Consumer complaint received 2024-10-17 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Problem with a company's investigation into an existing problem — Their investigation did not fix an error on your report
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: IL

Complaint narrative:
I have sent several letters and none of these companies are providing me with correct verified information. I am attempting to get this resolved one more time before I pursue legal action. My SSN has been used without my authorization!! 

In addition, all bureaus are in violation! Please see XXXX XXXX, of the account listed on my credit report from XXXX. Multiple inaccuracies are highlighted! 

1681b ( e ) ( 6 ) - All CRAs must work together and be joined. 

Notice, it is a fact, this information on my consumer report does not match other consumer reporting agencies shown in XXXX XXXX, which means your company has failed to maintain reasonable procedures to keep a joint notification system and is in violation of 15 U.S.Code 1681b ( e ) ( 6 ). This account must be removed. 

Notice, it is a fact, XXXX is aware a consumer reporting agency may furnish a consumer report in accordance with the written instructions from the consumer to whom it relates. Please provide the written instructions that I, the consumer gave to your credit agency, which has authorized this furnished account. If you can not provide me with these instructions written by me prior to this notice this has been a fraudulently made consumer report using my identifying information. 
XXXX XXXX  shows proof of 15 U.S.Code 1681b ( a ) ( 2 ) being violated by XXXX, Equifax and XXXX, which constitutes aggravated identity theft in accordance with 18 U.S.Code 1028A. The account must be removed. 
15 U.S.Code 1681b ( a ) ( 2 ) I am writing to you in regard to the information listed on my credit report associated with my Social Security number. It has come to my attention that there are aliases and other information reported by your agency that are not directly from a VERIFIED RECORD. I am deeply concerned about the privacy and accuracy of this information, as my Social Security number is a private identifier and should only be used by entities with whom I AURHORIZED AND have direct business dealings. 

Public Record : XXXX  XXXX Bankruptcy Under the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act ( FDCPA ) and the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), information reported by credit reporting agencies must be accurate, verified, and validated. It is my understanding that information associated with my Social Security number should only be reported if it is directly from a creditor and meets these standards. Any reporting of aliases or other information obtained from public data gathering aggregators violates my right to privacy and fails to meet the legal requirements outlined by the FDCPA and FCRA, AS SUCH INFORMATION IS NEITHER ACCURATE, VERIFIED, OR VALID AS REQUIRED BY LAW. MY SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER HAS NEVER BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH PUBLIC RECORDS, AND SUCH RECORD GATHERING MUST BE DEEMED AS INACCURATE IF THERE IS A CLAIM THAT IT IS. 

Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) Accuracy of Information ( 15 U.S.C. 1681e ( b ) ) : This section requires that consumer reporting agencies follow reasonable procedures to assure maximum possible accuracy of the information concerning the individual about whom the report relates.

Dispute Resolution ( 15 U.S.C. 1681i ) : This section outlines the procedures that must be followed when a consumer disputes the accuracy of information in their credit report. It mandates that consumer reporting agencies must investigate disputes, usually within 30 days, and either verify, correct, or delete the disputed information. 

Furnisher Responsibilities ( 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ) : This section details the responsibilities of entities that furnish information to consumer reporting agencies. It requires furnishers to provide accurate information, investigate disputes received from consumer reporting agencies, and correct or delete inaccurate or unverified information. You list aliases, who provided this information to you? You list previous addresses, who provided this information to you? 

Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ) Acquisition of Location Information ( 15 U.S.C. 1692b ) : While not directly about information accuracy, this section requires any debt collector communicating with any person other than the consumer to acquire location information about the consumer without stating that the consumer owes any debt. 

Communication in Connection with Debt Collection ( 15 U.S.C. 1692c ) : This section prohibits deceptive collection practices, indirectly requiring that any information communicated not be misleading or inaccurate. 

Validation of Debts ( 15 U.S.C. 1692g ) : This pivotal section requires debt collectors to provide consumers with a written notice containing the amount of the debt, the name of the creditor, and a statement that unless the consumer disputes the validity of the debt within 30 days, the debt will be assumed to be valid by the debt collector. 

Consumer Credit Protection Act ( CCPA ) The CCPA is a broader act that encompasses several statutes, including the Truth in Lending Act ( TILA ), the FCRA, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act ( ECOA ), and the FDCPA, among others. Specific requirements for verified, validated, and accurate information reporting are more directly addressed in the acts mentioned above. However, the CCPA 's establishment of these acts under its umbrella signifies the legislative framework for consumer credit protection, including accurate and fair credit reporting and debt collection practices. 

Consequences for Non-Compliance Failure to comply with these requirements can result in several consequences for creditors, debt collectors, and consumer reporting agencies, including : Civil Liability ( e.g., 15 U.S.C. 1681n, 1681o for FCRA ) : As a consumer I can bring civil action against violators for actual damages, statutory damages, and in cases of willful non-compliance, punitive damages, I prefer to bring the claim against their insurance bonds. 

Enforcement Actions : Agencies such as the Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ), along with the XXXX XXXX XXXX having jurisdiction, can enforce these laws, potentially resulting in fines, penalties, and injunction/directives to correct practices. 

Reputational Damage : Non-compliance can also lead to reputational damage, i.e. : libel and slander elements of defamation of character, and civil action affecting the business relationships and consumer trust of the violating entity. 

Therefore, I formally challenge the accuracy and validity of any information on my credit report that does not meet these standards. I request that you promptly investigate and remove any such information from my credit report. Failure to do so will result in further action, including pursuing legal remedies available to me under the law. This presentment contains specific reference to the disputed information in question format and otherwise! 

Please provide me with written confirmation once the investigation is complete and any inaccuracies have been corrected. You may contact me at the address provided above if you require any additional information or clarification regarding this matter. 

Thank you for your prompt attention to this issue.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation