Consumer complaint received 2025-02-05 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Improper use of your report — Credit inquiries on your report that you don't recognize
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: FL

Complaint narrative:
Subject : Request for Resolution of Fraudulent {$38000.00} Debt Dear Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ), I am submitting this complaint regarding the fraudulent {$38000.00} deficiency balance reported by XXXX XXXX XXXX on my credit report. Due to XXXX XXXX XXXX failure to comply with federal and state consumer protection laws during the repossession and sale of the vehicle co-signed by me, and the involvement of Prepare to Repair in misrepresenting repair work, I am requesting the following resolutions : 1. Immediate Removal of the Fraudulent {$38000.00} Debt I request the immediate removal of this debt from my credit report with all three major credit bureaus ( XXXX, Equifax, and XXXX ) because : XXXX XXXX XXXX failed to notify me or the primary signer, XXXX XXXX, of the repossession and sale, rendering the deficiency balance legally unenforceable. 
The repossession and sale process was conducted improperly and without documentation, violating FCRA 1681i and FDCPA 1692g.

2. Full Documentation of the Repossession and Sale I request that XXXX XXXX XXXX provide the following documentation : Copies of any notices allegedly sent to me and the primary signer before repossession and sale. 
Proof of the repossession process, including the date, location, and method of repossession. 
Detailed sale records, including the sale date, sale price ( {$14000.00} ), and valuation method used. 
A complete calculation of the deficiency balance ( {$38000.00} ) and a full payment history for the loan account. 
Original finance contract and documentation related to the loan agreement. 
Additionally, I request that Prepare to Repair provide : A full record of repair invoices, charges, and communications related to the vehicle. 
Evidence that they informed the primary signer of any alleged issues requiring repair. 
Documentation of any payments made to them by XXXX XXXX XXXX, if applicable. 
Written proof of their representation that the primary signer should stop making payments and that they would resolve the issue. 
If XXXX XXXX XXXX and Prepare to Repair can not produce these legally required documents, this debt must be removed immediately. 
3. Investigation into XXXX XXXX XXXX and Prepare to Repairs Practices I request a formal investigation into XXXX XXXX XXXX and Prepare to Repair for : Failure to provide proper notification of repossession and sale, violating state laws and FDCPA 1692g.

Failure to properly apply the sale proceeds to the remaining balance, violating the Truth in Lending Act ( TILA ) ( 15 U.S.C. 1601 ).

Failure to provide legally required documentation for the repossession, violating FCRA 1681s-2.

Illegal debt collection practices and inaccurate reporting of a fraudulent debt. 
Potentially fraudulent sale of the vehicle at an artificially low price, causing financial harm. 
Prepare to Repairs misrepresentation of necessary repairs, leading to financial losses and repossession. 
Failure of Prepare to Repair to provide repair invoices or work details justifying XXXX XXXX XXXX actions. 
Collusion between Prepare to Repair and XXXX XXXX XXXX, contributing to the fraudulent debt balance. 
Potential fraudulent billing and misrepresentation of the vehicles repair status, which financially harmed both the primary signer and myself. 
Deceptive business practices that led to financial losses and wrongful repossession. 
I urge the CFPB to investigate XXXX XXXX XXXX unlawful repossession practices and Prepare to Repairs deceptive repair and billing practices. 
4. Compensation for Financial and Credit Harm Due to this fraudulent debt, I have suffered significant financial damages, including : Severe credit score damage, limiting my ability to obtain loans, housing, and employment. 
Financial losses due to XXXX XXXX XXXX and Prepare to Repair 's failure to follow legal requirements. 
Emotional and financial distress caused by wrongful debt collection actions. 
Unlawful debt placement into collections despite a lack of legal justification. 
I request the following resolutions : Full financial compensation for my credit damage and legal costs incurred while disputing this fraudulent debt. 
Formal penalties against XXXX XXXX XXXX and Prepare to Repair for fraudulent and deceptive practices. 
A legally binding written statement from XXXX XXXX XXXX ensuring they will not sell, reinstate, or attempt to collect this fraudulent debt. 
Full reimbursement of any fraudulent or unnecessary repair charges from Prepare to Repair that contributed to my financial harm. 
Penalties against Prepare to Repair for deceptive practices and failure to provide required repair documentation. 
A legally binding statement ensuring Prepare to Repair will not attempt to collect any alleged outstanding repair charges or falsely report debts to collections. 
Removal of any negative credit reporting related to this matter for both the primary signer and myself. 
Final Demands & Next Legal Steps If this matter is not resolved within 30 days, I will escalate my case by : Filing complaints with the Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ), my State Attorney General, and the State DMV Auto Finance Bureau. 
Pursuing civil legal action against XXXX XXXX XXXX and Prepare to Repair for financial fraud, contract violations, and credit damage. 
Reporting XXXX XXXX XXXX and Prepare to Repairs deceptive practices to Congressional consumer protection agencies for federal intervention.

Expected Response I expect a formal response within 30 days that addresses : The removal of the fraudulent {$38000.00} debt. The production of legally required documentation. A resolution ensuring no further damage to my credit. Compensation for financial losses and credit damage. 
This issue involves serious violations of consumer protection laws, causing substantial financial harm. I trust the CFPB will take appropriate action to hold XXXX XXXX XXXX and Prepare to Repair accountable and ensure a fair resolution to this matter. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX Co-Signer

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief