Consumer complaint received 2025-03-03 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: Experian Information Solutions Inc.
State: NJ

Complaint narrative:
Formal Complaint Requesting Investigation, Account Deletion, and Corporate Tax Document Review Dear CFPB, I am submitting this formal complaint as a paralegal student acting on behalf of myself, regarding significant inaccuracies and retaliatory reporting practices carried out by XXXX  XXXX and reported to the major credit bureaus ( Experian, XXXX, and XXXX ). These actions are not only in violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) but also demonstrate deceptive practices, causing undue harm to my creditworthiness. My objective in bringing this matter to your attention is to secure appropriate corrective action, accountability, and transparency. 

Summary of Key Issues and Evidence : 1. Inconsistent Reporting History : - My Experian credit report dated XX/XX/XXXX, accurately classified the account as a charge-off as of that date. 

- A later Experian credit report dated XX/XX/XXXX, improperly backdated the account 's classification as a collection account for XXXX, XXXX, XXXX, and XXXX of XXXX. 

- Most concerning, my Experian credit report dated XX/XX/XXXX, extended this misrepresentation further, showing the account as a collection account for XX/XX/XXXX through XX/XX/XXXX. 

2. Original Delinquency Date : - The account first became delinquent in XX/XX/XXXX, which should be used as the basis for the seven-year reporting period as mandated under the FCRA. 

3. Evidence of Retaliatory Practices by XXXX XXXX : - Following my legitimate request for a 1099-C form regarding the charged-off account, XXXX XXXXXXXX failed to provide the documentation. Instead, they reclassified the account as a collection account, backdating this change to XX/XX/XXXX. 

- XXXX XXXX also reported the charge-off to the IRS in XXXX to obtain a corporate tax benefit. Despite this, their inaccurate reporting practices suggest an intent to retaliate against me for exercising my rights. 

4. Harm Caused by Misrepresentation : - The repeated inaccuracies and extension of the reporting period as a collection account have caused extensive damage to my creditworthiness, limiting my financial opportunities and undermining my ability to achieve financial goals. 

Violations of the FCRA and Supporting Case Law : Under the FCRA, credit reporting agencies and furnishers are required to report accurate, complete, and non-misleading information. The following case laws highlight the importance of compliance and the consequences of violations : - XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXX. XXXX XXXX ( XXXX XXXX ) : This case emphasized that consumer reporting agencies must ensure the accuracy of reported information, even when it involves the straightforward application of law to facts. The court ruled that agencies can not avoid liability by claiming that inaccuracies are legal determinations rather than factual errors. 
- XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX ___ ( XXXX ) : The Supreme Court ruled that inaccurate reporting causing harm to a consumers creditworthiness constitutes a violation of the FCRA. This case underscores the obligation of furnishers and credit bureaus to avoid practices that harm consumers. 
- XXXX XXXX. XXXX XXXX. XXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXX ( XXXX XXXX. XXXX ) : In this case, XXXX was ordered to pay significant damages for failing to correct inaccuracies on a consumers credit report. This demonstrates the severe consequences of noncompliance with the FCRA. 

XXXX XXXX  actions, including the backdating of the account as a collection account and the refusal to issue a 1099-C form, clearly violate these established legal precedents and the FCRAs requirements for accuracy and fairness.

Requested Resolutions : To address this matter appropriately, I respectfully request the following : 1. Immediate and Permanent Deletion of the Account from All Credit Bureaus : - I request the removal of the account in question from all three major credit bureausExperian, XXXX, and XXXX rectify the harm caused by the misrepresentation and to ensure accuracy across all credit reports. 

2. Submission of XXXX XXXX Corporate Tax Return for XXXX : - To assess XXXX XXXX handling of this account and their intentions, I request that XXXX XXXX submit their XXXX corporate tax return ( filed in XXXX ) to CFPB investigators. This documentation should confirm whether the charge-off was reported as a tax benefit. 

3. 15-Day Deadline for Compliance : - I respectfully request that XXXX XXXX comply with these corrective actions within 15 days of notification. If they fail to provide the requested tax documentation, the CFPB should enforce the immediate deletion of the account from all credit bureaus. 

4. Comprehensive Investigation and Findings : - I ask that the CFPB conduct a detailed investigation into XXXX XXXX practices, particularly the reclassification of the account following my request for a 1099-C, and whether these actions constitute retaliation or further violations of the FCRA. 
- Upon conclusion of the investigation, I also request a complete copy of the CFPBs findings for my records. 

5. Preventive Measures : - I urge the CFPB to implement measures to ensure that XXXX XXXX and the credit bureaus cease any further inaccuracies or retaliatory actions regarding this account. The outcome of this case should set a standard for safeguarding consumers from such practices. 

Supporting Documentation : To support my claims, I have included the following : - My XX/XX/XXXX, Experian credit report showing the account as a charge-off. 
- My XX/XX/XXXX, Experian credit report showing the continued reporting of the account as a collection account through XX/XX/XXXX. 
- Screenshots of the payment history that confirm the original delinquency date and account status. 
-The XXXX  XXXX Account listed on the credit reports as XXXX I trust that the CFPB will take the necessary actions to resolve this matter, enforce compliance with federal regulations, and hold XXXX  XXXX accountable for these practices. Please feel free to contact me at [ Your Phone Number ] or via email at [ Your Email Address ] for any additional information or updates related to this complaint. 

Thank you for your time and attention.

Company public response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation