Consumer complaint received 2025-01-13 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: GA

Complaint narrative:
Dear XXXX, XXXX, Equifax, I am writing to formally dispute the reporting of the above-referenced account on my credit report. This letter outlines several inaccuracies and violations of federal and state laws regarding this account and demands immediate resolution.

Summary of Discrepancies and Violations : Falsified Verification : You have repeatedly stated that this account has been " verified and accurate. '' However, XXXX XXXX XXXX has confirmed to me directly that the account was written off and transferred to XXXX XXXX, a third-party collection agency. This raises serious concerns about how this account was verified, as no documentation has been provided to me from either XXXX or XXXX XXXX to substantiate this claim. 

Inconsistent and Misleading Reporting : XXXX reported this debt as " charged off, '' which indicates the debt is no longer collectible. However, a balance of {$10000.00} is still being reported on my credit report, which is misleading and inaccurate. 
If the debt is written off, the balance should reflect {$0.00}, and a 1099-C form should have been issued in compliance with IRS regulations ( 26 U.S.C. 6050P ). 
XXXX has failed to provide this form, and XXXX XXXX, now handling the account, has also refused to issue the 1099-C or validate the debt.

Failure to Provide Validation : Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), I am entitled to all documents and records used to verify this account 's accuracy. Despite my multiple requests, you have not provided : The original signed contract for this account. 
Documentation validating the balance and payment history. 
Evidence supporting the claim that this account is accurate and verified. 
Double Reporting of XXXX : XXXX can not legally report a balance on this account if the debt was charged off and transferred to XXXX XXXX. XXXX XXXX can not report the debt without proper validation, as required under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ). 

Violations of Federal and State Laws : Credit Reporting Agencies : FCRA Section 611 ( a ) ( 1 ) : Failure to conduct a reasonable investigation of disputed information.

FCRA Section 609 ( a ) ( 1 ) : Failure to provide documentation used to verify the account.

FCRA Section 623 ( a ) ( 1 ) : Reporting inaccurate or incomplete information.

CFPA ( 12 U.S.C. 5531 ) : Unfair, deceptive, or abusive practices. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX and XXXX XXXX : FCRA Section 623 ( a ) ( 1 ) : Providing false or misleading information to credit reporting agencies.

IRS Code 26 U.S.C. 6050P : Failure to issue a 1099-C for a charged-off debt.

FDCPA Section 809 : Failure to validate the debt upon request.

CFPA ( 12 U.S.C. 5531 ) : Engaging in deceptive practices by continuing to report a balance without proper validation or issuing a 1099-C. 
Demands for Resolution : Immediate Deletion of the Account : If you can not provide proper validation and documentation of this account, it must be permanently removed from my credit report in accordance with FCRA Section 611 ( a ) ( 5 ).

Provide All Validation Documents : Provide copies of all documents you claim to have used to verify this account, including : Original signed contract. 
Payment history and balance calculations. 
Correspondence from XXXX XXXX XXXX or XXXX XXXX. 
Explanation of Verification Process : Detail the process you followed to verify this account, including the name, address, and contact information of the furnisher ( XXXX or XXXX XXXX ) you communicated with. 
Correct the Reporting of the Balance : Update the account to reflect a {$0.00} balance if the debt has been written off or properly validate the debt if it remains outstanding.

Address Violations or Face Legal Action : Failure to comply with these demands will result in formal complaints being filed with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ), the Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ), and my State Attorney General. I will also pursue legal action under the FCRA, FDCPA, and other applicable laws to seek damages, including : Statutory damages of up to {$1000.00} per violation. 
Actual damages caused by inaccurate reporting. 
Attorney fees and court costs. 
Conclusion : Your continued failure to comply with federal laws and provide proper validation for this account demonstrates a lack of due diligence and violates my rights as a consumer. I expect a written response within 15 days of receiving this letter.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief