Consumer complaint received 2024-01-01
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Improper use of your report — Reporting company used your report improperly
Company: EQUIFAX, INC. (TN)

I am writing to inform you that, based on my review of my credit reports and communication with your agency, it has come to my attention that there have been multiple violations of federal laws, specifically 15 U.S. Code 1681 and 15 U.S. Code 1692.

15 u.s. code 1681 ( No Damage Defamation of charter ) ( a ) Accuracy and fairness of credit reporting The Congress makes the following findings : ( 1 ) The banking system is dependent upon fair and accurate credit reporting. Inaccurate credit reports directly impair the efficiency of the banking system, and unfair credit reporting methods undermine the public confidence which is essential to the continued functioning of the banking system.

( 2 ) An elaborate mechanism has been developed for investigating and evaluating the credit worthiness, credit standing, credit capacity, character, and general reputation of consumers.

( 3 ) Consumer reporting agencies have assumed a vital role in assembling and evaluating consumer credit and other information on consumers.

( 4 ) There is a need to insure that consumer reporting agencies exercise their grave responsibilities with fairness, impartiality, and a respect for the consumers right to privacy. 
( b ) Reasonable procedures It is the purpose of this subchapter to require that consumer reporting agencies adopt reasonable procedures for meeting the needs of commerce for consumer credit, personnel, insurance, and other information in a manner which is fair and equitable to the consumer, with regard to the confidentiality, accuracy, relevancy, and proper utilization of such information in accordance with the requirements of this subchapter 15 u.s. code 1692g ( a ) Notice of debt ; contents Within five days after the initial communication with a consumer in connection with the collection of any debt, a debt collector shall, unless the following information is contained in the initial communication or the consumer has paid the debt, send the consumer a written notice containing ( 1 ) the amount of the debt ; ( 2 ) the name of the creditor to whom the debt is owed ; ( 3 ) a statement that unless the consumer, within thirty days after receipt of the notice, disputes the validity of the debt, or any portion thereof, the debt will be assumed to be valid by the debt collector ; ( 4 ) a statement that if the consumer notifies the debt collector in writing within the thirty-day period that the debt, or any portion thereof, is disputed, the debt collector will obtain verification of the debt or a copy of a judgment against the consumer and a copy of such verification or judgment will be mailed to the consumer by the debt collector ; and ( 5 ) a statement that, upon the consumers written request within the thirty-day period, the debt collector will provide the consumer with the name and address of the original creditor, if different from the current creditor. 

( b ) Disputed debts If the consumer notifies the debt collector in writing within the thirty-day period described in subsection ( a ) that the debt, or any portion thereof, is disputed, or that the consumer requests the name and address of the original creditor, the debt collector shall cease collection of the debt, or any disputed portion thereof, until the debt collector obtains verification of the debt or a copy of a judgment, or the name and address of the original creditor, and a copy of such verification or judgment, or name and address of the original creditor, is mailed to the consumer by the debt collector. Collection activities and communications that do not otherwise violate this subchapter may continue during the 30-day period referred to in subsection ( a ) unless the consumer has notified the debt collector in writing that the debt, or any portion of the debt, is disputed or that the consumer requests the name and address of the original creditor. Any collection activities and communication during the 30-day period may not overshadow or be inconsistent with the disclosure of the consumers right to dispute the debt or request the name and address of the original creditor. 
( c ) Admission of liability The failure of a consumer to dispute the validity of a debt under this section may not be construed by any court as an admission of liability by the consumer. 
Addresses : XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX, TN XXXX + XXXX XXXX  XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, TN XXXX Accounts : XXXXXXXX XXXX # XXXX XX/XX/XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX # XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XX/XX/XXXX Open Date XXXX XXXX Collections : XXXX XXXX {$8300.00} XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX {$160.00} XX/XX/XXXX According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( 15 U.S. Code 1681 ), consumers have the right to accurate and fair credit reporting. It has come to my attention that your agency has committed violations in this regard, which have caused harm to my creditworthiness and financial standing. 
Additionally, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( 15 U.S. Code 1692 ) outlines the permissible and prohibited practices for debt collectors. It appears that your agency has violated these provisions during its attempts to collect a debt from me.

I hereby notify you of four distinct violations, each of which is subject to a penalty of {$1000.00}, as outlined in the relevant statutes. The total amount owed for these violations is {$4000.00}.

Please be advised that failure to address and rectify these violations within 15 Days from the date of this letter may result in further legal action. I expect your prompt attention to this matter to avoid any escalation of the situation. 
Enclosed with this letter are copies of the relevant documentation supporting my claims. I urge you to conduct a thorough investigation into these matters and provide a written response within the specified timeframe. 
Your immediate attention to this matter is appreciated. If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact me at XXXX or XXXX.