Consumer complaint received 2024-12-11 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Unable to get your credit report or credit score — Other problem getting your report or credit score
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: GA

Complaint narrative:
I have identified multiple issues with my credit report that indicate fraudulent activity, mishandling of my personal information, and improper practices by credit reporting agencies. Below are the specific problems : Incorrect Information on My Report : My credit report contains accounts and inquiries that are not mine. These accounts appear to have been fraudulently opened using my personal information. 

Examples include accounts listed with XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX, and other financial institutions, none of which I authorized or recognize. 

Additionally, there are discrepancies in my personal information section, such as incorrect addresses and employment history. 

Improper Use of My Report : My credit report has been accessed without my consent by unknown entities. Unauthorized inquiries from these entities suggest misuse of my personal data, potentially stemming from previous breaches such as the Equifax data breach. 

Failure to Provide Accurate and Timely Updates : I have submitted disputes and requests for correction to the credit reporting agencies, including Equifax. However, I have not received adequate or timely responses. 

Despite placing a fraud alert on my credit file, new unauthorized inquiries and accounts have continued to appear, demonstrating insufficient protection of my data. 

This mishandling has caused significant harm, including damage to my credit score, financial reputation, and peace of mind. 

Legal Violations Involved The following federal, state, and other legal frameworks are applicable to this complaint : Federal Laws : Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA, 15 U.S.C. 1681 ) : Ensures accuracy, fairness, and privacy of consumer information. 

Federal Trade Commission Act ( 15 U.S.C. 45 ) : Prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices in commerce. 
Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act ( 18 U.S.C. 1028 ) : Addresses fraudulent use of personal identity information. 

Electronic Communications Privacy Act ( 18 U.S.C. 2511 ) : Protects against unauthorized access to electronic communications and data. 

State Laws : State Breach Notification Laws : Require timely disclosure of data breaches to affected individuals. 
Unfair and Deceptive Acts and Practices ( UDAP ) Laws : Protect consumers against deceptive, unfair, or fraudulent practices. 

Identity Theft Protection Acts : Mandate businesses to protect sensitive consumer information and implement security measures. 

Uniform Commercial Code ( UCC ) : UCC Article 9 ( Secured Transactions ) : Addresses creditor and debtor rights regarding obligations and disputes.

Privacy Laws : California Consumer Privacy Act ( CCPA, if applicable ) : Provides rights regarding the collection and use of personal data.

General Data Protection Regulation ( GDPR, if applicable ) : Protects individuals personal data and privacy rights ( for global companies ).

What would be a fair resolution to this issue?

To resolve this matter, I request the following actions : Conduct a Comprehensive Investigation : Investigate all disputed accounts and inquiries, provide a detailed report of findings, and permanently remove fraudulent or inaccurate information from my credit report.

Implement Enhanced Security Measures : Strengthen protections on my credit file, including an extended fraud alert for a minimum of seven years.

Provide Credit Monitoring Services : Offer free credit monitoring and identity theft protection for a period of at least two years to mitigate the effects of these issues. 

Ensure Compliance with Legal Obligations : Adhere to timelines and requirements mandated by the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), state laws, and other applicable regulations. 

Hold Relevant Parties Accountable : Address systemic failures and negligence by credit reporting agencies in protecting sensitive consumer data and ensuring accurate reporting.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation