Consumer complaint received 2025-01-07 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Problem with a company's investigation into an existing problem — Investigation took more than 30 days
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: TX

Complaint narrative:
I am writing to formally lodge a complaint against Equifax for its failure to properly respond to a previous CFPB complaint and for engaging in unlawful practices under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ). Equifax has falsely claimed that it does not have a credit file for me, despite evidence to the contrary. Furthermore, they are improperly requesting identification documents to locate my file, even though these documents have already been submitted multiple times via certified mail as part of XXXX dispute letters. 

Summary of Issues : Failure to Respond to a Previous CFPB Complaint : Equifax has not adequately addressed the concerns raised in my prior CFPB complaint. Instead, they continue to assert falsehoods about their inability to locate my credit file, despite having all the required information and documents. 
Improper and Repetitive Requests for Identification : Equifax has already been provided with the necessary identification documents through certified mail on XXXX separate occasions. Their repeated requests for the same documents constitute a bad-faith delay tactic, aimed at stalling the resolution of my dispute. 
Failure to Remove Inaccurate Information : XXXX refusal to act on my dispute constitutes a violation of my rights under the FCRA. The inaccurate information in my file remains uncorrected, causing significant harm to my creditworthiness and financial well-being. 

The disputed items are as follows : 1. Account Name : XXXX XXXX XXXXXX/XX/XXXX Account Number : XXXX Reason for Dispute : Not aware of this account 2. Account Name : XXXX XXXX XXXX Account Number : XXXX Reason for Dispute : Not aware of this account FCRA Violations : Equifaxs actions ( and inactions ) violate the following provisions of the FCRA : 611 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) : Obligation to Investigate Disputes : Equifax has failed to conduct a reasonable investigation of my disputes, as evidenced by their refusal to address the inaccuracies in my credit file. 
611 ( a ) ( 6 ) : Notification of Results of Reinvestigation : Equifax has failed to provide me with timely and accurate responses regarding the status and outcome of my disputes. 
611 ( a ) ( 7 ) : Provision of Records : Despite having received all required documentation, Equifax has not fulfilled its obligation to provide me with access to my corrected credit file. 
607 ( b ) : Duty to Maintain Accurate Information : Equifaxs failure to remove inaccurate information violates their duty to ensure maximum possible accuracy in consumer reports.

610 ( a ) : Conditions and Form of Disclosures : Equifax is improperly using identification document requests as a pretext to avoid addressing my dispute, which is a clear violation of their disclosure requirements. 
Damages and Legal Remedies Under the FCRA Should litigation become necessary, I will be seeking all damages allowable under the FCRA, including but not limited to : Statutory Damages : Up to {$1000.00} per violation for willful noncompliance under 616 ( a ) ( 1 ).

Actual Damages : Compensation for emotional distress, damage to creditworthiness, and any financial harm caused by Equifaxs inaction. Examples include increased interest rates, denial of credit, or other negative outcomes stemming from inaccurate information. 

Punitive Damages : Additional damages to punish Equifax for willful and egregious violations of the FCRA under 616 ( a ) ( 2 ).

Costs and Attorneys Fees : Recovery of all reasonable legal costs and attorney 's fees incurred in pursuing this matter, as provided under 617 ( a ).

Demand for Immediate Action I demand that Equifax : Immediately remove these accounts from my credit file. 
Cease their improper and redundant requests for identification documents. 
Provide a comprehensive response to this complaint, including a resolution timeline. 
Provide documentation confirming the corrections made to my credit file. 

Notice of Intent to Litigate If Equifax fails to comply with these demands within XX/XX/XXXX days, I will have to initiate legal proceedings to enforce my rights under the FCRA. This includes seeking the aforementioned damages to the fullest extent allowed by law. 

I trust that the CFPB will take swift and appropriate action to ensure Equifaxs compliance with federal law. Please do not hesitate to contact me for additional information or documentation. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX XXXX ( XXXX ) XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation