Consumer complaint received 2024-12-17 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Improper use of your report — Reporting company used your report improperly
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: GA

Complaint narrative:
[ 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 XXXX XXXX XXXX Re : Formal Complaint, Cease and Desist Notice, and Demand for Compensation for Violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding the repeated mishandling and misreporting of my credit file by Equifax in clear violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ). I demand an immediate cease and desist of all improper and inaccurate practices concerning my credit file, a correction of the inaccurate information, and compensation for the damage caused by your ongoing violations.

Despite my previous disputes and communications, Equifax has repeatedly and negligently altered my credit file mid-investigation, which has caused erratic and unjustified changes to my credit score. Instead of following proper procedures as required under the FCRAsuch as contacting businesses to verify the information or obtaining documentationEquifax has unilaterally added and removed remarks, further damaging my credit profile. 

Documented Evidence of Mishandling and Score Changes The following timeline highlights the direct consequences of Equifaxs negligence and mishandling of my credit file : 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 credit score increased XXXX points after Equifax finally removed the fraudulent XXXX XXXX  account, which had reported inaccurate information for over XXXX years. Simultaneously, a remark code was added to the XXXX account. 
XX/XX/XXXX : My credit score decreased XXXX points after the removal of the consumer disputes this account remark code from the XXXX XXXX account. 
XX/XX/XXXX : My credit score increased XXXX points following the addition of the consumer disputes remark code to the XXXX XXXX account. 
XX/XX/XXXX : My credit score decreased XXXX points due to the removal of the consumer disputes remark code from the XXXX XXXX account. 
XX/XX/XXXX : My credit score increased XXXX points due to a minor balance decrease on the XXXX XXXX account ( from {$290.00} to {$290.00} ) as a result of my disputes over fraudulent monthly accruing balances. Additionally, remark codes were added to my XXXX Account and again to the XXXX XXXX account without my consent. 
XX/XX/XXXX : My credit score decreased XXXX points due to remark codes added to the Department of Education accounts and the XXXX XXXX account. 

This pattern of behavior demonstrates not only a failure to conduct proper investigations but also a reckless disregard for the accuracy and stability of my credit report. Your repeated alterations to my file without verification or consent are a clear violation of my rights under the FCRA. 

Violations of the FCRA : 1. Failure to Conduct a Proper Investigation ( 611 of the FCRA, 15 U.S.C. 1681i ) : Equifax has repeatedly failed to contact furnishers to verify disputed information and has instead improperly removed or added remark codes, significantly impacting my credit score.

2. Failure to Delete Inaccurate or Unverifiable Information ( 611 ( a ) ( 5 ) of the FCRA ) : Equifax unlawfully retained inaccurate and fraudulent data, such as the WORLD ACCEPTANCE account, for over six years, and failed to permanently correct these inaccuracies.

3. Failure to Ensure Accuracy ( 607 ( b ) of the FCRA, 15 U.S.C. 1681e ( b ) ) : By adding and removing remarks without verification, Equifax has failed to ensure the accuracy and integrity of my credit file.

4. Negligence and Willful Noncompliance ( 616 and 617 of the FCRA ) : The ongoing mishandling of my credit file has caused significant financial harm, credit score volatility, and emotional distress.

Formal Demands 1. Cease and Desist : Equifax must immediately cease and desist from altering or mishandling my credit file without proper investigation, verification, or documentation.

2. Correction and Verification : Equifax must conduct a thorough investigation of all disputed items, obtain verified documentation from furnishers, and delete any inaccurate or unverifiable data in compliance with the FCRA. 
XXXX. Compensation for Damages : As a result of XXXX willful and negligent violations of my rights under the FCRA, I demand appropriate compensation for the financial and emotional harm caused by your mishandling of my credit file. 

Next Steps Please consider this letter a formal notice of intent to escalate this matter further, including pursuing legal action, should Equifax fail to comply with its legal obligations or adequately address my complaint within 30 days of receipt of this letter. 

I expect a written response from a human representative detailing the corrective actions Equifax will take to resolve this matter promptly. 

Sincerely, [ XXXX XXXX XXXX ] [ Attachment : Any supporting documentation, if applicable ]

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation