Consumer complaint received 2025-03-28 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Improper use of your report — Reporting company used your report improperly
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: FL

Complaint narrative:
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, Florida, XXXX XX/XX/XXXX Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  XXXX, IA XXXX Subject : CFPB Late Payment Removal - Final Request Dear CFPB Representative, I am filing a formal complaint against Equifax for failing to correct inaccurate information regarding late payments reported on my credit report for account # XXXX Despite multiple written requests for correction ( letters dated XX/XX/XXXX and XX/XX/XXXX ), my requests have been ignored, constituting a violation of multiple federal statutes, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) and the Truth in Lending Act ( TILA ). 
Violations Committed : Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) Violations : Under 15 U.S. Code 1666b, creditors must send periodic statements at least 21 days before the payment due date. The continued reporting of this inaccurate late payment demonstrates a failure to comply with this requirement.

15 U.S. Code 1681i mandates that credit reporting agencies ensure the accuracy of consumer credit files. In my case, this obligation has not been upheld.

15 U.S. Code 1681e ( b ) requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain reasonable procedures to assure maximum possible accuracy in credit reports.

15 U.S. Code 1681a ( d ) ( 2 ) ( A ) ( i ) states that certain transactions and experiences should not be considered part of a consumer report if they do not meet specific criteria.

Truth in Lending Act ( TILA ) Violations : The TILA emphasizes the necessity of accurate and timely disclosures to consumers. The wrongful reporting of a late payment has damaged my creditworthiness, causing undue financial harm.

Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act ( GLBA ) Violations : 15 U.S. Code 6801, 15 U.S. Code 6802, and 15 U.S. Code 6803 require financial institutions to protect consumer privacy and ensure the accuracy of financial reporting. The mishandling of my credit information suggests a failure to meet these obligations.

Protection Against Non-Payment of Obligations Act ( PAANL ) : This act holds creditors accountable for providing timely statements and preventing unfair penalties. The continued presence of this late payment on my report contradicts this protection.

Identity Fraud and Misreporting - 18 U.S. Code 1028A : The continued reporting of false information could be classified as a misrepresentation of identity or fraudulent reporting, which carries legal consequences under federal law.

Formal Request for Correction : I formally demand the immediate removal of the inaccurate late payment notation from my credit report.

If this issue is not resolved immediately, I will escalate my complaint further, including potential legal action and filing additional complaints with relevant agencies.

Reference to PAANL ( Paid As Agreed Never Late ) : The terms of our agreement have always been met, and the account in question must reflect the status of " Paid As Agreed, Never Late. '' I request documented proof supporting the claim of late payments, including : Dates, amounts, and all communication records indicating that the payments were actually late.

In the absence of valid proof, I expect an immediate correction of my credit report.

If, after investigation, you fail to provide verifiable proof of late payments, I demand that the account be updated immediately to reflect its accurate status as " Paid As Agreed, Never Late. '' Per the FCRA, I expect a timely investigation and a written response within 30 days from the receipt of this dispute letter. Failure to comply will be considered a direct violation of multiple federal laws.

Errors and discrepancies : Inconsistent Payment Status The account is reported as " Current '' in Equifax, yet it also shows a 30-day late payment in XX/XX/XXXX. 
If the payment status is current, there should be no late payments recorded. 
Account is Closed & Paid The account is marked as " Closed '' and " Paid '', meaning no further payments were required after closure.

If an account is closed and has a zero balance, no late payments should be reported.

Zero Balance & No Past Due Amount The balance owed is {$0.00}, and the past due amount is also {$0.00}, confirming that there was no unpaid debt that could have caused a late payment.

No Reporting from Other Bureaus XXXX and XXXX do not report this account or any late payments, which raises concerns about the accuracy of Equifaxs reporting. 
Contradictory Creditor Remarks Equifax includes a remark stating " Closed or paid account/zero balance '', which further contradicts the reported late payment.

If the account was paid off, there should not be any reported delinquencies.

Resolution Requested : Immediate removal of the late payment notation from my credit report. 
Written confirmation of the correction. 
Acknowledgment of compliance with federal laws. 
I trust that you will promptly rectify this issue and ensure my credit report reflects accurate information. Thank you for your immediate attention to this serious matter. 
Sincerely, XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation