Consumer complaint received 2025-01-19 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Other personal consumer report
Issue: Improper use of your report — Reporting company used your report improperly
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: GA

Complaint narrative:
RE : Demand for Compensation for Violations of Federal Laws and Emotional Distress To Equifax or Whom It May Concern : I am writing to formally demand compensation for financial and emotional damages caused by Equifaxs mishandling of my credit report. Over the course of more than a year, I submitted numerous disputes regarding inaccuracies on my credit report. Despite my efforts, these inaccuracies persisted, significantly harming my ability to obtain credit and support my family. 
Attached to this letter is documentation of the XXXX violations that were eventually removed from my credit report. However, XXXX XXXX XXXX and XXXX XXXX XXXX, which were deleted on XX/XX/XXXX, were improperly re-added to my credit report as of XX/XX/XXXX, without justification or proper notice, in violation of 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 5 ) ( B ). Additionally, my name remains incorrect on the report despite multiple requests for correction.

These actions constitute violations of the following laws and principles : Legal Violations 1. 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 5 ) ( B ) - Re-insertion of Previously Deleted Items This section of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) prohibits credit reporting agencies from re-inserting previously deleted items into a consumers credit report unless : 1. The information is re-verified with evidence of its accuracy. 2. The consumer is provided with written notice within five business days of the re-insertion, including the name of the furnisher and contact information. 
Equifax violated this provision by re-adding XXXX XXXX XXXX and XXXX XXXX XXXX without verifying the accuracy of these accounts or notifying me. This lack of transparency and procedural compliance harmed my creditworthiness and caused undue stress.

2. 15 U.S.C. 1681e ( b ) - Duty to Maintain Maximum Possible Accuracy Under this section, credit reporting agencies are required to implement reasonable procedures to ensure the maximum possible accuracy of consumer credit information. 
Equifax failed to meet this standard by : Allowing inaccurate items, such as XXXX XXXX XXXX and XXXX XXXX XXXX, to be reinserted. Neglecting to correct my name after multiple requests, which further demonstrates their failure to maintain accurate records. 
3. 15 U.S.C. 1681n - Willful Noncompliance This section provides remedies for willful violations of the FCRA. When a credit reporting agency knowingly or recklessly fails to comply with FCRA obligations, it is liable for : Actual damages suffered by the consumer. Statutory damages of up to {$1000.00} per violation. Punitive damages as the court may allow, to deter future misconduct. 
Equifaxs continued mishandling of my disputes and re-insertion of previously deleted accounts demonstrate willful noncompliance. This entitles me to both statutory and punitive damages. 
4. 15 U.S.C. 1681o - Negligent Noncompliance This section allows consumers to recover actual damages when a credit reporting agency negligently fails to comply with FCRA obligations.

In my case, Equifaxs failure to correct inaccuracies and verify reinserted items reflects negligence, directly causing financial and emotional harm.

5. 16 CFR Part 313 - Privacy of Consumer Financial Information This regulation, issued under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act ( GLBA ), requires consumer reporting agencies to protect the confidentiality, security, and integrity of consumer financial information. 
Equifax violated this rule by : Mishandling my personal data. Failing to safeguard my credit report from errors and unauthorized modifications, such as the re-addition of deleted accounts. 
6. 15 U.S.C. 68016805- Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act ( GLBA ) The GLBA requires financial institutions to ensure the accuracy and confidentiality of consumer information. Equifaxs repeated inaccuracies and failure to prevent unauthorized changes to my credit report violate this obligation.

7. The Privacy Act of 1974 ( 5 U.S.C. 552a ) This law establishes principles of accuracy, relevance, and accountability for records maintained by agencies. Equifax failed to : Ensure that my credit report accurately reflected my name. Protect my report from unauthorized changes, undermining accountability. 
8. 15 U.S.C. 1692 - Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ) This law governs the conduct of third-party debt collectors, including how they interact with credit reporting agencies. XXXX XXXX XXXX and XXXX XXXX XXXX violated : 1692e : Prohibits false or misleading representations. Reporting unverified and inaccurate debts to Equifax constitutes a violation. 1692g : Requires debt collectors to validate debts before pursuing collection or reporting. By reporting unverified debts to Equifax, they facilitated violations that impacted my credit report.

GAAP Principles Although GAAP ( Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ) primarily governs financial reporting by businesses, its principles align with the FCRAs requirement for accurate and transparent reporting. Specifically : 1. Reliability : Financial and credit records must be accurate and free of errors. Equifax compromised reliability by failing to verify re-inserted items and refusing to correct inaccuracies in my name. 2. Consistency : Credit reporting agencies must apply consistent procedures to ensure data accuracy. Allowing previously deleted accounts to reappear reflects a lack of procedural consistency. 3. Verifiability : Information must be supported by verifiable evidence. Equifax failed to obtain sufficient documentation from XXXX XXXX XXXX and XXXX XXXX XXXX before re-adding the accounts. 4. Transparency : As in GAAP-compliant financial reporting, consumer credit information must be transparent and understandable. Re-inserting accounts without notifying me violated this principle. 
Damages Claimed 1. Financial Harm : Time and resources spent disputing inaccurate information, including XXXX XXXX XXXX and XXXX XXXX XXXX. XXXX. Emotional Distress : Anxiety, sleeplessness, and mental anguish caused by prolonged inaccuracies and their financial consequences. XXXX. Statutory Damages : Under 1681n and 1681o, I am entitled to {$1000.00} per violation for willful and negligent noncompliance, totaling {$19000.00} for the violations identified.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation