Consumer complaint received 2024-12-02 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Incorrect information on your report — Old information reappears or never goes away
Company: TRANSUNION INTERMEDIATE HOLDINGS, INC.
State: TX

Complaint narrative:
TransUnion 's recent actions related to my credit report. Specifically, TransUnion has re-inserted an old account into my credit report after it was deleted three months ago. This account was previously removed following a dispute filed through the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) portal, where TransUnion confirmed its deletion. The re-insertion of this account without proper notification violates federal laws and raises significant legal and ethical issues. 

1. Violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) : Under the FCRA, TransUnion is obligated to follow strict procedures when re-inserting previously deleted information into a consumer 's credit report.

Failure to Provide Proper Notification ( 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 5 ) ( B ) ( ii ) ) : Requirement : If TransUnion re-inserts information that was previously deleted due to a dispute, it must notify the consumer within five business days of re-insertion in writing. 
Violation : I did not receive any notification from TransUnion regarding the re-insertion of this account. This lack of notification deprives me of the opportunity to verify the accuracy of the information and to dispute it if necessary. 
Lack of Certification from Furnisher ( 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 5 ) ( B ) ( i ) ) : Requirement : Before re-inserting deleted information, TransUnion must obtain a certification from the furnisher that the information is accurate and complete. 
Violation : There is no evidence that TransUnion obtained such certification. Re-inserting the account without this verification undermines the accuracy and integrity of my credit report. 
2. Pattern of Non-Compliance Indicating Potential Systemic Issues : This incident is part of a broader pattern of questionable practices by TransUnion, including : Repeated Inclusion of Inaccurate Information : The re-insertion of the account suggests a failure to maintain reasonable procedures to ensure maximum possible accuracy, as required by 15 U.S.C. 1681e ( b ). 
Potential Violation of Consent Orders : TransUnion has been subject to regulatory actions in the past for similar practices. Repeating such actions may indicate non-compliance with previous consent orders or settlements.

3. Misrepresentation through the CFPB Portal : TransUnion confirmed through the CFPB portal that the account in question would be deleted from my credit report. Re-inserting the account contradicts this confirmation and raises concerns about : Transparency and Good Faith : Providing inaccurate or misleading information through a government portal undermines trust and may be considered a misrepresentation.

Accountability : TransUnion 's actions suggest a lack of adherence to commitments made to both consumers and regulatory bodies.

4. Impact on Creditworthiness and Financial Well-being : The re-inserted account negatively affects my credit score and financial opportunities. This unwarranted damage includes : Potential Denial of Credit : Lower credit scores can lead to denial of loans, mortgages, and other credit facilities. 
Increased Interest Rates : Negative information can result in higher interest rates, costing me financially. Violations of Federal Criminal Laws by TransUnion TransUnion has directly violated several federal criminal statutes, and as a corporate entity, it is fully accountable under the law. Based on documented evidence, including prior communications and official records, TransUnion has engaged in actions that constitute the following offenses : Conspiracy to Commit Offense or to Defraud the United States ( 18 U.S.C. 371 ) : Violation : TransUnion conspired with associated parties to reinsert a previously deleted account into my credit report without proper notification, despite confirming its deletion through the CFPB portal three months prior. This deliberate action demonstrates an agreement to commit an offense against the United States by undermining federal credit reporting laws designed to protect consumers. 
Mail Fraud ( 18 U.S.C. 1341 ) : Violation : TransUnion used the postal service to send updated credit reports containing the reinserted, inaccurate account information. Knowing that this information was previously disputed and confirmed for deletion, mailing it constitutes a scheme to defraud me and other potential recipients, violating federal mail fraud statutes.

Wire Fraud ( 18 U.S.C. 1343 ) : Violation : By electronically transmitting false credit information to third parties, including financial institutions and creditors, TransUnion engaged in wire fraud. The intentional dissemination of incorrect data was designed to deceive and harm my financial standing, affecting credit decisions made by lenders who rely on accurate reporting. 
Bank Fraud ( 18 U.S.C. 1344 ) : Violation : TransUnion provided false credit information to financial institutions, which could influence lending decisions and defraud these institutions. By reintroducing incorrect data into my credit report, TransUnion jeopardized the integrity of financial transactions, potentially causing financial harm to banks and lenders that base their decisions on fraudulent information. 
Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act ( RICO ) ( 18 U.S.C. 1961 et seq. ) : Violation : TransUnion 's repeated actions of unlawfully reinserting deleted accounts without proper notification, along with previous documented violations, establish a pattern of racketeering activity. This consistent disregard for federal laws and consumer rights qualifies as racketeering under RICO statutes. The company 's systematic approach to undermining legal obligations demonstrates an enterprise engaging in ongoing illegal activities. 
TransUnion 's deliberate actions are clear violations of federal criminal laws. The re-insertion of the deleted account, after explicitly confirming its removal, and without providing the legally required notification under 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 5 ) ( B ) ( ii ) of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), showcases a willful intent to defraud and deceive. 

As per the FCRA, any reinserted information must be accompanied by : Certification of Accuracy from the Furnisher : TransUnion must obtain a certification that the information is complete and accurate before re-inserting it ( 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 5 ) ( B ) ( i ) ).

Consumer Notification : TransUnion is required to notify me within five business days of re-insertion, providing written notice that includes the name, address, and telephone number of the furnisher of the information ( 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 5 ) ( B ) ( ii ) ).

TransUnion failed to comply with these legal obligations, further solidifying their violation of federal statutes. On XXXX, I contacted TransUnion to address several fraudulent inquiries appearing on my credit report and to confirm the deletion of a previously disputed account. During the call, TransUnion assured me that the fraudulent inquiries would be removed and confirmed the deletion of the disputed account. 

However, upon reviewing my credit report the following day, I observed a drastic drop in my credit scorefrom XXXX to XXXX within less than 24 hours. This significant decrease is directly attributable to TransUnion re-inserting the previously deleted account into my credit file without proper notification or justification. 

This sudden change not only contradicts the assurances given by TransUnion but also underscores the issues previously outlined regarding their compliance with federal laws. The re-insertion of the account : Violates Notification Requirements under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) : 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 5 ) ( B ) ( ii ) mandates that if a credit reporting agency re-inserts previously deleted information, it must notify the consumer in writing within five business days. Given that the re-insertion occurred within 24 hours, it is implausible that TransUnion provided the required written notice within the legally specified timeframe.

Demonstrates a Pattern of Non-Compliance : This incident is not isolated but indicative of a recurring pattern where TransUnion fails to adhere to statutory obligations, thereby causing undue harm to consumers.

Causes Immediate and Tangible Harm : The precipitous drop in my credit score adversely affects my creditworthiness, potentially leading to : Denial of credit or loans. 
Higher interest rates on existing or future credit products.

Negative perceptions by potential employers or landlords who may review credit reports.

Undermines Trust in TransUnion 's Processes : Re-inserting an account that was previously confirmed for deletion erodes confidence in the reliability and integrity of TransUnion 's credit reporting practices.

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 non-monetary relief