Consumer complaint received 2025-10-29 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: FL

Complaint narrative:
RE : FORMAL IDENTITY THEFT BLOCK, REINVESTIGATION & DELETION DEMAND FCRA 605B | 611 | Metro 2 Code 01 ( XB ) Required | e-OSCAR Dispute Input To Equifax, This serves as a formal identity theft dispute, affidavit, and block demand under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) 605B ( 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2 ) and 611 ( 15 U.S.C. 1681i ). The account ( s ), inquiries, and information identified below were fraudulently reported, verified, or reinserted without authorization. 
NOTICE REGARDING FTC IDENTITYTHEFT.GOV SHUTDOWN Due to the current shutdown of the Federal Trade Commissions IdentityTheft.gov website, I am unable to submit an FTC Identity Theft Report at this time. 
However, this does not relieve XXXX of its legal duty to conduct a reasonable investigation and comply with the FCRA.

As permitted under 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2 ( a ), I am providing alternative documentationspecifically, my Proof of Identity and Proof of Addresswhich are legally sufficient to initiate both a dispute and reinvestigation under federal law.

This affidavit is legally executed and notarized under penalty of perjury ( 28 U.S.C. 1746 ) and shall stand in place of an FTC Identity Theft Report until the government resumes normal operations. 
DISPUTED FRAUDULENT ACCOUNT ( S ) : Creditor : XXXX XXXX Account # : XXXX Creditor : XXXX XXXX Account # : XXXX Creditor : XXXX XXXX Account # : XXXX Creditor : XXXX Account # : XXXX Creditor : XXXXXXXX XXXX Account # : XXXX Reason : Identity theft requires immediate block & deletion under FCRA 605B.

LEGAL BASIS UNDER THE FAIR CREDIT REPORTING ACT ( FCRA ) 1. 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) You are required to reinvestigate any disputed item within 30 days of receiving this notice, regardless of whether an FTC Identity Theft Report is submitted.

2. 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2 ( a ) Consumers have the right to block fraudulent information caused by identity theft. The statute requires appropriate proof of identity and does not restrict verification to the FTCs portal. The temporary unavailability of the FTCs system does not suspend your obligations to block, delete, and reinvestigate disputed data Accordingly, I demand immediate compliance with these statutory mandates and a full reinvestigation of all disputed information within the time limits prescribed by federal law LEGAL SUPPORT STATEMENT Under 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2 ( c ) and 1681i ( a ), a consumer may provide appropriate proof of identity and a statement of identity theft to establish legal grounds for a block and reinvestigation. Nowhere does the FCRA require a consumer to file an FTC or law enforcement report as the exclusive means of establishing proof. 
This notarized affidavit therefore legally substitutes for an FTC Identity Theft Report due to the government shutdown and is enforceable under federal law. Failure to accept or process this affidavit constitutes a willful violation of FCRA 605B and 611, subject to civil liability, statutory damages, punitive damages, and attorneys fees under XXXX

MANDATORY ACTIONS UNDER FCRA 605B Pursuant to FCRA 605B ( b ), Equifax is required to : Block reporting of all fraudulent account ( s ) within 4 business days of receipt.

Apply Metro 2 Code 01 ( XXXX  ) reflecting identity theft status.

Notify each data furnisher that the account ( s ) must be blocked and permanently deleted.

This requirement is statutory and mandatory, not discretionary. Any deviation or delay constitutes noncompliance. 
DEMAND FOR ORIGINAL CONTRACTS UNDER 611 Provide me with a copy of any original wet ink signed contract or legal documentation used to verify the disputed account ( s ) or inquiries. 
If no such contract exists, the account ( s ) must be immediately blocked and deleted. 
XXXX on internal notes, unverifiable metadata, or system-generated data does not satisfy the FCRAs verification requirements. 
INTENT TO SUE FOR VIOLATIONS AND DAMAGES Be advised that if Equifax fails to comply with the statutory requirements of the FCRAincluding blocking, deleting, and properly reinvestigating the disputed itemsthis will constitute willful and negligent violations under 15 U.S.C. 616617. 
I will initiate legal proceedings seeking statutory damages up to {$1000.00} per violation, actual and punitive damages, court costs, attorneys fees, and additional remedies for emotional and financial distress. 
This notice serves as formal intent to sueshould your agency fail to meet its duties within the time prescribed by law. 
DEMAND FOR WRITTEN CONFIRMATION I hereby demand written confirmation that : 1. All fraudulent and inaccurate information has been blocked and permanently deleted ; 2. Metro 2 Code 01 ( XB ) has been applied ; and 3. No adverse data is being reported to lenders, creditors, or scoring models during this reinvestigation.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation