Consumer complaint received 2025-01-26 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Incorrect information on your report — Public record information inaccurate
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: MI

Complaint narrative:
Subject : Failure of XXXX to Remove Negative Inquiries and Respond to Key Inquiries Regarding My Information ; Request for {$15.00} XXXX Settlement in Lawsuit Dear XXXX, I am filing this complaint against XXXX for their failure to remove inaccurate negative credit inquiries from my credit report and for their failure to provide a response to critical questions regarding the sale or use of my personal information. Additionally, I am requesting to be added as an individual to the ongoing lawsuit filed by the CFPB against XXXX, XXXX, Equifax, and to receive a {$15.00} XXXX settlement for the damages incurred due to their actions. 

Summary of Complaint : Failure to Remove Negative Inquiries : All three credit bureaus have failed to remove negative inquiries from my credit report despite my repeated requests and their legal obligation to do so under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ). These inquiries are inaccurate and negatively impact my credit score. Despite my valid dispute and following proper procedures for rectification, they have not acted in compliance with the FCRA, which requires credit reporting agencies to correct or delete inaccurate information in a timely manner. 

Failure to Answer Critical Questions : In addition to the inaccurate inquiries, I asked XXXX whether any of my personal information has been sold, used for securities, or involved in any kickbacks or unjust enrichment activities, including insurance claims, 1099B filings, or any securities generated from the use of my information. XXXX has failed to adequately respond to these questions, which raises significant concerns regarding potential misuse of my personal data. 

Legal Basis for My Action : Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), credit bureaus have a responsibility to ensure that the information they report is accurate and to respond to inquiries from consumers in a timely and thorough manner. XXXX failure to address these critical issues constitutes a violation of my rights under the FCRA and the Privacy Act of 1974. 

Furthermore, based on the failure to respond to my questions, I have the right to act as a creditor and charge XXXX a penalty fee. This fee is based on XXXX  failure to comply with legal obligations and their inability to provide answers to important questions related to the handling of my personal data. 

Financial Remedy and XXXX Filing : In accordance with my rights, I have added XXXX as a debtor in my XXXX filing with the Michigan Secretary of State. The filing serves as public notice and records XXXX  obligation to settle this matter. I am hereby requesting that XXXX  remit a payment of {>= $1,000,000} within 30 days from the date of this notice. This payment can be made via check, or alternatively, XXXX may choose to settle via a 1099B IRS filing or use a Bill of Exchange as collateral for safekeeping and leveraging.

Notice of Further Action : Failure to make this payment will result in an additional {>= $1,000,000} penalty every 30 days thereafter until this matter is settled. I will also be sending this notice to the remaining credit bureaus ( XXXX and Equifax ) for their record and validation, as they are similarly responsible for accurate reporting and ensuring that consumer information is not being misused. 

Request to Be Added to CFPB Lawsuit : I am aware that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) has filed a lawsuit against XXXX for their failure to comply with federal regulations concerning credit reporting and the misuse of personal data. I formally request to be added as an individual claimant in this lawsuit and to receive a {$15.00} XXXX settlement for the damages I have incurred due to XXXX negligence, failure to remove inaccurate information, and failure to respond to inquiries about the use of my personal information. 

Relevant Legal References : Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), 15 U.S.C. 1681 : Governs the accuracy and handling of consumer credit information. 
Uniform Commercial Code ( UCC ) : Specifically UCC Article 9, concerning security interests and filings. Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. 552a : Regulates the collection, use, and dissemination of personal information.

Private Right of Action : Under both the FCRA and UCC, I reserve the right to pursue enforcement of my rights through private legal action, inc
luding the imposition of financial penalties.

Violations of Additional CFR Laws : Experians actions and failures also violate several provisions under the Code of Federal Regulations ( CFR ) that impact my rights and access to credit. Below are relevant CFR laws that XXXX is violating : CFR Title 12 - Regulation V ( FCRA Compliance ), 12 CFR 1022.41 : This regulation mandates that credit reporting agencies must ensure the accuracy of the information they report, including removing inaccurate or outdated information. XXXX refusal to remove inaccurate inquiries despite my valid disputes constitutes a violation of this provision, impacting the accuracy of my credit report.

CFR Title 16 - Part 680 - Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), 16 CFR 680.1 : Under this regulation, credit reporting agencies must provide clear and accurate information about consumers. XXXX failure to provide a timely and thorough response to my inquiries about the sale or use of my personal information ( including potential securities and kickbacks ) is a violation of my rights under this rule. Their failure to disclose such critical information has not only impacted my credit standing but also my ability to make informed financial decisions.

CFR Title 16 - Part 600 - The Privacy Act, 16 CFR 600.2 : This regulation governs the use of personal data and establishes the rights of consumers to protect their information from misuse. By failing to respond to my inquiries regarding the sale or trade of my personal information, XXXX may be in violation of privacy laws, potentially exposing me to risks of identity theft, fraud, and unauthorized financial activities.

CFR Title 12 - Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Rules, 12 CFR 1024.41 : This law specifies that credit reporting agencies must respond promptly and thoroughly to disputes, correcting inaccuracies within a reasonable time frame. XXXX  neglect to resolve my disputes regarding negative inquiries within the prescribed time frame is an additional violation of my rights under this provision.

CFR Title 15 - Credit Reporting, 15 CFR 1681i ( Fair Credit Reporting Act ) : Under the FCRA, credit reporting agencies are obligated to investigate disputes and correct errors on credit reports. XXXX failure to act upon my disputes in a timely manner violates this section of the CFR, directly affecting my creditworthiness and financial opportunities. 
Impact on My Livelihood : XXXX ongoing violations have directly and severely impacted my livelihood by limiting my access to credit and financial opportunities. The failure to remove negative inquiries from my credit report has : Damaged My Credit Score : The presence of inaccurate and outdated inquiries has caused my credit score to decline, limiting my ability to qualify for loans, mortgages, and credit cards.

Restricted Access to Loans and Mortgages : Due to the inflated negative inquiries on my report, I have been denied access to essential credit products, such as home loans or auto loans, which are crucial for both personal and business financial needs. 

Increased Financial Burden : The damage to my credit report and the delay in rectifying these inaccuracies has resulted in higher interest rates and fees for the credit products I have been able to obtain, increasing my overall financial burden. 

Limited Employment Opportunities : Certain employers, especially in the financial industry, conduct credit checks as part of their hiring process. XXXX failure to correct my credit report has adversely affected my employment opportunities, as I have been disqualified from job positions requiring a satisfactory credit report. 

Potential for Financial Fraud : XXXX failure to respond to my inquiries about the sale or use of my personal information creates the risk of unauthorized individuals using my data for financial fraud, identity theft, or other malicious activities. The lack of transparency and response from XXXX puts me at a continued risk. 

Request for Resolution : I kindly request that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau investigate all three credit bureaus failure to comply with federal and state laws concerning the accurate reporting of information, their failure to respond to my direct inquiry, and their continued disregard for my rights. I also seek guidance on how to best enforce the penalties I have outlined in this complaint, as well as my request to be included in the CFPBs lawsuit and the subsequent {$15.00} XXXX settlement. All prior Trustees acting in the interest of XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX is hereby permanently terminated. 

Thank you for your attention to this serious issue. I look forward to a timely resolution.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation