Consumer complaint received 2024-07-03 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Problem with a company's investigation into an existing problem — Difficulty submitting a dispute or getting information about a dispute over the phone
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: TX

Complaint narrative:
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Subject : Complaint Regarding Deceptive Practices and Human Trafficking Victim Assistance by XXXX To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally lodge a complaint against XXXX for deceptive practices and significant difficulties I have encountered while attempting to file disputes related to my credit report. As a survivor of human trafficking, it is crucial for me to correct and remove inaccurate information from my credit report, yet XXXX has continually obstructed this process. 

On XX/XX/year>, after multiple attempts to access my XXXX account, I finally succeeded with the assistance of three different representatives over recorded calls. They had to reset my password and deactivate my account to allow me to set up a new one. However, during this process, I received conflicting information about how to file disputes. Representatives insisted that disputes could only be submitted by mail, despite online sources stating that disputes can be filed by phone, mail, or online ( Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 1 ) ). 

Once I managed to set up a new online account, I faced numerous technical difficulties while uploading my dispute documentation. The system 's timeout every 15 minutes erased my inputs, causing significant delays and frustration. Despite finally submitting my disputes, I received no confirmation email or acknowledgment of my submission. When I checked my account later, there were no records of my disputes. I also have a screenshot confirming my submission on XX/XX/XXXX, showing it was received, but the system later denied any record of my disputes or active account. 

This experience has been highly distressing and has impeded my efforts to rebuild my financial stability post-trauma. The Fair Credit Reporting Act ( 15 U.S.C. 1681 ) ensures my right to dispute and correct inaccuracies in my credit report, yet XXXX 's deceptive practices and systemic issues have violated these rights. 

The Trafficking Victims Protection Act ( TVPA ) amended the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) to address the removal of adverse information resulting from human trafficking. Specifically, the provisions relevant to blocking negative items from credit reports are found in 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2 ( Section 605C ).

Regarding Blocking Negative Items from Credit Reports for Human Trafficking Victims : - The TVPA amendment to the FCRA ( 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2 ) provides specific provisions for victims of trafficking. According to these provisions, CRAs must block adverse information on credit reports that is the result of human trafficking within four business days after receipt of proper documentation which was uploaded on the XXXX service website. 

Supporting Documentation : Legal References : - **Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) : ** - 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 1 ) : Standard dispute resolution process.

- 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2 : Specific provisions for victims of human trafficking. 

This is not the first time I have had to submit a complaint about XXXX. In my last complaint, they didn't allow enough MB to upload more than 1 page. Now they will allow up to 5 pages and the system was still rejecting some of my documents that was less than 5 BM or 5 pages. These violations are negligent and appear to be willfull noncompliance. 

I request the CFPB 's intervention to ensure that XXXX : 1. Acknowledges and processes my disputes within the 4-day period allotted.

2. Provides a functional and accessible platform for filing disputes.

3. Offers clear communication and accurate information regarding dispute processes. 
4. Financial recovery for damages and delays. 

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I look forward to your assistance in rectifying these issues and ensuring that my rights as a consumer and survivor of human trafficking are upheld. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation