Consumer complaint received 2025-02-17 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: MI

Complaint narrative:
Subject : URGENT CFPB COMPLAINT AGAINST TRANSUNION FOR MULTIPLE FCRA VIOLATIONS & DECEPTIVE PRACTICES Dear Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, I am filing a formal complaint against TransUnion for ongoing deceptive practices, willful violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), and failure to comply with federal consumer protection laws. 
Summary of Violations by TransUnion : 1. Failure to Block Identity Theft Accounts Under FCRA 605B ( 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2 ) * TransUnion failed to block fraudulent accounts after I submitted my FTC Identity Theft Affidavit, Police Report, Social Security Card, Government ID, and Utility Bills.

* FCRA 605B requires consumer reporting agencies to block fraudulent accounts within four business days upon receipt of valid identity theft documentation.

* Instead of complying, TransUnion has refused to block accounts, removed items, and then reinserted them without proper notice, violating FCRA 605B ( c ).

2. Failure to Provide Method of Verification ( MOV ) FCRA 611 ( a ) ( 7 ) ( 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 7 ) ) * TransUnion claims to have " verified '' disputed items but has failed to provide the required documentation of the verification process.

* FCRA 611 ( a ) ( 7 ) requires TransUnion to provide the name, contact information, and documents used to verify disputed items. 
* XXXX XXXX : XXXX XXXX TransUnion XXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Courts have ruled that CRAs must conduct independent investigations and can not simply " parrot '' information from creditors. 
XXXX. Unlawful Re-Insertion of Previously Deleted Accounts FCRA 611 ( a ) ( 5 ) ( B ) ( 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 5 ) ( B ) ) * TransUnion has reinserted fraudulent accounts that were previously removed without proper notice. 
* Example : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX, and XXXX XXXX  have been removed from my report, only to be reinserted without proper written notification.

* FCRA 611 ( a ) ( 5 ) ( B ) mandates that if a previously deleted item is reinserted, the CRA must notify the consumer within five business days with certification from the furnisher. 
* Failure to notify me constitutes a direct violation of the law.

4. Failure to Maintain Maximum Possible Accuracy FCRA 1681e ( b ) ( 15 U.S.C. 1681e ( b ) ) * TransUnion continues to report inaccurate and conflicting information across multiple credit reportsfrom XXXX to XX/XX/XXXX. 
* Examples of Errors Across Reports : * XXXX XXXX appears and disappears from different reports. 
* XXXX XXXX XXXX was deleted and then reinserted. 
* XXXX XXXX collections were removed but reappeared. 
The XXXX XXXX account was deleted, which means it was initially found to be unverifiable or fraudulent. 
Reinserting unverifiable information without proper documentation is a clear violation of FCRA 1681e ( b ), which requires TransUnion to ensure maximum possible accuracy. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  CRAs have an obligation to ensure maximum accuracy and prevent false or outdated information from being reported. 
* * Addresses and phone numbers not associated with me are still present. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX CRAs have an obligation to ensure maximum accuracy and prevent false or outdated information from being reported.

1. Refusal to Grant Access to My Own Credit File FCRA 609 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( 15 U.S.C. 1681g ( a ) ( 1 ) ) * TransUnion has blocked me from accessing my own credit report via phone and online, falsely claiming that it can not verify my identity.

* The security questions used for verification contain information that has nothing to do with me, preventing me from checking my report.

* FCRA 609 ( a ) ( 1 ) states that consumers have the right to access their credit file. By preventing my access, TransUnion is actively violating federal law.

2. Failure to Investigate Disputed Information Properly FCRA 611 ( a ) ( 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ) * When I dispute items, TransUnion does not conduct an actual reinvestigation ; instead, they : * Send automated responses stating items were " verified '' without proof.

* Fail to contact the original creditor or provide documentation proving the debt is valid. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX The court ruled that CRAs must conduct reasonable reinvestigations and not merely accept what creditors say at face value. 
XXXX. Mental and Emotional Distress Due to TransUnions Negligence FCRA 1681n & 1681o ( 15 U.S.C. 1681n & 1681o ) * TransUnions reckless disregard for my rights has caused severe stress, anxiety, and financial harm. 
* Due to their reporting errors : * I have been denied credit opportunities. 
* I have suffered reputational damage. 
* My financial stability has been negatively impacted. 
* XXXX XXXX : XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX  XXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXX. XXXX XXXX ( XXXX XXXX XXXX ) Courts have awarded damages for emotional distress caused by willful violations of the FCRA.

Requested Actions from CFPB : 1. Investigate TransUnion for willful and negligent violations of FCRA.

2. Require TransUnion to permanently block fraudulent accounts under FCRA 605B.

3. Order TransUnion to provide full " Method of Verification '' ( MOV ) documentation for each disputed item.

4. Enforce fines against TransUnion for repeated violations and deceptive practices.

5. Mandate TransUnion to restore my access to my own credit report.

6. Ensure TransUnion complies with FCRA by conducting legitimate reinvestigations of disputed accounts.

7. Provide compensation for damages caused by TransUnions willful violations, as outlined under FCRA 1681n.

This is not just a case of simple errorsthis is a pattern of willful noncompliance and fraudulent business practicesthat need immediate enforcement action. I request a formal investigation and demand corrective action within 15 days. 
Sincerely, XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation