Consumer complaint received 2025-04-07 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:
Subject : Dispute of Inaccurate Information on Credit Report XXXX XXXX XXXX  Dear Equifax, I am writing to formally dispute the inaccurate information related to XXXX XXXX  present on my credit report. Despite multiple submissions of proof indicating that I do not have any debt in my name, negative items from XXXX XXXX have repeatedly appeared on my report. Notably, these items were previously removed but have since been reinstated, which constitutes multiple violations of consumer protection laws. 

Firstly, this situation is a clear violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), specifically 15 USC 1681. This section of the FCRA mandates that credit reporting agencies must follow reasonable procedures to assure maximum possible accuracy of the information concerning the individual to whom a credit report relates. The repeated inclusion of inaccurate information on my credit report directly contravenes this requirement. 

Secondly, the actions taken by your agency also violate 15 USC 1681i of the FCRA. This section stipulates that upon receiving a dispute from a consumer, the credit reporting agency must conduct a reasonable reinvestigation to determine whether the disputed information is inaccurate. The failure to permanently remove the disputed and proven inaccurate information from XXXX XXXX after multiple submissions of proof indicates a failure to comply with this obligation. 

Thirdly, the reinstatement of the negative items may also be in violation of the Bills of Exchange Act, 1882. While primarily applicable to negotiable instruments, the principles of this act emphasize the importance of accurate and verifiable financial transactions. The inclusion of unverified and disputed debt on my credit report undermines these principles and could be considered a breach of the act 's underlying intent. 

Furthermore, the reporting of inaccurate information on my credit report violates Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ( GAAP ). GAAP requires that financial statements and reports, including credit reports, must be accurate and free from material misstatement. The inclusion of false debt information on my credit report is a direct violation of these principles, as it misrepresents my financial status. 

Additionally, the actions taken by your agency may also violate 15 USC 1692e of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ). This section prohibits the use of false, deceptive, or misleading representations in connection with the collection of any debt. By reporting inaccurate debt information, you have engaged in deceptive practices that could mislead creditors and other parties reviewing my credit report.

The Privacy Act of 1974 also comes into play, as it requires federal agencies to maintain accurate, relevant, timely, and complete records. Although primarily applicable to federal agencies, the principles of this act underscore the importance of accuracy in reporting, which your agency has failed to uphold.

Moreover, 16 CFR Part 313 and 15 USC 6801-6805, which pertain to the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act ( GLBA ), require financial institutions to protect the privacy of consumer information. The inaccurate reporting of debt information on my credit report could be seen as a failure to safeguard my personal financial information, thus violating these regulations.

Under 15 USC 1681o of the FCRA, I am entitled to seek damages for willful noncompliance with the act. Given the repeated and willful nature of the violations, I am entitled to statutory damages of up to {$1000.00} per violation, as well as punitive damages and attorney 's fees.

Similarly, 15 USC 1681n provides for damages in cases of negligent noncompliance with the FCRA. The repeated failure to remove inaccurate information from my credit report, despite my multiple disputes, constitutes negligence, and I am entitled to actual damages, as well as costs and attorney 's fees.

Additionally, 15 USC 1681e mandates that credit reporting agencies must follow reasonable procedures to assure maximum possible accuracy of the information concerning the individual to whom a credit report relates. The repeated inclusion of inaccurate information on my credit report directly contravenes this requirement.

Lastly, 15 USC 1681i ( a ) ( 5 ) ( B ) requires that after a reinvestigation, if the information is found to be inaccurate or incomplete or can not be verified, the credit reporting agency must promptly delete that item of information from the file of the consumer, or modify that item of information, as appropriate, based on the results of the reinvestigation. The failure to permanently remove the disputed and proven inaccurate information from XXXX XXXX after multiple submissions of proof indicates a failure to comply with this obligation. 

It is important to note that every other credit agency has removed the XXXX XXXX debt from my credit report. I demand to know how Equifax verified this debt when other agencies found it to be inaccurate. How was this debt verified by your agency? 

Additionally, I have obtained a certified search for my name, and there is no record of any debt in my name that would necessitate reporting on your behalf. I demand that this inaccurate information be removed from my credit report within 24 hours. Failure to comply will result in me escalating this matter to higher authorities. 

Attached is the certified letter confirming there is no debt associated with my name, further substantiating my claims. I request detailed clarification on how this debt from XXXX XXXX  was verified and subsequently reported. 

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation