Consumer complaint received 2024-10-30
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Improper use of your report — Reporting company used your report improperly
Company: EQUIFAX, INC. (GA)

Dear CFPB Representative, I am writing to formally dispute XXXX late payments reported on my credit reports by XXXXL during XXXX XXXX XXXX period. 
These payments, marked late on : XXXX XXXX 30 Days Late.- XXXX XXXX 30 Days Late.- XXXX XXXX 30 Days Late.- -XXXX : - Account Number : XXXX Have been inaccurately reported by both XXXX, XXXX and Equifax have severely impacted my credit score. I am seeking assistance for their removal based on protections outlined in the CARES Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), and the Truth in Lending Act ( TILA ). 
Background of the Account : Due to financial hardship during the XXXX pandemic, I encountered unexpected challenges that made timely payments difficult. During this period, I understood that creditors were encouraged under the CARES Act to provide accommodations for those financially impacted by XXXX, including continuing to report accounts as current when payments were deferred, or forbearance was granted. XXXX, XXXX and Equifax, continued to report these payments as late, despite the economic strain caused by the pandemic and the expectation of flexibility. 
Request for Immediate Correction under the CARES Act : The CARES Act specifically mandates that creditors offer accommodations to consumers impacted by XXXX by maintaining current account status during agreed-upon relief periods. I believe XXXX, XXXX and Equifax failed to follow these guidelines and, as such, has inaccurately reported late payments. 
Given that these late payments occurred during a pandemic-related hardship ; I am requesting that these entries be removed from my credit report. 
Violation of Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) Standards : The FCRA mandates that all information reported to credit bureaus be accurate and fair. Reporting these payments as late is not only inaccurate given the conditions of the CARES Act, but also fails to reflect the reality of my situation during a federally recognized period of financial strain. Reporting these late payments, when they should have been classified as current under accommodations, is therefore misleading and in violation of FCRA standards. 
Truth in Lending Transparency Issues : The Truth in Lending Act ( TILA ) requires creditors to act with transparency and fairness, particularly in times of economic hardship. During the pandemic, XXXX, XXXX and Equifax did not adequately communicate options for accommodations or relief, despite the extraordinary circumstances. As a result, I was not provided with fair access to options that could have helped me avoid these late payments. 
Resolution Requested : Considering the CARES Act, FCRA, and TILA guidelines, I request that the CFPB review this case and require XXXX, XXXX and Equifax to remove the XXXX late payments from my credit reports. 
Thank you for your time and assistance in correcting this matter. I look forward to a prompt resolution that accurately reflects my credit history. 
Sincerely, XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX