Consumer complaint received 2024-12-09 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:
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Equifax XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Subject : Formal Complaint Regarding Violation of FCRA and Request for Compensation Dear Equifax Consumer Services, I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding a series of violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) related to your management of my credit file. I have experienced multiple unauthorized manipulations of my credit record, leading to unjust consequences, specifically the unauthorized removal and subsequent reinsertion of a collection statement associated with the trade line for XXXX XXXX. This action has caused me to suffer a loss of XXXX points on my credit score for the fourth time, which is both unacceptable and illegal under FCRA provisions. 

Despite your asserting that the collection statement has been removed, I must emphasize that it has never actually been removed from my credit file. The only observable change that has occurred is a detrimental fluctuation in my credit score. This demonstrates a troubling pattern where Equifax has manipulated my credit rating without making any substantial changes to the information in my credit file. Such practices not only contravene FCRA regulations but also create confusion and distress for consumers like myself. 

Furthermore, I wish to point out a troubling inconsistency in how Equifax processes changes to my credit file. While unauthorized changes that negatively impact my score are reported with alarming expediency, the same promptness is not observed for necessary corrections regarding my personal name and address. Additionally, the fraudulent entry for XXXX XXXX XXXX still appears on my report without the required verification, method of verification, or legal grounds to report their subsidiary alleged account with me as their own. This is particularly concerning given that this subsidiary was previously removed from my file, and their continued reinsertion without proper justification is a gross violation of my rights under the FCRA. 

As per FCRA mandates, all credit reporting agencies are required to conduct a thorough investigation when a consumer disputes any information found in their credit report. Upon my previous disputes, I have yet to receive adequate verification of the debt nor an appropriate method of verification regarding the collection statements linked to XXXX XXXX. This lack of compliance not only represents a failure to act in accordance with the FCRA but also demonstrates a pattern of negligence that has caused ongoing harm to my creditworthiness. 

Specifically, I would like to highlight the following infringements of my rights under the FCRA : XXXX. Unauthorized manipulation of my credit file by removing and then reinserting a collection statement while the matter was under dispute. 
XXXX. Failure to conduct a reasonable investigation and provide the necessary verification of the disputed account as mandated by the FCRA. 
XXXX. The continued reporting of potentially damaging information on my credit file, despite assurances of removal, resulting in repeated loss of credit score points without any justifiable basis. 
XXXX. The failure to expediently rectify inaccuracies in my personal information and the wrongful reporting of fraudulent accounts by XXXX XXXX XXXX despite the lack of verification. 

XXXX. The account XXXX XXXX XXXX is also being reported a 5 months, XXXX. When other reports reflect it as open XXXX ; and been closed since XXXX. 

Given the repeated nature of these violationsfour occurrences in totalI am demanding compensatory damages in the amount of {$25000.00}. This demand is calculated at {$1000.00} per violation, multiplied by the length of time Equifax has continued this misconduct. The cumulative effect of these violations extends beyond mere credit score impacts ; they have caused significant distress and have adversely affected my financial opportunities. 

Please consider this letter as a formal demand for immediate action. I expect a thorough examination of my complaints and a prompt response that includes the verification I have requested, along with a clear explanation of the corrective measures Equifax will undertake to rectify this situation. Furthermore, I request a written response within 30 days of receiving this letter. 

If I do not receive a satisfactory resolution, I am prepared to take further action, including filing complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ), the Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ), and seeking legal counsel to protect my rights. 

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. I look forward to your immediate response. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation