Consumer complaint received 2025-08-27 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Problem with a company's investigation into an existing problem — Problem with personal statement of dispute
Company: Experian Information Solutions Inc.
State: AL

Complaint narrative:
Subject : Complaint Regarding Failure to Block XXXX XXXXRelated Information under FCRA 605C I am submitting this complaint to report that one or more of the nationwide consumer reporting agenciesspecifically Experianhas failed to comply with the legal obligations set forth under Section 605C of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) and the Debt Bondage Relief Act.

As a victim of XXXX XXXX and financial exploitation, I exercised my rights under FCRA 605C to have certain adverse items removed or blocked from my credit reports. I submitted a formal request along with the required documentation, including a signed self-attestation and supporting evidence. I also submitted an attorney certification to further validate my status and the origin of the disputed information.

Despite these efforts, Experian refused to honor my request, citing that my documentation was either invalid or not from an authorized entity. This decision contradicts federal law, which explicitly states that a victim 's self-attestation or documentation from an attorney or qualifying entity must be honored when requesting the blocking of XXXX-related data. 
TransUnion, however, has complied with the law and successfully blocked the requested information from my file. This discrepancy in handling between the bureaus underscores the lack of consistency in compliance and exposes me to continued harm and reputational damage. 
I am requesting the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) to take immediate action to : 1. Investigate Experian and Equifax for violations of FCRA 605C and the Debt Bondage Relief Act.

2. Compel them to remove or block all derogatory information related to my experience as a XXXX  victim.

3. Monitor Experian to ensure uniform and lawful application of consumer protection provisions.

4. Provide guidance on remedies available to me, including civil actions and potential penalties.

I am attaching my original self-attestation, the attorney certification, and copies of the credit bureaus denial letters for your review.

The continued failure of the credit reporting agency to honor my lawful request under FCRA 605C constitutes willful noncompliance with federal consumer protection law. Under 15 U.S. Code 1681n, any entity that willfully refuses to comply with the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act is liable for actual damages, statutory damages, punitive damages, attorneys fees, and court costs. This includes knowingly disregarding clear legal obligations or demonstrating reckless indifference to a consumers federally protected rights. Given that proper documentation was provided and the legal standard was met, the bureaus refusal to act is not merely negligentit is a deliberate violation subject to enforcement action. 

The credit reporting agencies are legally obligated to block this XXXX-related information from my credit report within 4 business days of receiving my documentation, as required by FCRA 605C ( c ). I submitted a valid self-attestation and an attorney certificationyet Experian and Equifax knowingly ignored the law.

This delay is not just a paperwork issue. It is actively harming me and my children. I am unable to buy a safe car ; my current vehicle has a failing motor and could catch fire, putting our lives in danger. I can not secure proper housing for my family, and the XXXX  of this situation has become overwhelming. This isnt just noncomplianceits cruel and willful indifference to a survivors legal rights. 

I am demanding immediate enforcement and full blocking of the information, as the 4-day deadline has already passed. My familys safety, stability, and well-being are at stake.

The law under FCRA 605C ( c ) requires the credit bureaus to block XXXX-related information within 4 business days of receiving proper documentationnot after an investigation, but before. The intent of this provision is clear : to provide immediate relief to protect survivors from further harm while the bureau conducts a more detailed review. The law then allows 25 days under 605C ( d ) for that investigation to occur.

By refusing to block the information upon receipt of valid documentation ( including both a self-attestation and attorney certification ), the credit bureaus not only violated the statute, they denied me the urgent protections Congress intentionally built into the law. This delay has had real-life consequences : I remain exposed to harm, denied reliable transportation, proper housing, and continue to suffer emotionally and physically. The harm is ongoing and avoidableand it is the direct result of the bureaus unlawful refusal to follow a trauma-informed, survivor-protective process mandated by federal law. 


Sincerely, XXXX XXXX XXXX

Company public response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation