Consumer complaint received 2024-09-17
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. (VA)

XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, VA XXXX Email : XXXX Phone : ( XXXX ) XXXX Date : XX/XX/year> Consumer Financial Protection Bureau XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, IA XXXX Subject : Formal Complaint Against Equifax Consumer Services LLC Dear Consumer, Financial Protection Bureau, I am writing to file a formal complaint against Equifax Consumer Services LLC ( " Equifax '' ) regarding their improper and unauthorized reporting of negative information in my consumer report. The details of my complaint are as follows : 1. Unauthorized Reporting and Violation of Federal Laws : Equifax has reported negative information in my consumer report without obtaining my consent from XXXX, misleading consumers by falsely representing that this information originated from a court. This practice violates 15 USC 1681a ( 2 ) ( A ) ( iii ) of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, which require consumer reporting agencies to ensure the accuracy and fairness of information in consumer reports. 
2. Non-Compliance with Consumer Data Industry Standards : Equifax is not in compliance with the Consumer Data Industry Standard compliance standards, specifically the Metro 2 format for data reporting. This non-compliance further exacerbates the inaccuracies and misrepresentations in the consumer report, violating the FCRA and undermining consumer trust in the accuracy of credit reporting. 
3. Misleading Representation and Lack of Verification : Equifax has misled consumers by reporting inaccurate public information allegedly sourced from XXXX as court-derived, without verifying its accuracy directly from the court. Courts do not report consumer information to credit agencies, making this representation misleading and deceptive. 
4. Request for Disclosure and Documentation : I request that Equifax disclose the following information promptly : The method of verification used to substantiate the reported public record. 
The identity and contact information of the individual at Equifax responsible for verifying this information, including their phone number, email address, and any relevant court documents used in the verification process. 
Documentation demonstrating that I provided written consent for Equifax to include this information in my consumer report. 
5. Potential Criminal Violations : Equifax 's actions may constitute identity theft under federal criminal statutes, including 15 USC 1681 ( B ) ( a ) ( 2 ) and 18 USC 1028A, due to their unauthorized reporting and failure to comply with federal laws designed to protect consumer rights. 
6. Under 15 US Code 1681 ( B ) ( e ) ( 6 ), consumer reporting agencies nationwide are mandated to maintain a joint notification system to ensure maximum possible accuracy of consumer information. It is evident from Exhibit A that the information regarding account number XXXX on my consumer report does not align with that reported by another consumer reporting agency. This discrepancy indicates a failure on XXXX 's part to uphold reasonable procedures to maintain a joint notification system, thereby violating 15 US Code 1681 ( B ) ( e ) ( 6 ). 
Considering these serious violations, I urge the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to conduct a thorough investigation into Equifax 's practices and take appropriate enforcement action to ensure compliance with federal laws and standards governing consumer reporting agencies. 
Enclosed with this letter are copies of documents supporting my identity and any relevant information concerning the disputed item. I request that the CFPB acknowledge receipt of this complaint promptly and provide updates on the status of the investigation. 
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response and the resolution of this complaint. 
Sincerely, XXXX XXXX XXXX