Consumer complaint received 2024-10-26
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Problem with a company's investigation into an existing problem — Their investigation did not fix an error on your report
Company: EQUIFAX, INC. (NC)

Summary of Complaint I am submitting this formal complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) regarding Equifaxs violation of my consumer rights in an identity theft case. Despite providing Equifax with a police report and an FTC Identity Theft Report, Equifax has failed to honor my claim, left fraudulent accounts and inquiries on my credit report, added additional fraudulent information, and refused to disclose the sources it used for verification. These actions violate several provisions of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ). I am seeking CFPBs intervention to ensure that Equifax adheres to its legal obligations and removes all fraudulent information from my credit report.

Details of the Case I am a documented victim of identity theft and submitted both a police report and FTC Identity Theft Report to Equifax. In response, Equifax has : Ignored My Identity Theft Documentation As Of XX/XX/year> : Equifax has failed to comply with FCRAs identity theft provisions, particularly 15 U.S. Code 1681c-2, which requires consumer reporting agencies to block and remove information resulting from identity theft within 15 business days of receiving an identity theft report.

Failed to Verify Fraudulent Accounts : Under 15 U.S. Code 1681i, Equifax is obligated to conduct a reasonable reinvestigation of any disputed information. I have not been informed of which entities Equifax contacted or the basis for their verification of fraudulent accounts. Equifaxs lack of transparency regarding this verification process is a violation of my rights to clear and accurate information.

Failed to Notify Me of Investigation Results : FCRA regulations require that consumers be notified of the results of any reinvestigation under 15 U.S. Code 1681i ( a ) ( 6 ). Despite my documented identity theft claim, I was not informed of any meaningful findings from Equifaxs investigation, nor did they remove the fraudulent accounts or inquiries as required.

Added Further Fraudulent Information : Equifaxs decision to add further information to my credit report despite my documented identity theft case only exacerbates my damages and further violates the FCRAs provisions on consumer protection and information accuracy.

The presence of fraudulent items has significantly harmed my credit score, which now stands at 592, and has hindered my ability to secure necessary financial services.

CFPBs Lack of Action on My Previous Complaint I previously filed a complaint with the CFPB regarding Equifaxs failure to follow consumer protection laws, but no substantial corrective action was taken. This lack of intervention has allowed Equifax to continue its non-compliance with FCRA, leaving consumers like myself without recourse.

Request for Relief I respectfully request that the CFPB : Investigate Equifaxs Handling of My Identity Theft Claim : Ensure Equifaxs compliance with 15 U.S. Code 1681c-2, which mandates the removal of identity-theft-related information within 15 days, and 15 U.S. Code 1681i, which requires transparent investigation processes for disputed accounts.

Enforce Compliance with FCRA a

nd Consumer Rights : Compel Equifax to disclose their verification sources and delete all inaccurate information. Remove All Fraudulent Information : Direct Equifax to immediately and permanently remove all fraudulent accounts and inquiries from my report. Allow Civil Recourse : Provide information on civil damages available under FCRA for financial and emotional harm caused by Equifaxs negligence.

Equifaxs disregard for documented identity theft evidence and non-compliance with FCRA laws has caused significant financial harm. I am hopeful the CFPB will take appropriate enforcement action to protect consumer rights and hold Equifax accountable.