Consumer complaint received 2025-05-27 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Problem with fraud alerts or security freezes — 
Company: Experian Information Solutions Inc.
State: VA

Complaint narrative:
On or around XX/XX/2025, I received a notice from Experian stating that an Initial Security Alert has been added to your credit file, either as you requested or in accordance with Experians identity theft protection policies. I did not request this fraud alert, nor did I authorize any third party to act on my behalf or report any identity theft. Despite this, Experian unilaterally placed a fraud alert on my file and notified Equifax and TransUnion to do the same, resulting in all three credit bureaus applying misleading and unauthorized fraud alerts to my credit reports. 

This action was taken without my knowledge, consent, or any valid legal basis under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ). Specifically, fraud alerts under FCRA 605A ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) may only be placed when requested by the consumer or based on evidence of identity theft. No such request or evidence exists. Experians actions constitute serious violations of FCRA 605A, 607 ( b ) ( failure to ensure accuracy ), and 611 ( a ) ( obstruction of the dispute process ).

Leading up to this, I had submitted multiple certified mail disputes to Experian and filed two separate CFPB complaints to correct inaccurate and unverifiable information that Experian had previously marked verified without furnishing supporting documentation. I provided all required identifying information in my submissions, including : A government-issued ID A utility bill showing my current address Social Security verification Rather than responding to my legitimate dispute requests as required under the FCRA, Experian placed an unauthorized fraud alert, which obstructed my ability to correct my file and triggered unnecessary identity re-verification procedures. Their letter further stated they could not send me a copy of my credit report due to an address mismatchdespite my identity being well documented in previous submissions.

This improper fraud alert has also interfered with my ongoing federal security clearance reinvestigation, causing delays in financial background verification and placing my career and clearance status at risk. The false implication of identity theft, without cause or investigation, has caused emotional distress, reputational harm, and professional hardship.

I am now giving Experian ten ( 10 ) business days from the date of this complaint to : Immediately remove the unauthorized fraud alert from my Experian file ; Notify Equifax and TransUnion that the alert was erroneously placed and must be removed ; Reset the statutory 30-day investigation period for any pending or improperly stalled disputes under FCRA 611 ; Provide full documentation explaining how and why the alert was initiated, including the source, verification method used, and responsible department or personnel ; Preserve all related records, internal correspondence, system logs, and data associated with this fraud alert and any credit file dispute related to my name. 

I place Experian on formal notice to retain all data and internal records relevant to this incident for potential arbitration or regulatory review. The companys unilateral action appears to be a calculated tactic to delay or undermine my rights under the FCRA, and I request immediate corrective action.

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