Consumer complaint received 2025-02-24 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: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: GA

Complaint narrative:
XX/XX/XXXX Dear CFPB, I am submitting this final dispute against Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion for their continued unlawful reporting of a closed XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX account on my credit reports. 

Despite multiple disputes and clear legal violations, these credit bureaus continue to manipulate payment history, misreport balances, and refuse to remove inaccurate information. Their failure to properly investigate and correct these errors is a blatant violation of federal law and an intentional act of credit suppression. 

1. CFPB Must Clarify : How Do Second-Hand Data Furnishers Have the Right to Do This? 

I am demanding a formal response from the CFPB explaining how Experian, Equifax, and TransUnionwho are second-hand information sources, not primary creditorshave the legal authority to continue reporting, modifying, and suppressing my credit file with outdated and inaccurate information. 

Why does the CFPB allow second-hand credit bureaus to override federal consumer protection laws and continue to report false information on a closed account? 

How does XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX have the ability to keep this account open in their reporting system while no transactions have occurred since XXXX? 

How does a closed account continue to have an outstanding balance and collection activity when XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX has already written it off? 


2. Formal Request for the Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ) to Step In I have already filed a complaint with the District Attorney 's Office regarding this ongoing fraudulent and deceptive reporting. I am now requesting that the Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ) intervene and take direct enforcement action against XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX, Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian for their violations of federal law. 

I request that the CFPB refer this matter to the FTC for further investigation. 

Does the CFPB intend to take action against these entities for knowingly violating the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA )? 

What are the next steps in escalating this issue to ensure the FTC and other agencies hold them accountable?

3. Violations & Issues Identified Unlawful Modification of Payment History FCRA Violation ( 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ) The payment history on this account has changed multiple times, extending derogatory marks on my report beyond the legal timeframe. 

This is a deceptive practice designed to manipulate credit scoring models and suppress my creditworthiness. 


False Charge-Off and Balance Reporting Credit Card Reporting Violation ( TILA & Fair Credit Billing Act, 15 U.S.C. 1666 ) A secured credit card should not be reported as a charge-off when XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX already held my deposit to cover the balance. 

The reported balance of {$150.00} is inaccuratethis account should reflect a {$0.00} balance after closure. 

Failure to Conduct a Reasonable Investigation Violation of 15 U.S.C. 1681i Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion have failed to properly investigate this dispute, violating the FCRA and my rights as a consumer. 

They continue to allow XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX to report misleading information, proving willful noncompliance. 

Unauthorized Reporting Violation of My Consumer Rights ( FCRA & FDCPA ) I never authorized Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion to report this account, yet they have refused to remove it after multiple disputes. 

This account was involved in litigation regarding discriminatory closures against XXXX Americans, yet it remains on my report as if it is a valid debt. 


4. Demand for Immediate Deletion I am demanding that Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion immediately delete this XXXX XXXX  XXXX account from my credit report within 24 hours due to : Inaccurate balance and charge-off reporting False and misleading payment history changes Failure to properly investigate and verify information Unverified, unauthorized, and deceptive reporting 5. Next Steps if CFPB Fails to Enforce Compliance If this issue is not corrected within 24 hours, I will escalate further by : Filing a formal complaint with the Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ) and demanding enforcement action Submitting additional evidence to the Office of the District Attorney Initiating legal action for damages under FCRA violations I expect written confirmation from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion immediately upon deletion and a formal response from the CFPB regarding the questions raised. 

This is a final request, and failure to comply will result in legal consequences. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX XXXX 's a detailed timeline reflecting the disputes and ongoing investigation : | **Date** | **Dispute Action** | **Outcome / Change Made** | **Notes** | | -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -| -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -| -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- | -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -| | XX/XX/XXXX | Initial Dispute Filed | Reported errors on XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX account | Investigation started | | XX/XX/XXXX XXXX Follow-up Dispute | No changes made | Requested reinvestigation | | XX/XX/XXXX | Monthly Update | No changes made | Escalation requested | | XX/XX/XXXX | Monthly Update | No changes made | Continued investigation | | XX/XX/XXXX | Monthly Update | No changes made | Continued investigation | | ... | ... | ... | ... | | XX/XX/XXXX | Dispute Update | Payment history changed multiple times | Incorrect information on report | | XX/XX/XXXX | Dispute Follow-up | No change ; still reporting balance | Reinvestigation requested | | XX/XX/XXXX | Dispute Filed ( XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX ) | Balance reported as {$150.00} | Closed account still reporting | | XX/XX/XXXX | Latest Update | No resolution ; ongoing issues | Request for FTC involvement | | XX/XX/XXXX | Current Status | No correction made | Continuing to pursue resolution |

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation