Consumer complaint received 2025-01-13 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: FL

Complaint narrative:
Dear CFPB, I am writing to formally dispute and report multiple fraudulent and inaccurate accounts currently listed on my credit report. These accounts were opened without my knowledge or consent, and I believe they constitute instances of identity theft. Furthermore, the reporting and handling of these accounts by creditors and credit bureaus involve clear violations of federal and state laws. 

Violations Under Federal and State Laws Failure to Notify : Creditors are required under 15 U.S.C. 1692g to provide written notification of debts within five days of reporting accounts. This was not done, invalidating these accounts.

Failure to Ensure Accuracy : The Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) 607 ( b ) mandates that credit bureaus ensure maximum accuracy in reporting. Discrepancies in balances, open dates, and payment histories across all three credit bureaus demonstrate noncompliance.

Failure to Investigate : FCRA 611 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) requires credit bureaus to investigate disputes within 30 days. My disputes remain unresolved well beyond this legally mandated timeline.

Failure to Reinvestigate : Under FCRA 611 ( a ) ( 6 ), credit bureaus are obligated to reinvestigate disputes when consumers contest prior resolutions. My concerns have not been adequately addressed.

Failure to Protect Personal Information : The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act ( 15 U.S.C. 6801-6809 ) obligates financial institutions to safeguard consumer data. Evident breaches of my personal information have led to fraudulent accounts being opened in my name. 

Identity Theft Protections Ignored : The Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act ( 18 U.S.C. 1028 ) criminalizes identity theft. These fraudulent accounts are in direct violation of protections provided under this law.

Failure to Assist Identity Theft Victims : Federal guidelines under 15 U.S.C. 1681g ( e ) require credit bureaus to support identity theft victims, including placing fraud alerts and providing resources. These measures were not implemented in my case.

State Law Violations : Under Florida law, identity theft is a criminal offense. The fraudulent accounts and unauthorized inquiries violate state statutes protecting consumers from such crimes.

Fraudulent Accounts and Associated Violations Below is a list of fraudulent accounts with the specific issues and legal violations identified : XXXX XXXX XXXX Account Number : XXXX Issue : Charged-off account with discrepancies in payment status, open dates, and lack of proper notification. 

Laws Violated : FCRA 607 ( b ), 611 ( a ), 15 U.S.C. 1692g. 

XXXX XXXX XXXX Account Number : XXXX Issue : Collection account with balance discrepancies and lack of validation. 

Laws Violated : FCRA 607 ( b ), 611 ( a ), 15 U.S.C. 1692g. 

XXXX Account Number : XXXX Issue : High credit amount discrepancies and failure to validate across bureaus. 

Laws Violated : FCRA 607 ( b ), 611 ( a ), 15 U.S.C. 1692g. 

XXXX XXXX Account Number : XXXX Issue : Monthly payment discrepancies and lack of proper validation. 

Laws Violated : FCRA 607 ( b ), 611 ( a ), 15 U.S.C. 1692g. 

XXXX Account Number : XXXX Issue : Balance discrepancies, varying account details across bureaus, and failure to validate. 

Laws Violated : FCRA 607 ( b ), 611 ( a ), 15 U.S.C. 1692g, 15 U.S.C. 1681. 

XXXX XXXX XXXX Account XXXX : XXXX Issue : Charged-off account with discrepancies in high credit amount, open dates, and last reported dates. 

Laws Violated : FCRA 607 ( b ), 611 ( a ), 15 U.S.C. 1681g ( e ), 15 U.S.C. 1692g. 

XXXX XXXX XXXX Account Number : XXXX Issue : Payment status discrepancies, differing account details across bureaus, and lack of notification. 

Laws Violated : FCRA 607 ( b ), 611 ( a ), 15 U.S.C. 1692g, 15 U.S.C. 1681. 

XXXX XXXX Account Number : XXXX Issue : Fraudulent account with discrepancies in high credit amounts, open dates, and no authorization. 

Laws Violated : FCRA 607 ( b ), 611 ( a ), 15 U.S.C. 1692g, 15 U.S.C. 1681. 

XXXX XXXX Account Number : XXXX Issue : Fraudulent account with conflicting total amounts and open dates across bureaus. No validation provided. 

Laws Violated : FCRA 607 ( b ), 611 ( a ), 15 U.S.C. 1692g, 15 U.S.C. 1681. 

XXXX Account Number : XXXX Issue : Fraudulent charges with inconsistencies in account details, open dates, and balances across bureaus. 

Laws Violated : FCRA 607 ( b ), 611 ( a ), 15 U.S.C. 1692g, 15 U.S.C. 1681. 

XXXX Account Number : XXXX Issue : Fraudulent charges with inconsistencies in account details, open dates, and balances across bureaus. 

Laws Violated : FCRA 607 ( b ), 611 ( a ), 15 U.S.C. 1692g, 15 U.S.C. 1681. 

Unauthorized Inquiries Numerous unauthorized credit inquiries were made on my report, including but not limited to : XXXX, XXXX, XXXX XXXX  XXXX, XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX, XXXX XXXX and many others. These inquiries were conducted without my authorization and must be removed immediately as required by law. 

Fraudulent Names and Addresses My credit report contains names and addresses that are not associated with me : Fraudulent Name : XXXX XXXX XXXX Fraudulent Addresses : XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX, FL XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX, FL XXXX These inaccuracies must be corrected and removed promptly. 

Demands I respectfully request the following actions be taken immediately : Immediate Removal : Remove and block all fraudulent accounts, inquiries, and inaccurate personal information from my credit report. 

Written Confirmation : Provide a written response confirming the removal of these inaccuracies and an updated copy of my credit report. 

Identity Theft Protections : Implement fraud alerts and provide all resources required under federal and state identity theft protection laws. 

Thorough Investigation : Conduct an in-depth investigation into the circumstances that allowed these fraudulent accounts and inquiries to be reported in my name and provide a detailed explanation. 

Failure to address these issues promptly will leave me no choice but to pursue further legal action to enforce my rights under the FCRA, FDCPA, and other applicable laws. 

Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response and resolution. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief