Consumer complaint received 2025-01-23 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: NC

Complaint narrative:
Formal Dispute and Notice of Non-Compliance with FCRA Section 618 ( Civil Liability ) To : Equifax Information Services LLC and XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, NC, XXXX XX/XX/year> To Whom It May Concern : I am writing to formally dispute the unauthorized and unlawful reinsertion of previously removed accounts on my credit report. These actions have caused significant harm to my credit score and constitute clear violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), specifically Section 618 ( 15 U.S.C. 1681n ), which addresses civil liability for willful non-compliance, and Section 611 ( 15 U.S.C. 1681i ), which governs reinvestigations and the reinsertion of disputed information.

Details of the Violation : 1. Unlawful Reinsertion of Previously Removed Information : The accounts in question were previously removed from my credit report following a dispute process.

Per FCRA 611 ( a ) ( 5 ) ( B ), any reinsertion of disputed information requires strict compliance with specific procedures, including notifying me in writing within five business days of the reinsertion and providing certification from the furnisher that the information is accurate.

2. Failure to Notify Me : I was not notified of the reinsertion of these accounts, nor was I provided any certification or documentation to verify their accuracy. This is a direct violation of the FCRA.

3. Significant Harm to My Credit : The reinsertion of these accounts has caused my credit score to drop by approximately XXXX points, severely impacting my ability to access credit and financial opportunities. 
XXXX. Negligence and Non-Compliance : Both Equifax and XXXX have demonstrated negligence in failing to follow the FCRAs procedures for accuracy, dispute resolution, and consumer notification. 

Applicable Legal Standards : Under Section 618 of the FCRA ( 15 U.S.C. 1681n ) : Willful non-compliance with the FCRA subjects credit reporting agencies to civil liability, including actual damages, punitive damages, and attorneys fees.

Additionally, under Section 617 ( 15 U.S.C. 1681o ), negligence in failing to comply with FCRA requirements allows consumers to recover actual damages and legal costs.

Requested Actions : 1. Immediate Removal of Reinserted Accounts : Remove all reinserted accounts from my credit report immediately.

2. Provide Written Documentation : Provide documentation verifying the procedures followed for the reinsertion of these accounts, including any certification of accuracy provided by the furnishers.

3. Recalculate and Restore My Credit Score : Correct my credit report and restore my score to its rightful position prior to the reinsertion of these accounts.

4. Prevent Future Non-Compliance : Take measures to ensure compliance with the FCRA in the future, particularly regarding reinsertion procedures and consumer notification.

Notice of Potential Legal Action : If these issues are not resolved within 30 days of the date of this letter, I will have no choice but to pursue legal action to enforce my rights under the FCRA. This may include seeking damages for harm caused by your negligence and non-compliance, as well as any punitive damages permitted under Section 618.

Please consider this a formal request for action and a notice of your obligations under federal law. I look forward to your prompt response and resolution of this matter.

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Attachments : Copy of credit reports showing the reinserted accounts Previous dispute correspondence Supporting documents for removed accounts

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation