Consumer complaint received 2024-09-10
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. (IL)

XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX Consumer Financial Protection Bureau XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX Subject : Demand for Immediate Removal of Unauthorized Credit Reporting, Hard Inquiries, and Federal Law Violations Dear Consumer Financial Protection Bureau XXXX XXXX am writing to demand immediate corrective action regarding unlawful, unauthorized, and fraudulent entries on my credit reports held by XXXX, Equifax, and XXXX. These violations are damaging my credit standing, preventing me from securing housing, and are clear violations of federal consumer protection laws. Immediate removal of these items is required under federal law, and I expect compliance without delay.

1. Violation of 15 U.S. Code 1692f Prohibition of Unconscionable Means to Collect a Debt The fraudulent accounts being reported on my credit reports by XXXX, Equifax, and XXXX are a clear violation of 15 U.S. Code 1692f, which prohibits the use of any unconscionable means to collect a debt. These agencies are reporting fraudulent accounts with the intent to extort money through unjust and unlawful practices. This is illegal, and these accounts must be removed immediately. There is no lawful basis for these accounts to remain on my reports.

2. Violation of 15 U.S. Code 1681c ( a ) Exclusion of Adverse Information Under 15 U.S. Code 1681c ( a ), adverse information must not appear on consumer reports after a certain period or when unauthorized. Adverse items include : Accounts placed for collection Any other adverse items of information Despite this law, my credit reports are reflecting numerous fraudulent and unauthorized accounts, including : XXXX : XXXX ( Unauthorized hard inquiry ) XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX ( Unauthorized hard inquiry ) XXXX XXXX ( {$160.00} balance, multiple late payments ) XXXX XXXX ( {$170.00} balance, 2 late payments, last reported XX/XX/year> ) Equifax : XXXX BANK ( XXXX potentially negative months, {$160.00} balance with multiple late payments ) XXXX XXXX ( 7 potentially negative months, 2 late payments ) XXXX : XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX ( 1 late payment ) XXXX XXXX ( 33 potentially negative months ) XXXX XXXX XXXX ( 7 potentially negative months, 2 late payments ) These accounts and their adverse information must be removed immediately as they are clearly violating federal law and damaging my creditworthiness. 

XXXX. Violation of 15 U.S. Code 1692c ( c ) Refusal to Pay and Cease Communication According to 15 U.S. Code 1692c ( c ), once a consumer has informed a debt collector in writing that they refuse to pay a debt or wish for communications to cease, the collector must cease all communications and stop any further negative reporting. I have explicitly communicated my refusal to pay these fraudulent debts, yet the reporting agencies continue to reflect negative information. This is a violation of federal law that must be corrected immediately.

4. Violation of 15 U.S. Code 1666a Threatening to Report Adverse Information Under 15 U.S. Code 1666a, a creditor or their agent may not directly or indirectly threaten to report adverse information on a consumers credit standing due to nonpayment. Despite this, my credit reports continue to show these accounts, harming my credit rating even though there has been no lawful obligation. This illegal reporting must cease immediately.

5. Violation of 15 U.S. Code 1666b Improper Late Payment Reporting on Open-End Consumer Credit Plans Under 15 U.S. Code 1666b, a creditor can not treat any payment on a credit card account under an open-end consumer credit plan as late if the payment was made on time. Yet, the fraudulent accounts listed on my reports continue to reflect late payments and negative history, even though these accounts were unauthorized. This violation must be corrected immediately.

6. Violation of 15 U.S. Code 6801 & 15 U.S. Code 6802 Protection of Nonpublic Personal Information Under 15 U.S. Code 6801 and 15 U.S. Code 6802, financial institutions are obligated to protect consumers ' nonpublic personal information. The disclosure of my private financial information without my consent by these agencies is a clear violation of my right to privacy, and this illegal activity must stop immediately. All such unauthorized disclosures must be rectified. 

I hereby opt out, revoke, rescind, and retract any and all prior consent for anything negative to be reported about me, either now or in the future, by any financial institution, creditor, or reporting agency. This opt-out applies retroactively and prospectively, and all negative reporting, whether authorized or unauthorized, must cease immediately. My credit reports must reflect only lawful, accurate, and authorized information. 
Immediate Actions Required : Immediate Removal of All Unauthorized Inquiries and Accounts : The fraudulent hard inquiries, unauthorized accounts, and negative reporting must be removed immediately from my credit reports at XXXX, Equifax, and XXXX. These entries have no legal basis, and their continued presence is unlawful. 

Prompt Update of Credit Reports : Following the removal of all unauthorized and inaccurate information, my credit reports must be updated immediately to reflect accurate and lawful information. This update must be completed within ten ( 10 ) business days of your receipt of this letter. 

Compliance Deadline : XXXX, Equifax, XXXX, and all implicated financial institutions are required by law to correct these violations within ten ( 10 ) business days of receiving this letter. Failure to comply will result in legal action to enforce my rights and seek appropriate remedies for the harm caused. 
These violations have caused significant harm to my financial reputation and continue to prevent me from accessing essential services such as housing. This matter is urgent, and immediate action is required. I trust the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will take swift action to enforce compliance with federal law and protect my rights as a consumer. 

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response and resolution. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX