Consumer complaint received 2024-11-06 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: GA

Complaint narrative:
ATTENTION : THIS IS NOT A DUPLICATE, COPY, OR MISREPRESENTATION ANY ATTEMPTS TO CIRCUMVENT OR PORTRAY FRAUDULENT OR MALICIOUS MISINFORMATION WILL BE FORWARDED AND SUBMITTED TO RELEVANT AGENCIES : LOCAL AND FEDERAL ; as a well as news mediums. 

PLEASE TREAT THIS IN W Subject : Request for Amicable Resolution and Arbitration in Compliance with South Carolina Code 16-13-230, FTC Act, FDCPA, and FCRA Violations Dear [ XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Compliance Department, I am writing to seek an amicable resolution to a dispute regarding the handling of my alleged account, in light of recent information that suggests possible violations of various consumer protection statutes, including South Carolina Code 16-13-230 ( Breach of Trust with Fraudulent Intent ), the Federal Trade Commission Act ( FTC Act ), the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ), and the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ). This letter details my concerns and requests for resolution via arbitration to avoid escalation.

Background Based on recent correspondence and account documentation, I have identified several issues with how my alleged account was managed, which may constitute violations of both state and federal law. Specifically : 1. Deferred Charge Discrepancy and Potential Misrepresentation : A deferred charge appears on my alleged account documentation under identifier XXXX, yet your internal statements assert that no deferments were recorded. This discrepancy suggests that inaccurate information may have been provided to inflate my alleged balance. Misrepresentation of financial obligations could violate Section 5 of the FTC Act, which prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices in commerce.

2. Alleged Retaliatory Practices : If the deferred charge was added due to my alleged non-payment status, it may indicate a retaliatory or punitive action. Such practices could fall under abusive lending or collection methods, potentially violating the FDCPA. The FDCPA prohibits any attempt to collect on debt through harassment, misrepresentation, or unfair practices, including any action intended to coerce or intimidate a consumer.

3. Inaccurate Credit Reporting : If these discrepancies have impacted my credit report, they may constitute a violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), which mandates that information furnished to credit reporting agencies must be accurate, complete, and up-to-date. FCRA violations may result in damages for inaccurate reporting and, if the inaccuracies were intentional, could expose the company to civil liability.

4. Failure to Provide Clear Communication Channels : The company has claimed to attempt contact via an inactive number provided in the complaint. However, I have been open to resolving these issues and am reachable at the contact information below. Additionally, repeated but unsuccessful attempts at contact without adequate response can be construed as negligent in complying with fair lending and debt collection practices, further exacerbating the strain on my account. 

Applicable Statutes and Legal Concerns The above issues may constitute violations of : South Carolina Code 16-13-230 : Breach of Trust with Fraudulent Intent, regarding the possible misrepresentation of my account balance.

FTC Act, Section 5 : Prohibiting deceptive or unfair acts in commerce.

FDCPA : Prohibiting the use of false, deceptive, or abusive practices in debt collection. 
FCRA : Requiring accurate reporting of consumer information to credit bureaus and ensuring timely correction of any inaccuracies. 

Request for Arbitration and Resolution In order to resolve this matter amicably and avoid further action, I respectfully request the following : 1. Immediate Removal of the Deferred Charge : If the deferred charge was applied in error or without basis, I ask that it be removed from my account, along with any related reporting to credit agencies.

2. Independent Account Review and Correction : A complete audit of my alleged account history to verify any additional discrepancies and ensure compliance with fair lending and reporting standards.

3. Compensation for Damages and Legal Fees : If the deferred charge or other errors were applied unlawfully, I request fair compensation for any damages, including legal costs associated with addressing this issue. 
XXXX. Assurance of Compliance with FTC, FDCPA, and FCRA Standards : Confirmation that all future interactions, including account handling and reporting, will fully comply with the applicable laws to prevent further harm to my credit and financial status. 

I am committed to resolving this matter amicably and without escalation. I look forward to your response and am available for further discussion at your convenience. Please feel free to contact me at the information below. 

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. 

Sincerely, [ XXXX XXXX ] [ XXXX XXXX ]

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation