Consumer complaint received 2024-11-18 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:
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) Complaint Complainant : XXXX XXXX XXXX : XXXX XXXX : XX/XX/XXXXXXXX  Subject : Complaint Under FCRA 605B ( 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2 ) for Identity Theft - Demand for Immediate Blocking of Fraudulent Information Complaint Detail This complaint is submitted pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) 605B ( 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2 ). I, XXXX XXXX, formally demand that Equifax, as a consumer reporting agency, block fraudulent and inaccurate information appearing on my consumer credit report resulting from identity theft. 

Under FCRA 605B, consumer reporting agencies are legally obligated to block information identified by the consumer as resulting from identity theft within four ( 4 ) business days of receiving the consumer 's notification, supporting documents, and the required identity theft report. 

The following fraudulent information appears on my Equifax consumer credit report and has caused significant harm to my financial reputation and standing : XXXX. XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Account : - Fraudulent account opened in XX/XX/XXXXXXXX  under an account number ending in an unknown sequence. 
- This account was never applied for, authorized, or opened by me. 

2. Fraudulent Hard Inquiries : - Several hard credit inquiries appearing on my report, initiated without my consent or authorization. 

3. Fraudulent Collections Accounts : - Collections accounts that I did not open or authorize. 

All of the above entries are the result of identity theft or false, inaccurate reporting that is inconsistent with any credit application initiated by me. 

As required under FCRA 605B, I have attached documentation to support my identity theft claim, including a copy of FTC Identity Theft Complaint # XXXX, which verifies my status as a victim of identity theft. 

Applicable Legal Provisions Under FCRA : 1. CRA 605B ( 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2 ) : - This section requires consumer reporting agencies to block information resulting from identity theft no later than four ( 4 ) business days after receiving : - Appropriate proof of identity theft ( attached ). 
- Identification of the fraudulent information to be blocked. 
- A statement signed under penalty of perjury confirming that the information is fraudulent. 
- You are prohibited from disclosing this blocked information to any entity unless specifically required by law or if the information was blocked in error. 

2. FCRA 623 ( a ) ( 6 ) ( 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 6 ) ) : - Furnishers of information, such as creditors or debt collectors, must mark accounts as disputed once they are notified of identity theft. Failure to properly investigate and address disputes violates this provision. 

3. FCRA 616 ( 15 U.S.C. 1681n ) : - Willful noncompliance with the FCRA makes consumer reporting agencies liable for actual damages sustained by the consumer, punitive damages, and attorneys fees. 

4. FCRA 617 ( 15 U.S.C. 1681o ) : - Negligent noncompliance with the FCRA makes consumer reporting agencies liable for actual damages and attorneys fees. 

5. FCRA 611 ( 15 U.S.C. 1681i ) : - This section requires consumer reporting agencies to conduct a reasonable reinvestigation of disputed information. The failure to conduct such an investigation or correct inaccuracies violates this provision. 

Harm Caused by Fraudulent Reporting : - Credit Damage : The fraudulent information has negatively impacted my credit score, resulting in denials of credit and financial opportunities. 
- Financial Stress : I have been forced to spend time and money to dispute and resolve fraudulent claims and collections that I am not responsible for. 
- motional Distress The presence of fraudulent accounts and inquiries has caused emotional harm due to the ongoing struggle to rectify identity theft. 

Relief Requested : 1. Immediate Blocking of Fraudulent Information : I demand that Equifax block all fraudulent information, including the XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  account, hard inquiries, and collections, no later than four ( 4 ) business days from the date you receive this complaint, in compliance with FCRA 605B. 

2. Updated Credit Report : I request an updated credit report reflecting the removal of all fraudulent information within four ( 4 ) business days of this complaint being received. 

3. Compensation for Damages : Pursuant to FCRA 616 and 617, I request relief in the form of actual damages for the harm caused by the fraudulent reporting. I seek : - XXXX for each FCRA violation related to the failure to block fraudulent information and incorrect reporting. 
- Additional punitive damages for willful noncompliance, as permitted by law. 

4. Confirmation of Compliance : Provide written confirmation that the fraudulent information has been blocked and removed, and that corrective actions have been taken to prevent further harm. 

Documentation Provided : - FTC Identity Theft Complaint # XXXX - Personal Identification ( as required under FCRA 605B ) Conclusion : Equifax is required by law to promptly investigate and block all fraudulent information on my consumer credit report as a result of identity theft. Your failure to comply with these legal obligations will result in further complaints to the Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ), Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) State Attorney Generals Office, and other regulatory bodies. 

Failure to block this fraudulent information within four ( 4 ) business days constitutes a violation of the FCRA and will result in legal action to recover all damages to which I am entitled. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX Attachments : - FTC Identity Theft Complaint

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief