Consumer complaint received 2025-08-23 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: CA

Complaint narrative:
I, submit this formal complaint against Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian for their continued and willful violations of federal consumer protection laws under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ). These violations include the unlawful reinsertion of previously deleted accounts without proper notification, failure to ensure maximum possible accuracy, failure to investigate disputes within the mandated time frame, failure to provide verification details upon request, and failure to validate debt prior to reporting. 

Background & Violations My credit reports contain fraudulent accounts and unauthorized inquiries that the Bureaus have failed to properly investigate and address despite multiple disputes and supporting documentation. Additionally, these Bureaus have removed fraudulent accounts and unauthorized inquiries only to reinsert them without proper validation, constituting an egregious violation of 15 U.S.C. 1692g ( a ) and ( b ).

Furthermore, I sent a certified dispute letter to all three credit bureaus requesting verification details, including contracts, signatures, and all relevant documentation for these accounts. Despite more than 15 days passing, I have not received any response or documentation from any of the bureaus, which constitutes an additional violation of federal consumer protection laws, specifically : 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) : Failure to investigate disputes within the required 30-day period.

15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 5 ) ( B ) : Failure to provide notice and certification before reinserting previously deleted information.

15 U.S.C. 1681e ( b ) : Failure to ensure maximum possible accuracy.

15 U.S.C. 1692g ( a ) ( 4 ) : Failure to provide verification of debt, including original contracts and signatures, upon request.

15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 6 ) ( B ) ( iii ) : Failure to provide specific details on dispute findings.

Related Lawsuits & CFPB Actions The CFPB has actively taken enforcement actions against the credit bureaus for similar violations, further demonstrating a pattern of noncompliance. These legal precedents reinforce the validity of my complaint : Experian Lawsuit ( XX/XX/XXXX ) : The CFPB filed a lawsuit against Experian for failing to properly investigate consumer disputes regarding credit report inaccuracies. The lawsuit alleged that Experian allowed erroneous information to reappear on reports, impacting consumers ' credit, employment, and housing access. The CFPB seeks to halt Experian 's misconduct, provide redress, and impose penalties. 
TransUnion Settlement ( XX/XX/XXXX ) : The CFPB, alongside the FTC, reached a {$15.00} million settlement with TransUnion and its subsidiary, TransUnion XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, for failing to ensure the accuracy of tenant screening reports. The agency charged that TransUnions inaccuracy potentially hindered consumers ' ability to secure housing. TransUnion agreed to pay {$11.00} million in restitution and a {$4.00} million civil penalty and implement enhanced accuracy measures. 
Equifax Lawsuit ( XX/XX/XXXX ) : The CFPB filed a major lawsuit against Equifax for repeated violations of the FCRA and deceptive practices that misled consumers regarding credit report accuracy. The lawsuit highlighted that Equifax knowingly reported incorrect information, failed to correct disputes in a timely manner, and continued to allow erroneous reinsertion of previously deleted data without proper consumer notification. The CFPB is seeking financial penalties, injunctive relief, and systemic reforms to prevent future violations. 
These actions underscore the CFPBs commitment to enforcing the FCRA and ensuring that consumer reporting agencies uphold their obligations. My case mirrors these past violations, and I urge the CFPB to take similar action against Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian. 
Fraudulent Accounts & Unauthorized Reinsertions XXXX CARD Account Number : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  Issues : Charged-off status, discrepancies, lack of proper notification Violations : FCRA 1681e ( b ) : Failure to ensure maximum possible accuracy FCRA 1681i ( a ) : Failure to properly reinvestigate disputed information FCRA 1681g : Failure to disclose verification records FCRA 1681b : Lack of permissible purpose FDCPA 1692g : Failure to validate debt within 5 days FDCPA 1692e : Misrepresentation of debt status California Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies Act ( CCCRAA ), Cal. Civ. Code 1785.14 ( b ) Prohibiting reporting information known or should be known to be inaccurate.

CCCRAA, Cal. Civ. Code 1785.16 Failure to disclose method of verification after dispute.

California Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Cal. Civ. Code 1788.17 Incorporating FDCPA prohibitions against false, deceptive, or misleading representations.

Request : REMOVE AND BLOCK THIS ACCOUNT IMMEDIATELY under FCRA 1681c-2, Cal. Civ. Code 1785.16 & 1785.25 ( a ), and Cal. Civ. Code 1788.17. 
2. XXXX CARD Account Number : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Issues : Charged-off status, discrepancies, lack of proper notification Violations : FCRA 1681e ( b ) : Failure to ensure maximum possible accuracy FCRA 1681i ( a ) : Failure to properly reinvestigate disputed information FCRA 1681g : Failure to disclose verification records FCRA 1681b : Lack of permissible purpose FDCPA 1692g : Failure to validate debt within 5 days FDCPA 1692e : Misrepresentation of debt status California Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies Act ( CCCRAA ), Cal. Civ.

Code 1785.14 ( b ) Prohibiting reporting information known or should be known to be inaccurate.

CCCRAA, Cal. Civ. Code 1785.16 Failure to disclose method of verification after dispute. 
California Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Cal. Civ. Code 1788.17 Incorporating FDCPA prohibitions against false, deceptive, or misleading representations.

Request : REMOVE AND BLOCK THIS ACCOUNT IMMEDIATELY under FCRA 1681c-2, Cal. Civ. Code 1785.16 & 1785.25 ( a ), and Cal. Civ. Code 1788.17. 
3. XXXX Account Number : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Issues : Charged-off status, discrepancies, lack of proper notification Violations : FCRA 1681e ( b ) : Failure to ensure maximum possible accuracy FCRA 1681i ( a ) : Failure to properly reinvestigate disputed information FCRA 1681g : Failure to disclose verification records FCRA 1681b : Lack of permissible purpose FDCPA 1692g : Failure to validate debt within 5 days FDCPA 1692e : Misrepresentation of debt status California Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies Act ( CCCRAA ), Cal. Civ.

Code 1785.14 ( b ) Prohibiting reporting information known or should be known to be inaccurate.

CCCRAA, Cal. Civ. Code 1785.16 Failure to disclose method of verification after dispute. 
California Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Cal. Civ. Code 1788.17 Incorporating FDCPA prohibitions against false, deceptive, or misleading representations.

Request : REMOVE AND BLOCK THIS ACCOUNT IMMEDIATELY under FCRA 1681c-2, Cal. Civ. Code 1785.16 & 1785.25 ( a ), and Cal. Civ. Code 1788.17. 
4. XXXX Account Number : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Issues : Charged-off status, discrepancies, lack of proper notification Violations : FCRA 1681e ( b ) : Failure to ensure maximum possible accuracy FCRA 1681i ( a ) : Failure to properly reinvestigate disputed information FCRA 1681g : Failure to disclose verification records FCRA 1681b : Lack of permissible purpose FDCPA 1692g : Failure to validate debt within 5 days FDCPA 1692e : Misrepresentation of debt status California Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies Act ( CCCRAA ), Cal. Civ. 
Code 1785.14 ( b ) Prohibiting reporting information known or should be known to be inaccurate.

CCCRAA, Cal. Civ. Code 1785.16 Failure to disclose method of verification after dispute.

California Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Cal. Civ. Code 1788.17 Incorporating FDCPA prohibitions against false, deceptive, or misleading representations.

Request : REMOVE AND BLOCK THIS ACCOUNT IMMEDIATELY under FCRA 1681c-2, Cal. Civ. Code 1785.16 & 1785.25 ( a ), and Cal. Civ. Code 1788.17. 
5. XXXX Account Number : XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  Issues : Charged-off status, discrepancies, lack of proper notification Violations : FCRA 1681e ( b ) : Failure to ensure maximum possible accuracy FCRA 1681i ( a ) : Failure to properly reinvestigate disputed information FCRA 1681g : Failure to disclose verification records FCRA 1681b : Lack of permissible purpose FDCPA 1692g : Failure to validate debt within 5 days FDCPA 1692e : Misrepresentation of debt status California Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies Act ( CCCRAA ), Cal. Civ.

Code 1785.14 ( b ) Prohibiting reporting information known or should be known to be inaccurate.

CCCRAA, Cal. Civ. Code 1785.16 Failure to disclose method of verification after dispute.

California Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Cal. Civ. Code 1788.17 Incorporating FDCPA prohibitions against false, deceptive, or misleading representations. 

Request : REMOVE AND BLOCK THIS ACCOUNT IMMEDIATELY under FCRA 1681c-2, Cal. Civ. Code 1785.16 & 1785.25 ( a ), and Cal. Civ. Code 1788.17. 
6. XXXX XXXX XXXX Account Number : XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Issues : Charged-off status, discrepancies, lack of proper notification Violations : FCRA 1681e ( b ) : Failure to ensure maximum possible accuracy FCRA 1681i ( a ) : Failure to properly reinvestigate disputed information FCRA 1681g : Failure to disclose verification records FCRA 1681b : Lack of permissible purpose FDCPA 1692g : Failure to validate debt within 5 days FDCPA 1692e : Misrepresentation of debt status California Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies Act ( CCCRAA ), Cal. Civ. 
Code 1785.14 ( b ) Prohibiting reporting information known or should be known to be inaccurate.

CCCRAA, Cal. Civ. Code 1785.16 Failure to disclose method of verification after dispute.

California Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Cal. Civ. Code 1788.17 Incorporating FDCPA prohibitions against false, deceptive, or misleading representations. 

Request : REMOVE AND BLOCK THIS ACCOUNT IMMEDIATELY under FCRA 1681c-2, Cal. Civ. Code 1785.16 & 1785.25 ( a ), and Cal. Civ. Code 1788.17. 
7. XXXX  Account Number : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Issues : Charged-off status, discrepancies, lack of proper notification Violations : FCRA 1681e ( b ) : Failure to ensure maximum possible accuracy FCRA 1681i ( a ) : Failure to properly reinvestigate disputed information FCRA 1681g : Failure to disclose verification records FCRA 1681b : Lack of permissible purpose FDCPA 1692g : Failure to validate debt within 5 days FDCPA 1692e : Misrepresentation of debt status California Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies Act ( CCCRAA ), Cal. Civ.

Code 1785.14 ( b ) Prohibiting reporting information known or should be known to be inaccurate.

CCCRAA, Cal. Civ. Code 1785.16 Failure to disclose method of verification after dispute.

California Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Cal. Civ. Code 1788.17 Incorporating FDCPA prohibitions against false, deceptive, or misleading representations. 

Request : REMOVE AND BLOCK THIS ACCOUNT IMMEDIATELY under FCRA 1681c-2, Cal. Civ. Code 1785.16 & 1785.25 ( a ), and Cal. Civ. Code 1788.17. 
8. XXXX Account Number : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Issues : Charged-off status, discrepancies, lack of proper notification Violations : FCRA 1681e ( b ) : Failure to ensure maximum possible accuracy FCRA 1681i ( a ) : Failure to properly reinvestigate disputed information FCRA 1681g : Failure to disclose verification records FCRA 1681b : Lack of permissible purpose FDCPA 1692g : Failure to validate debt within 5 days FDCPA 1692e : Misrepresentation of debt status California Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies Act ( CCCRAA ), Cal. Civ.

Code 1785.14 ( b ) Prohibiting reporting information known or should be known to be inaccurate.

CCCRAA, Cal. Civ. Code 1785.16 Failure to disclose method of verification after dispute.

California Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Cal. Civ. Code 1788.17 Incorporating FDCPA prohibitions against false, deceptive, or misleading representations. 

Request : REMOVE AND BLOCK THIS ACCOUNT IMMEDIATELY under FCRA 1681c-2, Cal. Civ. Code 1785.16 & 1785.25 ( a ), and Cal. Civ. Code 1788.17. 
9. XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX Account Number : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Issues : Charged-off status, discrepancies, lack of proper notification Violations : FCRA 1681e ( b ) : Failure to ensure maximum possible accuracy FCRA 1681i ( a ) : Failure to properly reinvestigate disputed information FCRA 1681g : Failure to disclose verification records FCRA 1681b : Lack of permissible purpose FDCPA 1692g : Failure to validate debt within 5 days FDCPA 1692e : Misrepresentation of debt status California Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies Act ( CCCRAA ), Cal. Civ.

Code 1785.14 ( b ) Prohibiting reporting information known or should be known to be inaccurate.

CCCRAA, Cal. Civ. Code 1785.16 Failure to disclose method of verification after dispute. 
California Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Cal. Civ. Code 1788.17 Incorporating FDCPA prohibitions against false, deceptive, or misleading representations.

Request : REMOVE AND BLOCK THIS ACCOUNT IMMEDIATELY under FCRA 1681c-2, Cal. Civ. Code 1785.16 & 1785.25 ( a ), and Cal. Civ. Code 1788.17. 
10. XXXX XXXXXXXX ( ORIGINAL CREDITOR : XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX ) Account Number : XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Issues : Charged-off status, discrepancies, lack of proper notification Violations : FCRA 1681e ( b ) : Failure to ensure maximum possible accuracy FCRA 1681i ( a ) : Failure to properly reinvestigate disputed information FCRA 1681g : Failure to disclose verification records FCRA 1681b : Lack of permissible purpose FDCPA 1692g : Failure to validate debt within 5 days FDCPA 1692e : Misrepresentation of debt status California Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies Act ( CCCRAA ), Cal. Civ. 
Code 1785.14 ( b ) Prohibiting reporting information known or should be known to be inaccurate.

CCCRAA, Cal. Civ. Code 1785.16 Failure to disclose method of verification after dispute.

California Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Cal. Civ. Code 1788.17 Incorporating FDCPA prohibitions against false, deceptive, or misleading representations.

Request : REMOVE AND BLOCK THIS ACCOUNT IMMEDIATELY under FCRA 1681c-2, Cal. Civ. Code 1785.16 & 1785.25 ( a ), and Cal. Civ. Code 1788.17. 

11. XXXX XXXX  Account Number : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Issues : Charged-off status, discrepancies, lack of proper notification Violations : FCRA 1681e ( b ) : Failure to ensure maximum possible accuracy FCRA 1681i ( a ) : Failure to properly reinvestigate disputed information FCRA 1681g : Failure to disclose verification records FCRA 1681b : Lack of permissible purpose FDCPA 1692g : Failure to validate debt within 5 days FDCPA 1692e : Misrepresentation of debt status California Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies Act ( CCCRAA ), Cal. Civ.

Code 1785.14 ( b ) Prohibiting reporting information known or should be known to be inaccurate.

CCCRAA, Cal. Civ. Code 1785.16 Failure to disclose method of verification after dispute.

California Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Cal. Civ. Code 1788.17 Incorporating FDCPA prohibitions against false, deceptive, or misleading representations. 

Request : REMOVE AND BLOCK ALL LATE PAYMENTS OF THIS ACCOUNT IMMEDIATELY under FCRA 1681c-2, Cal. Civ. Code 1785.16 & 1785.25 ( a ), and Cal. Civ. Code 1788.17. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX Account Number : XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  Issues : Charged-off status, discrepancies, lack of proper notification Violations : FCRA 1681e ( b ) : Failure to ensure maximum possible accuracy FCRA 1681i ( a ) : Failure to properly reinvestigate disputed information FCRA 1681g : Failure to disclose verification records FCRA 1681b : Lack of permissible purpose FDCPA 1692g : Failure to validate debt within 5 days FDCPA 1692e : Misrepresentation of debt status California Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies Act ( CCCRAA ), Cal. Civ.

Code 1785.14 ( b ) Prohibiting reporting information known or should be known to be inaccurate.

CCCRAA, Cal. Civ. Code 1785.16 Failure to disclose method of verification after dispute.

California Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Cal. Civ. Code 1788.17 Incorporating FDCPA prohibitions against false, deceptive, or misleading representations. 

Request : REMOVE AND BLOCK THIS ACCOUNT IMMEDIATELY under FCRA 1681c-2, Cal. Civ. Code 1785.16 & 1785.25 ( a ), and Cal. Civ. Code 1788.17. 
Fraudulent Hard Inquiry : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX Demand : Immediate deletion and permanent blocking of these inquiries under FCRA 1681c-2, California Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies Act ( CCCRAA ) Cal. Civ.

Code 1785.16.2, and Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act Cal. Civ. Code 1788.17 due to identity theft and lack of verification. 
Incorrect or Unfamiliar Addresses : XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Demand : Immediate deletion and permanent blocking of these addresses under FCRA 1681c-2, California Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies Act ( CCCRAA ) Cal. Civ.

Code 1785.16.2, and Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act Cal. Civ. Code 1788.17 due to identity theft and lack of verification. 
Incorrect Employer Listing : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXXXXXX INCOME Demand : Immediate deletion and permanent blocking of these employers under FCRA 1681c-2, California Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies Act ( CCCRAA ) Cal. Civ. 
Code 1785.16.2, and Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act Cal. Civ. Code 1788.17 due to identity theft and lack of verification. 
Incorrect Name Listing : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Demand : Immediate deletion and permanent blocking of these names under FCRA 1681c-2, California Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies Act ( CCCRAA ) Cal. Civ.

Code 1785.16.2, and Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act Cal. Civ. Code 1788.17 due to identity theft and lack of verification.

Demands for Resolution Immediate Removal and Blockage : Remove and block all fraudulent accounts and unauthorized inquiries from my credit file across all three bureaus.

Ensure that these accounts and inquiries are not reinserted without proper validation as required under 15 U.S.C. 1692g ( b ).

Written Confirmation : Provide written confirmation of the removal of these accounts and inquiries along with updated copies of my credit reports.

Thorough Investigation : Conduct a full investigation into how these fraudulent accounts and inquiries were recorded without my consent.

Provide findings in writing, including all requested verification details, such as contracts and signatures.

Compliance with Identity Theft Protections : Implement fraud alerts and provide me with identity theft resources as mandated under 15 U.S.C. 1681g ( e ). 
The continued noncompliance by Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian has caused significant financial harm and distress. The reinsertion of fraudulent accounts and inquiries without proper validation exacerbates these violations. Given the CFPBs history of legal action against these credit bureaus for similar misconduct, I urge immediate enforcement action to ensure compliance with federal law and provide appropriate remedies under 15 U.S.C. 1681n and 1681o for willful and negligent violations. 
Your intervention is necessary to ensure these Bureaus are held accountable and that my credit report is permanently corrected.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief