Consumer complaint received 2025-01-07 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Problem with a company's investigation into an existing problem — Their investigation did not fix an error on your report
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: GA

Complaint narrative:
Dear [ XXXX XXXX XXXX or Creditor/Debt Collector ], This letter serves as both a formal dispute of the XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Account Number : XXXX ] account reported on my credit file and a debt validation request under applicable federal and state consumer protection laws. Despite multiple disputes and requests for documentation over the past three months, this account remains inaccurately reported without sufficient verification, violating numerous consumer rights. 

Additionally, I have submitted documentation proving that I am a victim of a data breach, further raising concerns about the accuracy and legitimacy of this account. You have failed to block or remove this account as required by law, compounding the violations. 

Violations Committed Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) Failure to Block Fraudulent Information ( FCRA XXXX XXXX XXXX U.S.C. XXXX ) : XXXX XXXX XXXX, I am entitled to have fraudulent information resulting from identity theft or a data breach blocked from my credit report within XXXX business days of providing proper documentation ( e.g., an identity theft affidavit or police report ). Your failure to do so is a direct violation. 
Failure to Conduct a Reasonable Reinvestigation ( FCRA Section 611 15 U.S.C. 1681i ) : You are required to conduct a reasonable reinvestigation of any disputed information. Reliance on automated systems, such as e-Oscar, without manually verifying the accuracy of the disputed account fails to meet this standard.

Failure to Provide Supporting Documentation ( FCRA Section 609 15 U.S.C. 1681g ) : Despite multiple requests, you have failed to provide : A copy of the original signed agreement. 
Payment history and balance calculations. 
Verification from XXXX XXXX XXXX confirming the accounts accuracy. 
XXXX XXXX and XXXX XXXX ( FCRA XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. XXXX ) : Reporting a " charged-off '' account with a balance owed without issuing a 1099-C or updating the balance to {$0.00} is both inaccurate and misleading, violating your obligation to furnish accurate and complete information.

Failure to Ensure Maximum Possible Accuracy ( FCRA Section 607 ( b ) 15 U.S.C. 1681e ( b ) ) : You are required to establish reasonable procedures to ensure the maximum possible accuracy of reported information. By continuing to report this account without verifying it, you have failed this obligation. 
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ) ( If a Debt Collector Is Involved ) Failure to Validate the Debt ( FDCPA Section 809 15 U.S.C. 1692g ) : As required by the FDCPA, you must validate the debt upon request. Validation includes : Proof of debt ownership. 
A copy of the original signed contract. 
A detailed breakdown of the balance. 
Misrepresentation of Debt ( FDCPA Section 807 15 U.S.C. 1692e ) : Continuing to report or collect on this account without proper validation violates Section 807, including : Section 807 ( 2 ) : Misrepresenting the character, amount, or legal status of the debt. 
Section 807 ( 10 ) : Using deceptive practices to collect or report the debt.

Unfair Collection Practices ( FDCPA Section 808 15 U.S.C. 1692f ) : Reporting unvalidated or fraudulent debt constitutes an unfair collection practice under Section 808.

Consumer Financial Protection Act ( CFPA 12 U.S.C. 5531 ) Unfair, Deceptive, or Abusive Acts or Practices ( UDAAP ) : Unfair Practices : Failing to block fraudulent data or resolve my dispute harms my credit and violates the CFPA.

Deceptive Practices : Reporting the account as " verified '' misleads me into believing it was thoroughly investigated.

Abusive Practices : Exploiting my lack of access to validation documents places me at a disadvantage.

Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ) UDAP Violations ( FTC Act 15 U.S.C. 45 ) Misrepresenting the legitimacy or status of the disputed account constitutes an unfair and deceptive trade practice under the FTC Act. 
Internal Revenue Code ( 26 U.S.C. 6050P ) If the debt has been charged off, the creditor must issue a 1099-C form for canceled debt exceeding {$600.00}. The failure to do so raises concerns about improper reporting practices and tax law violations.

Equal Credit Opportunity Act ( ECOA 15 U.S.C. 1691 ) Failing to ensure accurate reporting of this account adversely impacts my ability to access fair credit terms, violating ECOA protections.

State-Specific Consumer Protection Laws State Laws : Many states impose stricter credit reporting and debt collection standards, including shorter timelines for resolving disputes and enhanced penalties for inaccurate reporting. If applicable, I will file complaints with my state attorney general. 
Harm Caused Your failure to validate this debt and resolve the dispute has caused : Damage to my credit score and financial reputation. 
Potential denials of credit or unfavorable loan terms. 
Emotional distress and wasted time in addressing this issue repeatedly. 
What I Am Demanding Immediate Removal or Blocking of the Disputed Account : If you can not verify or validate this account, it must be permanently removed or blocked under FCRA Section 605B.

Provision of Full Debt Validation Documents : Provide all documents validating the accuracy and ownership of this debt, including : The original signed agreement. 
Payment history and balance calculations. 
Correspondence from XXXX XXXX XXXX confirming the accounts validity. 
Written Explanation of Actions Taken : Provide a detailed explanation of how this account was verified or validated and why it continues to be reported. 
Legal Notice Failure to comply with these demands will result in the following actions : File Additional Complaints : I will file formal complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ), Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ), and my state attorney generals office, citing violations of federal and state law. 
Pursue Legal Action : I will seek damages for : Statutory damages of up to {$1000.00} per violation under the FCRA and FDCPA. 
Actual damages caused by your non-compliance. 
Attorney fees and court costs.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation