Consumer complaint received 2025-08-15 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: NY

Complaint narrative:
This is a follow-up to previous complaints as I have now taken a step further in contacting the FTC regarding this issue ( attached ). I submitted a formal Method of Verification ( MOV ) request to Equifax on XX/XX/year>, accompanied by a copy of my valid photo ID and IRS 1099 form to confirm my identity, as required. 

Instead of complying with the MOV request, Equifax misused the documentation to launch unauthorized disputes on XX/XX/year>, XX/XX/year> and XX/XX/XXXX, XXXX without my consent. This was not a reinvestigation I requested- I was explicitly asking for MOV documentation showing the original furnishers name and method of verification, as provided for under federal law. 

Following that, Equifax continued to stall, eventually sending a letter claiming they needed my ID and 1099 again - even though they had already used those very same documents to initiate an internal disputes that I did not request. This contradicts itself and suggests a pattern of stalling, delay, and noncompliance. 

On XX/XX/year>, Equifax launched two additional unauthorized disputes- again without any request from me - bringing the total to five separate unauthorized disputes ( I miscounted at four- it is actually five - see attached ). This action was taken despite : Me having clearly stated through the CFPB portal on XX/XX/year> - onward - that I was not disputing the tradeline ( I will include all complaint numbers under resolution, which includes several attachment 's ). I was requesting an MOV. 
The fact that I already submitted identity documents to process the MOV. 
My insistence that they not access or alter my file without my express written authorization. 

It is unclear how Equifax was able to validate my identity enough to trigger multiple unauthorized disputes, but not fulfill the MOV using those same documents. The contradiction is alarming and violates multiple sections of the FCRA and FTC Act, including deceptive and misleading business practices. 

It is extremely worrisome that Equifax has failed to respond meaningfully to my submission of ID and 1099 through the CFPB portal itself - a federal channel- further showing lack of good faith. 
Despite explicitly stating through the CFPB portal several times that I am not requesting a dispute and am instead demanding a Method of Verification ( MOV ), Equifax has repeatedly mishandled my file. I submitted all necessary documentation, including valid government-issued ID and a 1099 form. Rather than provide the legally required MOV, Equifax initiated an unauthorized dispute and accessed my file without proper cause. 

This constitutes not only a violation of my rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), but also raises significant concerns about their handling of data for other consumers who may not even be aware this is occurring. The fact that they claim to have investigated the account within one day ( XX/XX/year> ), yet can not provide an MOV, suggests either false reporting or a failure to adhere to proper investigation protocols. This abuse of access and disregard for due process must be investigated for the protection of all consumers.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation