Consumer complaint received 2025-01-09 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: Experian Information Solutions Inc.
State: MD

Complaint narrative:
To Whom It May Concern : This formal complaint addresses Experian 's egregious and ongoing failure to comply with its obligations under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ). Despite multiple detailed disputes concerning the inaccurate reporting of a charged-off account with XXXX XXXX ( account number XXXX ), Experian has repeatedly responded with vague and perfunctory assertions that the information has been " verified as accurate. '' These responses reflect a flagrant disregard for the statutory requirements of thorough reinvestigation and the duty to ensure maximum possible accuracy of consumer information. Such noncompliance has resulted in significant and ongoing harm to my creditworthiness and financial reputation. 

Factual Background and Procedural History : XXXX. Initial Dispute ( XXXX XXXX XXXX ) : In my initial dispute, I requested Experian to verify the accuracy of the XXXX XXXXXXXX account. Experians response merely claimed the information was " verified as accurate '' without supplying any supporting documentation or a description of the reinvestigation procedures, thereby violating 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 6 ) ( B ).

2. Second Dispute ( XX/XX/year> ) : In this subsequent dispute, I explicitly requested a reinvestigation, citing inaccuracies that directly harmed my credit profile. I also demanded the names and contact information of all individuals or entities involved in verifying the information. Experian again failed to provide these details, responding with boilerplate language devoid of substance or compliance with 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 6 ). 

XXXX. Subsequent Disputes : Despite providing detailed, legally substantiated arguments in further disputes filed on XX/XX/year>, XX/XX/year>, and XX/XX/year>, Experian persisted in issuing inadequate and nonresponsive replies. Each response uniformly stated that the information had been " verified as accurate, '' yet no description of the verification process or supporting documentation was ever provided.

4. Post-Investigation Responses : Experian compounded their inadequacies by following up with credit report updates that lacked any evidence or explanation of the procedures used to resolve my disputes. This failure violates 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 7 ), which requires consumer reporting agencies to provide a description of the procedures used to determine the accuracy of disputed information.

Violations of Law : Failure to Conduct a Reasonable Reinvestigation ( 15 U.S.C. 1681i ) : Experians consistent reliance on vague, automated responses and its refusal to address the substantive issues raised in my disputes constitutes a clear violation of its duty to conduct a reasonable reinvestigation.

Failure to Ensure Maximum Possible Accuracy ( 15 U.S.C. 1681e ( b ) ) : By continuing to report recurring charge-off updates and alleged late payments without verifying their accuracy, Experian has failed to ensure maximum possible accuracy in my credit file.

Failure to Provide Supporting Documentation ( 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 7 ) ) : Experian has repeatedly failed to supply the required description of procedures used during reinvestigation or to substantiate its " verified as accurate '' findings with credible evidence.

Deceptive Practices Under Federal Law ( 15 U.S.C. 45 ) : Experians conduct reflects deceptive and unfair practices, which have caused tangible harm to my financial standing and creditworthiness.

Reliance on Automated Processes : It appears Experian relies on automated systems to process disputes, bypassing the substantive reinvestigation required under the FCRA. This practice undermines their statutory obligations and denies consumers a fair resolution.

Potential Bias in Dispute Handling : As part of the dispute process, consumers are required to submit a government-issued ID, which includes personal identifiers such as race and age. I am concerned that the visibility of such personal identifiers may have led to biased or discriminatory practices in the handling of my disputes. I respectfully request that the CFPB investigate whether systemic biases or discriminatory factors have influenced Experians actions in this case. The inclusion of such factors would not only violate ethical standards but also constitute a direct violation of federal anti-discrimination laws.

Harm Caused by Experians Negligence : Experians willful negligence and refusal to adequately address my disputes have caused ongoing harm. Specifically, the continued reporting of inaccurate and misleading information has adversely impacted my credit score, resulting in denials of credit and housing opportunities. These actions have inflicted reputational and financial damage that demands immediate rectification.

CFPB Litigation Against Experian : The CFPBs recent lawsuit against Experian for " sham investigations '' confirms the systemic issues in their dispute handling processes. The reliance on superficial, automated processes in place of substantive inquiries aligns with my own experiences, necessitating robust regulatory intervention to prevent further harm. 

Requested Relief : Immediate Deletion of the XXXX XXXXXXXX Account : Given Experians repeated failure to verify the accuracy of the information or comply with FCRA requirements, I demand the immediate removal of the XXXX XXXXXXXX account and all related inaccuracies from my credit report. 

Provision of Procedural Documentation : Experian must provide a detailed explanation of the procedures used in their investigations, including the identity and contact information of the data furnisher ( s ).

Investigation of Experians Practices : I request the CFPB to launch a formal investigation into Experians dispute-handling practices, including their reliance on automated systems, and to impose appropriate penalties for violations of the FCRA.

Compensation for Damages : Given the material harm caused by Experians noncompliance, I seek compensation for damages, including but not limited to the adverse impact on my creditworthiness and lost financial opportunities.

Mandate Systemic Reforms : I urge the CFPB to require Experian to implement systemic reforms, ensuring substantive reinvestigation of disputes, transparency in processes, and adherence to federal laws.

Supporting Documentation : Attached to this complaint are copies of my prior disputes, Experians responses, and evidence substantiating my claims. I am prepared to provide additional documentation upon request.

This matter demands immediate attention. I trust the CFPB will address these violations and take all necessary steps to ensure compliance with federal law and accountability for Experians conduct. Thank you for your prompt attention to this critical issue.

Company public response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation