Consumer complaint received 2024-08-19
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Problem with a company's investigation into an existing problem — Investigation took more than 30 days
Company: EQUIFAX, INC. (VA)

On or about XX/XX/XXXX, the XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX ( XXXX ) took improper actions related to my credit card account and credit reporting. Despite an ongoing billing dispute that I filed under the Fair Credit Billing Act ( FCBA ) in XX/XX/XXXX, XXXX threatened to initiate involuntary collection actions, including wage garnishment. Furthermore, they reported inaccurate information to nationwide consumer reporting agencies ( CRAs ). Specifically, XXXX falsely claimed that my account had improved and listed the creditor as XXXX XXXX which contradicted their own billing statements. Since filing the dispute, I have not made any voluntary payments, and XXXX failed to properly mark the account as DISPUTED, as required by law. 
Despite being notified of my dispute, XXXX has unlawfully initiated garnishments against my retired military pay, starting in XXXX and continuing to the present. These actions were taken without properly resolving the dispute and violate both federal law and my rights as a consumer. Additionally, the XXXX XXXX and XXXX XXXX ( XXXX ), acting on behalf of XXXX, engaged in improper debt collection practices by garnishing my military retirement pay without due process. 
The information reported on my credit files is inconsistent and unfamiliar, listing different creditor names such as XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, and XXXX XXXX. These discrepancies violate the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), which mandates accurate and transparent information. Despite numerous attempts to resolve these issues, both XXXX and the CRAs have failed to conduct proper investigations into my disputes, further damaging my credit standing. The CRAs continue to report inaccurate information, and XXXX has not addressed my concerns, violating the FCBA, FDCPA, and FCRA. 
Please note that the legal name is XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, not XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX ( the XXXX & is not part of the legal name ). This is an important distinction that other consumers should be aware of when dealing with XXXX. 
This is not an isolated complaint against XXXX. I have filed numerous complaints, including, but not limited to, CFPB XXXX. : XXXX, XXXX, XXXX, XXXX, XXXX, XXXX, XXXX, XXXX, XXXX, XXXX, XXXX, and XXXX. These complaints represent just a few examples and highlight a broader pattern of misconduct that urgently needs to be addressed. 
Instead of continuing with boilerplate responses to my complaints, I recommend that XXXX adopt a more consumer-focused approach in their policies and procedures. A sample response that could improve their customer service and compliance is as follows : Dear XXXX XXXX Our Client Advocacy team is actively reviewing the concerns and questions outlined in your Notice of Dispute & Billing Errors, dated XX/XX/XXXX, which we received on XX/XX/XXXX, via United States Postal Service, Certified Mail No. XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. This notice pertains to the credit card receivables account ending in XXXX. Please be assured that XXXX is committed to addressing your concerns as swiftly as possible. 
If you have any additional questions or require further assistance regarding this matter, please dont hesitate to reach out to me directly at XXXX. 
Sincerely, XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX By implementing such a response, XXXX can ensure that each consumer dispute is handled with attention to detail and transparency, fostering trust and compliance with federal laws. My experience, as reflected in the numerous complaints I have filed, demonstrates that AAFESs current approach does not meet necessary standards, especially when critical issues like unlawful garnishments and improper credit reporting are involved. 
I respectfully request that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau investigate these matters thoroughly and take appropriate action against XXXX, XXXX, and the CRAs involved. I am seeking corrective action, a cease and desist order to stop unlawful debt collection practices, and restitution for the financial harm caused. 
I also consent to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau publishing this description on consumerfinance.gov after taking the necessary steps to address my complaint, so that others may learn from my experience.