Consumer complaint received 2024-09-02
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)

Im sharing my story to help others understand the critical need for accurate credit reporting and the far-reaching consequences when mistakes go uncorrected.

I am formally disputing significant errors on my credit report related to an account purportedly held with the Army and Air Force Exchange Service ( AAFES ). These errors involve discrepancies in the reported creditors name, inaccuracies in payment history, and violations of federal law, specifically under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) and the Fair Credit Billing Act ( FCBA ).

Key Issues : 1. Discrepancy in Creditor Name : The creditors name is inaccurately listed as ARMY & AIRFORCE EXCHANGE SERVI, which does not match the correct legal name, Army and Air Force Exchange Service. This misrepresentation raises serious concerns about whether the entity is correctly identified, potentially leading to significant inaccuracies on my credit report. This issue directly violates 15 US Code 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ), which mandates that creditor information provided to Consumer Reporting Agencies ( CRAs ) must be accurate.

2. Inaccurate Payment Information : My credit report reflects a history of delinquencies that I believe are incorrectly reported. Specifically, the report lists a last payment date of April 21, 2024, even though I have not made any payments since early 2023. Moreover, unauthorized wage garnishments facilitated by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service ( DFAS ) have been wrongly applied to this account. These actions, coupled with the continued misreporting of payment information, constitute violations of the FCBA.

3. Violation of Dispute Resolution Obligations : Despite multiple disputes I have filed, AAFES has failed to acknowledge or resolve these issues within the legally required timeframe as mandated by the FCBA. This failure has further impacted my credit standing.

4. Misleading and False Representations : The continued reporting of inaccurate information regarding the high balance and past-due amounts on this account may violate the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ), particularly 15 U.S. Code 1692e, which prohibits the use of false or misleading representations in debt collection.

5. Failure to Maintain Reasonable Procedures for Accuracy : The ongoing reporting of incorrect account names, inconsistent payment histories, and other inaccuracies suggests that the CRAs have not maintained reasonable procedures to ensure the highest possible accuracy in their reporting, as required by 15 US Code 1681e ( b ).

I am requesting an immediate and thorough investigation into the accuracy of the information reported. If the legal creditor can not verify the accuracy of the reported information, I demand that all incorrect entries be permanently removed from my credit report. Additionally, I ask that all future communications regarding this dispute be sent to my designated mailing address.

The accuracy and fairness of credit reporting are crucial to maintaining the integrity of our financial systems. The ongoing misreporting of information by AAFES and the CRAs has negatively affected my credit score and overall financial standing. This complaint aims to alert the CFPB and the FTC to these issues and seeks to ensure that all parties involved comply with federal laws to protect consumer rights.

I authorize and direct ( 1 ) the consumer reporting agency identified in my complaint to share determinations of and actions taken by the company for the purpose of responding to my complaint, and ( 2 ) the CFPB to share this information with certain government agencies. The information provided is true to the best of my knowledge and belief. I understand that the CFPB can not act as my lawyer, a court of law, or a financial advisor.

Distribution List : Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ) Defense Finance and Accounting Service ( DFAS ) State of Indiana Attorney Generals Office Attorney General of Virginia Office Army and Air Force Exchange Service ( AAFES ) This summary is intended to assist the CFPB and other consumers in understanding how the Army and Air Force Exchange Service is addressing the concerns raised in my complaints. It also serves to promote accountability and transparency in credit reporting practices.