Consumer complaint received 2025-04-23 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: FL

Complaint narrative:
I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding the inaccurate and fraudulent reporting of a XXXX XXXX XXXX account [ XXXX ] on my credit reports and the failure of XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX and the credit reporting agencies to adequately address my dispute. 

I submitted a formal dispute to XXXX XXXX  XXXX and the three major credit reporting agencies ( Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian ) stating that this XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX account was opened as a result of identity theft. I included a copy of my Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ) Identity Theft Affidavit, FTC case number [ XXXX ], and clearly stated that I did not authorize the opening of this account and do not possess the credit card. The negative information associated with this fraudulent account, specifically a late payment reported on [ XX/XX/year> ] and the overall account status, is severely damaging my credit score. 

I have recently received notification that the disputed information has been " verified '' by [ XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX and/or the Credit Reporting Agency Name ( s ) ]. However, neither XXXX XXXX  XXXX nor the credit reporting agencies have provided me with any documentation bearing my signature or any other verifiable proof that I authorized the opening of this account. This lack of verification, especially in light of my identity theft claim, is a direct violation of my rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ). 

Specifically, I would like to bring to your attention the following relevant sections of the FCRA : 607 ( b ) [ 15 U.S.C. 1681e ( b ) ] - Reasonable Procedures to Assure Accuracy : The fact that an account was opened in my name without my authorization and is now being reported with negative information indicates a failure on the part of XXXX XXXX XXXX  to maintain reasonable procedures to assure the accuracy of the information they furnish. Furthermore, the inconsistencies in the account opening dates and payment history across the three credit bureaus ( as previously documented ) further demonstrate a lack of reasonable procedures.

611 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) [ 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) ] - Reinvestigation Required : Upon receiving my dispute, the credit reporting agencies were obligated to conduct a reasonable reinvestigation. A simple " verification '' without providing supporting documentation, especially when identity theft is claimed, does not constitute a reasonable reinvestigation.

611 ( a ) ( 5 ) ( B ) [ 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 5 ) ( B ) ] - Results of Reinvestigation ; Notice to Furnisher and Consumer : The credit reporting agencies are required to provide a notice of the results of their reinvestigation to the consumer, including a statement of the status of the disputed information and a notice that the consumer may request the name, address, and ( if provided to the agency ) telephone number of any furnisher of information contacted in connection with such information. I have not received adequate information or the requested documentation.

605 ( b ) [ 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2 ] - ( REQUIRES REMOVAL IN 4 DAYS ) : As this account and the associated negative information are a direct result of identity theft, the FCRA mandates that the credit reporting agencies block this information from my credit report. Given that I have already submitted an FTC Identity Theft Affidavit, this requirement should have been fulfilled. Due to the ongoing negative impact of this fraudulent account, I demand the immediate removal of this information. The urgency of this matter is amplified by the fact that this negative reporting stems directly from a criminal act of identity theft, and the continued inaccurate reporting is causing ongoing harm to my financial well-being. 
Therefore, I respectfully request that the CFPB investigate this matter thoroughly. I demand the immediate removal of the fraudulent XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX account [ Insert Account Number if Known ] and all associated negative information from my credit reports. The continued reporting of this inaccurate information, especially after I have provided evidence of identity theft and the lack of verification of my authorization, is a clear violation of the FCRA. 

Thank you for your time and attention to this critical matter. I have attached copies of my previous dispute letters, the FTC Identity Theft Affidavit, and the relevant sections of my credit reports highlighting the inaccurate information. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief