Consumer complaint received 2024-07-03 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Incorrect information on your report — Information belongs to someone else
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: TX

Complaint narrative:
Dear CFPB Representative, I am writing to file a formal complaint against Equifax for their ongoing failure to address my identity theft disputes adequately. Since XX/XX/year>, I have been consistently mailing communication and submitting documentation through their dispute portal, asserting that I am a victim of identity theft. Despite my efforts, Equifax has repeatedly declined my block requests, claiming that I have not provided all the required documentation. 

I am submitting this complaint and attaching all the documentation that is required of me as per FCRA laws to move forward with the blocking and/or deletion of these fraudulent accounts. 

I first became aware of the identity theft in XX/XX/year>, following a data breach by XXXX XXXX XXXX. Hackers were in communication with me, demonstrating that they had access to my personal information due to the breach, including my addresses, phone number, Social Security number, IDs, and passport. Additionally, I suspect that my ex-partner, XXXX XXXX, during our relationship, may have opened accounts in my name based on statements she made during our last communication. For my safety, I no longer have any contact with her. 

According to the authorities, there is not enough evidence to conclusively prove who stole my identity. However, under FCRA laws, Equifax is required to fully investigate these issues and block these accounts within the allotted 4-day period. I have provided factual proof, including a specific collection account that I dealt with directly with the creditor, who confirmed to Equifax that the debt was not mine and should be deleted. Despite this, Equifax marked the item as " verified, '' demonstrating their negligence and lack of proper investigation. It took several weeks and multiple updates from the debt furnisher for Equifax to finally remove the debt. 

Furthermore, Equifax 's claim that I have not sent all the required documentation is completely false. Attached to this complaint, I have included my passport, proof of residence, proof of SSN, police report, FTC affidavit, and this letter detailing the situation. 

The following accounts I am requesting to be blocked are : - XXXX XXXX - XXXX XXXX XXXX accounts - XXXX - XXXX XXXX XXXX  accounts- XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  The only accurate information on my credit report is : - Address : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX, Texas XXXX - Name : XXXX XXXX or XXXX XXXX XXXX - Employer XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  - Social Security Number : XXXX All information that I have not certified as accurate needs to be removed or blocked as they are not my information. 

I am involving the CFPB as a last-ditch effort to compel Equifax to handle this matter correctly before I employ an attorney. 

XXXX XXXX Violations of FCRA Laws : ** XXXX. **Failure to Block Information Resulting from Identity Theft** : Under FCRA Section 605B, a consumer reporting agency must block the reporting of information identified by the consumer as resulting from identity theft within 4 business days of receiving appropriate documentation. Equifax has failed to comply with this requirement despite receiving the necessary documents. 

XXXX. **Failure to Conduct a Reasonable Investigation** : Under FCRA Section 611, Equifax is required to conduct a reasonable investigation when a consumer disputes the accuracy of information on their credit report. The repeated verification of fraudulent accounts without proper investigation violates this section. 

XXXX. **Failure to Properly Notify the Consumer** : Under FCRA Section 623, Equifax is required to provide notification to the consumer of the results of the investigation and the steps taken to correct the erroneous information. Equifax has failed to do this adequately. 

XXXX. **Negligence in Handling Consumer Disputes** : Equifax 's delayed response and mishandling of my disputes demonstrate a violation of the duty of care required under FCRA laws XXXX 

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. I hope for a swift resolution to my dispute with Equifax. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation