Consumer complaint received 2024-10-03
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Incorrect information on your report — Information belongs to someone else
Company: EQUIFAX, INC. (IL)

I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding fraudulent accounts that have been opened in my name due to identity theft. After reviewing my credit report, I discovered multiple accounts that I did not open, authorize, or have any knowledge of. These fraudulent accounts have severely impacted my credit report and financial well-being. 

The following accounts have been fraudulently opened in my name : 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 Additionally, there are several addresses, phone numbers, and employment records on my credit report that I do not recognize and are likely associated with this identity theft. I have already taken the following steps : Filed a police report regarding the identity theft. 
Submitted identity theft affidavits and dispute letters to the collection agencies and creditors involved. 
Disputed the fraudulent information with the credit bureaus ( XXXX, Equifax, and XXXX ). 
Despite my efforts, these accounts continue to negatively impact my credit report. I am requesting the CFPB 's assistance in ensuring these accounts are removed from my credit file and that all related collection activities are halted. I have attached copies of my police report, identity theft affidavit, and correspondence with the creditors and collection agencies. 

this is in violation of 1. Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ) The FDCPA protects consumers from abusive, unfair, or deceptive practices by debt collectors. The following sections of the FDCPA are potentially being violated : 15 USC 1692d : Prohibits harassment, oppression, or abuse by debt collectors. 
Breach : Collection agencies may be harassing you over fraudulent debts that are not yours. 
15 USC 1692e : Prohibits debt collectors from using any false, deceptive, or misleading representations. 
Breach : The collection agencies may be misrepresenting fraudulent debts as legitimate ones. 
15 USC 1692g : Requires debt collectors to provide the original creditor 's name and address if requested within 30 days and validate the debt. 
Breach : If the agencies are not properly validating the debts after your dispute and continue collection efforts, they are violating this provision. 
2. Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) The FCRA is designed to ensure fair and accurate credit reporting. The following sections of the FCRA could be violated : 15 USC 1681c : Requires that credit reporting agencies only report accurate and verifiable information. 
Breach : The credit bureaus may be reporting fraudulent accounts on your credit file without proper verification. 
15 USC 1681s-2 : Imposes responsibilities on furnishers ( creditors and collection agencies ) to report accurate information to credit bureaus. 
Breach : The creditors and collection agencies may be reporting fraudulent information to the credit bureaus despite being informed of identity theft. 
15 USC 1681i : Requires credit bureaus to investigate disputes within 30 days and correct or delete inaccurate information. 
Breach : If the credit bureaus fail to investigate your disputes or continue reporting the fraudulent accounts, they are in violation of this law. 
3. Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act This act criminalizes identity theft and provides protections for victims of identity theft. 

Breach : Creditors and collection agencies may be failing to act on the fact that your identity has been stolen, continuing to hold you liable for fraudulent accounts. 
4. Truth in Lending Act ( TILA ) TILA ensures consumers are provided with accurate credit terms and protection against unauthorized transactions. 

Breach : If unauthorized accounts and charges are being reported on your credit report and lenders fail to protect against this, they may be in breach of TILA. 


Thank you for your time and assistance in resolving this matter.