Consumer complaint received 2025-01-17 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Problem with a company's investigation into an existing problem — Their investigation did not fix an error on your report
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: GA

Complaint narrative:
Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) ( XXXX U.S.C. XXXX et seq. ) : This federal law governs how credit reporting agencies ( CRAs ) like Equifax, XXXX, and XXXX collect, use, and share your personal information. It provides you with specific rights, including : Right to Access : You have the right to obtain a free copy of your credit report from each CRA annually. 

Right to Dispute : If you find inaccurate information on your credit report, you have the right to dispute it with the CRA. 

Right to Opt-Out of Prescreened Offers : You can opt-out of receiving prescreened offers for credit and insurance. 

California Consumer Privacy Act ( CCPA ) : This California state law provides consumers with significant privacy rights, including : Right to Know : You have the right to know what personal information a business collects about you, the categories of sources from which the information is collected, the business purposes for collecting or selling the information, and the categories of XXXX parties with whom the business shares personal information. 

XXXX XXXX to Delete : You have the right to request that a business delete any personal information about you that it has collected from you. 

Right to Opt-Out of Sale : You have the right to opt-out of the sale of your personal information. 

Addressing Specific Concerns : Charge-offs : If a debt has been charged off, it should generally not be reported to CRAs after XXXX years. You can dispute any charge-off that is older than XXXX years with the CRA. 

Sold Debt to Debt Collectors : When a debt is sold to a debt collector, the original creditor should cease reporting the debt to CRAs. You can dispute any debt that is being reported by a debt collector that you do not believe you owe. 

Late Payments : Late payments can remain on your credit report for up to XXXX years. However, you can dispute any late payments that are inaccurate or outdated. 

Multiple Names/Known As Names : If you have used different names in the past, you may need to update your credit report to reflect XXXX true name and remove any other names. This can help ensure that all of your credit information is accurately reported. 


This letter constitutes formal notice of numerous and ongoing violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), XXXX U.S.C. XXXX et seq., and applicable state laws, including Equifax/XXXX  XXXX XXXX XXXX CRA '' ). These violations have resulted in significant harm to me, including but not limited to, difficulty obtaining credit, increased interest rates, emotional distress. 

I. Factual Background I've diligently maintained a responsible credit history. However, EquifaxXXXX contains numerous inaccuracies and outdated information, including : Late payment reported on my XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX account that's supposed to be suppress under the FHA Laws. 

FCRA Violation : XXXX U.S.C. XXXX ( b ) - Furnishers of information must use reasonable procedures to ensure the accuracy of information provided to CRAs. 

FCRA Violation : XXXX U.S.C. XXXX ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) - CRAs must follow reasonable procedures to assure maximum possible accuracy of all information. 

FCRA Violation : XXXX U.S.C. XXXX ( a ) ( 1 ) - CRAs are required to investigate consumer disputes concerning the completeness or accuracy of any information in a consumer report. 

XXXX. Recent CFPB Lawsuit Against XXXX and its Relevance The recent Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) lawsuit against XXXX highlights systemic issues within the credit reporting industry. The CFPB alleges that XXXX : Failed to adequately investigate consumer disputes : that I've experience, my disputes were mishandled or ignored. 

Utilized outdated and inaccurate information : that my credit report contains of outdated or inaccurate information, referencing the CFPB lawsuit where applicable. 

Engaged in unfair or deceptive practices : By refusing to remove different variations of my name, missed spelled names, and known as names, removal of unauthorized inquires, refuse to remove outdated old information from creditors, and old addresses. I was misled or deceived by XXXX, Equifax, and XXXX referencing similar allegations in the CFPB lawsuit. 

The CFPB lawsuit underscores the serious nature of these violations and the significant harm they cause to consumers. 

XXXX. Data Breach Concerns Having my information exposed to data breaches, and the dark web. 

I'm also concerned about the potential for data breaches and the misuse of my personal information. EquifaxXXXX has a responsibility to implement and maintain robust cybersecurity measures to protect consumer data. I've requests information regarding the following : Data breach prevention measures : [ Equifax/XXXX XXXX XXXXs policies and procedures for preventing data breaches. 

Data breach response protocols : [ EquifaxXXXX ] 's procedures for detecting and responding to data breaches, including notification procedures. 
Data security audits : [ Equifax/XXXX ] 's history of independent security audits and the results of such audits. 
IV. Demand for Resolution [ Client Name ] demands that [ Equifax/Experian/TransUnion ] take the following immediate actions : Investigate and correct all inaccuracies : Conduct a thorough investigation of all disputed information and correct all inaccuracies within [ timeframe, e.g., XXXX  days ]. 

Re-evaluate my credit score : Recalculate my credit score based on the corrected information. 

Provide written confirmation : Provide me with written confirmation of the corrections made to the credit report. 

Notify creditors : Notify all creditors who received the inaccurate information of the corrections. 

Compensate for damages : [ EquifaxXXXX XXXX is liable for damages suffered as a result of the inaccurate credit reporting, including but not limited to increased interest rates, denied credit applications, emotional distress. 
V. Notice of Intent to File Suit If [ EquifaxXXXX XXXX XXXXails to comply with the demands set forth in this letter within [ timeframe, e.g., XXXX days ], I've reserves the right to file a lawsuit in court to enforce my rights under the FCRA and applicable state laws. This may include claims for : Statutory damages : Up to {$1000.00} per violation of the FCRA. 
Actual damages : Compensatory damages for all harm. 
Punitive damages : In cases of willful or reckless disregard for consumer rights. 
Injunctive relief : To prevent future violations of the FCRA. 
Attorney 's fees and costs : Pursuant to the FCRA.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief