Consumer complaint received 2025-03-09 00:00:00
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.
State: TX

Complaint narrative:
Formal Complaint Against Equifax and XXXX XXXX XXXX for FCRA and FDCPA Violations Dear Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, I am filing a formal complaint against Equifax and XXXX XXXX XXXX for their failure to comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ). Despite my legal disputes, Equifax has failed to conduct a proper investigation, and XXXX XXXX XXXX has not provided the required debt validation as mandated by law. 
Unauthorized Reporting & Identity Theft ( FCRA 1681 ) Equifax and XXXX XXXX XXXX have reported an account on my credit file without my authorization. Under FCRA 1681b, a credit bureau can only report information if there is a legally permissible purpose. Since I never consented to this account appearing on my credit report, its inclusion is a direct violation of my rights. This constitutes identity theft under FCRA 1681c-2.

Furthermore, FCRA 1681a states that consumer reports should not contain transactions or financial experiences unless explicitly authorized. Since I never gave permission for this account to be reported, it must be removed. Lack of consent equals identity theft, and under FCRA 1681c-2, Equifax must block and remove this account immediately.

Equifaxs Failure to Conduct a Proper Investigation ( FCRA 1681i & FDCPA 1692g ) I previously disputed the XXXX XXXX XXXX account linked to XXXX XXXX. Below are the account details : Debt Collector : XXXX XXXX XXXX Original Creditor : XXXX XXXX Account Number : XXXX Balance : {$940.00} Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Status : Collection account, past due as of XX/XX/XXXX Under FCRA 1681i, Equifax is legally required to conduct a real, independent investigation rather than merely relying on information from XXXX XXXX XXXX. A proper verification should include : Third-party verification from an independent source A review of the original signed agreement Personal interviews and supporting documentation Equifax has failed to provide any evidence that an actual investigation took place. This is a clear violation of FCRA 1681i.

Similarly, under FDCPA 1692g, XXXX XXXX XXXX was required to provide the following validation within 30 days : A signed contract proving I agreed to this debt. 
A full breakdown of how the balance was calculated. 
Documentation proving their legal authority to collect this debt. 
Since neither Equifax nor XXXX XXXX XXXX has provided this information, this account remains unverified and inaccurate, meaning it must be removed immediately under federal law. 
Violation of Accuracy Standards ( FCRA 1681e ( b ) ) The FCRA mandates that credit reporting agencies must ensure maximum possible accuracy in reporting consumer information. Since Equifax has failed to provide valid proof that this account is accurate, they are in direct violation of FCRA 1681e ( b ).

Additionally, by allowing an unverified collection account to remain on my credit report, Equifax is actively harming consumer confidence in the fairness and reliability of the financial system. If information is not verified properly, it causes unjustified financial hardship for consumers like me. 
Consumers Expect Accuracy & Integrity in Credit Reporting Credit reports impact major financial decisions, and consumers should be able to trust that their reports contain only accurate and verifiable information. Equifax and XXXX XXXX XXXX continue to report unverifiable data, violating the FCRA and undermining consumer trust. 
The CFPB Must Enforce Fair Credit Reporting Standards The FCRA clearly states that credit bureaus must handle consumer data fairly and with respect for privacy laws. Since I did not authorize this account to be reported, Equifax is in direct violation of my federally protected privacy rights. 
Additionally, Congress has designated consumer reporting agencies as essential to the financial industry. Yet, Equifax has neglected its legal duty by failing to properly investigate and validate disputed accounts. I am demanding that the CFPB take action to hold them accountable. 
Equifaxs Improper Use of E-OSCAR Equifax does not have my consent to process my dispute using E-OSCAR. The law requires a genuine, independent investigation under FCRA 1681i. Automated dispute resolution systems do not meet this requirement because they rely only on the furnisher 's data rather than conducting a legitimate review. By using E-OSCAR instead of properly verifying my dispute, Equifax is violating my rights under the FCRA. 
Identity Theft Report is Attached I am attaching my Identity Theft Report as further proof that this collection account was placed on my credit report without my consent. Under FCRA 1681c-2, once an identity theft report is submitted, the credit bureau must block and remove the fraudulent account. Equifax and XXXX XXXX XXXX have no legal right to continue reporting or verifying this debt. 
What I Am Demanding I request the CFPB to take the following actions : 1. Order Equifax to delete this collection account immediately due to failure to verify it properly. 
2. XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX to cease all collection attempts and remove the account due to lack of validation. 
3. Hold Equifax and XXXX XXXX XXXX accountable by imposing financial penalties for knowingly violating the FCRA and FDCPA. 
4. Provide written confirmation that this account has been permanently removed from my credit file. 
If this issue is not resolved promptly, I am fully prepared to escalate further, including legal action under FCRA 1681n, which allows me to seek {$1000.00} per violation in damages. 
Please confirm receipt of this complaint and provide an update on the next steps in the investigation. I expect a timely and full resolution of this matter. 
Sincerely, XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation