debt collectors ( XXXX ) account of the debt by several months. I also provided them with information regarding identity theft as well as informed them that I have and an active fraud alert on my account with them since XXXX which should have been current and in effect at the time the fraud with XXXX XXXX XXXX occurred. After Expeirans ' " further investigation '' on XXXX XXXX, XXXX, they sent me another updated report that stated " The Credit Grantor Requests That You Contact Them Directly '' and provides me with XXXX information. In addition, they deleted the original creditors entry ( XXXX ) on my credit file but kept the 3rd Party Debt Collectors entry ( XXXX ). This is further proof they did not do adequately follow up on my request for validation of the debt as it makes absolutely no sense you remove the original creditor but keep the debt collectors information. Also, if I am to contact the " credit grantor '' why are they referring to Diversified Consultants and not XXXX, XXXX is not and never has been a credit grantor. 

My concern is that Experian allowed a negative entry onto my credit profile that they manage without verifying/validating the authenticity of the item in advance. They then try to cover their error by deleting the information for the original creditor and keeping only the 3rd Party Debt Collector. In addition, when I disputed this issue with XXXX, they verified my claim of fraud and removed the item but Experian claims the debt is not fraudulent but failed to provide evidence contrary to my claims. To make matters worse, I have an active fraud alert with Experian as well as XXXX and XXXX but Experian never once contacted me about this debt as there was no addition of the XXXX credit entry in my credit profile before it went delinquent, even though it was an open line of credit. However, once that credit line went delinquent Experian immediately added it to my credit profile. Lastly, I sent them documented proof of the second 3rd party debt collectors ( XXXX ) attempt to back date or reset the fraudulent debt within my credit profile and they, Experian, " ... determined that we are not able to use it to make the changes or deletions you requested. '' I am concerned that the integrity of their services to me as a consumer are more detrimental than helpful and have the potential to ruin my financial status within society than to help it. As such I would like to pursue " Opting Out '' of their ability to report anything regarding my credit worthiness. They are not reliable and clearly are not competent enough to provide unbiased service to me as a consumer. I am also concerned that other consumers who are not aware of their rights are being taken advantage of by Experian 's incompetence/negligence. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX Very Concerned Consumer

Company public response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief