Consumer complaint received 2024-05-03 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: CO

Complaint narrative:
**XXXX  XXXX, XXXX **Consumer Financial Protection Bureau** XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Washington, XXXX XXXX XXXXSubject : Urgent Notice of Identity Theft, Demand for Action Under FCRA, Threat of Immediate Legal Action, and Formal Complaint Regarding Equifax Forgery** To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to urgently notify you of ongoing issues and substantial harm caused by identity theft, specific failures by Equifax, and other credit reporting agencies ( CRAs ) that have not only neglected their duties under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA - 15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq. ) but have also engaged in acts that I believe amount to forgery.

**Incident Summary : ** As a victim of identity theft, I have discovered multiple fraudulent accounts and inquiries on my credit reports that are not mine : XXXX. XXXX XXXX XXXX - Account Number : XXXX Despite numerous notifications to Equifax and the furnisher of this information, and presenting comprehensive documentation proving the fraudulent nature of these accounts, my disputes have been repeatedly ignored or inadequately addressed, which has continued to negatively impact my credit score and financial standing.

**Legal Grounds and Violations : ** 1. **Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) ** mandates CRAs and furnishers to accurately report information, promptly investigate fraud claims, and remove inaccurate or fraudulent data. Failure to do so constitutes a violation of sections such as 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2 ( a ), which requires CRAs to block fraudulent information within four business days of receiving notice of identity theft.

2. **Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act ( 18 U.S.C . 1028 ( a ) ( 7 ) ) ** clearly outlines that identity theft is a federal crime, emphasizing the protection of individuals against such crimes and the restitution for victims.

3. **Colorado Revised Statutes 18-5-902 and 18-5-903** strengthen protections against identity theft, ensuring that victims have robust legal avenues to challenge fraudulent activity and seek justice.

4. **Equal Credit Opportunity Act ( 15 U.S.C . 1691 ) ** and **15 U.S. Code 1666b** also support protections against fraudulent charges and discrimination in credit transactions, ensuring that victims of identity theft are not further marginalized.

**Immediate Demands : ** - **Expunction and Cease and Desist : ** Immediate removal of all fraudulent entries from my credit reports as mandated by FCRA 605 ( b ), ensuring that no erroneous or fraudulent information remains.

- **Stop to Communication : ** A cease and desist on all communication and collection attempts related to these fraudulent accounts from Equifax and associated creditors or collection agencies.

**Consequences of Non-Compliance : ** Failure to address these urgent issues will compel me to initiate legal action for violations under the FCRA , seeking statutory damages of up to {$1000.00} per violation, plus punitive damages, attorney fees, and court costs. Furthermore, continued inaction may lead to additional complaints filed with state regulators and potential class action lawsuits due to the systemic nature of these violations.

**Equifax Forgery Incident : ** A particularly distressing aspect of this ordeal involves a document purportedly from Equifax , containing false, misleading information about my credit history. This document appears forged, directly contravening the FCRA 's requirement for accuracy and could potentially meet the threshold for criminal fraud.

**Demand for CFPB Intervention : ** Given the severity of these issues and the inadequate responses from Equifax , I am requesting the CFPB 's immediate intervention. Please initiate a comprehensive investigation into these matters and ensure compliance with all applicable laws to prevent further consumer harm.

I appreciate your prompt attention to this serious matter and expect a written response within five business days, confirming the actions that will be taken. My trust in the regulatory framework and its enforcement is now in your hands. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation