Consumer complaint received 2024-09-23
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Incorrect information on your report — Account information incorrect
Company: EQUIFAX, INC. (LA)

CFPB Complaint for Repeated Violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) by XXXX, Equifax, and XXXX  
Statement of Claim:
I am filing this complaint regarding XXXX Equifax, and XXXX  repeated violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) in connection with my previous credit report disputes dated XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. All of which was sent post mail with photocopies of my identification. Each of which was also ignored. I have yet to receive any proof of an investigative consumer report being conducted. 
I am aware that there is a difference between a regular consumer report and an investigative consumer report as defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act. 15 USC 1681a (e) defines an investigative consumer report as a consumer report or portion thereof in which information a consumers character, general reputation, personal characteristics or mode of living is obtained through personal interviews with neighbors, friends and associates of the consumer reported (which in this situation is me (XXXX XXXX). The FCRA goes on to say that such information shall NOT include specific information on a consumers credit record obtained directly from the creditor of the consumer pr from a consumer reporting agency when such information was obtained directly from a creditor of the consumer or from the consumer. 
Since my initial disputes, XXXX XXXX XXXX, I have submitted multiple formal dispute requests to each of the above-mentioned credit reporting agencies, requesting investigations and corrections of inaccuracies on their credit report. Since then, I have witnessed and have tangible evidence of a fluctuation in my credit score.
 For example, on four separate occasions I have pulled my consumer report and although each of the Nationwide Consumer Reporting Agencies claim to be reporting accurate information there are several discrepancies across the board. A few of the items were removed without a written notice being sent to me (the consumer) to identify the initial issue nor resolution. The following are dates that the different agencies inaccurately reported my credit scores along with the corresponding dates of each report. XXXX 630-Equifax XXXX XXXX XXXX 629-Equifax XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXXEquifax XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX 634-Equifax XXXX XXXX

Despite the statutory requirement under the FCRA to investigate and provide a response within 30 days, from interviews with my neighbors friends and associates as it pertains to my credit worthiness the nationwide credit reporting agencies have consistently failed to provide adequate remedies. 
The agencies have:
1. Failed to respond to several of the dispute requests. Attached are the letters
2. Failed to conduct reasonable investigations into the inaccuracies and provide proof there of or an updated consumer report.  
3. Failed to correct or remove inaccurate information on my client's credit report, even after being notified multiple times.
4. Provided incomplete or no explanations for the failure to address the inaccuracies.

This ongoing non-compliance with the FCRA has significantly harmed me, resulting in continued reporting of inaccurate and derogatory information that has adversely affected my credit score and financial opportunities.

 Details of the Violations:
- XXXX, Equifax, and XXXX have each received disputes on multiple occasions since XXXX XXXX. I have attached two letters just for review and reference. Additionally in my research I found that also in XXXX XXXX the CFPB conducted a study and published evidence that the nationwide consumer reporting agencies were in fact willfully noncomplying with various requirements under the FCRA. This article for reference is entitled Supervisory Highlights on Consumer Reporting Agencies and furnishers Issue 32 XXXX XXXX. The findings in this report cover sheet examinations in connection with the credit reporting and furnishing that were completed from XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. Proving this is has been an ongoing problem in the world of consumer reports and credit scores. Consumers have been under the manipulation of the consumer reporting agencies as well as the data furnishers who are most likely biased against consumers. 
- Despite these requests, the inaccuracies remain on my client's credit report, and no proper investigations have been conducted.
- There has been a lack of communication from the agencies regarding the status of the disputes, leaving me without recourse.  
This is unacceptable and I am finally prepared to take this in front of a federal judge if this issue cannot be rectified. 
 
The repeated non-responsiveness of these agencies constitutes a clear violation of their obligations under the FCRA, particularly under 15 U.S.C.  1681i and 15 U.S.C.  1681e(b), which require accurate reporting and timely investigation into disputes.

Desired Resolution:
I am now preparing to send pre-litigation notices to XXXX Equifax, and XXXX, and this complaint serves as the final attempt to resolve the matter without court intervention. My client seeks the following:

1. Immediate correction or removal of the inaccurate information from their credit report.
2. A detailed explanation of the results of any investigation conducted with verifiable proof.
3. A commitment from the agencies to follow their obligations under the FCRA in future dealings.
4. Compensation for damages caused by the inaccurate reporting, if applicable.

I request that the CFPB intervene to ensure that these credit reporting agencies comply with the FCRA and take immediate corrective action. If this issue is not resolved promptly, we will proceed with legal action against the agencies for their continuous failure to address these disputes.

XXXX XXXX, Consumer In Fact , Complainant