Consumer complaint received 2025-04-02 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Problem with a company's investigation into an existing problem — Difficulty submitting a dispute or getting information about a dispute over the phone
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: DC

Complaint narrative:
Formal Mail Fraud Enforcement Referral Request Not a New Dispute From : XXXX XXXX XXXX Private Legal Complainant | Independent Enforcement Action XXXX XXXXXXXX | XXXX ========================================================================= To : Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) Enforcement Division CC : Equifax Information Services , LLC Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ) Division of Enforcement U.S. Postal Inspection Service ( Mail Fraud Division ) Department of Justice Criminal Division Department of Justice Consumer Protection Branch ========================================================================= Date : XX/XX/XXXX ========================================================================= Subject : Federal Mail Fraud Referral Equifaxs Systemic Use of USPS to Transmit Deceptive, False, and Obstructive Dispute Responses in Violation of 18 U.S.C. 1341 Dear CFPB Enforcement Division, This formal enforcement referral is submitted pursuant to my rights under federal consumer protection law. I am a resident of XXXX XXXX XXXXing in my capacity as a private complainant and sworn affiant. 
I submit this referral independently and without legal representation, in response to documented misconduct by Equifax Information Services , LLC, involving the use of the United States Postal Service ( USPS ) to transmit deceptive, obstructive, and materially false dispute response lettersa pattern that constitutes prosecutable mail fraud under 18 U.S.C. 1341 and supports enforcement action under multiple federal and state statutes. 
These communications from Equifax contained knowingly false claims regarding document quality, identity verification, and dispute legitimacytactics that were spread across multiple months, often delivered in clusters on the same day using varied false pretenses. 
A sworn and notarized Affidavit of Truth is attached in support of this complaint, attesting to the accuracy of the facts and timelines asserted herein, and preserving the legal integrity of this referral for civil, regulatory, and criminal review XXXX Overview of Mail Fraud Scheme This referral concerns a systemic and sustained mail-based fraud operation carried out by Equifax Information Services , LLC, involving the repeated transmission of materially false and obstructive dispute response letters via the United States Postal Service ( USPS ) . These mailings were not clerical errors or isolated deviationsthey reflect a coordinated internal strategy designed to suppress, distort, and evade federally protected consumer rights. 
Between XX/XX/XXXX and XX/XX/XXXX, Equifax mailed at least 61 dispute response letters to the complainant. These letters contain one or more of the following misrepresentations : Misclassifying valid, affidavit-backed disputes as frivolous or fraudulent, Claiming documents were illegible, mismatched, or procedurally invalid despite receiving complete packages, Falsely asserting that no consumer credit file could be located, Refusing to block identity theft-related tradelines under FCR

A 605B ( c ), despite receiving all statutory documentation. These actions are further aggravated by the following : On multiple occasions, Equifax mailed several letters on the same day, each invoking different false justifications for denialdemonstrating premeditated tactic rotation and dispute suppression ; Not a single one of the mailed letters references or is directly linked to any open or closed CFPB complaint ID submitted by the consumer, despite Equifax being fully aware of the open investigations and statutory requirements for linkage and response. This omission constitutes constructive concealment from federal regulators and may support prosecution under 18 U.S.C. 1001 ( False Statements or Omissions in Matters within Federal Jurisdiction ). 
========================================================================= Each of the 61 USPS-delivered responses thus constitutes a separate fraudulent act under 18 U.S.C. 1341 ( Mail Fraud ) and supports additional civil and regulatory exposure under : The Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA 1681c2, 1681i, 1681e ( b ) ), The Consumer Financial Protection Act ( UDAAP provisions under 12 U.S.C. 55315536 ), The D.C. Consumer Protection Procedures Act ( D.C. Code 28-3904 and 28-3905 ), and The Georgia Fair Business Practices Act ( O.C.G.A. 10-1-393 and 10-1-399 ).

This pattern of using USPS mailings to obscure, rather than resolve, federal dispute processes demand urgent regulatory coordination and criminal review. 
========================================================================= Violation Matrix ( Mailed Misrepresentations by Category ) The following tables document the 61 verified instances of mail-based misrepresentation by Equifax between XX/XX/XXXX and XX/XX/XXXX. 
Equifax 's 61 systemic mail tactics fall into six ( 6 ) clearly identifiable categories of fraudulent mail conduct, including : Category 1 - Claim Proof of Identity Information Doesn't Match Credit File Category 2 - Claim Unable to Locate Credit File with Information Provided Category 3 - False Claim Documents Provided Illegible Category 4 - False Victim of Fraud or Identity Theft Classification Category 5 - Unlawful Frivolous Dispute Classification Category 6 - Unlawful Refusal to Block Information pursuant Section 605B ( c ) ========================================================================= Table 1 : Fraudulent Mail Tactics Used by Equifax By Category A total of 61 unique violations across the above six ( 6 ) categories : Mail Fraud Tactic used by Equifax Mail Fraud Category Count of Equifax Fraudulent Tactic Claim Proof of Identity Information Doesn't Match Credit File 1 3 Claim Unable to Locate Credit File with Information Provided 2 3 False Claim Documents Provided Illegible 3 5 False Victim of Fraud or Identity Theft Classification 4 17 Unlawful Frivolous Dispute Classification ( XXXX XXXX XXXX ) 5 1 Unlawful Frivolous Dispute Classification ( XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX ) 5 3 Unlawful Frivolous Dispute Classification XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX ) XXXX XXXX Unlawful Frivolous Dispute Classification ( XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX ) XXXX XXXX Unlawful Frivolous Dispute Classification ( XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Unlawful Frivolous Dispute ClassificatioXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Unlawful Refusal to Block Information pursuant Section 605B 6 23 Grand Total 61 ========================================================================= Table 2 : Mail Fraud Tactics by Date Temporal Spread Across 61 USPS Letters The fraud tactics listed above were not committed in a single batch. Instead, they were strategically spread across 19 separate USPS delivery dates, spanning more than three months. In several cases, Equifax mailed multiple letters on the same day, each letter containing a different false justificationa strong indicator of structured evasion, not clerical inconsistency. 
Here is the chronological breakdown : XX/XX/XXXX : XXXX violations across XXXX mailing days XX/XX/XXXX : XXXX violations across XXXX mailing days XX/XX/XXXX : XXXX violations across XXXX mailing days Mail Fraud Tactic used by Equifax by Month and Day Count of Equifax Fraudulent Tactic XXXX XXXX XX/XX/XXXX XX/XX/XXXX XXXX False Victim of Fraud or Identity Theft Classification XXXX XX/XX/XXXX XXXX Claim Proof of Identity Information Doesn't Match Credit File 1 False Victim of Fraud or Identity Theft Classification 1 Unlawful Refusal to Block Information pursuant Section XXXX XXXX XX/XX/XXXX XXXX Claim Proof of Identity Information Doesn't Match Credit File 1 False Claim Documents Provided Illegible 1 False Victim of Fraud or Identity Theft Classification 1 Unlawful Refusal to Block Information pursuant Section 605B 2 XX/XX/XXXX XXXX False Victim of Fraud or Identity Theft Classification 1 Unlawful Refusal to Block Information pursuant Section 605B XXXX XX/XX/XXXX XXXX Unlawful Refusal to Block Information pursuant Section 605B 1 XX/XX/XXXX XXXX False Victim of Fraud or Identity Theft Classification 1 Unlawful Frivolous Dispute Classification ( XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  XXXX Unlawful Refusal to Block Information pursuant Section XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XX/XX/XXXX XX/XX/XXXX XXXX False Claim Documents Provided Illegible 1 False Victim of Fraud or Identity Theft Classification 1 Unlawful Refusal to Block Information pursuant Section XXXX XXXX XX/XX/XXXX XXXX XXXX Victim of Fraud or Identity Theft Classification XXXX XX/XX/XXXX XXXX XXXX Victim of Fraud or Identity Theft Classification XXXX XX/XX/XXXX XXXX False Victim of Fraud or Identity Theft Classification XXXX XX/XX/XXXX XXXX Claim Unable to Locate Credit File with Information Provided 1 False Victim of Fraud or Identity Theft Classification 1 Unlawful Frivolous Dispute Classification ( XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  1 Unlawful Refusal to Block Information pursuant Section 605B 1 XXXX XXXX False Claim Documents Provided Illegible 1 Unlawful Refusal to Block Information pursuant XXXX XXXX XXXX XX/XX/XXXX XXXX False Claim Documents Provided Illegible XXXX Unlawful Frivolous Dispute Classification ( XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX ) XXXX Unlawful Frivolous Dispute Classification ( XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXnlawful Frivolous XXXX Classification XXXX XXXX ) XXXX Unlawful Refusal to Block Information pursuant Section XXXX XXXX XX/XX/XXXX XXXX Claim Proof of Identity Information Doesn't Match Credit File 1 False Claim Documents Provided Illegible 1 False Victim of Fraud or Identity Theft Classification 3 Unlawful Frivolous Dispute Classification ( XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  Unlawful Frivolous Dispute Classification XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  Unlawful Refusal to Block Information pursuant Section 605B XXXX XX/XX/XXXX XXXX False Victim of Fraud or Identity Theft Classification XXXX XX/XX/XXXX XX/XX/XXXX XXXX Unlawful Refusal to Block Information pursuant Section 605B XXXX XX/XX/XXXX XXXX Claim Unable to Locate Credit File with Information Provided 1 False Victim of Fraud or Identity Theft Classification 1 Unlawful Refusal to Block Information pursuant Section 605B XXXX XX/XX/XXXX XXXX Unlawful Frivolous Dispute Classification ( XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Unlawful Refusal to Block Information pursuant Section 605XXXX XXXX XX/XX/XXXX XXXX Claim Unable to Locate Credit File with Information Provided 1 False Victim of Fraud or Identity Theft Classification 1 Unlawful Frivolous Dispute Classification ( XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  Unlawful Refusal to Block Information pursuant Section 605B 1 Grand Total 61 ========================================================================= Notable Insights : High-Level Interpretation of Equifaxs Mail Fraud Execution Rhythm A closer examination of Equifaxs mailing behavior reveals a deliberate, coordinated rhythm of mail-based misrepresentations that further confirms intent to defraud and suppress lawful disputes. 
These actions were not sporadicthey were executed in tactically concentrated bursts, deploying different legal evasion strategies on the same day to dilute evidentiary connections and frustrate reinvestigation triggers. 
Key examples include : XX/XX/XXXX : Equifax issued seven ( 7 ) USPS letters to the complainant in a single mail batch. Within this batch, the company deployed three separate false justifications : o Misclassifying a valid identity theft report as a fraudulent dispute, o Refusing to block tradelines despite a complete 605B file, o Flagging disputes as frivolous without basis or statutory notice. 
XX/XX/XXXX : A single-day mailing event included eleven ( 11 ) separate letters, each using a mix of five ( 5 ) categories with distinct statutory violations. These included false identity claims, 605B refusals, illegibility assertions, and multiple varieties of frivolous dispute classificationsall mailed together. 
XX/XX/XXXX : Four ( 4 ) USPS letters were sent concurrently, each invoking a unique obstructive tactic : o One falsely claimed the complainant was a victim of identity theft ( when no such claim was made ), o Another stated the file could not be located, o A third denied a 605B block request without citing any deficiency, o And the fourth dismissed the dispute as frivolous. 
========================================================================= This conduct constitutes a pattern and practice of obstruction and deception, further supporting enforcement under the CFPBs supervisory and enforcement authorities pursuant to 12 U.S.C. 5511 ( c ) These patterns also reflect intentional tactic variation across the same-day USPS dispatches , structured to give the illusion of individualized review, while in fact executing a multi-layered evasion strategy. Such rhythm and variation support the legal theory of a pre-engineered scheme to defraud under 18 U.S.C. 1341, amplified by material omissions under 18 U.S.C. 1001. 
========================================================================= This Referral Supplements and Escalates Already-Filed Federal Complaints This same-day, multi-tactic deployment reflects a deliberate internal dispute suppression framework, not random or isolated error. Each instance is tied to a documented dispute, FTC Fraud Report, and supporting affidavit already submitted to federal agencies under : CFPB Complaint ID : XXXX CFPB Complaint ID : XXXX FTC Fraud Report : XXXX FTC Fraud Report : XXXX Each of the 61 USPS mailings detailed in this report is connected to these broader complaints and supported by sworn affidavits, identity verification documents, and dispute records already in the possession of regulatory agencies. 
========================================================================= Legal Authority for Mail Fraud Referral Under 18 U.S.C. 1341, it is a federal crime to : devise any scheme or artifice to defraud, or obtain money or property by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, or promises ... and place in any post office or authorized depository... any matter or thing to be sent or delivered by the Postal Service.

Equifax has violated this statute by : Using USPS to deliver dispute response letters containing false, misleading, or intentionally obstructive statements ; Issuing multiple letters on the same exact day, each employing distinct fraudulent tacticse.g., one falsely claiming " documents were illegible, '' while another from the same batch falsely states " unable to locate file, '' and yet another mislabels the dispute as frivolous ; Refusing to block identity theft data under FCRA 605B, despite receiving : o Valid FTC Identity Theft Reports ; o Sworn Notarized Affidavits of Truth ; o Full item identification, proof of address, and timely documentation.

========================================================================= These letters were not isolated errorsthey represent a coordinated strategy to evade federal compliance obligations while feigning due process through USPS correspondence.

Each mailed communication was strategically designed to : Mislead the consumer, Obstruct lawful reinvestigation rights, Create a false record for federal agencies ( e.g., CFPB ), and Preserve the illusion of compliance to regulators. 
This pattern demonstrates not only deceptive conduct, but a structured scheme to defraud, executed using the United States Postal Service. 
========================================================================= Criminal and Civil Violations ( Compounded ) Equifaxs conduct constitutes a complex and coordinated violation of multiple criminal and civil statutes. These violations are not isolatedthey are part of a deliberate dispute suppression system facilitated through mail, digital platforms, and regulatory misrepresentation. 
========================================================================= A. 18 U.S.C. 1341 Mail Fraud ( Federal Criminal Law ) This statute prohibits the use of the U.S. Mail to execute or attempt to execute any scheme or artifice to defraud.

Whoever places in any post office or authorized depository for mail any matter or thing to be sent for the purpose of executing such scheme shall be fined or imprisoned Equifax 's Violation : Equifax used the U.S. Postal Service to transmit 61 separate dispute response letters, each containing false, misleading, or obstructive content. These were part of a mail-based scheme to defraud consumers and regulators by falsely denying disputes, suppressing legitimate identity theft reports, and issuing deceptive justifications to avoid blocking inaccurate data.

Each letter constitutes a separate prosecutable act under this statute.

========================================================================= B. 18 U.S.C. 1001 False Statements to Federal Agencies This statute criminalizes knowingly and willfully making materially false statements in any matter under the jurisdiction of a federal agency. 
Whoever knowingly and willfully makes any materially false representation shall be fined or imprisoned Equifax 's Violation : By reporting to the CFPB that disputes were fraudulent or frivolouswhen the consumer made no such claim and provided valid documentationEquifax made false material representations to a federal agency. These responses alter the regulatory record, mislead federal investigators, and interfere with statutory oversight. Each false CFPB response may constitute a separate offense.

========================================================================= C. Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) Violations 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2, 1681i, 1681e ( b ) 1. 1681c-2 ( FCRA 605B ) Failure to Block Identity Theft Information Requires CRAs to block disputed information resulting from identity theft within four business days after receiving : Proof of identity FTC Identity Theft Report Specific dispute information Written request Violation : Equifax failed to block accounts after receiving valid 605B packages, constituting unlawful refusal to act under federal statute.

2. 1681i Failure to Reinvestigate and Provide Results Requires CRAs to conduct a reasonable reinvestigation and report results within 30 days. 
Violation : Equifax denied or ignored lawful disputes using pretextual letters ( file not found, documents illegible ) without conducting a real reinvestigation or providing required results. 
3. 1681e ( b ) Failure to Ensure Accuracy CRAs must maintain reasonable procedures to ensure accuracy of consumer reports.

Violation : By continuing to report tradelines that had been validly disputed, flagged as identity theft, and accompanied by documentation, Equifax failed to uphold its accuracy obligations.

========================================================================= D. 12 U.S.C. 5531 & 5536 CFPA / UDAAP Violations ( Federal Civil Law ) Unfair, Deceptive, or Abusive Acts or Practices ( UDAAP ) are prohibited under Title X of the XXXX XXXX

Violation : Equifaxs pattern of : Misclassifying disputes without basis, Mailing contradictory letters on the same day, Refusing to block verified fraud entries, Falsely reporting to federal regulators, qualifies as both deceptive and abusive conduct under UDAAP. This creates substantial consumer harm that is not reasonably avoidable and serves no legitimate business interest. 
========================================================================= XXXX XXXX Consumer Protection Procedures Act ( XXXX XXXX XXXX & XXXX ) XXXX. XXXX ( XXXX ) Misrepresentation of a Material Fact Prohibits companies from misrepresenting the nature or characteristics of services or rights. 
2. 28-3904 ( f ) Failure to State a Material Fact Where Omission Is Misleading Requires clear disclosure of material facts, especially when silence misleads the consumer.

3. 28-3905 ( k ) ( 2 ) Treble Damages for Willful Violations Allows for recovery of three times actual damages when a violation is found to be willful. 
Violation : Equifax issued deceptive letters to a XXXX resident ( the complainant ) falsely stating : Disputes were frivolous, Identity documents didnt match, Files could not be located, despite receiving valid documents. This constitutes actionable deception under XXXX law and triggers treble damages. 
========================================================================= F. Georgia Fair Business Practices Act O.C.G.A. 10-1-393 & 10-1-399 As Equifax is headquartered in Georgia, it is subject to the Georgia FBPA, which prohibits : Deceptive representations, Obstruction of lawful rights, Failure to deliver expected services.

Violation : Equifaxs failure to honor its legal duties under FCRA, while issuing false and conflicting letters, constitutes a violation of Georgias consumer protection laws. The complainant may pursue damages and attorneys fees under 10-1-399, with the Georgia AG authorized to investigate and prosecute civil violations. 
========================================================================= Evidence and Exhibits All exhibits are timestamped, indexed, and maintained in accordance with federal evidentiary standards and will be provided upon subpoena or direct regulatory request : Mail Letters from Equifax containing the 61 violations, Original disputes, notarized affidavits, and FTC reports submitted. 
========================================================================= Request for Action Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 1681s ( c ), I respectfully request that the CFPB formally refer this matter to the appropriate law enforcement agency, including the U.S. Postal Inspection Service ( USPIS ), for investigation under 18 U.S.C. 1341 with a recommendation to initiate a full criminal investigation into Equifaxs mail-based scheme to defraud, mislead, and obstruct lawful consumer dispute procedures in violation of 18 U.S.C. 1341 and related statutes.

Because the scheme involves use of the United States Postal Service to transmit materially deceptive correspondence, jurisdiction properly lies with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service under Title 18 and relevant federal regulations.

This matter falls within the jurisdiction of the CFPB under 15 U.S.C. 1681s ( c ) and 12 U.S.C. 5538, which authorize the Bureau to refer evidence of potential criminal conduct to appropriate law enforcement agencies. 
========================================================================= Additionally, I request that the CFPB coordinate multi-agency enforcement with the following entities : ========================================================================= CFPB Enforcement Division for investigation and civil enforcement of systemic violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), the Consumer Financial Protection Act ( CFPA ), and ongoing patterns of Unfair, Deceptive, or Abusive Acts and Practices ( UDAAP ) under 12 U.S.C. 55315536 ; ========================================================================= Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ) Division of Enforcement for enforcement of deceptive business practices under the Federal Trade Commission Act, 15 U.S.C. 45, and joint review of Equifaxs dispute-handling procedures as they relate to identity theft, consumer fraud, and reinvestigation obligations ; ========================================================================= U.S. Department of Justice ( DOJ ) Criminal Division for potential criminal prosecution under 18 U.S.C. 1341 ( Mail Fraud ) and 18 U.S.C. 1001 ( False Statements to a Federal Agency ), given the volume and structure of Equifaxs misrepresentations across multiple USPS mailings ; ========================================================================= U.S. Department of Justice ( DOJ ) Consumer Protection Branch for civil enforcement, litigation support, and regulatory coordination concerning widespread consumer rights violations, including Equifaxs refusal to honor federally mandated dispute, suppression, and reinvestigation obligations pursuant to : 15 U.S.C. 1681s ( FCRA enforcement referrals ), 12 U.S.C. 5531 and 5536 ( UDAAP violations under CFPA ), 15 U.S.C. 45 ( unfair or deceptive acts under the FTC Act, via interagency coordination ), and 18 U.S.C. 1341 and 1001 where applicable to fraudulent mail use and false statements in agency responses. 
========================================================================= This case involves not only civil noncompliance, but a clear pattern of regulatory evasion, evidentiary misrepresentation, and mail-based deception. These actions demand criminal scrutiny, civil penalties, and structural correction to protect both consumers and the integrity of the federal complaint system. 
========================================================================= Closing and Affirmation I affirm that this referral is made independently, based on sworn personal knowledge and evidence. I am not affiliated with any credit repair organization. I am pursuing lawful remedies under civil, administrative, and criminal law as permitted under the U.S. Constitution and federal statutes. 
Respectfully submitted, XXXX XXXX XXXX ========================================================================= Enclosures : Sworn and notarized Affidavit of Truth Equifax Mail Fraud Matrix ( XXXX XXXX XXXX ) Formal Notice of Systemic Consumer Fraud Timeline of Equifaxs Obstructive Tactics Extension Complaint Notice - Equifax Mail Fraud CFPB Complaint ID XXXX XXXX CFPB Complaint ID XXXX - XXXX ReportFraud.ftc.gov - XXXX XXXX ReportFraud.ftc.gov - XXXX XXXX ReportFraud.ftc.gov - XXXX XXXX XXXX - Mail Fraud Complaint XXXX XXXX Equifax Mail Fraud Dispute Response Letters o ( See 61 individual Mail Fraud attachments on CFPB Complaint ) =========================================================================

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation