Consumer complaint received 2024-07-27
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Improper use of your report — Reporting company used your report improperly
Company: EQUIFAX, INC. (AR)

I am writing to urgently request a thorough investigation and immediate removal of several unauthorized accounts and inquiries on my credit report due to identity theft. I have diligently reviewed my credit report and found the following fraudulent items : XXXX Accounts : XXXX. XXXX XXXX : Account # XXXX XXXX. XXXX XXXX XXXX : Account # XXXX XXXX. XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Inquiries : XXXX. XXXX XXXX Co : Date XX/XX/XXXX XXXX. XXXX Bank : Date XX/XX/XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  Date XX/XX/XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Date XX/XX/XXXX XXXX. XXXX XXXX NA : Date XX/XX/XXXX XXXX. XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX  : Date XX/XX/XXXX XXXX. XXXX XXXX : Date XX/XX/XXXX XXXX. XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX : Date XX/XX/XXXX XXXX. XXXX XXXX XXXX : Date XX/XX/XXXX XXXX. XXXX XXXX of XXXX : Date XX/XX/XXXX Applicable Laws and My Rights : As per the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), I am entitled to dispute inaccurate information on my credit report. Specifically, under Section 611 of the FCRA ( 15 U.S. Code 1681i ), credit reporting agencies are required to investigate disputed information within XXXX  days. If the disputed items are found to be inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable, they must be promptly deleted or corrected. 

My Requests : XXXX. XXXX XXXX : XXXX a thorough investigation into the unauthorized accounts and inquiries listed above. 
XXXX. Removal of Unauthorized Items : Remove these fraudulent items from my credit report immediately. 
XXXX. Detailed Report : Provide me with a detailed letter outlining the steps taken during the investigation, the results of the investigation, and an updated copy of my credit report. 
XXXX. Confirmation of Removal : Confirm the permanent removal of these unauthorized items from my credit report. 

Steps Taken by Me : I have reported these fraudulent items to the Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ) and have an Identity Theft Report on file. 
I have also mailed dispute letters to other credit bureaus and relevant authorities to ensure a comprehensive resolution. 

I have repeatedly stated that these accounts and inquiries do not belong to me and that they are severely hindering my creditworthiness. It is unacceptable that these inaccuracies persist on my report despite my continuous efforts to resolve the matter. I demand prompt action and a clear resolution. 

XXXX FCRA Laws : XXXX. Section 605A - Identity Theft Prevention and XXXX XXXX XXXX ( 15 U.S. Code 1681c1 ) This section provides protections for consumers who believe they are victims of identity theft. It includes provisions for placing fraud alerts and blocking fraudulent information from consumer reports. 

Key Provisions : XXXX Alerts : Consumers can place an initial fraud alert on their credit report for XXXX year if they suspect they are victims of identity theft. An extended fraud alert can be placed for XXXX years if the consumer provides an identity theft report. 
Blocking Information : Credit reporting agencies must block the reporting of information that the consumer identifies as resulting from identity theft within XXXX business days of receiving an identity theft report, unless the agency has reasonable grounds to believe the report is fraudulent. 

XXXX. Section 611 - Procedure in Case of Disputed Accuracy ( 15 U.S. Code 1681i ) This section outlines the procedures that credit reporting agencies must follow when a consumer disputes the accuracy of information in their credit report. 

Key Provisions : Reinvestigation Required : If a consumer disputes the accuracy of any item in their file, the credit reporting agency must reinvestigate the disputed information within 30 days of receiving the dispute. 
Notification to XXXX of XXXX : The agency must notify the furnisher of the disputed information within XXXX business days. 
Correction or Deletion of Inaccurate Information : If the investigation finds that the information is inaccurate, incomplete, or can not be verified, the credit reporting agency must promptly delete or modify the item of information. 
Results of XXXX : The agency must provide the consumer with written results of the reinvestigation and a free copy of their credit report if the dispute results in any change. 

XXXX. Section 623 - Responsibilities of Furnishers of Information ( 15 U.S. Code 1681s2 ) This section outlines the responsibilities of those who furnish information to credit reporting agencies. 

Key Provisions : Duty to Provide Accurate Information : Furnishers must not report information if they know or have reasonable cause to believe the information is inaccurate. 
Duty to Correct and Update Information : Furnishers must promptly correct and update information that they find to be incomplete or inaccurate. 
Duty to XXXX Disputes : Upon receiving notice of a dispute from a XXXX XXXX XXXX, furnishers must conduct an investigation, review all relevant information, and report the results back to the agency. 

XXXX. Section 605B - Block of Information Resulting from Identity Theft ( 15 U.S. Code 1681c2 ) This section requires credit reporting agencies to block information in a consumers file that the consumer identifies as resulting from identity theft. 

Key Provisions : XXXX Information Resulting from Identity Theft : Upon receipt of an identity theft report from the consumer, the credit reporting agency must block the information identified as resulting from identity theft within XXXX business days. 
Notification to the XXXX : The credit reporting agency must promptly notify the furnisher of the information that the information has been blocked. 
Exemption for Certain Information : The credit reporting agency is not required to block information if they determine that the identity theft report is false or inaccurate, or if the consumer obtained possession of goods, services, or money as a result of the blocked transaction. 

Summary : These sections of the FCRA provide a robust framework for protecting consumers from the adverse effects of identity theft and ensuring that inaccurate or fraudulent information is promptly investigated and corrected. By citing these laws, you assert your rights and expectations for the credit reporting agencies to take immediate and appropriate action to resolve the issues on your credit report.