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. (FL)

Subject : Dispute and Request for Removal of Late Payments on Equifax, Dear CFPB Representative, I am writing to formally dispute 21 late payments reported on my credit reports by XXXX XXXX XXXX, during the COVID-19 pandemic period. 
These payments, marked late on : XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX 
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX 
XXXX XXXX XXXX : Account Number : Have been inaccurately reported by both 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 : XXXX Due to financial hardship during the COVID-19 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 COVID-19, including continuing to report accounts as current when payments were deferred, or forbearance was granted. 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 COVID-19 by maintaining current account status during agreed-upon relief periods. I believe 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, 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 Equifax, to remove the 21 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.