Consumer complaint received 2025-02-05 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: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: FL

Complaint narrative:
This complaint addresses Equifaxs failure to comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), systemic deficiencies in its investigation process using the flawed e-OSCAR system, and additional issues regarding inaccurate reporting of the XXXX XXXX XXXX ( XXXX ) account, and other sixteen ( 16 ) accounts among. These repeated failures have caused significant harm to my financial standing. 
________________________________________ Background : 1. On XX/XX/XXXX, I formally requested Equifax to provide a detailed description of the procedures used in its investigation of multiple disputed accounts, pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( 6 ) ( B ) ( iii ) and ( 7 ). Equifax failed to respond to this request in violation of the FCRA.

2. After filing a complaint with the CFPB, Equifax falsely claimed on XX/XX/XXXX, that my disputes were frivolous because they were " repeated within 90 days. '' This claim is demonstrably false, as my disputes addressed new inaccuracies and discrepancies.

3. One of the disputed accounts, XXXX XXXX XXXX ( XXXX ), contains significant errors : o XXXX is reporting a balance of {$13000.00}, even though the creditor obtained a judgment against me for a lesser amount of {$12000.00} ( court disposition available as proof ). 
o This account was covered by GAP insurance, which should have reduced or eliminated the balance. However, the creditor failed to apply the insurance benefit, nor did I ever receive information about the insurance application or denial.

_____________________________________
___ Systemic Issues with e-OSCAR : Equifaxs use of the automated e-OSCAR system for investigating disputes demonstrates a systemic failure in ensuring compliance with 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ), which requires CRAs to conduct a reasonable investigation. Courts have repeatedly criticized e-OSCAR for its inability to adequately address detailed consumer disputes, as evidenced in cases such as XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX 
Equifaxs reliance on this flawed system likely contributed to : 1. Ignoring material discrepancies in the XXXX account ( e.g., judgment amount vs. reported balance ).

2. Overlooking the GAP insurance issue, which would have materially affected the reported balance.

3. Failing to verify information through independent investigation beyond the data furnishers response, violating the FCRAs requirement for accuracy and fairness. 
________________________________________ Violations and Supporting Arguments : 1. Failure to Conduct Reasonable Investigation ( 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) ) : Equifaxs reliance on e-OSCAR and refusal to address detailed inaccuracies violates its duty to perform a reasonable investigation. In XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, the court affirmed that CRAs can not blindly rely on furnishers without independent verification when disputes involve specific and substantiated claims, such as discrepancies in reported balances or application of insurance benefits. 
2. Failure to Respond to Procedural Description Request ( 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( 6 ) ( B ) ( iii ) & ( 7 ) ) : Equifaxs refusal to furnish a description of its investigative procedures constitutes a direct violation of the FCRA. Transparency in such procedures is essential to maintaining the integrity of the credit reporting system. 
3. Non-Adherence to Metro 2 Standards : The XXXX account and others exhibit inaccuracies that violate Metro 2 guidelines established by the CDIA. These guidelines require data furnishers to report accurate, complete, and timely information. Failure to reflect the court-ordered judgment amount and GAP insurance demonstrates negligence in adhering to these standards. 
4. Deceptive Practices ( 15 U.S.C. 45 ( a ) ) : Equifaxs misrepresentation of my disputes as frivolous and its reliance on inadequate automated systems constitute unfair and deceptive acts under the Federal Trade Commission Act.

________________________________________ Ongoing Harm and Pattern of Negligence : Equifaxs refusal to delete accounts with proven inaccuracies exposes me to recurring harm, including damage to my creditworthiness, higher borrowing costs, and the denial of opportunities. This persistent failure demonstrates systemic negligence in ensuring the accuracy of reported information, violating the FCRA 's mandate under 15 U.S.C. 1681e ( b ) to maintain reasonable procedures for accuracy. I have exhausted all reasonable avenues to resolve these inaccuracies, yet Equifax has failed to take meaningful corrective action, leaving me with no choice but to seek regulatory intervention.

________________________________________ Relief Requested : 1. Immediate Deletion of Disputed Accounts : o Remove the XXXX account due to its significant inaccuracies, including the incorrect balance and failure to apply GAP insurance. 
o Remove all other disputed accounts listed in my prior correspondence due to Equifaxs failure to comply with FCRA provisions.

2. Independent Review of XXXX  Account : o Conduct an independent investigation of the XXXX account to reflect the court-ordered judgment amount and GAP insurance coverage. 
3. Compliance with FCRA and Metro 2 Standards : o Mandate that Equifax implement policies to ensure strict adherence to FCRA and CDIA Metro 2 guidelines.

4. Monetary Compensation : o Award damages for harm caused by Equifaxs failure to investigate disputes, correct inaccuracies, and provide transparency.

________________________________________ Equifaxs failure to address systemic errors, investigate disputes thoroughly, and comply with FCRA and Metro 2 standards undermines the integrity of the credit reporting system. These unlawful practices harm consumers and demand urgent regulatory action. I respectfully request that the CFPB, FTC, and Florida Attorney General hold Equifax accountable and require immediate corrective measures.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation