Consumer complaint received 2024-08-20 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: AZ

Complaint narrative:
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX, GA XXXX Subject : Dispute of Fraudulent Account and Improper Reporting XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX account number XXXX XXXX Dear Equifax, I am writing to formally dispute an inaccurate and fraudulent account that is being reported on my credit file. The account in question is a paid charge-off from XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX I have also received a 1099-C form associated with this account, indicating that the debt was canceled and considered income.

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) and in accordance with federal consumer laws, specifically 15 U.S.C. 1681c ( a ) ( 4 ), I am requesting the immediate removal of this account from my credit report. A charge-off that has resulted in a 1099-C form being issued can not legally be reported as an outstanding debt, as it is considered income, not a current liability. Reporting this as a negative item on my credit report is a clear violation of the law and is damaging to my creditworthiness. 

Please take the necessary actions to investigate this matter and remove the account from my credit file immediately. Enclosed, you will find a copy of the 1099-C form and any additional documentation required to support this dispute.

This situation is causing undue harm to my financial reputation, and I expect prompt resolution. Please confirm in writing that this account has been removed from my credit report.

Subject : Formal Notice of Intent to Sue Unresolved Dispute Regarding Fraudulent Account This letter serves as a formal notice of my intent to pursue legal action against Equifax Information Services LLC for its failure to accurately maintain and correct my credit report in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) and other relevant federal consumer protection laws. 

I have previously notified Equifax regarding a fraudulent and inaccurately reported account from XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, which is listed as a paid charge-off on my credit report. I also received a 1099-C form for this account, indicating that the debt was canceled and should be considered income, not a current debt.

Despite my dispute and the clear violation of 15 U.S.C. 1681c ( a ) ( 4 ), Equifax has failed to take appropriate action to remove this erroneous account from my credit report. This has caused significant harm to my credit score, financial reputation, and overall well-being. 

I demand that Equifax immediately remove the fraudulent account from my credit report. Failure to do so within [ 4 business days ] from the receipt of this letter will result in me filing a lawsuit in [ your jurisdiction 's court ] for violations of the FCRA and any other applicable laws. I will seek all available damages, including statutory, actual, and punitive damages, as well as attorney 's fees and costs. 
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief