Consumer complaint received 2024-08-05
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Improper use of your report — Credit inquiries on your report that you don't recognize
Company: EQUIFAX, INC. (TN)

I am writing to file a formal XXXX against Equifax and XXXX for their failure to remove unauthorized credit inquiries from my credit report, despite my repeated reports and disputes. As a victim of identity theft, I have provided ample evidence to support my claims, yet these credit bureaus have failed to take appropriate action. This has caused me significant financial and XXXX XXXXXXXX, and I am seeking the assistance of the CFPB to address these issues. 

I have been a victim of identity theft, and as a result, there have been multiple unauthorized credit inquiries on my credit reports with both Equifax and XXXX. These inquiries were made without my consent and are directly linked to the fraudulent activity. 
Despite my repeated disputes and provision of documentation proving my status as a victim of identity theft, both Equifax and XXXX have failed to remove these unauthorized inquiries from my credit reports. Instead, they have either ignored my disputes or claimed that the inquiries are valid without providing any evidence of authorization.The IRS has confirmed my status as a victim of identity theft. I have provided this documentation to both credit bureaus, yet they have not taken appropriate action to remove the unauthorized inquiries. 
Violations of Federal Laws : Equifax and XXXX 's actions ( or lack thereof ) violate several provisions of federal laws, including but not limited to : Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) - Section 605B : This section requires credit reporting agencies to block information resulting from identity theft within four business days of receiving appropriate documentation. Despite providing proof of identity theft, Equifax and XXXX have not complied with this requirement by failing to remove unauthorized inquiries. 
Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) - Section XXXX ( a ) ( XXXX ) ( A ) : FCRA requires credit reporting agencies to conduct a reasonable investigation when a consumer disputes the accuracy of information. Both Equifax and XXXX 's failure to perform a genuine investigation into the unauthorized inquiries violates this requirement. 
Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) - Section XXXX ( a ) ( XXXX ) ( 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. Equifax and XXXX have not deleted or modified the unauthorized inquiries despite clear evidence of identity theft. 

The failure of Equifax and XXXX to remove unauthorized credit inquiries from my credit report has caused significant financial harm. These inquiries have negatively impacted my credit score, resulting in denied credit applications and higher interest rates. Additionally, the ongoing struggle to correct these inaccuracies has taken a severe toll on my XXXX XXXX, leading to XXXX and XXXX 


I am requesting the following actions be taken immediately : Removal of Unauthorized Inquiries : Equifax and XXXX must promptly remove all unauthorized credit inquiries from my credit reports that I have reported and disputed. 
Conduct a Thorough Investigation : Both credit bureaus must conduct a thorough investigation into the disputed inquiries and provide me with detailed documentation of their findings and the methods used to verify the information. 
Compliance with FCRA : Ensure that Equifax and XXXX comply with all relevant provisions of the FCRA in handling my disputes. 
Compensation for Damages : I seek compensation for the financial and emotional XXXX caused by the negligence of Equifax and XXXX in handling my identity theft case. 
I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to a prompt and fair resolution.