Consumer complaint received 2024-10-10 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: NJ

Complaint narrative:
Dear CFPB, I am filing this formal complaint against the credit reporting agencies Equifax, XXXX, and XXXX, as well as several debt collectors and creditors, regarding multiple violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ). Below, I outline the details of the violations identified on my credit reports dated [ Date of Credit Report ]. 

Violations Identified : XXXX. Inconsistent and Inaccurate Reporting ( Collections and Charge-Off Accounts ) Account : XXXX XXXX XXXX Account Number : [ XXXX ] ** This account shows discrepancies across the bureaus. XXXX reports a balance of {$1200.00} with a last activity date of XX/XX/year>, while Equifax lists the balance as {$1100.00} with the last activity on XX/XX/year>. According to FCRA 15 U.S. Code 1681e ( b ), credit reporting agencies must ensure maximum accuracy. The discrepancies here violate the law. 

Account : XXXX XXXX  Account Number : [ XXXX ] ** This account is reported as a charge-off with varying balances across bureaus. XXXX shows a balance of {$1900.00}, while XXXX and Equifax report conflicting amounts. This inconsistency violates the accuracy requirements under FCRA and should be corrected or removed. 

XXXX. Failure to Validate Debt ( Collections ) Account : XXXX XXXX XXXX Account Number : [ XXXX ] * This collection account for {$1300.00} has not been properly validated as required by FDCPA 15 U.S. Code 1692g. No debt validation was provided, and its continued reporting violates my consumer rights. It should be removed from my credit report. 

Account : XXXX  Account Number : [ XXXX ] * This collection account has been charged off for {$1800.00}. I requested debt validation, but none was provided by the creditor or collector. Reporting this debt without proper validation is a violation of the FDCPA. 

XXXX. Statute of Limitations Exceeded Account : XXXX Account Number : [ XXXX ] ** This account shows a charge-off status, but the date of last activity exceeds the XXXX reporting period allowed by FCRA 15 U.S. Code 1681c ( a ) ( 4 ). This charge-off should have been removed, as it has surpassed the statute of limitations. 

Account : XXXX XXXX  XXXX Account Number : [ XXXX ] ** This charge-off account has exceeded the reporting period allowed under FCRA. The last activity date is beyond the XXXX limit, yet it is still being reported across all three bureaus, violating 15 U.S. Code 1681c. 

XXXX. Failure to Report Updates ( Paid Off or Settled Debts ) Account : XXXX XXXX XXXX Account Number : [ XXXX ] ** This collection account was paid off, yet it is still being reported as open and unresolved. Under FCRA 15 U.S. Code 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 2 ), furnishers must update accounts to reflect their paid status. The failure to update this account is a violation of the law. 

Account : XXXX XXXX  Account Number : [ XXXX ] ** This charge-off account with a balance of {$1600.00} has been settled. However, it is still listed as derogatory on my credit report, which is inaccurate. Under the FCRA, accounts must be updated once settled or paid in full. 

XXXX. Incorrect Status Reporting ( Charge-Offs ) Account : XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX Account Number XXXX XXXX XXXX ] ** This account is reported as charged off with a balance of {$120.00}, but it has already been settled. Reporting it as an unpaid charge-off violates FCRAs accuracy requirements. 

Account : XXXX Account Number : [ XXXX ] * This account shows a charge-off of {$3700.00}, but it was refinanced and should have been closed. Reporting it as a charge-off violates the FCRA 's accuracy and up-to-date reporting requirements under 15 U.S. Code 1681s-2.

Case Law Supporting My Claims : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX ( regarding proper reporting by debt buyers ) FTC XXXX XXXX XXXX ( highlighting the importance of accurate and fair credit reporting ) Action Requested : I request the CFPB to investigate these violations and take appropriate enforcement actions against the involved credit reporting agencies and creditors. Additionally, I request that all inaccurate, outdated, or unvalidated accounts be removed or updated in compliance with FCRA and FDCPA regulations. 

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response and swift resolution.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation