Consumer complaint received 2025-03-28 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Other debt
Issue: Took or threatened to take negative or legal action — Threatened to arrest you or take you to jail if you do not pay
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: MD

Complaint narrative:
I am filing this formal complaint against XXXX for its failure to properly investigate my disputes regarding inaccuracies in my credit report, in direct violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), 15 U.S.C. 1681i, and other federal consumer protection laws. Despite my repeated submissions of supporting evidence, XXXX has failed to conduct a reasonable investigation, as required by law, and has responded with boilerplate statements asserting that the account is accuratewithout providing any proof of a thorough investigation. 

Legal Violations : Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), 15 U.S.C. 1681i This statute mandates that credit reporting agencies must conduct a reasonable investigation of consumer disputes within 30 days. XXXX repeated failure to investigate and respond properly violates this core obligation under the FCRA.

Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), 15 U.S.C. 1681e ( b ) This provision requires that credit reporting agencies maintain reasonable procedures to ensure the accuracy of the information in consumers credit reports. CreditWises inaccurate reporting and lack of diligence in verifying disputed information constitute further violations.

Consumer Financial Protection Act ( CFPA ), 12 U.S.C. 5536 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) - ( B ) This law prohibits unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts and practices ( UDAAPs ). XXXX failure to investigate disputes, provide necessary documentation, and ensure accuracy in its credit reporting practices violates the CFPA. Notably, the CFPB recently cited a major credit bureau in Administrative Proceeding File No. 2025-CFPB-0002 for engaging in similar unfair and deceptive practices, which underscores a broader concern regarding non-compliance across the credit reporting industry. 

Request for Action : I request that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) take immediate action to investigate CreditWises ongoing non-compliance with the FCRA and XXXX. Specifically, I request that the CFPB : Investigate XXXX failure to conduct reasonable investigations of consumer disputes and ensure compliance with FCRA-mandated procedures.

Require XXXX to provide documented proof of any investigation conducted, as required under federal law.

Impose corrective measures and penalties, as appropriate, to prevent future violations.

Notice of Intent to Sue : If these issues are not resolved promptly and XXXX does not correct the inaccuracies in my credit report and provide documented proof of a proper investigation, I will pursue legal action against XXXX. Under the FCRA, consumers have the right to file a lawsuit in federal court for willful violations ( 15 U.S.C. 1681n ) or negligent violations ( 15 U.S.C. 1681o ), and may be entitled to actual damages, statutory damages of up to {$1000.00} per violation, punitive damages, and reimbursement of attorneys fees and court costs. 

I urge the CFPB to act swiftly to protect consumers like me from further harm caused by XXXX unlawful practices. If XXXX continues to ignore my rights under federal law, I will take further legal action to hold them accountable.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief