Consumer complaint received 2024-09-05 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Improper use of your report — Reporting company used your report improperly
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: IL

Complaint narrative:
I am filing a formal complaint against Equifax for multiple violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), which have had a serious impact on my credit standing and financial well-being. 

Data Breach and Inaccurate Information My personal data was part of the XXXX  Equifax data breach, which compromised my sensitive information. Since then, I have observed multiple inaccuracies on my credit report, including an old address linked to my account that should have been removed. 
Despite several requests, Equifax has failed to delete this outdated information, even though it was tied to the data breach. 

Reinserted Negative Information Without Notice Equifax reinserted negative information into my credit report without notifying me as required under 15 U.S. Code 1681i ( a ) ( 5 ) ( B ) ( ii ). This negative information has affected my creditworthiness, preventing me from securing important loans, such as a recent car loan that was denied. 

Unauthorized Inquiry and Inaccuracies In addition, there is an unauthorized inquiry on my credit report that I did not consent to. 
Furthermore, XXXX XXXX reporting contains inaccurate payment histories for several months, where the data is either missing or incorrect. Equifax has continued to respond with stall letters rather than properly reinvestigating these items, as they are required to do under 15 U.S. Code 1681i.

My Right to Sue Under 15 U.S. Code 1681n, I reserve the right to pursue legal action for willful noncompliance with the FCRA, including Equifaxs failure to properly investigate disputes and notify me about reinserted information. I am seeking actual and statutory damages due to the harm caused by these violations, as well as punitive damages for Equifaxs reckless disregard for my rights as a consumer. If these issues are not resolved within a timely manner, I am prepared to initiate legal proceedings to enforce my rights under the FCRA. 

Furthermore, I respectfully remind Equifax of their obligation under 15 U.S. Code 1681b ( 2 ) for providing consumer reports without permissible purposes, which includes the unauthorized inquiry on my report.

Request for Action I am requesting the CFPB to : Investigate Equifax for these serious violations of my consumer rights.

Ensure that Equifax removes all inaccurate information, including the old address linked to the data breach.

Ensure that reinserted negative items are deleted permanently.

Remove the unauthorized inquiry from my report.

If I do not receive satisfactory resolution within 15 days, I will proceed with legal action in federal court to seek the damages that I am entitled to under the FCRA.

I am prepared to provide all supporting documentation, including certified dispute letters, evidence of reinsertions, and the inaccurate reporting I have endured. This includes documentation of the emotional distress and financial damage caused by Equifaxs failure to comply with the law. 

Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief