Consumer complaint received 2024-10-11 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Improper use of your report — Credit inquiries on your report that you don't recognize
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: FL

Complaint narrative:
I am writing to express my extreme dissatisfaction and frustration with your failure to address the numerous unauthorized hard inquiries on my credit report. There are so many hard inquiries that need to be removed, it's not even funny. This blatant failure to take corrective action is not only negligent but is also seriously and negatively impacting my financial standing. I am being forced to deal with the consequences of your inability to properly handle this issue, and it's unacceptable. 

Violations Committed Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) Violations : Under the FCRA ( 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2 ), consumers are entitled to dispute and have fraudulent or incorrect information removed from their credit reports, including unauthorized hard inquiries. I have provided all the necessary documentation, including an identity theft report, and yet these unauthorized hard inquiries remain on my account, damaging my credit score. Equifaxs failure to remove these inquiries is a clear violation of the FCRA, which mandates that credit reporting agencies take swift action to correct errors and protect consumers from the financial harm caused by fraudulent activity. 
Neglect of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act ( FACTA ) : Under FACTA, a component of the FCRA, you are required to take immediate action when identity theft is reported, which includes removing fraudulent inquiries and information. Your failure to comply with this law is not only negligent but demonstrates a total disregard for your responsibilities to consumers. This is particularly egregious given the number of inquiries that I have already flagged and the fact that Equifax has yet to take any meaningful corrective action. 
Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act ( FDUTPA ) Violations : As a Florida resident, I am also protected under the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act ( FDUTPA ) ( F.S. 501.201 ), which prohibits unfair and deceptive practices in the handling of consumer credit information. Your failure to promptly remove these hard inquiries, despite clear documentation proving they are fraudulent, constitutes an unfair and deceptive trade practice that is causing me significant harm. By not adhering to Floridas laws, Equifax is engaging in practices that are both unethical and illegal under FDUTPA. 
Significant Negative Impact This situation has severely damaged my credit score, which is directly affecting my ability to access financing, secure loans, and even pursue certain employment opportunities. The number of hard inquiries left on my report is so excessive that it is beyond comprehension how Equifax has not taken action yet. Your companys negligence has imposed a serious financial burden on me and has caused unnecessary stress, affecting both my professional and personal life. 

If this issue is not immediately resolved, I am prepared to take further legal action. You have left me with no choice but to protect my rights and seek compensation for the financial damage and emotional distress your company has caused me. 

Your Obligations You are legally required to : Remove all unauthorized hard inquiries from my credit report without further delay. 
Provide written confirmation that these inquiries have been removed and provide a detailed account of all actions taken. 
Stop dragging your feet and fulfill your responsibility to handle disputes in a timely manner, as required by federal and state law. 
Next Steps If Equifax fails to meet these obligations, I will : File formal complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) and the Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ) for your violations of the FCRA and FACTA.

Submit a complaint to the Florida Attorney Generals Office for FDUTPA violations. 
Pursue legal action to seek damages for the financial and emotional toll this situation has caused me. 
You have one final opportunity to fix this mess before I escalate the matter. I expect immediate and comprehensive action from your side to restore the integrity of my credit report.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation