Consumer complaint received 2023-06-13
Product: Credit reporting, credit repair services, or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Problem with a credit reporting company's investigation into an existing problem — Their investigation did not fix an error on your report
Company: EQUIFAX, INC. (CA)

XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, CA XXXX XXXX XXXX Subject : Complaint regarding erroneous reporting on my credit report during the COVID-19 pandemic Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to file a formal complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) regarding an error on my credit report. Specifically, my XXXX XXXX credit card is falsely reporting that I was 30 days late in XX/XX/XXXX. I want to emphasize that this information is completely untrue, as I made the payment on time, despite being ill with XXXX during that period. Moreover, this error occurred during a time when we were in a state of a public health emergency due to the pandemic. 

The impact of this erroneous reporting has been profound and deeply personal. This is the only card on my credit report that shows a 30-day late payment, and it has adversely affected my financial standing. I have always maintained a stellar payment history, never having been late on any payment. However, this inaccurate reporting has led to the denial of credit and imposition of higher interest rates, causing significant financial distress. 

I have made multiple attempts to rectify this issue before resorting to filing this complaint. I reached out to the creditor directly on three separate occasions and contacted the credit reporting agencies multiple times to dispute the erroneous information. Regrettably, every response I received from the credit reporting agencies simply stated that the information was verified, without providing any evidence to substantiate their claim. Their negligent handling of my case and failure to assist me have left me with no choice but to escalate the matter by filing this complaint with the CFPB. 

I would like to bring to your attention the provisions outlined in 15 USC 1681 S2, specifically ( F ), which addresses reporting information during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to this section, " accommodation '' includes any assistance or relief granted to a consumer affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The " covered period '' mentioned in the same section is defined as the period beginning on XX/XX/XXXX, and ending 120 days after the termination of the national emergency declared by the President on XX/XX/XXXX, under the National Emergencies Act. 

Considering that the COVID-19 public health emergency ended on XX/XX/XXXX, I am still within the covered period as defined by the aforementioned statute. I have been reluctant to file a complaint, but both the creditor and credit reporting agencies have violated my rights as a consumer and shown negligence in their handling of my case. I have patiently sought resolution for nearly six months without any meaningful assistance, which has left me with no alternative but to seek your intervention and guidance. 

Therefore, my desired outcome is for the creditor, as well as the credit reporting agencies involved, to promptly correct the reporting error on all my credit reports. Specifically, I request that the 30-day late payment be amended to " paid as agreed, '' as this is my right as a consumer under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. 

I have enclosed copies of relevant documentation, including my credit report reflecting the erroneous reporting and any supporting evidence of my timely payment during the reported period. 

I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to a swift resolution. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information or documentation. 

Thank you for your assistance in this regard. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX