Consumer complaint received 2025-01-05 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Improper use of your report — Credit inquiries on your report that you don't recognize
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: MI

Complaint narrative:
These are the credit items that are on my report. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  This is in collections and its not authorized on my credit. I never applied for this. This is due to a credit breach. I would like it to be removed under the fair credit act law.

The 15 U.S.C. 1681 laws are part of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), which governs the collection, dissemination, and use of consumer information, including credit reports. While the law doesnt directly provide a script for removing negative items, it lays out the rules that govern credit bureaus responsibilities and your rights. 

When disputing negative items or unknown accounts, you can reference specific sections of the law in your letters to the credit bureaus to ensure they comply with the legal requirements. Below are the relevant sections that you should mention when requesting the removal of incorrect or negative items from your credit report : Key Provisions of 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( Fair Credit Reporting Act ) 1. 15 U.S.C. 1681a - Definitions Defines consumer report, consumer, credit report, and other key terms used in the FCRA.

2. 15 U.S.C. 1681c - Information Excluded from Consumer Reports Outlines what can not appear on a credit report, such as bankruptcies older than 10 years, and other outdated information.

If the negative item is more than 7 years old ( excluding bankruptcies ), you can request that it be removed.

3. 15 U.S.C. 1681e ( b ) - Accuracy of Information Requires that credit reporting agencies follow reasonable procedures to ensure the accuracy and fairness of the information in your credit report. 
If an item is inaccurate or outdated, this is a key section to cite when disputing it. 
4. 15 U.S.C. 1681i - Procedure in Case of Disputed Information Specifies that if you dispute an item on your credit report, the credit bureau must investigate the dispute within 30 days, notify the provider of the information, and update your report if the dispute is resolved in your favor. This section is essential when filing a formal di
spute.

5. 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 - Responsibilities of Furnishers of Information Outlines the obligations of companies that report information to credit bureaus, including the need to report accurate information. 
If a company is reporting an unknown or incorrect account, you can ask them to correct or delete the information under this section.

6. 15 U.S.C. 1681b - Permissible Purpose of Consumer Reports Credit bureaus can not release your report without a permissible purpose, and you can challenge the inclusion of items from unauthorized inquiries.

7. 15 U.S.C. 1681g - Disclosure of Consumer Report You are entitled to a free copy of your credit report from each credit bureau once every 12 months. If items are unknown or incorrect, this law strengthens your right to get those addressed.

8. 15 U.S.C. 1681h - Notice of Negative Information Creditors must notify you if they report negative information to the credit bureaus. If no such notification was received for the negative items, you can dispute them under this section.

Please confirm in writing that the disputed item has been removed or corrected as required by law. If you do not respond within the 30-day timeframe, I will be forced to escalate this matter

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation