Consumer complaint received 2025-04-18 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: FL

Complaint narrative:
Subject : Formal Complaint and Notice of Intent to Sue for Unauthorized Credit Inquiry, Violations of the FCRA, ECOA, Defamation of Character, and False Claims To Whom It May Concern : at " XXXX XXXX  and Equifax '' I am formally notifying XXXXXXXX XXXX of serious legal violations concerning your conduct regarding my consumer credit file. This letter constitutes both a formal complaint and Notice of Intent to Initiate Legal Action under applicable federal and state laws. 

Summary of Violations On or about XX/XX/year> I discovered a credit inquiry placed by XXXX XXXX  on my consumer credit report. I did not authorize this inquiry, nor did I submit an application for credit, services, or any transaction with your institution. 

Moreover, I had previously asserted in writing that I am of sound mind, legal age, and possess the full legal capacity to contract. Despite this, XXXX XXXX  disregarded my declaration of rights and continued to consult credit reporting agencies regarding my creditworthiness, in violation of federal law and without lawful justification.

Applicable Legal Violations Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), 15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.

Prohibits the furnishing or use of consumer information without a permissible purpose. No valid authorization was given for the inquiry on my credit report.

FCRA provides for actual, statutory, and punitive damages as well as attorneys fees in cases of willful or negligent noncompliance.

Equal Credit Opportunity Act ( ECOA ), 15 U.S.C. 1691 et seq.

Prohibits creditors from making decisions or taking adverse actions based on irrelevant or discriminatory factors, including decisions that ignore an individuals legal assertions of status or capacity. 

XXXX XXXX  continued consultation with credit bureaus, despite my assertion of legal competency and without a lawful application, constitutes an adverse action in violation of ECOA and 12 CFR 1002.9.

Defamation of Character / Libel By reporting false information regarding my creditworthiness, XXXX XXXX  has published damaging information to third-party agencies ( Equifax, XXXX XXXX ) , without cause or factual basis.

Such conduct is defamatory per se, causing reputational and financial harm.

False Claims and Misrepresentation If XXXX XXXX  submitted representations to credit reporting agencies claiming I applied for credit or authorized such an inquiry, it constitutes a knowingly false claim, potentially subject to liability under civil fraud statutes and common law.

Demand for Immediate Relief I hereby demand the following : Immediate deletion of the unauthorized credit inquiry dated [ insert date ] from all credit bureaus ( XXXX, Equifax, XXXX  ) ; Written confirmation within 15 calendar days from the date of this letter that the inquiry has been removed ; A full explanation and copies of any documentation relied upon by XXXX XXXX  to justify the credit inquiry ; A written statement confirming that no further unauthorized inquiries or consultations will occur.

Notice of Legal Action If I do not receive a satisfactory response within the specified timeframe, I will pursue legal remedies available to me, including but not limited to : Filing a formal complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) ; Filing complaints with the Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ) and my State Attorney General ; Initiating a civil lawsuit seeking damages under the FCRA, ECOA, and defamation laws ; Requesting compensatory, statutory, and punitive damages, as well as costs and attorneys fees.

Please consider this your final notice. I expect immediate action to resolve this matter amicably.

Sincerely, [ Your Full Name ] [ Signature if mailing a hard copy ] Optional : CC : Federal Trade Commission State Attorney XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation