Consumer complaint received 2024-04-05
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. (MN)

I am writing to seek your intervention in a matter of grave concern regarding my efforts to have fraudulent information, arising from identity theft, blocked from my credit reports maintained by Equifax, XXXX, and XXXX. Despite my explicit requests for a block on this information pursuant to Section XXXX of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), each bureau has not only denied my requests but also inappropriately classified these as standard disputes. This misclassification significantly undermines the severity of my situation and disregards the FCRA 's specific protections for victims of identity theft. 

My communications with Equifax ( XX/XX/XXXX, and XX/XX/XXXX ), XXXX ( XX/XX/XXXX ; XX/XX/XXXX ; XX/XX/XXXX ), and XXXX ( XX/XX/XXXX, and XX/XX/XXXX ) have been explicit in their intent, aligning with the legal requirements stipulated by Section 605B. This section obliges credit reporting agencies to block the reporting of information identified by the consumer as resulting from identity theft, given appropriate documentation is provided. I have supplied all agencies with relevant information, including copies of my driver 's license and a utility bill to verify my identity, as well as copies of their respective reports, highlighting and circling the specific fraudulent information for blocking. Despite specifying my requests for a block now long after attempting resolution through the original creditorsto no availI am now met with resistance from the bureaus, devoid of explanation on how to rectify any deficiencies, or, in the absence of deficiencies, the requisite action to block as mandated by law. I find myself at an impasse. The response pattern from the bureaus, exemplified by a letter from XXXX I will attach hereto, reveals a concerning tendency to either misunderstand or intentionally disregard the nature of my requests, treating these block requests as mere disputes and subjecting them to a reinvestigation process. This approach is not only irrelevant to my predicament but also insufficient for the legally required resolution. 

This misapplication has delayed the removal of fraudulent information from my credit reports, further exposing me to financial and reputational harm. It is critical to distinguish between a dispute and a block request in cases of identity theft, as the latter necessitates immediate bureau action to halt the perpetuation and use of my stolen identity. 

Therefore, I am appealing to the CFPB for assistance to ensure that Equifax, XXXX, and XXXX : Properly classify my requests in accordance with Section 605B of the FCRA and immediately block all fraudulent information from my credit reports. 
Stop the practice of misclassifying identity theft block requests as disputes, thereby preventing further harm to affected consumers. 
Offer a comprehensive explanation for their previous refusal to block the fraudulent information, a stance that directly contradicts the mandates of the FCRA. 
Enclosed, you will find copies of my correspondence with each credit bureau, their responses, and the supporting documentation that substantiates my claims of identity theft. If there are any other documents or explanations needed, I only need be told and I will provide them.