Consumer complaint received 2024-07-16 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: SC

Complaint narrative:
I am demanding that Equifax Block due to Identity Theft Fraudulent Information on Credit Report ( FCRA Section 605B ) To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to express my concern at what I believe to be discriminatory practices within your credit reporting systems and the refusal to block an account that have been inaccurately reported on my credit report due to identity theft, pursuant to Section 605B of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2 ). I have disputed this account numerous times under section 605 ( B ) of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The alleged account is a result of Identity Fraud and I have notified the appropriate authorities as recommended by the CFPB and Federal Trade Commission. It saddens me to deal with what I believe to be discriminatory practices within your credit reporting systems. I have previously submitted an identity theft report, including a detailed Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ) Identity Theft Affidavit. Despite these efforts, there seems to be a delay or refusal to block the fraudulent information from my credit report. I want to make note that Equifax only chose to handle some of the accounts but not all under Section 605B of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. I have contacted the data furnishers directly and most of them have sent Equifax documentation explaining that they acknowledge the fraud and will not continue to collect, but Equifax refuse to remove these accounts so that they could continue to cause stress and keep me from obtaining credit to take care of my family. I have called in to Equifax customer service on numerous occasions and get treated unfavorably upon them hearing my tone of voice or looking at my photo ID, and I have regarded associates of mine of different backgrounds and ethnicities who have dealt with similar issues and some were identified in the same data breaches that I was.These associates notified Equifax of their identity theft claim and circumstance under the FCRA, and got remedy within XXXX business days. I have been requesting a block for months. These disparities not only perpetuate systemic inequality but also have real life impact and consequences for marginalized individuals. Given the information provided, the refusal to block the alleged accounts at Equifax. It would seem as though someone at the department making the conscious decision to purposely refuse to block this account and that is a violation of my rights under the FCRA and the Equal Opportunity Act. I implore you to uphold principles of fairness and equality at your agency. Furthermore, This dispute was not 1 ( a ). blocked in error 2 ( b ). a material of misrepresentation of facts or c ( 3 ). I have not obtained goods or services from any transaction on the alleged disputed account, and if you believe otherwise, I need a senior member or advisor representative on behalf of Equifax to swear under penalty of perjury that It is fact, If I have obtained and goods or services for any transactions on this account. I have been involved in many data breaches. One in particular obtained all of my information that even included my fingerprints. The details of the disputed FRAUDULENT ACCOUNTS THAT ARE A RESULT OF IDENTITY THEFT : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX , Accounts  were opened due to fraud and isn't validated under obligations pursuant to the FCRA. According to the FCRA, you are required to block the reporting of this information within XXXX business days of receiving my identity theft report and to promptly notify the furnisher ( s ) of this information that it has been blocked due to my status as an identity theft victim. Despite having a payment history, which is a point of contention, these accounts are not mine, and the existence of payment history does not validate the fraudulent nature of the accounts, nor should it prevent the application of my rights under the FCRA. The liable person illegitimately obtained possession of the account by using my personal information and social security number to obtain the account Enclosed with this letter, please find copies of : The FTC Identity Theft Affidavit, Any previous correspondence related to this matter, Proof of my identity ( state ID, drivers license, etc. ) and I respectfully request an expedited response to this serious matter. Failure to comply with the FCRA can result in legal consequences. I notified the CFPB of discrimination, and planning to take it further if necessary to protect my rights. Please send me written confirmation that the information has been blocked and provide me with an updated credit report to my address listed above. I trust that you will treat this matter with the urgency and seriousness it warrants.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief