Consumer complaint received 2024-09-13 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Other debt
Issue: False statements or representation — Attempted to collect wrong amount
Company: Experian Information Solutions Inc.
State: TX

Complaint narrative:
Dear CFPB Complaints Department, I am writing to formally lodge a complaint against Experian for failing to comply with my dispute handling request under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), specifically Sections XXXX and XXXX. I am also seeking compensation for the damages and inconvenience caused by Experian 's non-compliance, along with a demand for a direct human investigation rather than the use of third parties. 

Background : On XX/XX/year> I sent a formal dispute letter to Experian at their designated dispute address, outlining multiple inaccuracies on my credit report and requesting a reinvestigation under FCRA Sections XXXX ( a ) and XXXX ( a ). In my letter, I explicitly requested that all communications regarding my dispute be conducted in writing and sent via certified mail to ensure adequate proof of receipt and compliance with my instructions. 

Due to the recent data breach involving the personal information of billions of American citizens, including Social Security numbers, I specified certified mail to ensure that sensitive communications regarding my credit report were handled securely and to provide a verifiable record of all interactions. Despite this clear directive, Experian responded to my dispute via email, which does not meet my specified requirements. 

Specific Requests : Human Investigation : I explicitly requested that Experian conduct a direct human investigation of my dispute rather than relying on third-party data aggregators such as XXXX. Third-party verifications do not meet the legal standard for accuracy and completeness as required under the FCRA. A human investigation is necessary to ensure that my dispute is handled thoroughly and correctly. 

Final Notice : My dispute letter was clearly marked as the final notice to Experian, outlining my expectations for the correction of all inaccuracies to reflect accurate and positive payment history. Experians failure to respond appropriately or to conduct the investigation as required by law represents a direct violation of the FCRA. 

Violations of FCRA : Experian 's actions constitute violations of my consumer rights under the FCRA in the following ways : Failure to Conduct a Reasonable Reinvestigation : Under FCRA XXXX XXXX ( a ) ( XXXX ) ( A ), Experian is obligated to conduct a reasonable reinvestigation of disputed information. Their choice to respond via email, ignoring my request for certified mail, indicates a lack of thoroughness and fails to meet my explicit requirement for secure communication and proper documentation. 
Failure to Adhere to Communication Preferences : Experians disregard for my request for certified mail is a failure to consider all relevant information provided in connection with my dispute, as required under FCRA Section XXXX ( a ) ( XXXX ). My specified communication preference was intended to ensure the accuracy and security of their investigation process. 
Lack of Direct Human Investigation : By not confirming a direct human review of the disputed information and potentially relying on third-party data sources, Experian has failed to comply with the standards set forth in FCRA Sections XXXX ( a ) and XXXX ( a ) for conducting a full and fair investigation. 
Request for Compensation : Due to Experian 's willful non-compliance and failure to adhere to FCRA requirements, I am requesting compensation for the following : Statutory Damages : As provided under FCRA XXXX XXXX, I am entitled to statutory damages of up to {$1000.00} per violation for Experians willful failure to comply with my dispute handling instructions. 
Actual Damages : Compensation for any financial loss or emotional distress resulting from Experian 's failure to comply with my dispute handling instructions, including costs associated with correcting the inaccuracies and the impact on my creditworthiness. 
Punitive Damages : As Experians actions reflect a disregard for my consumer rights, I am seeking punitive damages under FCRA XXXX XXXX to deter future violations and hold Experian accountable for their failure to properly manage my dispute. 
Conclusion : I respectfully request that the CFPB investigate this matter and take appropriate enforcement action against Experian to ensure compliance with the FCRA. Additionally, I seek full compensation for the damages incurred due to Experian 's failure to handle my dispute appropriately, and I request a direct human investigation of my dispute in line with my initial demand. 

I have attached copies of my original dispute letter, Experian 's email response, and all related documentation for your review. I look forward to your prompt attention to this complaint and a resolution that addresses both the inaccuracies on my credit report and the compensation for the harm caused by Experians non-compliance. 

Thank you for your time and consideration.

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