Consumer complaint received 2025-02-01 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: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: GA

Complaint narrative:
1. Accuracy and Fairness in Reporting Credit reporting agencies ( CRAs ) must ensure that the information they report is accurate, complete, and up-to-date.

If there are errors or inaccurate information on your credit report, you have the right to dispute it and have it investigated. The CRA must investigate disputes typically within 30 days.

2. Time Limits for Reporting Negative Information Negative information ( e.g., late payments, collections, bankruptcies ) generally can remain on your credit report for 7 years from the date of the event. 

Bankruptcies can remain for up to 10 years. 

After this period, the information must be removed. 


3. Consumer Rights Right to Access : You are entitled to a free credit report from each of the three major CRAs ( Equifax, XXXX, and XXXX ) once a year, which you can get at XXXXXXXX 

Right to Dispute : If any information on your credit report is inaccurate or incomplete, you have the right to dispute it with the CRA, and they must investigate the dispute. 

Right to Correct Information : If a mistake is found, the CRA must correct or delete the incorrect information. 

Right to Know : If a credit report is used to deny you credit or employment, you have the right to be notified and to obtain a free copy of your credit report. 


4. Limitations on Sharing Information Only certain entities ( such as lenders, insurers, and employers ) are allowed to access your credit report, and they must have a legitimate reason, typically involving a credit transaction or employment. 

Your consent is required for an employer to access your credit report in relation to hiring or promotion decisions. 


5. Fraud Alerts and Security Freezes Fraud Alerts : You can place a fraud alert on your credit report if you suspect that your personal information has been compromised. This alerts creditors to take extra steps to verify your identity. 

Security Freezes : You can place a freeze on your credit report, which restricts creditors from accessing it without your permission. This can help prevent identity theft. 


6. Special Circumstances for Debt Reporting Debt Removal : If a debt is paid or settled, it must be updated on your credit report. A debt in collection can remain on your report for up to 7 years, but after that period, it must be removed. 

Dispute Process : If you dispute a debt, the CRA must investigate the dispute and provide results within 30 days. If the debt is found to be inaccurate, it must be corrected or removed from your report. 


7. Consumer Consent and Notification If your credit report is used to make a decision about you ( e.g., for a loan or job ), you must be notified, and in some cases, you must consent to the credit inquiry. 


8. Identity Theft Protections If you are a victim of identity theft, you can request that fraudulent information be removed from your report and take steps to secure your credit, such as placing a fraud alert or credit freeze. 


9. Enforcement The Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) enforce FCRA compliance. 

I request for all of my past disputes that do not follow these guidelines, be removed.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation