Consumer complaint received 2024-11-20 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: SC

Complaint narrative:
I, XXXX XXXX, have discovered several violations of my rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), which require immediate attention and correction. These violations involve the improper reporting of my credit information by various debt collectors and credit reporting agencies, and they have caused significant harm to my credit standing and personal well-being.

Failure to Verify Information ( FCRA Section 616 ) : Credit information was accepted and reported about me without proper verification for accuracy. This is a violation of FCRA Section 616, which requires credit reporting agencies to ensure the accuracy of the information they report. I believe this was a willful failure to comply with the law, making the agency liable for damages of up to {$1000.00} per violation.

Failure to Disclose Opt-Out Rights ( FCRA Section 603 ( d ) ( 2 ) ( A ) ) : I was not informed of my right to opt out of sharing my personal information with third parties, as required under FCRA Section 603 ( d ) ( 2 ) ( A ). This omission is deceptive and infringes on my rights to control how my personal information is used. 
Inaccurate and Deceptive Reporting ( FCRA Section 623 ( a ) ( 3 ) ) : Several accounts and debt collection inquiries were reported without proper validation. This includes reports made by debt collectors without providing the required supporting documentation, which may be a violation of FCRA Section 623 ( a ) ( 3 ) and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ( GAAP ). These inaccurate entries are harmful and deceptive.

Debt Collection Harassment : I have been subject to collection practices that violate the Debt Collection Practices Act. Debt collectors have made contact with third parties and reported inaccurate debts without my consent, leading to unnecessary harassment and distress.

Unauthorized Credit Reporting ( FCRA Section 1681b ( a ) ( 2 ) ) : My credit information was used to make hard inquiries without my consent, violating the FCRA Section 1681b ( a ) ( 2 ), which states that credit reports should only be accessed for permissible purposes. Unauthorized inquiries from companies like XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXX, and XXXX were made, further damaging my credit report. 

Inaccurate Reporting of Late Payments : I found " late payments '' on my credit report that were not clearly defined or substantiated, which is deceptive and misleading under FCRA Section 623 ( a ) ( 3 ).

Failure to Accurately Determine Finance Charges : The finance charges on my credit report have not been properly calculated by the credit reporting agency, violating their responsibility under the FCRA to report accurate financial data.

In light of these violations, I have formally disputed the following : Validation of Debts : I am requesting validation of several debts reported by agencies like XXXX XXXX and XXXX XXXX  under 15 U.S. Code 1692g. Until these debts are properly verified, they must be removed from my credit report. I am requesting the original documents, including the signed contract or application and proof that the debt collector has the legal right to collect these debts. If no proof is provided, the information must be deleted. 

Removal of Unauthorized Hard Inquiries : I have asked for the removal of multiple unauthorized hard inquiries made by companies like XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXX, and XXXX, as these were not made with my consent under 15 U.S. Code 1681b ( a ) ( 2 ). Unauthorized inquiries can significantly damage my credit score, and I expect them to be removed immediately.

Immediate Corrections to My Credit Report : I have demanded the removal or correction of any other inaccurate information, including late payments and improper finance charges. These inaccuracies must be rectified to reflect accurate and truthful data about my credit history.

If these issues are not resolved promptly, I will pursue all available legal remedies under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, including seeking statutory damages, punitive damages, and civil penalties for willful noncompliance under 15 U.S.C. 1681n. 

In summary, my credit report has been harmed due to inaccurate reporting, failure to verify debts, unauthorized credit inquiries, and violations of my rights as a consumer. I am requesting immediate action to correct these violations to prevent further damage to my credit and to hold those responsible accountable for their unlawful actions. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief