Consumer complaint received 2025-03-19 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: MD

Complaint narrative:
I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding the handling of my disputes with XXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXX, and XXXX XXXX, as well as the subsequent failure of the credit bureau to conduct a proper investigation. This issue not only involves violations of my consumer rights but also blatant disregard for the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) and other relevant credit reporting laws. I am appalled by the lack of transparency, accountability, and the outright mishandling of my dispute. 

Background : I initiated a direct dispute with the aforementioned creditors regarding accounts that I did not open or authorize. My dispute was clear : I asked for a thorough and comprehensive investigation into these accounts. The credit bureau, after receiving my dispute, claimed they had verified the accounts through the furnisher. However, upon further investigation, XXXX of the disputed companies XXXX informed me that they could not locate or verify any account associated with my name. This directly contradicts the claim made by the credit bureau that these accounts had been verified. In light of this, I am asking how these accounts can possibly be verified if the company in question can not even find an account linked to my name. 

Violations of FCRA and Other Credit Reporting Laws : Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), when a consumer disputes an entry on their credit report, the credit bureau is required to investigate the matter thoroughly, and they are obligated to provide me with the results of the investigation in a reasonable timeframe. The FCRA also requires that any information being reported is accurate and verifiable. Yet, the response I received was wholly insufficient. 

The lack of action from the credit bureau is a clear violation of FCRA Section XXXX, which mandates that a credit bureau must complete an investigation within XXXX days. This deadline has clearly passed, and I am still left without any substantial evidence proving that these accounts are valid. 

Failure to Provide Documentation and Proper Investigation : Despite my repeated requests, none of the creditors or the credit bureau has provided me with critical documentation that is required by law to substantiate the accounts in question. Specifically, I have asked for the following documentation : A signed contract or agreement, including an original or wet signature, proving my consent and acceptance of the terms of the account. 
Any communication or documentation from the creditor that explicitly links the account to my identity, such as account applications or signed loan agreements. 
Supporting documentation proving my responsibility for the account, such as payment records, billing statements, or other official documents. 
To date, I have received NOTHING that validates the accounts in question. 

Continued Verification Without Proper Proof : The credit bureau continues to report that these accounts have been verified, despite the fact that XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX of the companies in question, explicitly stated that they could not locate any account tied to me. This raises serious questions about the verification process employed by the credit bureau and how they are confirming the validity of these accounts without any supporting evidence. The verification process has been utterly opaque, and my requests for clarification have gone unanswered. Asking me to call does not constitute an official verification of an account, nor does it provide me with any tangible evidence. 

As a consumer, I am entitled to clear and precise documentation proving the legitimacy of the debts being reported on my credit report. If these companies are unable to provide any such documentation, the accounts must be removed from my report immediately. 

Conclusion and Request for XXXX : The conduct of both the credit bureau and the creditors involved is not only frustrating but illegal under the FCRA. I demand the following actions be taken : XXXX removal of the disputed accounts ( XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX ) from my credit report until proper verification and documentation can be provided. This includes evidence of signed contracts, account application forms, and payment records that substantiate the debts. 
A full, written explanation from the credit bureau and the disputed creditors regarding how the investigation was conducted, including any documentation that was provided to verify the accuracy of the accounts. 
A written response that details the steps the credit bureau and creditors will take to ensure compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and other relevant consumer protection laws in the future. 
Should this matter not be resolved promptly, I will be forced to escalate the situation, including filing complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) and seeking legal counsel to pursue further action. 

I expect a timely response and a resolution that aligns with both my legal rights and your obligations under the FCRA.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief