Consumer complaint received 2024-08-16 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Unable to get your credit report or credit score — Other problem getting your report or credit score
Company: Experian Information Solutions Inc.
State: CA

Complaint narrative:
I am a XXXX human trafficking victim who believes that my XXXX  orientation and race are causing me to be unjustly targeted. Experian has violated my rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( " FCRA '' ), 15 U.S.C. 1681, et seq., to have adverse information removed on numerous occasions. I have submitted all required proof and documentation to Experian in support of such request, which includes evidence that I was a victim of human trafficking, and " trafficking documentation '' as defined by 12 C.F.R. 1022.142 ( b ) ( 6 ). Experian declined to fulfill the initial request and responded with a form letter that cited the pertinent law but did not offer a substantive justification for its decision. The credit agency has tried to disqualify and refute my human trafficking situation, despite the fact that they lack the constitutional authority to approve or verify my status with healthcare providers. Experian has used this unconstitutional action to deny me, as these facilities have been unable to provide the information due to HIPAA regulations. My VDD is still being invalidated by Experian, and they are refusing to comply with the law. Experian has developed its own set of laws and criteria to establish the legitimacy of both valid and invalid documents, which President Biden nor Congress has given the CRAs authority to do so. The law was amended to include health care facilities, providers, social workers, and such to provide VDDs. The Debt Bondage Repair Act that was signed by
President Biden, prohibits credit reporting companies from providing credit reports that contain any negative item of information about a survivor of trafficking that resulted from the trafficking and amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to detail a consumer reporting agencies obligation to block, remove or delete credit accounts that are the result of trafficking. Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 1681c-3 ( b ) and 12 C.F.R. 1022.142 ( e ) ( 1 ) ; a consumer reporting agency may decline to block, or may rescind any block of, adverse items of information resulting from a severe form of trafficking in persons or sex trafficking, in accordance with the timing requirements under paragraph ( e ) ( 2 ) ( ii ) of this section, only where the consumer reporting agency can not reasonably confirm the appropriate proof of identity under paragraph ( b ) ( 1 ) of this section for the consumer, and, if applicable, the consumer 's representative, the consumer can not provide documentation consisting of a victim determination under paragraph ( b ) ( 6 ) ( i ) of this section, or the consumer reporting agency can not properly identify the adverse items of information under paragraph ( b ) ( 6 ) ( ii ) of this section.

A consumer reporting agency may not, however, ask for information on the validity of the facts or circumstances detailed in the contents of the submitted trafficking documentation establishing the consumer is a victim of trafficking or whether the identified adverse information resulted from a severe form of trafficking in persons or XXXX trafficking under paragraph ( b ) ( 6 ) of this section.

Experian responded to complaints that was filed with CFPB by reiterating that I have not provided a VDD, despite being sent the VDD. Back in XXXX XXXX XXXX, I received an email that the adverse items were removed from my Experian credit report. However, a few days later, Experian reinstated all of the negative adverse accounts on my credit reports in an effort to heighten my emotional distress. It seems that the purpose of this retaliatory strike was to prevent me from breaking free from the negative credit reporting cycle and continuing to dispute accounts. Experian proceeded to invalidate my situation by perpetrating additional aggressive and unjust actions against me on the basis of my race and background. 

Regardless of my efforts to address my concerns through the appropriate channels, including emailing the CEO and executive office of Experian, I have been subjected to retaliation, which has resulted in the deterioration of my credit score and the impediment of my access to financial services and housing. This blatant disregard for consumer rights and ethical business practices must be addressed and rectified. It is unacceptable for a credit bureau to use their power in such a vindictive manner simply because a consumer has spoken out against them. This type of behavior only serves to further erode trust in the credit reporting industry and harm consumers who are trying to protect their rights. The CFPB 's XX/XX/year> statements provided a detailed account of the unethical practices of CRAs that continue to cause damage to victims, including myself. As you can see, Experian has declined to rectify these issues. 

Consumers should not have to fear retaliation for simply seeking fairness and transparency. XXXX and other Specialty Credit Reporting Agencies has acted to the will of the law despite Experian disregard to my constitutional rights. Experian 's willful and personal intent to harm me and keep me trapped in negative credit reporting is further supported by the fact that XXXX and other credit agencies have used the same documents and removed adverse items from my credit reports with no issue.

Company public response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation