Consumer complaint received 2025-03-09 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: Experian Information Solutions Inc.
State: TX

Complaint narrative:
Formal Complaint Against Experian and XXXX XXXX XXXX. for FCRA and FDCPA Violations Dear Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Im writing to formally complain about Experian and XXXX, XXXX for violating my rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ). Despite my legitimate disputes, Experian has failed to properly investigate, and XXXX, XXXX has not provided the required validation of the alleged debt. 
Unauthorized Reporting & Identity Theft ( FCRA 1681 ) Experian and XXXX, XXXX are reporting information about me without my consent. Under FCRA 1681b, credit bureaus can only report information when there is a legally permissible purpose. I never gave permission for this account to appear on my credit report, which means it was placed there without my authorization. This is identity theft under FCRA 1681c-2. Since I never consented to this reporting, Experian and XXXX, XXXX are violating my rights by using my personal information without permission. 
Additionally, FCRA 1681a clearly states that consumer reports should not include certain transactions or experiences unless authorized. A collection account is considered a transaction or experience, and Congress has stated that these types of accounts should not be included in consumer reports without consent. Since I never consented to this, it should not be there. No consent means identity theft, and under FCRA 1681c-2, this account should be permanently removed.

Failure to Properly Verify & Validate the Debt ( FCRA 1681i & FDCPA 1692g ) I disputed the XXXX, XXXX account linked to XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX The details of this account are as follows : Debt Collector : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX 
Original Creditor : XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX Account Number : XXXX Balance : {$12000.00} Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Status : Collection account, past due as of XX/XX/XXXX Under FCRA 1681i, Experian is required to conduct a real investigationnot just accept information from the debt collector. They need to verify the account using independent sources, such as : Personal interviews A review of original signed documentation Third-party verification Instead, Experian simply accepted whatever XXXX, XXXX provided , which does not meet the legal standard. This is a clear violation of FCRA 1681i. 
Similarly, under FDCPA 1692g, XXXX, XXXX was supposed to provide the following within 30 days of my request : A contract with my signature proving I agreed to this debt. 
A breakdown of how the balance was calculated. 
Documentation proving they have the legal right to collect this debt. 
Neither Experian nor XXXX, XXXX have met these obligations. Because of this, this account is inaccurate and unverifiable, and by law, it must be deleted. 
Furthermore, FCRA 1681i prohibits credit bureaus from verifying disputed debts only with information provided by the original creditor. They must conduct an independent investigation, including reaching out to third parties and obtaining original documents that prove the legitimacy of the debt. Experian has failed to show proof of any independent verification, which means they are breaking the law. 
Reporting False or Unverified Information ( FCRA 1681e ( b ) ) Under FCRA 1681e ( b ), credit bureaus are required to ensure the accuracy of the information they report. Since Experian has failed to show actual proof that this account is accurate, they are violating this section of the law.

Additionally, by continuing to report this account without valid verification, Experian is hurting the integrity of the banking system. Credit reports are used to determine financial opportunities, and if credit bureaus dont ensure accuracy, consumers like me suffer unfair consequences. Experian is actively impairing my ability to access fair financial opportunities. 
Consumer Reports Should Be Monitored Like Bank Accounts I strongly urge the CFPB to take action because consumer reports should be monitored as closely as a bank account. Just as I check my finances regularly, I should be able to check my credit report to ensure accuracy. The FCRA was enacted to protect consumers from unfair credit reporting practices, yet these violations persist. If Experian and XXXX XXXX XXXX are allowed to continue this behavior, they are actively undermining public trust in the financial system. 
CFPBs Role in Upholding Fair Credit Practices The FCRA, particularly in 1681, states that credit reporting agencies must exercise their responsibilities fairly, impartially, and with respect for a consumers right to privacy. Consumers should not have to fight to keep unauthorized, inaccurate, or unverifiable information off their reports. If I did not give them explicit permission to report this debt, then it is a direct violation of my federally protected right to privacy.

Additionally, Congress has defined consumer reporting agencies as playing a vital role in the financial system. However, their failure to ensure accurate reporting is not just harming individual consumers like meit is also weakening confidence in the entire credit system. These companies are failing to uphold their duties under the law, and I am demanding accountability. 
How Can Consumers Trust the System? 
When companies like Experian and XXXX, XXXX do not follow the law, they undermine public confidence in the financial system. If the system is designed to be fair, why is inaccurate and unverifiable information still being reported? Why do these companies continue to verify accounts without following the legally required investigative procedures? How are they verifying this debt when no valid proof has been provided? These are questions I need answers to.

E-OSCAR Dispute Processing Violation Experian does not have my consent to process my disputes through E-OSCAR. Automated dispute systems are not capable of conducting a proper investigation as required under FCRA 1681i. Credit bureaus are legally required to conduct a real and thorough investigation, which means verifying disputed information using independent sourcesnot relying solely on what the furnisher provides through an automated system. Since Experian continues to use E-OSCAR instead of conducting a true investigation, they are violating my rights under the FCRA.

Attached Identity Theft Report I have attached a copy of my Identity Theft Report as further evidence that this account was placed on my credit report without my consent. Under FCRA 1681c-2, once an identity theft report is provided, the credit bureau is required to block and remove the disputed information. Experian and XXXX, XXXX have no legal right to continue reporting or verifying this debt after receiving this report. 
What I Am Demanding I am requesting that the CFPB take action to : 1. Order Experian to delete this collection account for failure to verify it properly.

2. Order XXXX, XXXX to stop all collection efforts and remove the account for failing to provide proper validation. 
3. Impose penalties on both companies for knowingly violating the FCRA and FDCPA.

4. Provide written confirmation that this account has been permanently removed from my credit report. 
If this issue is not resolved, I am prepared to escalate further, including filing a lawsuit for damages under FCRA 1681n, which allows for {$1000.00} per violation. 
Please confirm receipt of this complaint and inform me of the next steps in the investigation. I expect a timely response and full resolution. 
Sincerely, XXXX XXXX

Company public response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation