Consumer complaint received 2024-08-05
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Incorrect information on your report — Information belongs to someone else
Company: EQUIFAX, INC. (TN)

To Whom It May Concern : I am writing to file a formal complaint against XXXX and Equifax for their failure to properly investigate and remove fraudulent accounts and personal information from my credit report, despite my repeated reports and disputes. This situation has caused me significant financial and emotional distress, and I am seeking the assistance of the CFPB to address these issues. 

Background : Repeated Disputes Ignored : I have repeatedly reported and disputed fraudulent accounts and personal information on my credit reports with both XXXX and Equifax. Despite my efforts, XXXX continues to merely update these accounts and claims they are accurate without conducting a real investigation. I have not been provided with any validation methods or confirmation of how and who verified this information. 

Identity Theft Confirmation : I am a confirmed victim of identity theft, as verified by the IRS and other bureaus. Despite this confirmation, XXXX and Equifax have failed to take appropriate action to remove the fraudulent information from my credit reports. 
Inconsistent Reporting Among Credit Bureaus : XXXX has conducted a proper investigation and removed the same fraudulent accounts that are still being reported by XXXX and Equifax. Since all information comes from the same source ( the original creditors ), I do not understand how XXXX can report these accounts as accurate. 

Violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) : XXXX and Equifax 's actions ( or lack thereof ) violate several provisions of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), including but not limited to : Section 611 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) : FCRA requires credit reporting agencies to conduct a reasonable investigation when a consumer disputes the accuracy of information. XXXX 's failure to perform a genuine investigation and merely updating the disputed information violates this requirement. 
Section 611 ( a ) ( 5 ) ( A ) : If, after an investigation, disputed information is found to be inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable, the credit reporting agency must promptly delete or modify that item. XXXX has not deleted or modified the fraudulent information despite clear evidence of identity theft. 
Section 605B : This section requires the credit reporting agencies to block information resulting from identity theft within four business days of receiving appropriate documentation. Despite providing proof of identity theft, XXXX and Equifax have not complied with this requirement. 
Impact on My Life : The failure of XXXX and Equifax to remove fraudulent information from my credit report has caused significant financial harm. I have been denied credit, subjected to higher interest rates, and faced other financial repercussions. Additionally, the ongoing struggle to correct these inaccuracies has taken a severe toll on my mental health, leading to XXXX and a sense of hopelessness. 



I am requesting the following actions be taken immediately : Removal of Fraudulent Accounts : XXXX and Equifax must promptly remove all fraudulent accounts and personal information that I have reported and disputed. 
Conduct a Thorough Investigation : Both credit bureaus must conduct a thorough investigation into the disputed information and provide me with detailed documentation of their findings and the methods used to verify the information. 
Compliance with FCRA : Ensure that XXXX and Equifax comply with all relevant provisions of the FCRA in handling my disputes. 
Compensation for Damages : I seek compensation for the financial and emotional distress caused by the negligence of XXXX and Equifax in handling my identity theft case. 

I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to a prompt and fair resolution.