Consumer complaint received 2023-12-28 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Problem with a company's investigation into an existing problem — Their investigation did not fix an error on your report
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: CA

Complaint narrative:
I am writing to file a formal complaint against Equifax regarding their handling of my recent dispute requests. I have encountered significant issues with their response, and I believe that their actions are in violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ). 

I submitted two dispute requests to Equifax within the last 60 days, the first dated XX/XX/XXXX and the second around XX/XX/XXXX. The initial dispute results, received surprisingly quickly, as I received a letter back on the same day, XX/XX/XXXX which indicated that the disputed items were verified without providing any proof of verification as I requested and as is my right to do so. Subsequently, I submitted a second dispute XX/XX/XXXX requesting a re-investigation and specifically asked for the methods of verification and supporting documentation of the accounts in question. 

Contrary to my request, I received a response from Equifax that failed to address my concerns. Instead, they sent me a copy of my dispute summary, confirming the items as " verified '' without providing the requested proof of ownership of debt or any documentation supporting their initial investigation as I requested and is as my right to be provided. 

I firmly believe that these accounts are inaccurate, as Equifax has not fulfilled my request for a thorough investigation into the validity of these items, nor have they provided the required documentation as per the FCRA. It is evident that Equifax is not adhering to the principles outlined in the FCRA and its relevant provisions. 

Most concerning is a letter I received today XX/XX/XXXX, from Equifax, stating that they were unable to locate a credit file with the information provided in my letter dated XX/XX/XXXX. This is particularly perplexing as the same information ( name, address, last 4 of my SSN ) was provided in my first dispute letter, which led to a rapid " verification '' of the accounts. 

I suspect that Equifax is utilizing this claim as a delay tactic to evade the mandatory re-investigation and the provision of requested documentation within the stipulated 15-day period, which has now lapsed. This tactic is inherently unfair to me as a consumer seeking a fair and accurate representation of my credit history. They were obviously able to find my file the first time the entries came back " verified/updated '' with the same provided information. 

In light of these circumstances, I kindly request that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau intervene and take appropriate action against Equifax for their non-compliance with the FCRA. I believe it is crucial to ensure that consumers are treated fairly and that credit reporting agencies adhere to the laws designed to protect consumers ' rights. 

I submitted a request TWICE to Equifax in accordance with my rights under the FCRA, specifically seeking original contracts with my signature, as well as proof of a legally valid assignment of the debt in question. As per Section 611 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) of the FCRA, Equifax is obligated to ensure the accuracy and validity of the information it reports. However, their response to my request was inadequate, as they merely reissued the same result letter without providing any of the required documentation. 

The FCRA places the burden of proof on Equifax to substantiate the accuracy of the reported information, and in the absence of the requested documentation, it is their legal obligation to promptly remove the disputed entries from my credit report. This continuous reporting of unverified and unsubstantiated information has had a detrimental impact on my financial standing, affecting my ability to secure credit and housing. 

Accounts in question listed on attached with name and account numbers. Because of the delay in processing and attempt to avoid having to provide requested documentation, these entries should be removed from my credit report immediately. 

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. I trust that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will thoroughly investigate this complaint and take appropriate action to rectify the situation or I will have to seek legal counsel and retribution, as this is damaging to my credit reputation and ability to get new credit and housing.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief