Consumer complaint received 2025-01-06 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: AZ

Complaint narrative:
I am filing this complaint against Equifax for its deliberate violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), refusal to remove fraudulent accounts despite clear evidence, and reliance on evasive and automated responses to my repeated disputes since 2022. Equifaxs actions have caused severe harm to my credit standing and demonstrated a systemic failure to comply with its legal obligations. 

Since 2022, I have disputed several fraudulent accounts on my credit report, including those from XXXX and XXXX. To support my disputes, I submitted comprehensive evidence, including notarized Certificates of Dishonor against XXXX and XXXX, affidavits, and other documentation affirming the fraudulent nature of these accounts. Under FCRA ( 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ), Equifax is required to investigate disputes and remove inaccurate or unverifiable information within 30 days. Nearly three years later, Equifax has failed to act in good faith or comply with this requirement.

Instead, Equifax has issued repetitive, computer-generated responses that fail to address the evidence provided. These responses have advised me to contact the Attorney Generals office rather than take the legally required action of correcting my credit report. This neglect of duty has perpetuated the presence of fraudulent accounts on my credit report, causing significant financial and reputational harm. 

Furthermore, Equifaxs refusal to provide proof of the legitimacy of these accounts violates my rights under the FCRA. When challenged to substantiate their claims, Equifax failed to produce any evidence of my consent or any valid documentation linking me to the disputed accounts. The FCRA explicitly requires credit reporting agencies to delete disputed accounts when they can not verify their accuracy. Equifaxs failure to do so is a blatant violation of federal law.

The harm caused by Equifaxs inaction includes : The continued presence of fraudulent accounts on my credit report, damaging my credit standing. 
A failure to investigate and correct disputed information within the required 30-day timeframe.

Prolonged financial and emotional distress resulting from Equifaxs negligence.

Despite providing irrefutable evidence, including notarized Certificates of Dishonor, Equifax has refused to fulfill its legal obligation to remove these accounts. Its reliance on automated responses and refusal to engage meaningfully with my evidence demonstrates a troubling disregard for consumer protection laws. 

I respectfully request that your office take immediate enforcement action to hold Equifax accountable for its violations of the FCRA and related laws. Specifically, I seek : The immediate removal of all fraudulent and disputed accounts from my credit report. 
A formal explanation of why these accounts have not been removed despite Equifaxs inability to verify them.

Written assurances that Equifax will implement improved practices for addressing consumer disputes in compliance with federal law.

Restitution for the financial and reputational harm caused by Equifaxs misconduct. 
I trust that your office will thoroughly investigate this matter and ensure that Equifax is held accountable for its continued failure to uphold its obligations under the FCRA.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief