Consumer complaint received 2025-07-14 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Incorrect information on your report — Information belongs to someone else
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: CA

Complaint narrative:
# FORMAL DISPUTE LETTER - CHARGED OFF ACCOUNTS * * TO : * * Credit Reporting Agency * * FROM : * * XXXX XXXX * * CC : * * Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) * * RE : * * Formal Dispute Under Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) - Charged Off Accounts I am writing to formally dispute inaccurate charged off accounts that are erroneously appearing on my credit report across all three major credit bureaus. These accounts are being reported in violation of federal consumer protection laws and must be immediately removed from my credit file. 

* * DISPUTED ACCOUNTS REQUIRING IMMEDIATE DELETION : * * - XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX - {$2600.00} ( Charged Off ) - XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX  - {$1000.00} ( Charged Off ) * * COMPREHENSIVE LEGAL BASIS FOR DISPUTE : * * This dispute is filed under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) and related consumer protection statutes. The following federal laws are directly applicable to this matter : * * PRIMARY FCRA VIOLATIONS : * * - * * 15 U.S.C. 1681e ( b ) - Reasonable Procedures to Assure Maximum Possible Accuracy * * : Credit reporting agencies must follow reasonable procedures to assure maximum possible accuracy of consumer report information. The continued reporting of these disputed accounts without proper verification violates this fundamental requirement.

- * * 15 U.S.C. 1681b - Permissible Purposes of Consumer Reports * * : These accounts may have been initially reported without proper permissible purpose verification, and their continued presence on my credit report lacks legitimate business need. 

* * ADDITIONAL APPLICABLE CONSUMER PROTECTION LAWS : * * - * * 15 U.S.C. 1681c - Requirements Relating to Information Contained in Consumer Reports * * : Charged off accounts must be accurately reported with proper dates and amounts, and may be subject to reporting time limitations.

- * * 15 U.S.C. 1681i - Procedure in Case of Disputed Accuracy * * : Upon receipt of this dispute, you are required to conduct a reasonable investigation and delete any information that can not be verified as accurate.

- * * 15 U.S.C. 1681j - Charges for Certain Disclosures * * : This section reinforces consumer rights regarding dispute procedures and disclosure requirements.

- * * 15 U.S.C. 1681k - Public Record Information for Employment Purposes * * : While not directly applicable, this section emphasizes the importance of accuracy in all reported information. 
- * * 15 U.S.C. 1681n - Civil Liability for Willful Noncompliance * * : Willful failure to comply with FCRA requirements may result in actual damages, statutory damages, punitive damages, and attorney fees.

- * * 15 U.S.C. 1681o - Civil Liability for Negligent Noncompliance * * : Negligent failure to comply with FCRA requirements may result in actual damages and attorney fees.

* * FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT ( FDCPA ) CONSIDERATIONS : * * - * * 15 U.S.C. 1692f - Unfair Practices * * : If these accounts are being reported by debt collectors, their reporting practices must comply with FDCPA requirements.

- * * 15 U.S.C. 1692g - Validation of Debts * * : Any collection activities related to these accounts must include proper debt validation procedures.

* * DETAILED STATEMENT OF DISPUTE : * * I am formally disputing the accuracy, completeness, and verifiability of the above-listed charged off accounts for the following reasons : 1. * * Lack of Proper Verification * * : The original creditors and/or their successors have failed to provide adequate verification of these accounts as required under FCRA provisions XXXX 
1. * * Inaccurate Reporting * * : The accounts may contain inaccurate information regarding dates, amounts, payment history, or account status.

1. * * Procedural Violations * * : The accounts may have been reported without following proper procedures required under 15 U.S.C. 1681e ( b ) for ensuring maximum possible accuracy.

1. * * Permissible Purpose Issues * * : The continued reporting of these accounts may lack proper permissible purpose under 15 U.S.C. 1681b.

* * HARM CAUSED BY INACCURATE REPORTING : * * The presence of these disputed accounts on my credit report has caused substantial harm, including : - Significant reduction in credit score - Denial of credit applications- Increased interest rates on approved credit - Difficulty obtaining housing and employment - Emotional distress and financial hardship - Time and resources spent attempting to resolve these matters * * CFPB NOTIFICATION : * * I am simultaneously filing a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau regarding these disputed accounts and the failure of credit reporting agencies to maintain accurate records in compliance with federal consumer protection laws. 

* * DEMANDED ACTIONS : * * 1. * * Immediate Investigation * * : Conduct a thorough investigation of all disputed accounts within the 30-day period mandated by 15 U.S.C. 1681i.

1. * * Permanent Deletion * * : Remove all disputed accounts from my credit file at all three major credit bureaus ( Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion ) if they can not be verified as accurate under the standards of 15 U.S.C. 1681e ( b ).

1. * * Creditor Notification * * : Notify all listed creditors that these accounts have been disputed and deleted due to failure to meet FCRA accuracy standards.

1. * * Updated Credit Reports * * : Provide me with updated credit reports from all three bureaus showing the removal of these accounts.

1. * * Correction Notices * * : Issue correction notices to any entities that have accessed my credit report in the past 24 months.

* * VERIFICATION REQUIREMENTS : * * If you claim these accounts are accurate and verifiable, you must provide : - Original signed agreements or applications - Complete payment history and account statements- Proper chain of custody documentation - Verification that reporting procedures comply with 15 U.S.C. 1681e ( b ) - Documentation of permissible purpose under 15 U.S.C. 1681b * * LEGAL CONSEQUENCES OF NON-COMPLIANCE : * * Please be advised that failure to comply with this dispute within the statutory timeframe may result in : - Civil action under 15 U.S.C. 1681n for willful noncompliance - Civil action under 15 U.S.C. 1681o for negligent noncompliance - Seeking actual damages, statutory damages up to {$1000.00}, punitive damages, and attorney fees- Formal complaints to federal and state regulatory agencies - Complaints to state attorneys general and consumer protection agencies * * CONCLUSION : * * The continued reporting of these disputed accounts without proper verification under 15 U.S.C. 1681e ( b ) constitutes a violation of federal consumer protection laws. I demand immediate compliance with FCRA requirements and complete resolution of this matter. 

I expect your written response within 30 days confirming the deletion of all disputed accounts and providing updated credit reports reflecting these corrections. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief