Consumer complaint received 2024-10-25
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Incorrect information on your report — Information belongs to someone else
Company: EQUIFAX, INC. (FL)

Dear Equifax : I am writing to formally dispute certain entries on my credit report that are the result of documented identity theft and to demand their immediate removal in accordance with 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) and related federal statutes. 

On XXXX XXXX XXXXXX/XX/XXXX, my wallet, drivers license, Social Security card, and credit cards were stolen, pursuant to a XXXX XXXX Police Report, Case Number XXXX. Since then, my personal identifying information has been used repeatedly to commit fraud, open fraudulent credit accounts, and obtain unauthorized loans. I have taken extensive measures to address these identity theft events, but criminals continue to misuse my personal information, as detailed below. 

In XX/XX/XXXX, I was also falsely implicated in a shoplifting incident at XXXX XXXX in XXXX XXXX, Maryland, when a woman XXXX  me. This resulted in a summons to court to face grand larceny charges. After investigation, the XXXX XXXX XXXX Police Department verified that I was the victim of identity theft and the criminal case ( Case No. XXXX ) was expunged. 

Additionally, XXXX  XXXX data breach ( and numerous breaches thereafter ) revealed that my personal information had been compromised since XX/XX/XXXX and was made available on the internet for illicit use. 

As a result of these incidents, fraudulent entries have appeared on my credit report despite my best efforts to protect my identity. The disputed items listed below must be removed as they were fraudulently created without my knowledge or consent. 

Disputed Items to Be Removed XXXX. XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX Account Number : XXXX XXXX, Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX. This account was fraudulently opened using my stolen personal information and must be removed immediately. 

Legal Basis for Removal Pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2, credit reporting agencies are required to block and remove fraudulent accounts when provided with proof of identity theft. I have previously provided the following documentation to support my dispute : Police Reports from XXXX XXXX documenting the theft of my identity. 
Expungement Records from XXXX XXXX XXXX confirming I was wrongfully charged with a crime due to identity theft. 
Evidence of Ongoing Data Compromise via the XXXX data breach, indicating that my personal information was made available for fraudulent activities. 

Requested Action In accordance with 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( a ), I hereby request that Equifax : XXXX. Conduct a reinvestigation of the disputed items and remove the fraudulent accounts from my credit report. 
XXXX. Provide a written statement confirming the removal of the disputed entries. 
XXXX. Notify all third parties who have accessed my credit report in the past six months that the entries were removed and the report has been corrected, pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( d ).

Failure to promptly correct these issues may constitute willful non-compliance under 15 U.S.C. 1681n, which entitles me to pursue damages, attorneys fees, and other remedies.

IMPORTANT! Please note that under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), specifically 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2 ( often referred to as Section 605B ), credit reporting agencies are required to block the reporting of information resulting from identity theft within four business days of receiving appropriate documentation.

This 4-day block requirement is crucial, as it ensures that I, as a victim of identity theft, do not continue to suffer from inaccurate credit reports for an extended period while the dispute is being resolved. If Equifax fails to meet this obligation, it may be held liable for non-compliance under 15 U.S.C. 1681n and 1681o, which provide for damages, attorneys fees, and other relief.

Again, Section 605B mandates them to block and remove the fraudulent items within four business days of receiving my identity theft report and supporting documentation. I understand that XXXX failure to act in accordance with the statute could result in legal action for willful or negligent non-compliance with the FCRA. 

I trust that you will handle this matter expeditiously and in compliance with federal law. Please respond immediately.