Consumer complaint received 2025-01-28 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: AL

Complaint narrative:
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Alabama XXXX XXXX XXXX Date : XXXX XXXX To : Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Consumer Response Division Subject : Formal Complaint Against XXXX, Equifax, and XXXX for Violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act Dear CFPB, I am filing a formal complaint against XXXX, Equifax, and XXXX for their failure to comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) and other applicable consumer protection laws. Their actions have caused financial harm, emotional distress, and a violation of my right to accurate credit reporting. 

Summary of Issues 1. Inaccurate Information on My Credit Reports The credit reporting agencies have included inaccurate and/or outdated information in my credit reports, in violation of 15 U.S.C. 1681e ( b ), which requires credit reporting agencies to maintain reasonable procedures to ensure the maximum possible accuracy of the information. The inaccurate information includes : Delete all errors, such as accounts that do not belong to you, incorrect balances, erroneous late payments, or outdated data.

2. Failure to Investigate Disputed Information I submitted disputes regarding the inaccuracies in my credit reports to the credit reporting agencies on [ insert date ]. Under 15 U.S.C. 1681i, they are required to conduct a reasonable reinvestigation of the disputed items within 30 days and correct any errors. However, the credit bureaus failed to resolve the issues or provide adequate responses to my disputes.

3. Reporting Unauthorized Credit Inquiries My credit reports show unauthorized hard inquiries, which negatively impact my credit score. Under 15 U.S.C. 1681b, credit bureaus are prohibited from including inquiries unless there is a permissible purpose. Despite my dispute, these unauthorized inquiries remain on my credit reports.

4. Failure to Address Identity Theft Issues I am a victim of identity theft, and fraudulent accounts have been opened in my name. On [ insert date ], I provided all required documentation, including a police report and identity theft affidavit, as outlined in 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2. Despite this, the credit bureaus failed to block or remove the fraudulent accounts from my credit reports.

5. Failure to Provide Complete Access to My Credit File I requested a complete copy of my credit file on [ insert date ], as provided for under 15 U.S.C. 1681g. However, the credit reporting agencies did not provide the requested information or failed to provide it within the legally mandated time frame.

Violations of Federal Law The actions and omissions of XXXX, Equifax, and XXXX constitute clear violations of the following provisions of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) : 15 U.S.C. 1681e ( b ) : Failing to maintain reasonable procedures to ensure the maximum possible accuracy of the information in my credit reports. 
15 U.S.C. 1681i : Failing to conduct a reasonable reinvestigation of disputed information within 30 days.

15 U.S.C. 1681b : Including unauthorized credit inquiries without permissible purpose.

15 U.S.C. 1681c-2 : Failing to block fraudulent information resulting from identity theft.

15 U.S.C. 1681g : Failing to provide a full and accurate disclosure of my credit file upon request. 

Additionally, these actions constitute unfair and deceptive practices under the Consumer Financial Protection Act ( CFPA ) ( 12 U.S.C. 5531 ), as they harm consumers through negligence and noncompliance with legal standards.

Impact on Me As a result of these violations, I have experienced significant harm, including : Denials of credit and/or loans due to inaccurate or fraudulent information. 
Higher interest rates or unfavorable loan terms based on an inaccurately low credit score. 
Emotional distress caused by repeated disputes and lack of resolution. 

Requested Resolution I respectfully request the CFPB to investigate these violations and hold XXXX, Equifax, and XXXX accountable. Specifically, I am requesting : 1. Immediate correction of the inaccurate information on my credit reports.

2. Removal of all unauthorized inquiries from my credit reports.

3. Blocking of fraudulent accounts resulting from identity theft.

4. Full compliance with FCRA requirements for accuracy and investigations of disputes.

5. Compensation for any damages caused by their noncompliance, including statutory and punitive damages as outlined in 15 U.S.C. 1681n and 15 U.S.C. 1681o. 

Thank you for addressing this matter. I look forward to your assistance in ensuring my rights are protected under federal law. Please contact me at XXXX if additional information is required. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation