Consumer complaint received 2024-11-07 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: GA

Complaint narrative:
I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding fraudulent accounts and unauthorized inquiries that have appeared on my credit report. These accounts and inquiries are not mine, and I did not authorize or initiate them in any way. Despite my efforts to resolve the matter directly with the credit bureaus, I am still facing inaccurate reporting, which has negatively impacted my credit. Details of Fraudulent Accounts : 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 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 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 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 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 and unauthorized inquiries violate several consumer protection laws, which I respectfully request you to investigate : 1. Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) - 15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.

Under the FCRA, I am entitled to have accurate and complete information on my credit report. The fraudulent accounts and unauthorized inquiries listed above are not mine, and their continued reporting constitutes a violation of my right to have accurate and fair credit reporting. The FCRA mandates that consumer reporting agencies must ensure the accuracy and completeness of information in credit reports, and I have disputed these items with the credit bureaus, yet they persist without resolution.

Section 1681i ( Duty to Conduct Reinvestigation ) : The credit bureaus are required to investigate disputed information promptly and correct any inaccuracies. These disputed items should have been removed upon my first report of fraud.

Section 1681b ( Permissible Purpose ) : Unauthorized credit inquiries are prohibited unless the party making the inquiry has a permissible purpose. These inquiries are not authorized by me, which violates the FCRAs protections against unauthorized access to consumer credit information.

2. Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act ( FACTA ) - 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2 Under the FACTA, consumers are entitled to take steps to protect themselves from identity theft, including requesting fraud alerts or placing a credit freeze. I request that a fraud alert or credit freeze be placed on my credit file to prevent further unauthorized access to my information.

3. Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act ( 18 U.S.C. 1028 ) The fraudulent opening of accounts in my name and the unauthorized inquiries made into my credit report suggest that my personal information has been used for identity theft. This is a direct violation of the Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act, which prohibits the knowing and fraudulent use of another persons identification to obtain credit or commit fraud.

Actions Taken : I have disputed these fraudulent accounts and unauthorized inquiries directly with the credit bureaus ( Equifax, XXXX, and XXXX ) and requested that they be removed from my credit report. However, these items remain unresolved, which is causing me significant harm. 

I have not opened, applied for, or authorized any of the above-listed accounts, nor have I given anyone permission to make any of the unauthorized inquiries. These actions are clearly fraudulent and may constitute identity theft. 

Request for Action : I am requesting that the CFPB investigate these issues and assist me in ensuring that : All fraudulent accounts and unauthorized inquiries are removed from my credit report in compliance with the FCRA and FACTA.

My privacy rights under the FCRA and the Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act are fully enforced.

The credit bureaus take corrective actions to properly investigate and remove these fraudulent items, and that they ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information in my credit file.

Supporting Documents : I have already filed disputes with the credit bureaus and have attached copies of relevant documentation, such as my government-issued ID, proof of address, and other supporting materials, which may be necessary to verify my identity. If you require any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Impact of the Fraud : The fraudulent accounts and inquiries have caused significant damage to my credit score, as well as my ability to obtain credit, and have created undue stress and hardship. These violations of my consumer rights have violated my privacy and caused significant emotional distress.

Conclusion : I respectfully request that the CFPB investigate these matters and work with the credit bureaus to ensure that my rights are protected and that these fraudulent activities are removed from my credit report as quickly as possible. I look forward to your response and assistance in resolving this issue. 

Thank you for your prompt attention to this urgent matter. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief