Consumer complaint received 2025-03-26 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Problem with a company's investigation into an existing problem — Investigation took more than 30 days
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: MI

Complaint narrative:
Subject : Response to Equifax CFPB Complaint # XXXX and Continued FCRA Violations Dear CFPB, I am responding to Equifaxs unsatisfactory and inadequate response dated XX/XX/XXXX, regarding complaint # XXXX. 
Equifax continues to use evasive language such as " previously disputed '' or " currently processing, '' yet consistently fails to comply fully with my disputes and does not provide the required proof of verification as mandated by the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ). 
Specific Violations and Concerns : * FCRA 611 ( a ) ( 7 ) Violation ( Proof of Verification ) : Equifax repeatedly fails to provide documented evidence or proper verification of the disputed items ( XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXX ). Their generic responses do not meet the legal standard set by Cushman v. Trans Union Corp., 115 F.3d 220 ( 3rd Cir. 1997 ), requiring detailed verification.

* FCRA 605B Violation ( Identity Theft Blocking ) : Despite submitting all required documentation ( FTC Identity Theft Affidavit, Police Report, Social Security Card, Government-issued ID, Utility Bill ), Equifax refuses to permanently block the disputed fraudulent accounts ( XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX and XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Equifaxs noncompliance mirrors the unlawful practices outlined in XXXX v. XXXX, XXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXX ( XXXX Cir. XXXX ), which demands credit bureaus conduct a reasonable and timely investigation. 
* FCRA 611 ( a ) ( 5 ) ( B ) Violation ( Unlawful Reinsertion ) : Equifax unlawfully reinserted previously deleted accounts, specifically XXXX XXXX XXXX and XXXX XXXX XXXX, without providing mandatory written notification within five business days, as required under the FCRA. 
* Unauthorized Disputes Causing Financial Harm : Equifax improperly disputed accounts that I did not request, leading to additional harm to my credit reputation and causing unnecessary complications with legitimate creditors. This action constitutes deceptive practices, violating consumer rights under FCRA 1681i.

Requested Immediate Actions : 1. Require Equifax to immediately and permanently block fraudulent accounts as mandated by FCRA 605B.

2. Demand Equifax provide explicit, documented evidence of their verification method or remove the disputed accounts permanently.

3. Conduct a thorough investigation into Equifaxs deceptive and negligent handling of credit disputes, specifically their pattern of evading proper verification and unauthorized disputing of accounts. 
4. Pursue financial compensation due to emotional distress, financial damages, and repeated violations of the FCRA, as permitted by 15 U.S.C. 1681n.

Financial Compensation for Damages Due to Equifaxs persistent and willful violations of my rights under the FCRA ( 1681n and 1681o ), which include emotional distress, loss of credit opportunities, ongoing damage to my creditworthiness, and the significant personal time and resources expended attempting to resolve this matter, I seek financial compensation in the amount of {$7500.00}.

This amount represents : * Statutory damages : {$1000.00} ( pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 1681n ). 
* Actual damages : {$4000.00} reflecting documented lost financial opportunities, higher interest rates, credit denials, and adverse actions directly resulting from Equifaxs errors. 
* Emotional and mental distress : {$2500.00} reflecting the frustration, anxiety, and mental anguish caused by repeated negligence and deceptive practices of Equifax, despite multiple attempts at resolution. 
This amount aligns with established case precedents for FCRA violations and reflects the ongoing harm and severity of Equifax 's continued violations. 
I request immediate corrective actions and a thorough investigation from the CFPB into Equifaxs continued noncompliance. I reserve all rights to escalate this issue legally and through arbitration if satisfactory action is not swiftly taken. 
Thank you for addressing this urgent matter promptly. 
Respectfully, XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation