Consumer complaint received 2024-04-13 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:
I am writing this complaint in response to Equifax and Experians response to the previous disputes regarding accounts I sent notices disputing the accuracy and legality of the following 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 and XXXX XXXX XXXX accounts that were previously disputed due to failure of adhering to the following United States Codes : 15 USC 1681 ( a ) ( 2 ) ( A ) ( i ) and 15 USC 1681i ( 5 ) ( b ) ( i ) but Equifax and Experians responded to the disputes with Updated and alleged verification but failed to provide certified documentation regarding the alleged verification. Equifax responded they basically will not re-investigate my disputes and updated my consumer report to reflect the accounts as accurate or verified.

The industry standard is sending an automated customer dispute verification form ( " ACDV '' ). Once a consumer disputes an entry in the credit report, consumer reporting agencies forward an ACDV describing the dispute to the original source. The original source verifies the disputed information by checking a box on the ACDV form indicating the adverse account is accurate.

The first issue I have with this inadequate procedure is that it violates 15 USC 1681 ( e ) - which states : The term investigative consumer report means a consumer report or portion thereof in which information on a consumers character, general reputation, personal characteristics, or mode of living is obtained through personal interviews with neighbors, friends, or associates of the consumer reported on or with others with whom he is acquainted or who may have knowledge concerning any such items of information. ( " However, such information shall not include specific factual information on a consumers credit record obtained directly from a creditor of the consumer or from a consumer reporting agency when such information was obtained directly from a creditor of the consumer or from the consumer. '' ) Basically, every time Equifax and XXXX contacted a creditor regarding the information on my consumer report was a violation. 
Consumer reporting agencies have assumed a vital role in assembling and evaluating consumer credit and other information on consumers according to 15 USC 1681 ( a ) ( 3 ) and 15 USC 1681 ( a ) ( 4 ) states There is a need to ensure that consumer reporting agencies exercise their grave responsibilities with fairness, impartiality, and a respect for the consumers right to privacy.

Equifax and Experians inadequate reasonable procedure to ensure accuracy and fairness according to 15 USC 1681b- Reasonable procedures. It is the purpose of this title to require that consumer reporting agencies adopt reasonable procedures for meeting the needs of commerce for consumer credit, personnel, insurance, and other information in a manner which is fair and equitable to the consumer, with regard to the confidentiality, accuracy, relevancy, and proper utilization of such information in accordance with the requirements of this title.

A form sent through a database with boxes to check off does not sound like a reasonable procedure nor does it sound like it is accurate or fair. If we take a look at the Federal court case of XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  XXXX, XXXX, et al where a jury ruled in the plaintiffs favor based on XXXX refusal to modify the re- investigation procedures. Do I need to initiate a federal court case in order to have these account removed and be rewarded {$270000.00} for punitive damages? If we take a look at XXXX vs. Equifax Information Services LLC we can conclude that the court ruled in the consumers favor due to the consumer reporting agencies failed to conduct a reasonable investigation. I have faith the consumer reporting agencies will remedy this situation by providing the certified documentation used in the dispute process or delete the above mentioned accounts immediately.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief