Consumer complaint received 2024-11-02
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. (CA)

Complaint Description : On XX/XX/year>, I submitted a written dispute to Equifax regarding an inaccurate XXXX XXXX account on my credit report. I provided a comprehensive XXXX package, including certified mail receipts, detailed documentation, and copies of my Social Security card and government ID for identity verification. Despite my compliance with all necessary verification steps, Equifax failed to conduct a reasonable investigation or respond with proper validation of the debt. The inaccurate account remains on my report without sufficient validation. 

On XX/XX/year>, I submitted a second dispute online, reiterating my request for a thorough investigation and accurate validation of the XXXX debt. However, within less than XXXX hours ( by XX/XX/year> ), Equifax updated the account with inaccurate information once again, without properly addressing my documented concerns or verifying the debt with supporting records. 

Today, XX/XX/year>, I called Equifax to inquire about their inadequate response to my second dispute. During this call, I was informed that Equifax would not proceed with my dispute unless I provided the following via certified mail : An FTC Identity Theft Report or a police reportdespite the fact that my dispute is not related to identity theft, but rather inaccurate reporting and improper validation. 
My Social Security card and government ID again, which I had already submitted in my initial certified letter less than 60 days ago. 
I reminded Equifax that, under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), they are obligated to conduct a reasonable investigation of disputes ( 15 U.S.C. 1681i ) and ensure the accuracy of information reported ( 15 U.S.C. 1681e ). Until a proper investigation is complete, they are also prohibited from reporting disputed information as verified. However, Equifax refused to assist me further unless I complied with their repeated, unnecessary documentation demandsdocuments they have already received, putting my sensitive information at repeated risk of exposure. 
Equifaxs handling of this matter appears to be in direct violation of the FCRA : 1.Failure to Conduct a Reasonable Investigation : The FCRA mandates that consumer reporting agencies conduct a reasonable investigation upon notification of a dispute. Equifaxs rapid validation without addressing the concerns I documented suggests a failure to meet this standard.

2.Inaccurate Reporting Without Proper Validation : Under the FCRA, reporting agencies must ensure information accuracy. By updating the debt status without validating it with supporting records, Equifax has compromised my credit reports accuracy.

3.Requiring Irrelevant Documentation : Requiring an FTC Identity Theft Report or police report when identity theft is not in question constitutes an unfair practice and imposes an undue burden on the consumer. This demand is especially burdensome given that I had already provided all necessary verification documents, including my ID and Social Security card. 

In light of these violations, I respectfully request that the CFPB : 1.Require Equifax to conduct a proper and comprehensive investigation into my dispute, taking into account all previously submitted documentation.

2.Compel Equifax to validate the XXXX debt accurately with all necessary records, or remove it if validation can not be provided. 
3.Hold Equifax accountable for its failure to follow FCRA requirements, including any necessary corrective actions to prevent similar unfair practices against other consumers.

Equifaxs disregard for FCRA requirements and insistence on irrelevant documentation have not only caused undue harm to my credit profile but have also exposed me to the potential for identity compromise. I urge the CFPB to intervene and ensure Equifaxs compliance with the legal standards that protect consumer rights and fair credit reporting.

Additional Legal Language and Considerations : Reasonable Investigation : This term is key, as the FCRA explicitly requires credit bureaus to conduct a reasonable investigation of consumer disputes. This language strengthens your position by referencing specific FCRA requirements.

Reference to Sections 1681i and 1681e of the FCRA : These sections of the FCRA govern the credit bureaus obligation to investigate disputes and ensure accurate reporting, respectively. Including these references adds legal weight to your complaint.

Call for CFPB Oversight : Requesting that the CFPB hold Equifax accountable under FCRA requirements adds pressure and highlights the need for consumer protection against Equifaxs practices. 

Thank you, XXXX XXXX