Consumer complaint received 2025-03-30 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:
Subject : Formal Complaint Against Equifax for Failure to Adhere to XXXX XXXX Compliance and Improper Method of Verification Dear Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, I, " XXXX XXXX XXXX '' am filing a formal complaint against Equifax regarding its failure to furnish the account XXXX XXXX XXXX ( Account Number : XXXX in Metro 2 data-field formatted compliance and its improper handling of my disputes. Despite multiple attempts to resolve this issue, Equifax has failed to provide a proper investigation, violating my rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ). 

I sent my most recent dispute via USPS Certified Mail ( Tracking Number : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX ) with a return receipt number : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. As of today, more than 30 days have passed, and Equifax has not provided a legally compliant response, which is a direct violation of 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 1 ), requiring consumer reporting agencies to investigate disputes within 30 days.

Failure to Comply with Metro 2 Reporting Standards The Consumer Data Industry Association ( CDIA ) mandates that all accounts reported to credit bureaus adhere to Metro 2 data field formatting standards for accuracy and fairness. The XXXX XXXX XXXX ( XXXX ) account does not meet these compliance standards**, and as such, should either be corrected or immediately deleted from my credit file.

Challenge to Equifaxs Method of Verification

Under 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 2 ) & ( a ) ( 6 ) ( B ) ( iii ), Equifax is required to provide a reasonable reinvestigation of disputed information. Additionally, under FCRA 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 6 ) ( B ) ( iii ) and 1681s-2 ( b ), Equifax must : 1. Clearly identify the method of verification used to confirm the accuracy of the disputed account.

2. Provide proof of the chain of assignment, including documentation proving the ownership and legal standing of the debt. 
XXXX. Obtain and disclose all relevant documentation from the furnisher ( XXXX XXXX XXXX ) that was used to verify the accounts legitimacy. 

Since Equifax has not provided adequate verification, it is in violation of its FCRA obligations and has failed to conduct a lawful investigation. If Equifax can not produce proof of chain of assignment, legal ownership, and Metro 2 compliance documentation, the disputed item must be immediately deleted from my credit report.

Requested Actions from CFPB I respectfully request the CFPB to : 1. Enforce Equifaxs compliance with Metro 2 data reporting standards and order deletion of the invalidated account if noncompliance is found.

2. Compel Equifax to provide documentation detailing their method of verification, including proof of chain of assignment and legal standing of the disputed account.

3. Ensure Equifax adheres to FCRAs 30-day reinvestigation requirements and holds them accountable for their failure to conduct a proper dispute investigation.

4. Investigate Equifax for potential willful noncompliance under 15 U.S.C. 1681n, which subjects them to statutory damages, attorney fees, and other relief.

I have attached copies of my dispute letter, proof of USPS certified mail delivery, return receipt, and all supporting documentation demonstrating Equifaxs failure to comply.

I appreciate your prompt attention to this serious matter and look forward to your response regarding the next steps in resolving this issue. 

Sincerely XXXX XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation