Consumer complaint received 2024-04-07 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Incorrect information on your report — Information belongs to someone else
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: MD

Complaint narrative:
Subject : Immediate Deletion of Unverifiable Account by XXXX and XXXX XXXX  : I am writing to file a formal complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau regarding XXXX and XXXX XXXX 's inaccurate credit reporting. There is an account on my credit report that is negatively impacting my credit score. This account is a closed account, reported as opened in XX/XX/XXXX, and is associated with account number XXXX, ending in XXXX. However, I have no knowledge of this account. Despite multiple attempts to rectify this issue with XXXX XXXX, XXXX, Equifax, and XXXX, the account has not been removed or corrected. On XXXX XX/XX/XXXX, I spoke with a XXXX representative XXXX XXXX, who confirmed that account ( XXXX ), ending in XXXX is not associated with my name or social security number and was unable to provide any further details regarding this account. According to the representative, this account does not exist. I am associated with a separate active and open account with XXXX  ( XXXX ), reported on my credit reports, which the representative verified. The other closed Milestone account ( XXXX ), reported on my credit reports is not associated with me whatsoever. I have previously disputed this account with XXXX, Equifax, XXXX, and XXXX, and it was erroneously verified as accurate. It is imperative that XXXX XXXX immediately verify this account by providing documentation, including a contract with the account number ( XXXX ) ending in XXXX and my signature and address, statements, and any other relevant information to confirm the validity of this account or delete it from my credit report immediately. XXXX credit is blatantly violating my rights as outlined below : Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) Violations : 1. Reporting Inaccurate Information : XXXX XXXX 's inclusion of the erroneous account on my credit report constitutes a violation of the FCRA, which requires that information reported to credit bureaus be accurate. The reporting of an account that is not associated with my name or social security number violates this fundamental provision of the FCRA. 2. Failure to Conduct Reasonable Investigation : Despite my repeated disputes and evidence indicating that the account is inaccurate, XXXX XXXX, XXXX, Equifax, and XXXX failed to conduct a reasonable investigation into the disputed account. The FCRA mandates that credit reporting agencies conduct a thorough investigation when a consumer disputes the accuracy of information on their credit report, which they failed to do in this case. XXXX. Failure to Provide Notice of Dispute Results : Upon completion of a dispute investigation, the FCRA requires that credit reporting agencies provide consumers with written notice of the results of the investigation. XXXX XXXX 's failure to provide adequate notice of the dispute results, including the verification of the erroneous account, violates this provision of the FCRA. 4. Failure to Provide Documentation for Verification : The FCRA also requires that credit reporting agencies provide consumers with documentation and evidence to verify the accuracy of reported accounts upon request. XXXX XXXX 's failure to provide such documentation to verify the existence of the account associated with the account number XXXX constitutes a violation of this provision. XXXX. Failure to Correct Inaccurate Information : Under the FCRA, credit reporting agencies are required to correct inaccurate information on a consumer 's credit report. Despite clear evidence and communication indicating that the account is inaccurate and not associated with me, XXXX XXXX failed to correct the erroneous reporting, thereby violating this provision of the FCRA. Truth in Lending Act ( TILA ) Violations : 1. Misreporting of Account Information : XXXX XXXX 's inclusion of the erroneous account on the credit report constitutes a violation of the TILA, which mandates accurate reporting of credit and account information. The inaccurate reporting of this account misrepresents my financial obligations and history, potentially leading to adverse consequences when seeking credit or loans. 2. Failure to Ensure Accuracy : Under TILA, creditors and credit reporting agencies are required to ensure the accuracy of the information they report. By failing to verify the validity of the account associated with account number XXXX and continuing to report it despite my disputes and evidence of inaccuracy, XXXX XXXX has violated this fundamental TILA provision. XXXX. Impact on XXXX : The presence of an erroneous negative account on my credit report due to XXXX XXXX 's actions can significantly impact my creditworthiness and ability to access credit on fair terms. This violation of TILA has the potential to harm my financial standing and opportunities. 4. Failure to Provide Corrected Information : TILA also requires that inaccurate information be corrected promptly upon discovery. Despite my efforts to dispute and rectify the erroneous account reporting, XXXX XXXX has failed to take corrective action, further violating the provisions of TILA. 5. Failure to Provide Documentation for Verification : TILA also mandates that creditors and credit reporting agencies provide documentation and evidence to verify the accuracy of reported accounts upon request. XXXX XXXX 's failure to provide such documentation to verify the existence of the account associated with the account number XXXX constitutes a violation of this provision. The outlined violations of the FCRA and TILA illustrate that XXXX XXXX has breached federal regulations by inaccurately reporting an erroneous account on my credit report. These violations are serious and require immediate attention and corrective action to ensure compliance with TILA and FCRA and safeguard consumers ' rights. XXXX XXXX 's failure to provide verifiable documentation to support the existence of this account requires immediate action to rectify this error. I demand that XXXX XXXX, XXXX, Equifax, and XXXX comply with federal regulations by either promptly verifying the account with substantial documentation linking it to me or deleting it from my credit report. I urge the CFPB to intervene in this matter, ensure XXXX, Equifax, XXXX, and XXXX XXXX 's compliance with federal regulations, and take all necessary actions to resolve this issue swiftly. Your assistance in addressing this critical matter and upholding consumer rights is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your attention and support in promptly resolving this issue.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation