Consumer complaint received 2025-03-31 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Problem with a company's investigation into an existing problem — Was not notified of investigation status or results
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: GA

Complaint narrative:
I am writing to dispute an account listed on my credit report under the collection agency XXXX. 
Key Details of the Dispute : 1. Victim of Identity Theft : I am a victim of identity theft. This account was opened without my knowledge or consent, and I had XXXX knowledge of any debt associated with this account. The fraudulent use of my personal information occurred during a time when I was going through significant life changes, including my divorce. My ex-husband was responsible for the fraudulent activities related to this account. 
2. Divorce Decree and Debt Responsibility : As outlined in my divorce decree, all debts incurred by my ex-husband were explicitly stated to be his responsibility, and all his debts should have been wiped away from mine. Despite this, the account reported by XXXX does not reflect the proper resolution of these obligations and is being incorrectly attributed to me. 
3. XXXX XXXX Military Status : At the time this account was opened, I was an active-duty military service member. As such, I am entitled to protections under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act ( SCRA ). This law is designed to protect military personnel from financial obligations and prevent undue hardship due to debts incurred without their knowledge or consent.

4. Request for Deletion and Investigation : Given that this account was opened as a result of identity theft, and I was not aware of this debt, I respectfully request that Equifax conduct a thorough investigation into this matter. Additionally, I request that the account be removed from my credit report if it is found to be fraudulent, as the account does not belong to me and violates my rights under both the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) and Servicemembers Civil Relief Act ( SCRA ). 
Relevant Rules and Clauses Regarding Mishandling of Information : 1. Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) ( 15 U.S. Code 1681 ) : o Section 1681i : This section requires credit reporting agencies like Equifax to investigate disputed information within 30 days. If the information can not be verified as accurate or legitimate, it must be removed from my credit report.

o Section 1681s-2 : Under this section, furnishers of information, such as XXXX, must report accurate and complete information. If XXXX can not provide adequate verification that I am responsible for this debt, the information should be corrected or removed. 
2. Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ) ( 15 U.S. Code 1692 ) : o Section 1692e : Debt collectors are prohibited from making false or misleading representations. Since I was not responsible for this debt and it was a result of identity theft, the reporting of this debt by XXXX constitutes a violation of the FDCPA. 
o Section 1692g : If I dispute a debt, XXXX is required to provide written verification of the debt. Since I have no knowledge of this debt and was not responsible for it, XXXX should not be able to verify it, and it should be removed from my credit report. 
3. Servicemembers Civil Relief Act ( SCRA ) ( 50 U.S.C. 3937 ) : o As an active-duty military service member, I am protected under the SCRA. This law provides specific protections to service members from financial obligations that may place an undue burden on them during their service. The SCRA ensures that my credit can not be adversely affected by fraudulent activities or debts incurred without my knowledge, especially if the account was opened while I was serving in the military.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief