Consumer complaint received 2024-05-30 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: FL

Complaint narrative:
I am writing to formally dispute the inaccurate and unverifiable collection account reported by XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX ) on my consumer report. Despite multiple attempts to resolve this matter directly with XXXX and through Equifax, this erroneous information remains on my consumer report, causing undue harm to my creditworthiness. I assert that this collection account is not mine, and Equifax has a legal obligation under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) to correct or delete inaccurate information promptly! 

I have previously disputed this account with XXXX, requesting verifiable proof that the alleged debt is mine. According to the FCRA, 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ), a consumer reporting agency must conduct a reasonable investigation to verify the accuracy of the disputed information. The only documentation I have received from XXXX is a bill, which does not constitute valid proof that the debt belongs to me. Under 15 U.S.C. 1692g ( b ) of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ), the collector must provide sufficient evidence to validate the debt. A mere bill does not meet this standard! 

It is imperative to highlight that both XXXX and XXXX have already deleted this collection account from my consumer reports over a year ago, acknowledging the lack of verification and legitimacy of the debt. It is perplexing and legally questionable why Equifax continues to report this inaccurate information. Equifax 's failure to remove this unverifiable account violates the FCRA 's requirement for accuracy and fairness in consumer reporting. 

Moreover, I was a victim of the Equifax data breach, which has exposed my personal information and increased the risk of fraudulent activity on my account! Despite providing Equifax with proof of my involvement in the data breach, my disputes have not been handled with the seriousness and promptness required by law. The continuous reporting of this collection account is likely a result of identity theft stemming from the data breach, yet Equifax has not conducted a thorough investigation as mandated by 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 4 ).

I must emphasize that XXXX is not licensed to collect debts in the state of Florida. I have provided this information in my disputes submitted to the CFPB and through certified mail to Equifax on several occasions. Reporting a collection from an unlicensed agency violates state laws and further undermines the validity of this account on my credit report. 

Equifax 's reliance on automated or third-party verification systems, without providing evidence of a proper investigation process, contravenes the FCRA. Under 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 5 ) ( A ), Equifax must promptly delete inaccurate or unverifiable information. The prolonged presence of this collection account on my report indicates a breach of this statutory duty.

Equifax 's continuous failure to address my disputes appropriately subjects the company to civil liability. Under 15 U.S.C. 1681n and 1681o, Equifax is liable for willful and negligent noncompliance with the FCRA, respectively. I demand the immediate deletion of this erroneous collection account from my credit report. If Equifax does not comply within the 30-day period, I will have no choice but to escalate this matter legally and seek damages for the continued harm to my credit profile. 

I expect a prompt and thorough investigation into this matter, and I anticipate receiving confirmation of the deletion of this inaccurate collection account from my Equifax report

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief