Consumer complaint received 2024-09-07
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Problem with a company's investigation into an existing problem — Was not notified of investigation status or results
Company: EQUIFAX, INC. (GA)

Subject : Equifaxs Failure to Adhere to FCRA Requirements for Victims of XXXX  and Blocking Information Date of Incident : XX/XX/year> Equifax Dispute Submitted on : XX/XX/year> at XXXX XXXX ( USPS Certified Mail Tracking Confirmation ) Complaint : I am filing a formal complaint against Equifax for violating the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), specifically related to protections for victims of XXXX under FCRA Section 605C ( 15 U.S.C. 1681c-3 ) and the obligation to block certain adverse information from consumer reports within the prescribed timeline. 
Background : On XX/XX/year>, at XXXX XXXX, Equifax received my dispute through certified mail, as confirmed by the USPS tracking receipt. In this dispute, I provided evidence that I am a victim of XXXX and requested that certain negative information be blocked from my credit report as per my rights under FCRA. 
According to the FCRA Section 605C and associated guidelines, Equifax was legally required to block the negative information from my consumer report within four business days of receiving my submission. This information has not been blocked as of today 's date, and I have not received any explanation or communication from Equifax justifying this delay or failure to act. 
Relevant Laws & Regulations : 1. FCRA Section 605C ( 15 U.S.C. 1681c-3 ) : o This section of the FCRA grants victims of human trafficking the right to have adverse information related to their trafficking experience blocked from their credit reports. Upon receiving appropriate documentation from the consumer, a credit reporting agency must block the specified adverse items within four business days.

2. 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( Dispute Resolution ) & 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 : o Equifax has an obligation to conduct a timely investigation of disputed information and can not delay or ignore a dispute submitted by the consumer, especially in the case of special protections for XXXX  victims. Failure to investigate or correct inaccuracies can constitute a violation of the FCRA.

3. CFPBs Authority under 12 U.S.C. 5511 ( c ) : o The CFPB is responsible for enforcing consumer protection laws, including the FCRA, and ensuring that credit reporting agencies such as Equifax comply with the law.

Requested Action : I request that the CFPB investigate Equifaxs noncompliance with the FCRA and take appropriate action, including but not limited to : Immediate removal/blocking of the disputed adverse information in compliance with FCRA Section 605C.

Corrective action to ensure Equifax implements processes that meet the timeline of four business days for blocking information as required by law.

Any other penalties, fines, or disciplinary actions that are deemed necessary under FCRA for failure to adhere to legal obligations.

I appreciate the CFPBs assistance in addressing this violation and ensuring that Equifax complies with federal law, particularly for vulnerable consumers like victims of XXXX.

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX