Consumer complaint received 2025-02-08 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Unable to get your credit report or credit score — Other problem getting your report or credit score
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: GA

Complaint narrative:
I am writing to file a formal complaint against Equifax regarding inaccurate credit reporting, a violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), and the unexplained lockout of my Equifax online account. I believe it is directly related to the existing CFPB complaints I have filed against Equifax. 
I accessed my credit reports and noticed a significant discrepancy between my Equifax and XXXX credit scores. After paying down my XXXX credit card balance by {$56.00}, my XXXX score increased by XXXX points, which aligns with my expectations. However, my Equifax score decreased by XXXX points, the exact same amount as my payment, which is illogical and appears to be a direct, negative correlation with my payment. 

This drastic decrease in my Equifax score is concerning and appears to be a misrepresentation of my credit behavior. Lowering my credit utilization, which is a positive action, should not result in a significant negative impact on my credit score. This makes me believe that Equifax is either reporting my payment incorrectly, miscalculating its impact, or there is some other serious error on my report. 

Shortly after noting this discrepancy and significant drop in my Equifax score, I was subsequently locked out of my Equifax online account and am unable to access my credit report or any account information. The attached screenshot shows the message I receive when attempting to log in. 

I have previously filed complaints with the CFPB against Equifax regarding inaccurate reporting of account status, failure to correct disputed information. I suspect this recent account lockout is a retaliatory or obstructive action taken by Equifax in response to these complaints. 

This a violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), specifically sections related to : Accuracy of Reports ( Section 611 ) : The FCRA mandates that credit reporting agencies maintain accurate information. The negative impact on my score directly following a payment suggests a potential error in reporting or calculation. 
Fair and Equitable Credit Reporting ( General Purpose ) : The intent of the FCRA is to ensure fair and equitable credit reporting practices. Penalizing consumers for making payments contradicts the purpose of the act. 
Access to Credit Reports ( Section 605 ) : The FCRA grants consumers the right to access their credit reports. Being locked out of my account without explanation potentially violates this right. 
I request that the CFPB investigate this matter thoroughly and take appropriate action to ensure that Equifax corrects this error, complies with the FCRA, and restores my access to my online account. I am requesting that Equifax : Correct my credit report : I demand that Equifax correct the inaccurate information on my credit report that led to the XXXX decrease in my score. 
Provide an explanation : I request a clear and detailed explanation of how my payment was processed and why it resulted in a negative impact on my score. 
Restore access to my account : I demand immediate restoration of my access to my online Equifax account and a clear explanation for the lockout, including whether it is related to my previous complaints. 
Review their procedures : I urge the CFPB to review Equifax 's procedures for reporting payments, calculating credit scores, and managing consumer accounts, especially in light of multiple complaints against them, to prevent similar errors and unwarranted lockouts from occurring in the future.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief