Consumer complaint received 2025-04-10 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Incorrect information on your report — Information belongs to someone else
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: SC

Complaint narrative:
Subject : Dispute of FCRA 605B ( 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2 ) Non-Compliance and Request for Evidence To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to demand the immediate blocking of certain items that have been inaccurately reported on my credit report due to identity theft, pursuant to Section 605B of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2 ).

I have previously submitted an identity theft report, including a detailed Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ) Identity Theft reports # : XXXX, XXXX. Despite these efforts, there seems to be a delay or refusal to block the fraudulent information from my credit report. 

The details of the disputed accounts are as follows : XXXX - Account # XXXX Open Date : XX/XX/XXXX XXXX Account XXXX XXXX Open Date : XX/XX/XXXXXXXX XXXX Account XXXX XXXX Open Date : XX/XX/XXXX XXXX XXXX Account # XXXX Open Date : XX/XX/XXXX Justice XXXX Account # XXXX Open Date : XX/XX/XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  Account XXXX XXXX XXXX Date : XX/XX/XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Account XXXX XXXX Open Date : XX/XX/XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX- Account XXXX XXXX XXXX Date : XX/XX/XXXX According to the FCRA, you are required to block the reporting of this information within four business days of receiving my identity theft report and to promptly notify the furnisher ( s ) of this information that it has been blocked due to my status as an identity theft victim.

Despite having a payment history, which is a point of contention, these accounts are not mine, and the existence of payment history does not validate the fraudulent nature of the accounts nor should it prevent the application of my rights under the FCRA.

Furthermore, I request that you provide me with the information received from the furnishers during the reasonable investigation conducted by your agency, as required by FCRA 623 ( b ) ( 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( b ) ). The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) has emphasized the importance of conducting a reasonable investigation in response to consumer disputes. ( CFPB Bulletin 2013-09 ). I would like to know what specific steps your agency took to investigate my dispute and what information was obtained from the furnishers.

The CFPB has also stated that CRAs must consider all relevant information provided by the consumer, including documentation and identity theft reports. ( CFPB Bulletin 2012-09 ). I request that you provide me with a detailed explanation of how your agency considered the documentation I provided and why it was determined to be insufficient.

Case law supports the requirement that CRAs conduct a reasonable investigation and block information resulting from identity theft. In _Safeco Ins . Co. of Am. v. Burr_, 551 U.S. 47 ( 2007 ), the Supreme Court held that CRAs have a duty to conduct a reasonable investigation in response to consumer disputes. In _Gorman v. Wolpoff & Abramson , LLP_, 584 F.3d 1147 ( 9th Cir. 2009 ), the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals held that a CRA 's failure to block information resulting from identity theft constituted a willful violation of the FCRA.

In light of the above, I request that your agency take the following actions : 1. Provide me with the evidence used to determine that the information was not the result of identity theft.

2. Provide me with the information received from the furnishers during the reasonable investigation conducted by your agency.

3. Consider all relevant information provided by me, including documentation and identity theft reports.

4. Block the disputed information on my credit report, as required by FCRA 605B.

Enclosed with this letter, please find copies of : 1. FTC identity theft reports 2. Credit report with disputed items highlighted 3. FCRA 605B law document 4. Notarized FTC affidavit 5. Social security card 6. Drivers license 7. Copy of proof my items was exposed in the data breach.

I respectfully request expedited response to this serious matter. Failure to comply with the FCRA can result in legal consequences, and I am prepared to take further action if necessary to protect my rights.

Please send me written confirmation that the information has been blocked or removed and provide me with an updated credit report to my address listed above.

I trust that you will treat this matter with the urgency and seriousness it warrants. You may contact me for any further information or verification at the phone number or email address provided. 

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation