Consumer complaint received 2024-09-16
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Incorrect information on your report — Information belongs to someone else
Company: EQUIFAX, INC. (UT)

In XXXX XXXX, I discovered multiple unauthorized inquiries and inaccurate collection accounts on my credit report. These entries were made without my knowledge or consent, and they violate my rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), specifically 15 U.S.C. 1681b ( c ) and 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2. 

# # # Unauthorized Inquiries : Under 15 U.S.C. 1681b ( c ), a consumer reporting agency may only furnish a consumer report with the explicit authorization of the consumer. The following inquiries were made without my authorization : - XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX These inquiries were unauthorized and are negatively affecting my credit score. I have contacted the companies responsible, and they have no record of any authorization from me. This violates the FCRA, and I am requesting immediate removal of these inquiries from my credit report. 

# # # Inaccurate Collection Accounts : In addition to unauthorized inquiries, there are several collection accounts on my credit report that are inaccurately reported. Under 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( b ), furnishers of information are required to ensure the accuracy of the information provided. However, these collection accounts have been paid in full or are inaccurately reported and are damaging to my credit : XXXX. XXXX XXXX XXXX - Account Number : XXXX - Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX - Balance : {$6400.00} - Account Status : Collection/Chargeoff - Last Reported : XX/XX/XXXX XXXX. *XXXX XXXX* - Account Number : XXXX - Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX - Balance : {$1100.00} - Account Status : Collection/Chargeoff - Last Reported : XX/XX/XXXX XXXX. **XXXX  XXXX XXXX XXXX Original Creditor : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX ) ** - Account Number : XXXX - Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX - Balance : {$1000.00} - Account Status : Collection/Chargeoff - Last Reported : XX/XX/XXXX XXXX. XXXX XXXX XXXX - Account Number : XXXX - Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX - Balance : {$1600.00} - Account Status : Collection/Chargeoff - Last Reported : XX/XX/XXXX These accounts are either fully paid or incorrectly reported, and their continued reporting is a violation of my rights under the FCRA, as it misrepresents my credit history and unfairly impacts my creditworthiness. 

# # # Legal Basis for My Dispute : The FCRA mandates that consumer reporting agencies and furnishers of information ensure the accuracy, fairness, and privacy of information included in credit reports. The unauthorized inquiries and misreported collection accounts violate the following sections : - 15 U.S.C. 1681b ( c ) : Permissible purposes of consumer reports, restricting access only to those with legitimate authorization.

- 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( b ) : Responsibilities of furnishers to correct and update information after receiving a dispute.

- 15 U.S.C. 1681e ( b ) : Ensuring maximum possible accuracy of the information contained in consumer reports. 

Additionally, the Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ) has issued clear guidelines supporting consumer rights in such disputes. Failure to rectify these errors promptly could lead to further legal action, including penalties under the FCRA. 

# # # Request for Resolution : I am requesting that the unauthorized inquiries and inaccurate collection accounts listed above be investigated and removed from my credit report. Please confirm the removal and any corrective action taken within 30 days, as required by law. Failure to address this issue may result in further action to enforce my rights under the FCRA.