Consumer complaint received 2025-01-15 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: FL

Complaint narrative:
Dear Equifax, This letter is to formally notify you that I am a victim of identity theft. There are fraudulent accounts and information appearing on my credit report that were opened or reported without my knowledge or consent. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), specifically 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2 ( a ), I am requesting the immediate blocking and removal of all fraudulent information from my credit file.

I have fulfilled all the legal requirements to substantiate my claim. Enclosed with this notice, you will find : 1. A copy of my government-issued identification.

2. Proof of my address ( such as a utility bill or bank statement ).

3. A copy of the Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ) Identity Theft Report I filed.

4. A copy of the police report documenting the identity theft.

Fraudulent Accounts and Information The following accounts and entries on my credit report are fraudulent and must be removed immediately : XXXX. XXXX XXXX XXXX, Account Number : XXXX, Balance : {$150000.00} XXXX. XXXX XXXX, Account Number : XXXX XXXXXXXX, Balance : {$40000.00} XXXX. XXXX XXXX XXXX, Account Number XXXX Balance : {$3900.00} 4. Address : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. Address : XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX Your Legal Obligations Under the FCRA As a consumer reporting agency, you are required by law to : 1. Block the fraudulent information within four ( 4 ) business days of receiving this notice and the required documentation, as outlined in 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2 ( a ).

2. Notify the entities that provided the fraudulent information of the block and removal within five ( 5 ) business days, as required under 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2 ( b ).

3. Provide written confirmation of the block and removal, along with an updated copy of my credit report reflecting the corrections.

If you believe the fraudulent information can not be blocked or removed, 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2 ( c ) requires you to provide : - A notarized copy of the evidence or documentation you claim supports your decision.

- A notarized affidavit from an authorized officer of Equifax attesting to the authenticity and accuracy of the information. 

XXXX XXXX Breach and Settlement Obligations As you are aware, Equifax was involved in a significant data breach in XXXX, which exposed the personal information of more than XXXX XXXX Americans, including Social Security numbers, birth dates, and addresses. Following this breach, Equifax reached a {$700.00} XXXX settlement in Federal Trade Commission et al. v. Equifax Inc. As part of this settlement, Equifax agreed to : 1. Ensure the accuracy of credit reports and promptly block fraudulent information related to identity theft.

2. Implement enhanced measures to protect consumer data and reduce identity theft risks. 
XXXX. Provide compensation and remedies for affected consumers. 

Given the connection between the breach and the fraudulent activity on my credit report, I am invoking the obligations set forth by the XXXX settlement. Your failure to remove fraudulent information promptly would not only violate the FCRA but also breach the terms of the settlement. 

Consequences of Noncompliance Should you fail to comply with your obligations under the FCRA, I will pursue further actions, which may include : 1. Filing complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ), the Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ), and the Attorney General 's Office in my state.

2. Initiating legal action to recover damages for harm caused by your noncompliance, including actual, statutory, and punitive damages, as allowed under 15 U.S.C. 1681n and 1681o.

Harm Caused by Equifaxs Negligence Your failure to promptly block and remove the fraudulent information has caused me significant harm, including : 1. Denial of Housing : I have been denied rental housing due to the fraudulent entries on my credit report.

2. Denial of Credit : I have been denied credit and loans, including an auto loan, because of the fraudulent accounts damaging my creditworthiness.

3. Emotional Distress : The stress, anxiety, and frustration caused by this situation have negatively impacted my personal and financial well-being.

Timeframe for Compliance I expect confirmation that the fraudulent information has been blocked and removed from my credit report within four ( 4 ) business days of your receipt of this notice and the accompanying documentation. If I do not receive confirmation or if the fraudulent information remains on my credit report beyond this timeframe, I will escalate the matter as outlined above.

Enclosures 1. Copy of government-issued identification.

2. Proof of address.

3. Copy of FTC Identity Theft Report.

4. Copy of police report.

Please confirm receipt of this letter and provide written confirmation once the requested actions have been completed. You may send all future correspondence regarding this matter to the mailing address or email provided above. 

Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief