Consumer complaint received 2024-09-01
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. (FL)

Dear CFPB Representative, I am writing to express my deep frustration and concern regarding the gross mishandling of my XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX account by XXXX, which has resulted in unjustified account closures, severe damage to my credit score, and significant financial distress. 

Background : My name is XXXX XXXX, and I hold an account with the XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, with the card ending in XXXX. As a responsible and diligent cardholder, I added an acquaintance, XXXX XXXX XXXX, as an authorized user on my account. Unfortunately, this individual exploited my trust and made fraudulent charges without my knowledge or consent. 

Incident Details : I discovered these unauthorized charges only when my card was unexpectedly declined during a transaction. Upon reviewing my account, I was shocked to find a substantial balance that had been run up fraudulently. I immediately took responsibility for rectifying this situation and paid off the full balance to ensure my account remained in good standing. 

On XX/XX/year>, XXXX, without any prior notice, closed my personal checking account ending in XXXX. Just a few days later, on XX/XX/year>, XXXX proceeded to close my XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX account ending in XXXX, again without any notice or valid reason. This reckless and arbitrary action has resulted in significant and unjustified harm to my credit score, which had been impeccable prior to this ordeal. 

Legal Violations : XXXX 's actions constitute clear violations of both federal and state laws designed to protect consumers from exactly this type of abuse : Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) - 15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq. 
XXXX is legally required to ensure that the information they furnish to credit reporting agencies is accurate and fair. By unjustifiably closing my accounts and damaging my credit score, XXXX has failed to meet these obligations, violating the FCRA. 

Truth in Lending Act ( TILA ) - 15 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.

The TILA mandates that lenders operate transparently and fairly. Citibanks arbitrary and unjustified closure of my accounts, without notice or explanation, constitutes an unfair billing practice under this law, meriting immediate correction.

Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act ( FDUTPA ) - Fla. Stat. 501.201 et seq.

Under FDUTPA, XXXX conduct qualifies as both deceptive and unconscionable. The closure of my accounts without cause, leading to severe credit damage, is a blatant violation of Florida law, exposing XXXX to potential penalties and liability. 

Demands for Immediate Action : I demand that XXXX take the following actions immediately : Reopen all accounts that were closed without justification, including my personal checking account ending in XXXX and my XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX account ending in XXXX, restoring the account numbers and credit lines that were in good standing before this incident. 
Remove any negative information related to these account closures from my credit report, and provide written confirmation that my credit standing has been fully restored to its previous state. 
Issue a formal apology and provide assurance that such reckless actions will not be taken again, in compliance with federal and state laws. 
I have severed all ties with XXXX XXXX XXXX and have taken all necessary steps to prevent any future unauthorized use of my account. I trust that the CFPB will assist in holding XXXX accountable for their unlawful actions and ensure that this situation is rectified without further delay. 

I expect immediate resolution to this matter and look forward to XXXX taking the necessary steps to correct this injustice. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX