Consumer complaint received 2024-11-12 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Incorrect information on your report — Information belongs to someone else
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: NY

Complaint narrative:
To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this formal complaint regarding a collection entry from XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX on my credit report. I have never ordered services from XXXX XXXX, nor have I authorized any delivery of oil to my home. Upon investigating this claim with XXXX XXXX, I was informed that the oil delivery in question was made to an entirely different address, not my own. Furthermore, XXXX XXXX could not, and would not, provide any record substantiating that I requested or authorized this service. 

This unauthorized and erroneous collection account has caused significant harm to my credit score and my financial standing. I am disputing this claim and demand that it be corrected immediately. 

Background of Issues I recently reviewed my credit report and discovered an unexpected and unauthorized collection entry from XXXX XXXX. Upon contacting your office, I was informed that the alleged service was delivered to a different address, not my home. Despite my repeated requests, XXXX XXXX has failed to provide any documentation or proof that I ordered or received these services. This appears to be a clear case of mistaken identity, erroneous billing, or possible fraud, for which I am not responsible. 

Relevant Federal and State Legal Provisions Federal Statutes Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) - Section 611 : Procedures in Case of Disputed Accuracy ( 15 U.S.C. 1681i ) This section requires that inaccuracies on credit reports be investigated within 30 days. If XXXX XXXX can not verify the accuracy of this debt, it must be removed from my credit report. 
FCRA - Section 623 : Responsibilities of Furnishers of Information ( 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ) Section 623 mandates that data furnishers, like XXXX XXXX XXXX report only accurate information. Reporting a collection based on an erroneous or unauthorized account is a clear violation of this obligation. 
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ) - Validation of Debt ( 15 U.S.C. 1692g ) Under the FDCPA, I have the right to request validation of any debt that a collection agency attempts to collect. XXXX XXXX failure to provide any proof that I authorized this service is a breach of this validation requirement. 
Federal Trade Commission Act ( FTC Act ) - Prohibition Against Unfair or Deceptive Acts ( 15 U.S.C. 45 ) The FTC Act prohibits unfair or deceptive financial practices. XXXX XXXX reporting of an unsubstantiated and unauthorized debt is both unfair and deceptive. 
Consumer Financial Protection Act ( CFPA ) - Unfair, Deceptive, or Abusive Acts or Practices ( UDAAP ) ( 12 U.S.C. 5531 ) The CFPA prohibits unfair or deceptive practices in financial services. XXXX XXXX  refusal to provide documentation or validation while reporting the account on my credit file qualifies as an unfair and abusive practice. 
New York State Statutes New York General Business Law 349 - Deceptive Acts and Practices New York law prohibits deceptive acts in consumer transactions. XXXX XXXX unauthorized and erroneous reporting of a collection item constitutes deceptive practices, causing undue harm. 
New York General Business Law 601 - Prohibition Against Abusive Collection Practices This law restricts abusive debt handling practices and requires transparency and accurate record-keeping, which XXXXXXXX XXXX has failed to provide. 
New York Personal Privacy Protection Law ( Public Officers Law 91-99 ) This law mandates accuracy in the handling of consumer data, prohibiting negligent reporting that leads to unauthorized or inaccurate credit entries. XXXX XXXX reporting of this debt is in violation of these privacy and accuracy standards. 
New York Banking Law 9-f - Consumer Rights Protection for Banking Practices This law mandates fair treatment of New York consumers , ensuring they are not subjected to erroneous collections. XXXX XXXX handling of my account contravenes this principle by failing to verify or validate the debt. 

Conclusion XXXX XXXX actions have breached multiple federal and New York State consumer protections. I expect a prompt response within the legally required 30 days, confirming that corrective actions have been completed. Failure to address this complaint satisfactorily will result in escalation to the New York State Department of Financial Services and further action if necessary.

Thank you for your immediate attention to this serious matter. I look forward to a swift and equitable resolution. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation