Consumer complaint received 2025-03-12 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: GA

Complaint narrative:
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, GA XXXX Wednesday, XX/XX/XXXX Equifax Information Services XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXX Customer Care XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, TX. XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, PA XXXX Subject : Formal Dispute of Inaccurate Information on Credit Report Dear [ Equifax, XXXX, XXXX ], I am writing to formally dispute inaccurate information appearing on my credit report. I have reviewed my credit report and identified several errors that are negatively impacting my credit score and causing me significant damages, including letters of denied credit and other opportunities. 

1. Fraudulent Accounts and USC Fraud Codes I contend that the following accounts are a result of fraud and should be DELETED from my credit report ASAP. 

Account Name : XXXX XXXXXXXX, Account Number : XXXX Account Name : Capital XXXX, Account Number : XXXX Account Name : AFFIRM XXXX, Account Number : XXXX Account Name : XXXX XXXXXXXX, Account Number : XXXX Account Name : XXXX XXXX Bank XXXX XXXX Account XXXX XXXX XXXX Account Name : XXXX XXXX XXXX, Account Number : XXXX XXXX have submitted reports to the Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ) XXXX XXXX XXXX activities. The report confirmation numbers are : XXXX, XXXX, XXXX, XXXX, XXXX, XXXX, and XXXX. These reports are further evidence of the fraudulent nature of these accounts. 

Relevant USC fraud codes include, but are not limited to : 18 U.S.C. 1028- Fraud and related activity in connection with identification documents.

18 U.S.C. 1029- Fraud and related activity in connection with access devices.

18 U.S.C. 1341 - Frauds and swindles ( Mail Fraud ).

18 U.S.C. 1343 - Fraud by wire, radio, or television ( Wire Fraud ).

2. Charge-Off Accounts and the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) The following charge-off accounts are being reported inaccurately because they're still showing a past-due balance when the balances are supposed to show a zero balance. 

Account Name : XXXX XXXXXXXX, Account Number : XXXX Account Name : XXXX XXXXXXXX, Account Number : XXXX Account Name : AFFIRM XXXX, Account Number : XXXX Account Name : XXXX XXXX Account Number : XXXX Account Name : XXXX XXXX Bank XXXX XXXX Account XXXX XXXX XXXX Account Name : XXXX XXXX XXXX, Account Number : XXXX XXXX Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) is a federal law designed to protect consumers like me by ensuring the accuracy and privacy of the information in our credit reports. Key protections include : 15 U.S.C. 1681e - Accuracy of Reports : Credit bureaus have a legal obligation to maintain accurate information. Inaccurate reporting of charge-off accounts violates this provision.

15 U.S.C. 1681c - Information in consumer reports : This section governs how long negative information can remain on a credit report. Charge-offs have specific time limits, and any reporting beyond these limits is a violation.

15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) - Procedure in case of disputed accuracy : This section outlines the process for disputing inaccurate information, which I am initiating with this letter.

I specifically draw your attention to the fact that these accounts are listed as " charge-offs '' but still show a past-due balance. This discrepancy violates the FCRA, as an account can not simultaneously be charged off and have an outstanding balance. This inaccurate reporting must be corrected immediately.

3. Debt Forgiveness and Creditor Limitations These charge-off debts have been forgiven through the IRS. According to IRS guidelines, forgiven debts are considered income, and I have reported them accordingly. Once a debt is properly forgiven and reported, creditors can not legally attempt to collect on it again. Any attempt to collect on a forgiven debt is a violation of federal law and constitutes harassment.

4. Creditor and Credit Bureau Fraudulent Activity Creditors who attempt to collect on a debt that has been forgiven are committing fraud. This is a violation of several USC codes, including those related to mail fraud and wire fraud ( 18 U.S.C. 1341 and 1343 ), as they are using deceptive practices to unlawfully obtain money.

Credit bureaus that continue to report these accounts after being notified of their inaccuracy are also acting in violation of the FCRA. Their refusal to delete these accounts constitutes : Willful Negligence : Knowingly disregarding my rights under the FCRA.

IRS-1099C Violation : Reporting a charge-off with a past-due balance is a violation. I urge your agency to reinvestigate these accounts and ensure correct, fair, and complete reporting. The inaccurate status of these accounts, reflecting a past-due balance, warrants immediate deletion due to multiple violations.

Damages : Their actions are causing substantial damage to my credit score, which affects my ability to obtain loans, secure housing, and even obtain employment.

5. Right to Sue Under the FCRA, I have the right to sue creditors and credit bureaus for violations of the act. Specifically : 15 U.S.C. 1681n - Civil liability for willful noncompliance : Allows for recovery of punitive damages for willful violations.

15 U.S.C. 1681o - Civil liability for negligent noncompliance : Allows for recovery of actual damages for negligent violations.

I intend to pursue all available legal remedies to rectify these errors and seek compensation for the damages I have incurred.

6. Collection Agencies and USC Violations I also dispute any collection accounts associated with the fraudulent and forgiven debts mentioned above. Collection agencies that are attempting to collect on these debts are in violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ). I'm requesting that you provide me with a USC 1692G debt validation claim and a flow agreement from XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX, SC. XXXX. 

Relevant FDCPA sections include : 15 U.S.C. 1692e - False or misleading representations : Prohibits debt collectors from using false, deceptive, or misleading practices to collect a debt.

15 U.S.C. 1692f - Unfair or unconscionable means : Prohibits debt collectors from using unfair or unconscionable means to collect a debt.

Additional relevant USC sections include : 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) : This section of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) outlines the process for disputing inaccurate information on your credit report. It states that if a consumer notifies a credit reporting agency that specific information in their report is inaccurate, the agency must reinvestigate and record the current status of the disputed information.

15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 3 ) : Unfortunately, the documents provided do not include a simple explanation for this specific section.

15 U.S.C. 1681 : This is the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ). It is a federal law that regulates how consumer reporting agencies collect, use, and share your credit information. The FCRA aims to protect the privacy and accuracy of your credit reports.

15 U.S.C. 1692c : Unfortunately, the documents provided do not include a simple explanation for this specific section.

I demand that these collection accounts be immediately removed from my credit report.

7. Demand for Deletion and Accountability I demand the immediate deletion of all fraudulent accounts, inaccurately reported charge-off accounts, and associated collection accounts from my credit report. The continued reporting of these inaccuracies is a clear violation of the FCRA and other federal laws.

I insist that all parties involved, including creditors, collection agencies, and credit bureaus, be held accountable for their actions.

8. Supporting Documentation I am including the following documents as supporting evidence : Copies of my credit reports highlighting the disputed items. 

FTC Report Confirmation Numbers : XXXX, XXXX, XXXX, XXXX, XXXX, XXXX, and XXXX. 

Freedom of XXXX XXXX ( FOIA ). 

A complaint was filed with the Better Business Bureau ( BBB ) against TransUnion LLXXXX regarding account number XXXX. 

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ). 

IRS Fraud Dept. 

My driver 's license XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. Conclusion I request that you investigate these disputes thoroughly and correct the errors on my credit report. I expect a response As Soon As Possible outlining the steps you have taken to resolve these issues, as required by the FCRA. 

Failure to correct these inaccuracies will result in further action, including legal proceedings. 

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX and Explanations : Specific FTC Report Numbers : The letter includes the specific FTC report confirmation numbers you provided. 

BBB Complaint Reference : The letter mentions the complaint filed with the Better Business Bureau ( BBB ) against TransUnion, specifically referencing the account number and the issue of a charge-off with an outstanding balance. 

XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX : The letter now requests a XXXX XXXX debt validation claim and flow agreement from XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX, SC XXXX. 

" As Soon As Possible '' : The conclusion now states, I expect a response As Soon As Possible outlining the steps you have taken to resolve these issues, as required by the FCRA. 

Additional Documents in Support : The letter lists the additional documents you are including as supporting evidence.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief