Consumer complaint received 2025-02-28 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Incorrect information on your report — Information belongs to someone else
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: IA

Complaint narrative:
XXXX XXXX XXXX : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX IA XXXX XX/XX/XXXX Equifax Consumer Disputes Subject : Demand for Immediate Removal of Fraudulent Account Pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) Section 605B and Other Applicable Laws Dear XXXX, I am writing to formally dispute a fraudulent account that has been erroneously reported on my credit file, and I hereby demand that it be immediately removed pursuant to my rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), specifically Section 605B, as well as related provisions of federal law. This dispute involves identity theft, which was exacerbated by the highly publicized Equifax data breach and the subsequent mishandling of sensitive personal information.

Upon reviewing my credit report, I identified an account that was opened without my knowledge or consent. The details of the fraudulent account are as follows : Account Name : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Account Number : XXXX Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX This account is the direct result of identity theft, and I have not opened, authorized, or had any involvement with this account. In accordance with the FCRA Section 605B, I am requesting that you immediately remove this fraudulent account from my credit file.

Legal Basis for Dispute and Demands : FCRA Section 605B Under this section, I have the right to request the immediate removal of accounts opened as a result of identity theft. As required by law, the credit reporting agency must delete such accounts once the consumer provides a police report and supporting documentation of the fraudulent activity. This provision also mandates that the credit reporting agency respond to my request within four ( 4 ) business days.

FCRA Section 609 ( e ) This section obligates credit reporting agencies to provide the consumer with all relevant details regarding any fraudulent accounts and take the necess
ary steps to resolve disputes of this nature in a timely manner.

FCRA Section 616 This section holds credit reporting agencies accountable for willful non-compliance with the law, which includes failing to investigate and resolve disputes related to identity theft.

FCRA Section 623 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) Financial institutions and other furnishers of information are legally required to report only accurate information to credit bureaus. When an account is opened fraudulently, they must promptly correct this reporting.

Regulation V ( 12 CFR Part 1022 ) Regulation V mandates that credit reporting agencies adopt procedures to ensure expeditious resolution of identity theft disputes. As such, a timely resolution is not only a legal requirement but also a procedural obligation.

Identity Theft Enforcement and Restitution Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110-326 ) This law further strengthens consumer rights regarding identity theft, including the timely removal of fraudulent accounts from credit reports.

Equifax Data Breach and Its Impact : This fraudulent account, along with my broader concerns regarding identity theft, is a direct result of the 2017 Equifax data breach, where my sensitive personal information was exposed due to Equifaxs gross mishandling of security protocols and failure to properly safeguard private data. The breach affected over 147 million consumers, and the exposure of such personal information has directly contributed to the rise of identity theft incidents across the country. 

The Equifax data breach was a direct consequence of negligent security practices, and the breach has been widely recognized as XXXX of the largest and most significant incidents of data mishandling in recent history. As a result, I have fallen victim to identity theft and the unauthorized opening of accounts using my personal information. 

Request for Immediate Action : In light of the above, I am demanding the immediate deletion of the fraudulent account from my credit report, as outlined by the FCRA, Regulation V, and other applicable laws. As per FCRA Section 605B, you are required to respond to this dispute within four ( 4 ) business days.

I have attached the following documentation in support of my claim : A copy of my government-issued identification.

A copy of my Social Security card ( or another relevant form of identification ) A completed identity theft affidavit Please be advised that failure to remove the fraudulent account in accordance with the FCRA and the stipulated response time frame will leave me no choice but to take further legal action to enforce my rights under federal law. 

Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter. I expect a prompt resolution and written confirmation of the accounts removal within the prescribed four-day period. 

Sincerely XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation