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: DE

Complaint narrative:
Warning Regarding Stall Tactics in Credit Dispute Investigations ( Second attempt ) To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally notify you that I am fully aware of the use of stall letters as a tactic to delay the proper investigation of credit report disputes under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ). I want to be clear that any attempts to use such tactics will be considered a violation of my rights as a consumer under the FCRA.

I have provided all the necessary documentation to verify my identity and the legitimacy of my disputes, including [ list documents : copy of ID, social security card, proof of address ]. Therefore, I expect that my dispute will be properly investigated within the timeframe mandated by the FCRA.FCRA 1681i requires that credit reporting agencies conduct a reinvestigation of disputed items, and failure to do so in a timely and thorough manner will result in a legal response to protect my rights. I will not tolerate any attempts to delay or avoid a legitimate investigation through the use of unnecessary or unwarranted stall tactics. Please ensure that this matter is handled swiftly and in compliance with federal regulations. If my rights are violated again by any further stall tactics, I will pursue legal action to seek appropriate remedies under the law.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. 

Also, this same information was summitted certified mail.. 

The following is the delivery information for Certified Mail/XXXX  item number XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. Our records indicate that this item was delivered on XX/XX/XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX in XXXX, GA XXXX. The scanned image of the recipient information is provided below. 

XXXX  This letter serves as my final attempt to resolve a serious violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) regarding the illegal insertion of an unverified account on my credit report without proper notice or certification. 
The following inaccurate, unvalidated, and unverifiable account appeared on my Equifax report for the first time in XXXX, despite never having existed on any of my prior reports : Creditor Name : XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Reported Balance : {$5600.00} Account Number : XXXX Date of First Appearance : XX/XX/XXXXXXXX  FCRA Violations Committed by Equifax : 1. Failure to Notify Me in Writing That This Account Was Added to My Credit Report FCRA 1681i ( a ) ( 5 ) ( B ) ( ii ) requires Equifax to provide written notice within five ( 5 ) business days when an account is added after previously being absent. I never received such notice. 
2. Failure to Certify the Accuracy of the Inserted Account Before Reporting It FCRA 1681i ( a ) ( 5 ) ( B ) ( i ) mandates that Equifax must obtain certification from the furnisher ( XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX ) that this account is accurate and complete before reporting it. You have failed to provide any such certification. 
3. Failure to Provide Me with Documentation Proving the Validity of This Account Under FCRA 1681i ( a ) ( 7 ), I have the right to request the method of verification Equifax used to justify the insertion of this account. Despite multiple requests, Equifax has refused to provide any proof that this account was properly verified before appearing on my report. 
XXXX Harm and Damages Caused by Equifaxs Violations Due to Equifaxs illegal insertion of this unverified account, I have suffered financial and emotional hardship, including : Denial of a Home Equity Line of Credit ( HELOC ). 
Loss of multiple credit opportunities due to my lowered credit score. 
Increased interest rates on existing accounts. 
Missed job opportunities requiring a clean credit history. 
Severe stress and anxiety, forcing me to seek herbal medication. 
Missed workdays and financial hardship. 
Furthermore, I have already been in communication with XXXX XXXX in the Legal Department regarding this matter. This letter serves as a final opportunity for Equifax to correct this violation before I pursue legal action. 
My Demands : 1. Immediate and permanent deletion of the XXXX XXXX XXXX  XXXX account from my credit report. 
2. Written confirmation from Equifax that this account has been removed and will not be reinserted.

3. A full copy of my consumer disclosure file, including all documentation related to the insertion of this account. 
Failure to Comply Will Result in Litigation If Equifax fails to permanently delete this account and provide me with the required written notice of insertion certification, I will proceed with : Filing a lawsuit for willful noncompliance under FCRA 1681n, which allows for actual damages, statutory damages up to {$1000.00} per violation, and punitive damages.

Reporting this violation to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) and the Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ). 
Pursuing additional claims for defamation, negligence, and violations of consumer protection laws. 
CFPB Complaint Number : XXXX filed and Equifax did nothing violating my rights again. This matter is not negotiable. I expect a written response within 15 calendar days confirming the permanent deletion of this account. Failure to comply will result in immediate legal action.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation