Consumer complaint received 2025-01-10 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: OR

Complaint narrative:
Complaint Against Equifax and XXXX for FCRA Violations Regarding Authorized User Account To Whom It May Concern at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ), I am filing this complaint against Equifax and XXXX regarding their failure to address inaccuracies in my credit report and their handling of my dispute concerning a closed XXXX  account. I was listed as an authorized user on this account, which clearly indicates I am not legally responsible for payments. Despite this, Equifax has refused to delete the account from my credit report, and XXXX has refused to remove my name from the account, violating the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ). 

Background : The XXXX account in question was closed many years ago, and we no longer have access to the account or credit card. However, Equifax continues to report the account, and when I disputed it, Equifax responded that the item was verified as belonging to me. This response is inconsistent with the facts, as the credit report itself clearly states that I was merely an authorized user and not the account holder or legally responsible party. 

Additionally, I contacted XXXX to request removal of my name from the account. XXXX refused to do so, stating that only the primary account holder can remove my name. However, as the account is closed, neither I nor the account holder has access to make such changes. This refusal compounds the issue and leaves inaccurate and irrelevant information on my credit report. 

Also XXXX used to report this account as " authorized user '' as well, but I disputed it and got it removed from my XXXX credit report. 

Equifax and XXXX have violated several provisions of the FCRA, including but not limited to the following : 1. 605 ( a ) Accurate Reporting : Equifax is required to report only accurate information. Reporting the XXXX account as belonging to me despite my authorized user status is inaccurate and misleading.

2. 611 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) Reasonable Investigation of Disputes : When I disputed the account, Equifax failed to conduct a reasonable investigation. The statement that the account was verified as belonging to me disregards the clear evidence that I am not legally responsible for this account.

3. 611 ( a ) ( 5 ) ( A ) Duty to Delete Inaccurate Information : If Equifax can not verify the accuracy of disputed information, it is required to delete it. By refusing to delete the account after failing to properly investigate, Equifax violated this provision. 

4. 623 ( a ) ( 3 ) Duty to Notify and Investigate Disputed Information : XXXX, as the furnisher of the information, is required to conduct a reasonable investigation when notified of a dispute. Their refusal to remove my name from the account demonstrates a failure to meet this obligation.

5. 605B Blocking Information Related to Identity or Inaccuracy Issues : Although not fraudulent, the principle of blocking information irrelevant to my credit liability applies here. As an authorized user, I should not be held liable, and the account should not negatively affect my credit report.

6. 611 ( b ) Reinvestigation Procedures : Equifax failed to follow proper reinvestigation procedures and instead provided a generic verified as belonging to you response without substantiating their findings.

I respectfully request the CFPBs assistance in addressing the following : 1.Immediate Deletion of the XXXX Account XXXX Equifax must remove the account from my credit report as it is inaccurate and unverifiable.

2.Review of Investigation Procedures : Ensure Equifax complies with the FCRA by conducting thorough investigations into disputes, especially when discrepancies like my authorized user status are evident. 

XXXX. Account Removal by XXXX XXXX XXXX must update their records and remove my name from the account.

4.Compliance Measures : Implement safeguards to ensure XXXX and Equifax follow FCRA regulations for accurate Thank you for your attention to this matter. I trust that the CFPB will take appropriate action to hold Equifax accountable and ensure compliance with the FCRA.

Sincerely, Attachments : Copy of my credit reports showing the disputed XXXX account and its authorized user status. 

Correspondence with Equifax regarding my dispute.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief