Consumer complaint received 2025-02-13 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 : Equifaxs Failure to Provide Proof of Verification, Unlawful Re-Reporting of Disputed Items, and Non-Compliance with FCRA Summary of the Issue I am filing this formal response to Equifaxs inadequate handling of my dispute. Despite my submission of FTC Identity Theft Affidavit, Police Report, Social Security Card, Government ID, and Proof of Address, Equifax continues to report fraudulent and inaccurate information without valid proof of verification.

Additionally, Equifax has engaged in deceptive practices, including : * Failure to provide documentary proof from original creditors verifying alleged debts.

* Unlawful re-reporting of disputed items, which is a direct violation of FCRA 611 ( a ) ( 5 ) ( B ).

* Ignoring my identity theft claim and refusing to block fraudulent accounts in violation of FCRA 605B.

* Using third-party databases rather than verifying with original creditors, violating FCRA 1681e ( b ).

Equifaxs Violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) 1. Failure to Properly
Verify Information FCRA 611 ( a ) * Equifax claims that XXXX XXXX XXXX was " verified '' but provided no evidence to support this claim. 
* Case Law : Cushman v. XXXX XXXX, 115 F.3d 220 ( 3rd Cir. 1997 ) states that credit bureaus can not solely rely on furnishersthey must independently verify the accuracy of the information. 
* Request : Equifax must provide the original signed contract, billing statements, and specific proof of verification from XXXX XXXX XXXX. If they fail to provide documentation, the account must be deleted immediately per FCRA 611 ( a ) ( 5 ) ( A ).

2. Failure to Block Fraudulent Information FCRA 605B * I submitted an FTC Identity Theft Affidavit and Police Report, which legally requires Equifax to block fraudulent items within four ( 4 ) business days. 
* Despite my documentation, Equifax refuses to block the following fraudulent accounts : * XXXX XXXX XXXX * XXXX XXXXXX/XX/XXXX * Request : Equifax must immediately block all fraudulent accounts and inquiries under FCRA 605B.

3. Unlawful Reinsertion of Disputed Accounts FCRA 611 ( a ) ( 5 ) ( B ) * Equifax has previously removed certain accounts, yet reinserted them without proper certification.

* FCRA 611 ( a ) ( 5 ) ( B ) requires that if an item is reinserted, Equifax must : * Notify me in writing within 5 business days.

* Certify the items accuracy with documented proof.

* Case Law : Jones v. Experian Info. Sols., Inc. , No. 1:19-cv-2143 ( N.D. Ga. 2019 ) ruled that failure to notify consumers of reinsertion violates the FCRA and subjects CRAs to legal liability.

* Request : CFPB should investigate Equifaxs unlawful re-reporting practices and issue fines for noncompliance.

4. Deceptive Investigation Practices FCRA 1681e ( b ) * Equifax has relied on third-party databases instead of obtaining original records from furnishers.

* Case Law : Collins v. Experian Info. Sols., Inc. , 775 F.3d 1330 ( 11th Cir. 2015 ) ruled that relying on unreliable third-party databases violates FCRAs accuracy standards.

* Request : Equifax must disclose whether it used a third-party vendor ( e.g., XXXX ) instead of direct verification with the original creditor.

Requested Relief from the CFPB 1. Immediate Deletion of All Unverified Accounts * XXXX XXXX XXXX and XXXX XXXX XXXX must be deleted unless Equifax can provide signed agreements, billing records, and proof of direct verification. 
2. Full Compliance with FCRA 605B Fraudulent Information Must Be Blocked * I demand that Equifax immediately block all fraudulent items, as required under FCRA 605B.

3. Monetary Compensation for Equifaxs Willful Noncompliance * Under FCRA 616 and 617, I request monetary relief for : * Emotional distress, financial harm, and damage to my creditworthiness.

* Equifaxs repeated failures to comply with federal law.

4. CFPB Enforcement Action Against Equifax * The CFPB should open an enforcement investigation into Equifaxs deceptive practices and impose financial penalties for violations of consumer protection laws.

5. Require Equifax to Disclose Method of Verification ( MOV ) * CFPB should require Equifax to produce : * All documentation obtained from the furnisher ( s ).

* Contact information for the specific person ( s ) who verified the accounts.

Supporting Documentation Attached : * FTC Identity Theft Report * Police Report * Government-issued ID ( Drivers License, Social Security Card, Utility Bill ) * Previous Equifax Reports Showing Deleted Accounts Being Reinserted * Equifaxs CFPB Response Stating Items Were Verified Without Proof This is a formal request for immediate CFPB intervention due to Equifaxs ongoing violations. I expect prompt action to correct these violations, and if necessary, I am prepared to escalate this matter through legal channels. 
Sincerely, XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief