Consumer complaint received 2024-06-26
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Problem with a company's investigation into an existing problem — Their investigation did not fix an error on your report
Company: EQUIFAX, INC. (TX)

XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX ] Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, IA XXXX Dear Sir or Madam, Subject : Complaint Regarding Investigation of Fraudulent Accounts by XXXX, Equifax, and XXXX I am writing to formally file a complaint against XXXX, Equifax, and XXXX for their inadequate investigation and handling of fraudulent accounts on my credit reports. Despite submitting comprehensive documentation, including an identity theft report and a police report with evidence of the suspect 's admission of guilt, these credit reporting agencies have failed to correct my credit reports accordingly. 

On [ specific date ], I discovered multiple fraudulent accounts on my credit reports. These accounts were opened without my authorization and have significantly damaged my credit score and financial standing. I promptly took the following actions : XXXX. Filed an identity theft report with the Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ) and obtained an Identity Theft Affidavit. 
XXXX. Reported the identity theft to my local police department. The police investigation led to the arrest of the suspect, who admitted to opening the fraudulent accounts in my name. A copy of the police report and the suspect 's admission of guilt are attached. 
XXXX. Submitted disputes to XXXX, Equifax, and XXXX, along with copies of the identity theft report, police report, and all supporting documentation. 

Despite providing irrefutable evidence, including the suspect 's admission of guilt, XXXX, Equifax, and XXXX have not taken the necessary steps to remove the fraudulent accounts from my credit reports. This failure to act constitutes a violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), which mandates that credit reporting agencies conduct a reasonable investigation when a consumer disputes information in their credit report ( 15 U.S. Code 1681i ).

Furthermore, according to the FCRA, if a credit reporting agency determines that a disputed item is inaccurate or can not be verified, it must promptly delete that item from the consumer 's file ( 15 U.S. Code 1681c-2 ). The continued presence of these fraudulent accounts on my credit reports, despite the clear evidence provided, demonstrates that XXXX, Equifax, and XXXX have not complied with these legal requirements. 

The handling of my case also disregards established case law, such as XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  ), which underscores the obligation of credit reporting agencies to conduct a reasonable investigation of consumer disputes and correct inaccuracies. The courts have consistently held that a perfunctory investigation does not satisfy the requirements of the FCRA. 

In light of these failures, I request that the CFPB take immediate action to : XXXX. XXXX XXXX, Equifax, and XXXX to conduct a thorough and proper investigation of my dispute. 
XXXX. Ensure that all fraudulent accounts are promptly removed from my credit reports. 
XXXX. Implement measures to prevent such inadequate investigations in the future. 

Please find enclosed copies of my identity theft report, police report, correspondence with XXXX, Equifax, and XXXX, and any additional relevant documentation. 

I trust that the CFPB will address this matter with the urgency and seriousness it warrants. I appreciate your attention to this issue and look forward to a prompt resolution. 

Sincerely, [ XXXX XXXX ] Enclosures : Identity Theft Report, Police Report, Correspondence with Credit Reporting Agencies, Additional Relevant Documentation -- - Feel free to modify the details to fit your specific situation and add any additional information you find necessary.