Consumer complaint received 2024-12-08 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: FL

Complaint narrative:
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX, FL XXXX XX/XX/XXXX To : Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) Equifax Information Services LLC XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX 
XXXX XXXX Subject : Urgent Demand for Removal of Unauthorized Accounts and Violations of Federal Law Equifax has demonstrated a clear failure to maintain consistency and transparency in its handling of your dispute, further compounding the harm caused by its already unlawful practices. On one hand, Equifax sent written correspondence stating that your disputes were deemed frivolous because they were previously verified or lacked new relevant information. Yet, when you called Equifaxs representatives, they contradicted this claim by asserting that the FTC report you submitted, along with other supporting documents, was invalid or not reflected in their system. This blatant inconsistency in communication highlights systemic negligence, internal disorganization, and possibly intentional efforts to delay or obstruct dispute resolution. 

Key Issues with Equifaxs Contradictions 1. Misleading Written Statements : The letter implied that your disputes were frivolous, suggesting there was no new information to warrant further investigation. However, the supporting documentation you submitted, including proof of identification, proof of address, and the FTC Identity Theft Report, satisfies the requirements under 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2 for blocking disputed items. 
2. Disregard of Submitted Documents : Equifaxs claim during your phone call that the FTC report was invalid reflects either a failure to properly process submitted documents or intentional misrepresentation of its obligations under federal law. 
3. Obstruction of Consumer Rights : The conflicting statements prevent you from effectively resolving the dispute and exercising your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ). By sending contradictory information, Equifax undermines its obligation to provide a clear and efficient dispute resolution process. 
4. Possible Profit-Driven Motives : The delays caused by these contradictory statements may be a tactic to continue profiting from unauthorized or inaccurate information on your credit report, as credit reporting agencies often benefit financially from retaining more data on consumers. 
5. Violation of FCRA Procedures : According to 15 U.S.C. 1681i, Equifax must conduct a reasonable reinvestigation of disputed information and can not arbitrarily declare disputes frivolous, especially when documentation is provided. 

Legal and Regulatory Implications 15 U.S.C. 1681e ( b ) : Equifax must ensure maximum possible accuracy of the information on your credit report. Failing to process valid disputes and providing contradictory information violates this mandate. 
15 U.S.C. 1681n : Willful noncompliance with the FCRA exposes Equifax to statutory, actual, and punitive damages. 
Section 5 ( a ) of the FTC Act : Misleading consumers through contradictory communication may constitute unfair and deceptive practices, subject to enforcement by the Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ). 
Consumer Financial Protection Act ( 12 U.S.C. 5536 ) : Equifaxs actions may violate the prohibition against unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices ( UDAAP ). 

Demand for Accountability Equifaxs inability to provide consistent and accurate information underscores a broader systemic failure within its dispute resolution processes. I will not tolerate the continued violation of my rights. Your contradictory communications must be resolved, and the following actions must be taken immediately : 1. Remove all unauthorized accounts and information in compliance with 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2.

2. Provide a written explanation reconciling the discrepancies between your written and verbal statements.

3. Implement internal compliance measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. 





To Whom It May Concern, This formal complaint demands the immediate removal of unauthorized accounts and inaccurate information from my consumer report. Despite my compliance with all legal requirements under FCRA 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2 ( Section 605C2 ), these accounts remain unlawfully reported. Furthermore, I have IRS-confirmed evidence of Form 1099-C cancellation for the debts associated with these accounts, proving they are no longer valid or collectible. 
The fact that these canceled accounts remain on my report, despite their resolution with the IRS, demonstrates not only your noncompliance with federal law but also a potential fraudulent financial intent. If these items are not promptly removed, I reserve the right to report your continued actions to the IRS under their whistleblower program, as the profit gained from unauthorized reporting constitutes tax fraud and abuse. 
Accounts to Be Removed Immediately XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  Violations of Federal Law and Additional Actions : 1. FCRA 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2 : All disputed information must be blocked within four ( 4 ) business days upon submission of proper documentation. Despite fulfilling all requirements, including FTC Identity Theft Report, identification, and proof of address, these accounts remain unblocked.

2. IRS Reporting Requirements : The debts associated with the accounts above have been canceled via Form 1099-C and accepted by the IRS. Continuing to report these accounts as valid debts constitutes a misrepresentation of their status. Additionally, this behavior indicates potential violations of tax laws if these debts are used for financial gain or inaccurate reporting purposes.

3. Fraudulent Intent and Misrepresentation : By retaining and profiting from inaccurate and unauthorized information, your actions may violate 18 U.S.C. 1962 ( RICO ) and 18 U.S.C. 894 ( Extortionate Credit Practices ).

4. Whistleblower and Audit Risk : If this noncompliance persists, I will report your activities to the IRS for further investigation and audit. The whistleblower program rewards accurate reporting of tax fraud and abuse, which includes the exploitation of consumer data for monetary gain.

5. Breach of Consumer Rights : Your failure to remove canceled debts constitutes ongoing harm to my financial reputation, with severe consequences for your compliance with 15 U.S.C. 1681b and Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act protections. 
Immediate Demands : 1. Immediate Removal of All Accounts Listed : All canceled debts and unauthorized accounts must be removed from my credit report within seven ( 7 ) business days of receiving this notice.

2. Written Confirmation of Compliance : Provide written confirmation that these accounts have been permanently removed and will not be re-reported.

3. IRS Whistleblower Avoidance : Take corrective action immediately to avoid being reported for fraudulent financial practices and unauthorized profit from canceled debts. 
Conclusion : Equifax, XXXX, and XXXX continued failure to comply with federal law is a direct attack on my financial stability and consumer rights. I have met all requirements under 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2, and the additional inclusion of 1099-C evidence further cements that these accounts have no basis for continued reporting. 
This is your final opportunity to resolve this matter. Failure to comply will result in further escalations, including filing whistleblower complaints with the IRS and pursuing legal remedies for damages under the FCRA, CFPB regulations, and RICO statutes.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation