Consumer complaint received 2024-12-26 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Problem with a company's investigation into an existing problem — Their investigation did not fix an error on your report
Company: Experian Information Solutions Inc.
State: CA

Complaint narrative:
Complaint to the CFPB Regarding Experian 's Mishandling of My Credit Report Resulting in Financial Hardship. 

To Whom It May Concern, Around the end of XXXX through the beginning of XXXX, I initiated an investigation into my credit report. At the time, I had never used my credit, and my score was approximately XXXX. My car had broken down, and I urgently needed a car loan to maintain my livelihood. My credit should have been clean and clear for me to use, but I was gravely mistaken. 

The investigation revealed that my credit report had been merged with someone else 's. I had no idea what this meant, nor did I know how to resolve it. The only action that made sense was to request the removal of any information that did not belong to me. The inspector and the specialist working for Experian acted quickly and removed the erroneous information from my report. However, I remained deeply concerned about how and why my credit report had been merged with someone elses. 

Despite this, both employees assured me that my credit report was now fine and would function properly. After XXXX to XXXX months of waiting, I was able to secure a guaranteed loan through XXXX XXXX XXXX and XXXX. However, from late XX/XX/XXXX to early XX/XX/XXXX, I spent over XXXX weeks attempting to finalize the car purchase. I grew increasingly frustrated, stressed, and physically ill as I continued to be denied. 

I called Experian and spoke with a representative who again assured me that there was nothing wrong with my credit report. After further attempts to escalate, I was connected to a XXXX who made some troubling statements, suggesting that the car dealership simply did not want to sell me a car. Ultimately, I was denied the guaranteed loan, and I could not secure the transportation I needed for work. 

This was only the beginning of the hardship I faced. I was unable to pay for rent, food, or basic necessities, and as a result, I became homeless multiple times. I also could not work due to the lack of a car, exacerbating the financial strain. In XXXX, Experian inexplicably stopped reporting my credit score without any notice, a decision I was unaware of until I attempted to apply for credit again. For the entire year, whenever I attempted to contact Experian, their automated system would ask for my Social Security number and zip code, but I was never able to speak to a human representative, no matter how many times I called. 

On XX/XX/XXXX, I finally received a credit report that showed an outdated score from XXXX years ago, which was no longer reflective of my current credit status after Experian had separated the merged file. I applied for down payment assistance, only to learn that Experian had sent the dealership a completely blank credit report. The dealership informed me that Experian could not verify my identity, Social Security number, address, or phone number. 

As of today, XX/XX/XXXX, I still do not know what Experian has done to my credit report. I have been collecting evidence this entire time. I am demanding that Experian repair my credit report **within 30 days** from the date of this complaint. Additionally, I expect an offer for fair and substantial compensation for the financial and emotional toll caused by their misconduct, including compensation for lost jobs, vehicles I could not purchase and use for work, and the housing instability I experienced. 

If Experian fails to meet these demands within 30 days, I will pursue legal action through multiple civil cases, criminal charges where applicable, and complaints to every relevant government agency. I will file a separate lawsuit every week, escalating the matter until justice is served. ** This situation has caused immense pain and suffering, and I will not tolerate being further ignored or dismissed. 

I am aware of my rights as a consumer under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), and XXXX actions have violated several provisions of this law. They are : Laws Broken : XXXX. FCRA Section 609 ( a ) ( 1 ) *Right to Access Information* : I am entitled to a complete and accurate credit report. Experian failed to ensure that my report was accurate, as evidenced by the merged file and outdated credit score.

2. FCRA Section 605 *Time Limits on Reporting* : Information on my credit report should not be outdated, and Experian failed to update my report correctly, continuing to report an obsolete score.

3. FCRA Section 611 ( a ) *Procedure for Reinvestigation of Disputed Information* : After my report was merged with another, Experian failed to conduct an adequate reinvestigation of the inaccurate information and improperly removed it, leaving unresolved issues that continued to affect my creditworthiness.

4. FCRA Section 623 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) *Responsibility of Information Furnishers* : Experian failed to notify me when they ceased reporting my credit score, breaching their responsibility to provide accurate, timely information.

5. FCRA Section 616 *Willful Noncompliance Penalty* : Due to their reckless disregard of my rights as a consumer, Experians actions may be subject to penalties for willfully failing to comply with FCRA regulations .

Penalties for Violating the FCRA : 1. FCRA Section 609 ( a ) ( 1 ) *Right to Access Information* : If Experian fails to provide accurate credit reports, they can be held liable for damages. The penalty can be up to {$1000.00} per violation, in addition to actual damages for harm caused to the consumer.

2. FCRA Section 605 *Time Limits on Reporting* : Violating the time limits on reporting outdated information can result in penalties, including actual damages, statutory damages up to {$1000.00}, and attorney fees.

3. FCRA Section 611 ( a ) *Procedure for Reinvestigation of Disputed Information* : Failure to properly reinvestigate disputed information could lead to actual damages, statutory damages, and punitive damages, as well as attorney fees. The penalty can range from {$1000.00} to {$10000.00} or more, depending on the case.

4. FCRA Section 623 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) *Responsibility of Information Furnishers* : If Experian fails to accurately report and verify information, they can be fined and held liable for any damages that result from the consumer 's inability to access credit or other services. The penalty may involve statutory damages up to {$1000.00} and additional compensatory damages.

5. FCRA Section 616 *Willful Noncompliance Penalty* : Willful noncompliance can lead to severe penalties, including up to {$1000.00} per violation, actual damages for harm caused, and punitive damages, which may vary based on the extent of the harm caused by Experian 's misconduct.

Case Reviews and Penalties : 1. Doe v. Experian Information Solutions , Inc. ( 2014 ) : The court awarded the plaintiff {$10000.00} in damages for Experians mishandling of their credit report. Experian was found negligent and ordered to correct the report. 

XXXX. XXXX v. Experian XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX ( XXXX ) : In this case, the plaintiff was awarded {$25000.00} after Experian merged the wrong files, causing significant harm. The court ordered Experian to correct the files and pay for the plaintiffs emotional distress. 

XXXX. XXXX v. Experian XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX ( XXXX ) : Experian was fined {$50000.00} in damages after they failed to correct a merged credit report issue. The court found XXXX actions to be reckless and negligent, and it required Experian to revise their internal procedures to prevent future mistakes. 

XXXX. XXXX v. Experian XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX ( XXXX ) : The plaintiff was awarded {$30000.00} after Experian failed to reinvestigate a dispute promptly. Experian was also required to pay attorney fees and correct the erroneous information. 

XXXX. XXXX v. Experian XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX ( XXXX ) : Experian was found liable for {$15000.00} in damages after failing to correct a merged credit report. The court required Experian to take immediate corrective action and pay for damages caused to the plaintiffs credit standing. 

Why This Misconduct Is Harmful : Experians mishandling of my credit report has caused me significant hardship, including the inability to secure basic necessities like food and housing. Their actions have left me vulnerable to financial ruin, forcing me to experience homelessness and affecting my ability to work. The lack of accountability from Experian has made it impossible for me to resolve this situation, and it continues to affect my daily life. For a large corporation like Experian to act with such disregard for consumer welfare, while never experiencing the same hardships, is deeply concerning and unjust. 

Experian has violated my consumer rights, and I am demanding resolution. I expect them to correct my credit report within XXXX days** and provide appropriate compensation for the damage they have caused. Failure to comply will result in immediate legal action, and I will hold them accountable for every violation. 

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX XXXX Phone : XXXX Email : XXXX XXXX

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