Consumer complaint received 2024-11-10 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: NY

Complaint narrative:
Experian one of the three major credit bureaus in the U.S.have faced various allegations and lawsuits over the years for practices that some argue violate my consumer rights 1. Failure to Ensure Accurate Information Inaccurate Reporting : Consumers often find inaccuracies in their credit reports, such as incorrect account balances, mistaken identities, outdated information, or accounts that do not belong to them. Credit bureaus are required by the FCRA to maintain maximum possible accuracy in consumer reports, but studies suggest that many reports contain errors, and disputes to correct these errors are sometimes improperly handled. 
Case Law : In XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX ( XXXX XXXX XXXX ), the court emphasized the duty of credit bureaus to go beyond mere verification with creditors and conduct a thorough investigation into disputed items. Failure to meet this obligation can harm consumers credit scores, affecting their ability to obtain loans, housing, or employment. 

2. Improper Handling of Disputes Inadequate Investigation of Disputes : When consumers dispute errors, credit bureaus are supposed to conduct a reasonable investigation under FCRA ( 15 U.S.C. 1681i ). However, some consumers report that their disputes are dismissed without proper investigation, or that the bureaus rely solely on information from the creditors, even when this information is inaccurate. 
Automated Responses : Many credit bureaus use automated systems to handle disputes, often with minimal human oversight, resulting in unresolved or improperly handled disputes. 
Case Law : In XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXX ( XXXX XXXX. XXXX ), the court found that a reasonable reinvestigation is necessary and that an insufficient investigation could be a breach of FCRA. 

3. Failure to Verify Debts and Collections Unverified Collection Accounts : Credit bureaus often report collections and charge-offs even when they havent been fully verified as valid debts. This practice can result in invalid or questionable debts appearing on consumers reports. 
Tax Implications of Charge-Offs : When a debt is charged off, its typically classified as income forgiven by the creditor and may have tax implications. Reporting these accounts inaccurately can further harm consumers. 
Case Law : In XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXX ( XXXX XXXX. XXXX ), the court held that credit bureaus could be held liable if they fail to adequately verify disputed debts before reporting them. 

4. Breach of Consumer Privacy and Data Protection Failures Data Breaches : The XXXX XXXX data breach exposed the personal data of over XXXX XXXX people, including Social Security numbers and financial information. Credit bureaus are legally required to protect consumers personal information under data protection standards, and this breach has led to lawsuits and consumer claims for damages. 
Case Law : In XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXX ( XXXX XXXX. XXXX ), the court held that XXXX was liable for damages after mishandling personal data, leading to unauthorized third-party access. This case underscores the legal obligations of credit bureaus to protect consumer data. 

5. Reporting of Outdated and Irrelevant Information Failure to Remove Old Information : The FCRA sets limits on how long negative information can remain on a credit report ( usually seven years, except for bankruptcies, which can remain for up to ten years ). Some credit bureaus have been accused of failing to remove outdated information, which can continue to harm consumers credit scores.

Case Law : Courts have emphasized that credit bureaus must comply with these time limitations, and failure to do so can lead to legal action for damages.

6. Improper Reporting of Public Records Errors in Public Records : Credit bureaus often rely on automated methods to include public records ( such as judgments, liens, and bankruptcies ), which can lead to reporting inaccuracies. Consumers report that these records are sometimes misreported or do not reflect the most up-to-date information, damaging their credit scores. 
Case Law : In XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXX ( XXXX XXXX. XXXX ), the court held that a credit bureaus failure to ensure accuracy in public records reporting was grounds for damages under the FCRA. 

7. Hindering Consumers Access to Credit Scores and Reports Barriers to Access : Although consumers have the right to access their credit reports annually for free under the FCRA, credit bureaus have faced criticism for making this process difficult or for trying to upsell premium credit-monitoring services. This limits consumers ability to check for and dispute inaccuracies. 
Case Law and Regulatory Action : The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) has enforced penalties against credit bureaus for deceptive practices in credit reporting services, underscoring consumers right to accurate and accessible information. 

8. Reporting Unpaid Medical Debt Prematurely Impact of Medical Debt : Reporting unpaid medical debt prematurely can be damaging, especially since medical debt is often in dispute due to billing errors or insurance issues. Recent regulatory guidance suggests waiting at least 180 days before reporting medical debts, yet some credit bureaus still report them sooner, impacting consumers credit scores unfairly. 
Exprian have not made an effort to correct the inaccuracies on my report as I sent them information, highlighted detailed every inaccuracy on my credit report and they still did nothing to correct these inaccuracies. I have disputed online I have sent letters. And I have called in. They will not send me the details I requested so that the debts can be verified.

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