Consumer complaint received 2024-12-17 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: GA

Complaint narrative:
ATTN : CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU THIS IS NOT A DUPLICATE COMPLAINT. 

XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Re : Formal Complaint, Cease and Desist Notice, and Demand for Compensation for Violations of the FCRA and FDCPA To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally lodge a serious complaint regarding XXXX ongoing mishandling, negligent reporting, and violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) and Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ) concerning the XXXX XXXX trade line on my credit file. Despite multiple disputes over two months ago, I have repeatedly demanded Equifax provide me with verification documentation substantiating the accuracy of this account. Rather than complying with the FCRAs requirements, Equifax has instead initiated unauthorized disputes, failed to provide documentation, and allowed this account to remain on my file without proper verification. 

Violations and Evidence of Mishandling 1. Failure to Provide Verification Documentation ( 611 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) of the FCRA ) : Under the FCRA, I have the right to request verified documentation supporting any verified information on my credit report. I have explicitly demanded such documentation for the XXXX XXXX account, yet Equifax has failed to comply and provide the legally required proof. Instead, Equifax has added, removed, and altered remark codes on my account without my consent or proper investigation, causing repeated fluctuations in my credit score. 
2. Unauthorized Disputes and Alterations : Despite my clear instruction to not dispute this account but to provide verified documentation, Equifax has initiated additional disputes without my authorization. These actions constitute negligence and demonstrate a lack of due process and diligence. 
The following timeline highlights Equifaxs reckless handling of the XXXX XXXX account : XX/XX/XXXX : My credit score decreased XXXX points due to the removal of a remark code on the XXXX XXXX account. 
XX/XX/XXXX : My score decreased XXXX points after removing the consumer disputes remark code. 
XX/XX/XXXX : My score increased XXXX points after re-adding the consumer disputes remark code. 
XX/XX/XXXX : My score decreased XXXX points due to the removal of the consumer disputes remark code. 
These unauthorized actions are not only disruptive but directly violate the FCRAs accuracy and investigation standards. 
XXXX. Resubmission of a Fraudulent Collection Account in Violation of the FCRA and FDCPA : I was forced to seek legal counsel to contact XXXX XXXX directly, only to learn that the account in question is not actively being handled by XXXX and has been transferred to XXXX XXXX XXXX. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX disclosed to me that : I was never contactedby mail or phoneregarding this collection account, violating FDCPA notification requirements. 
The collection account is in a closed status and not actively in collections. 
Furthermore, this same collection account was previously removed from my credit file earlier this year for fraud purposes, yet Equifax has resubmitted it without my authorization or any legal notice, in direct violation of the FCRA and FDCPA. 
XXXX. Failure to Remove Fraudulent Addresses ( 605B of the FCRA ) : The addresses linked to this fraudulent accountXXXX and XXXX XXXX XXXX reported by me to Equifax in my initial FTC fraud alert in XXXX. These addresses are linked to fraud-related issues and should have been removed from my credit file. XXXX failure to delete these fraudulent addresses demonstrates its failure to act with due diligence and compliance under the FCRA. 
Summary of Violations Equifaxs actions amount to clear violations of : FCRA 611 ( a ) : Failure to conduct a proper investigation and provide verified documentation.

FCRA 605B : Failure to remove fraudulent addresses and accounts after clear notice.

FDCPA 807 and 809 : Resubmission of a removed collection account and failure to provide notification regarding collection activity.

FCRA 616 and 617 : Negligence and willful noncompliance resulting in harm to my credit, financial standing, and emotional well-being.

Formal Demands 1. Cease and Desist : Equifax must immediately cease and desist from altering or resubmitting the XXXX XXXX account and any associated remark codes without verified documentation or my explicit authorization. 
XXXX. Provide XXXX Documentation : Equifax must provide me with verified documentation substantiating the accuracy of the XXXX XXXX account on my credit file. If such documentation can not be obtained, the account must be permanently deleted from my credit report. 
XXXX. Remove Fraudulent Addresses and Accounts : Equifax must delete the fraudulent addresses ( XXXX and XXXX XXXX XXXX ) and permanently remove any accounts linked to these addresses as reported in my FTC fraud alert. 
XXXX. Compensation for Damages : Due to Equifaxs repeated violations of the FCRA and FDCPA, I demand compensation in the amount of [ XXXX ] for the financial, emotional, and reputational harm caused by its negligence and mishandling of my credit file. As well as legal fees Next Steps This letter serves as formal notice that I intend to escalate this matter further, including filing complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ), the Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ), and state authorities, and pursuing legal action if Equifax fails to comply with my demands within 15 days of receiving this letter. 

I expect a detailed written response outlining the corrective actions Equifax will take to resolve these violations promptly. 

Sincerely, [ XXXX XXXX XXXX ] [ Attachment : Supporting documentation, if applicable ]

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation