Consumer complaint received 2024-10-02 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Problem with a company's investigation into an existing problem — Their investigation did not fix an error on your report
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: KY

Complaint narrative:
Equifax I am filing this complaint regarding Equifaxs improper handling of my credit report, which has resulted in significant harm to both my business and personal life. Equifaxs negligent investigation practices have directly caused my credit score to drop by XXXX points in total since XX/XX/XXXX, leading to multiple credit denials. This ongoing issue has been unresolved despite my numerous attempts to follow the proper steps of getting them to verify or delete it. 


On XX/XX/XXXX, I initiated a dispute process with Equifax concerning multiple accounts, including : XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  Equifax initially responded on XX/XX/XXXX, by removing these accounts from my file, which resulted in no improvement to my credit score. However, without any explanation or notification, Equifax added all of these accounts back to my report simultaneously, which caused a XXXX decrease in my credit score. ( see attachment ). 
XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX -Every single account is missing the account numbers -Multiple XXXX days late -Missing info on so many items THIS IS OBSURDHOW CAN YOU VERIFY ANY ACCOUNT WITHOUT THE ACCOUNT NUMBER HOW IS THIS VERIFIED INFORMATION AND NOT REMOVED FOER GOOD!!! 

Equifax repeated this improper action on XX/XX/XXXX, these very same accounts were once again removed and added back within a few hours of the initial removal. This resulted in a further XXXX decrease, bringing the negative impact on my credit score to XXXX points. ( see attachment ). 

XX/XX/XXXX - Score decreased XXXX points with no explanation. ( see attachment ) XX/XX/XXXX, XXXX My credit score dropped again XXXX points because descriptors on my report were updated. That is is inaccurate I have the report from XX/XX/XXXX and they are the exact same nothing was changed. ( see attachment ). 

TOTAL POINTS DROPPED : XXXX Despite my continuous follow-up disputes, Equifax has consistently failed to properly investigate and remedy these serious violations.. Their reinvestigation, completed after I provided all necessary documentation and evidence, wrongfully claimed that the accounts were " accurate and complete. '' This statement is blatantly false, as one of the creditors, XXXX XXXX, could not even validate the correct date, amount, or original creditor for their account, or any documentation rendering their " investigation '' clearly inadequate and a violation of my rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ). 

Phone Call Evidence : On XX/XX/XXXX, I spoke with a customer service representative from Equifax ( confirmation number : XXXX ) to address these issues one final time. During this recorded call, the representative acknowledged the inaccuracies in my credit file and promised that the accounts would be removed yet again while I was on the phone I was told they were removed again.. I was also advised to contact the original creditors to prevent further reinsertion of these accounts. Despite this assurance, no changes were made to my credit file. 

On XX/XX/XXXX, I made another follow-up call ( confirmation number : XXXX, representative name : XXXX ) to inquire about the lack of progress. The representative disregarded the earlier call and failed to take any corrective action. I recorded both calls for evidence proving my claim as true and accurate. 

Legal Violations ( FCRA Violations ) : Equifax has repeatedly violated 15 U.S.C. 1681i, specifically subsections 1-5, which mandate that consumers be notified in writing within five business days if any previously deleted information is reinserted into their credit file. This notice must also allow the consumer to review and dispute the reinsertion. 

Equifax has failed to notify me in any such manner, despite reinserting the same accounts multiple times. 
Further, 15 U.S.C. 1681e ( b ) requires that consumer reporting agencies follow reasonable procedures to ensure maximum possible accuracy of the information in a consumers report. Equifaxs failure to conduct a proper investigation, despite my clear documentation and recorded calls, demonstrates their complete disregard for this obligation.

Harm to Business and Personal Life : The inaccurate reporting and wrongful lowering of my credit score by XXXX points has caused me considerable emotional distress and significant financial harm. Due to this drop in my score, I have been denied : Business loans, crucial for the growth of my business. Credit cards, which I depend on for business expenses. 
Further credit opportunities, affecting my personal financial stability. 
These denied credit applications have set back my business and personal goals by months, if not years. 

The stress caused by Equifaxs negligence and refusal to make these necessary corrections has been overwhelming, affecting both my professional and personal life. 

I have lost a lot of sleep staying up for hours writing a ton of letters to creditors, the bureaus, as well as I have spent well over {$150.00} just in certified mail shipping envelopes. This is honestly just so sad and heart breaking that I have to spend more time trying to get these people to follow the law instead of utilizing that time for good of my business and helping others who are in my same situation. This has taught me so much I pray you do the right thing as a connection to the gov. And demand for them to remove these from my report and make sure they stay off my report at all cost. 

This is my last attempt to get them to do the right thing and do what is clearly the law if not I will be going forward with legal counsel and bringing charges. 

Conclusion : Equifax has demonstrated a pattern of irresponsible credit reporting and investigation practices. I have followed all necessary steps to resolve this issue in good faith, providing documentation and working within the guidelines of the FCRA. Yet, Equifax has failed to take any corrective action. 

I am requesting that the CFPB take immediate action to hold Equifax accountable for their violations of the FCRA and compel them to : Permanently remove the inaccurate accounts from my credit report. 
Restore my credit score to reflect these corrections. 

Provide me with a written explanation and confirmation that these corrections have been made. If these issues are not resolved promptly, I will have no choice but to pursue further legal action. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response.

S.C. 1681e ( b ) requires that consumer reporting agencies follow reasonable procedures to ensure maximum possible accuracy of the information in a consumers report. Equifaxs failure to conduct a proper investigation, despite my clear documentation and recorded calls, demonstrates their complete disregard for this obligation.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief