Consumer complaint received 2024-12-26 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Problem with a company's investigation into an existing problem — Investigation took more than 30 days
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: TX

Complaint narrative:
Dear Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding Equifaxs failure to respond to my request for verification letter on two accounts that I do not recognize sent on XX/XX/year>, and my subsequent demand-to-comply letter, sent on XX/XX/year>. Both letters were sent via certified mail and I have confirmed they were received by Equifax. 

The initial dispute letter requested verification of certain accounts listed on my credit report. As mandated under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), Equifax is required to investigate and respond within 30 days of receiving a dispute. Despite providing sufficient time and a second letter reminding Equifax of their obligations, I have not received any results or acknowledgment of my requests. 

This lack of response has caused unnecessary stress and inconvenience, as I am unable to obtain accurate information regarding my credit report. Equifaxs inaction constitutes non-compliance with FCRA regulations, and I am seeking your assistance in ensuring they fulfill their legal obligations. 

Equifax 's failure to act on my dispute violates the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), specifically the following provisions : Failure to Investigate ( 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) ) : Under the FCRA, credit reporting agencies ( CRAs ) like Equifax must investigate disputes regarding the accuracy of information on a consumer 's credit report. They are required to complete this investigation within 30 days ( 45 days if additional information is provided by the consumer ) of receiving the dispute.

Failure to Notify Data Furnishers ( 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 2 ) ) : CRAs must notify the furnisher of the disputed information within 5 business days of receiving a dispute from a consumer.

Failure to Provide Results of the Investigation ( 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 6 ) ) : After completing the investigation, the CRA must notify the consumer of the results within 5 business days and provide a revised credit report if the information is found to be inaccurate.

By not responding to your dispute within the legally mandated timeframe, Equifax is in violation of these provisions. Their non-compliance deprives me of my rights under the FCRA to ensure the accuracy and completeness of your credit report. This inaction can also expose them to liability under 15 U.S.C. 1681n ( willful noncompliance ) or 15 U.S.C. 1681o ( negligent noncompliance ), which could result in statutory damages, actual damages, and reimbursement of legal costs, should I choose to pursue further action.

I am demanding that they : Remove the following accounts in accordance with law immediately.

Address their failure to meet the FCRA deadlines and take corrective measures to prevent future non-compliance.

Please find attached copies of my dispute letter, and the demand-to-comply letter. I have also filed FTC Identity Theft Affidavits that include these two accounts. I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to your assistance in resolving this issue. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation