Consumer complaint received 2025-03-28 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: OK

Complaint narrative:
Re : Dispute of Bankruptcy Reporting Practices Reflecting Racial Inequities Under Executive Order 14117, FCRA, ECOA, and CFPB/FTC Regulations I am writing to formally dispute the bankruptcy information contained in my Equifax credit report, which I believe reflects systemic racial inequities in violation of federal law and Executive Order 14117 ( Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government, XX/XX/year> ). 
FACTUAL BACKGROUND I am a XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX consumer who has consistently maintained responsible financial practices, including timely bill payments, stable employment, and prudent account management. Despite these positive behaviors, my credit report includes a bankruptcy entry that I believe disproportionately penalizes me due to systemic racial biases embedded in traditional credit reporting practices.

Specifically, I am disputing the following : Bankruptcy Entry : The reported bankruptcy adversely affects my creditworthiness. Research indicates that consumers in majority XXXX and XXXX neighborhoods are more likely to have disputes on their credit reports, suggesting systemic issues in credit reporting practices. 
Credit Score Model Application : My credit score appears to be calculated using traditional models that fail to incorporate alternative data points, such as rental and utility payment histories. While alternative data has been proposed to address credit invisibility, it is not a panacea and must be used cautiously to avoid perpetuating existing disparities. 
Geographic Disparity/Redlining Impact : My credit assessment is negatively impacted by my residence in a historically redlined area that continues to experience systemic disinvestment and economic marginalization.

LEGAL BASIS FOR DISPUTE This dispute is filed pursuant to : The Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), 15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq., which mandates that credit reporting agencies ( CRAs ) maintain accurate, fair, and verified information in consumer credit reports.

The Equal Credit Opportunity Act ( ECOA ), 15 U.S.C. 1691 et seq., which prohibits discrimination in credit transactions based on race, color, national origin, and other protected characteristics.

Executive Order 14117, which directs federal agencies to address systemic barriers to equitable credit access and capital for underserved communities, specifically requiring action to prevent discriminatory outcomes in credit reporting practices.

Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ) and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) Regulations, including 12 C.F.R. Part 1022, which govern the accuracy and integrity of information reported by CRAs and mandate a reasonable investigation of consumer disputes.

CONCLUSION Pursuant to the FCRA, 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ), you are required to investigate this dispute within 30 days of receipt. Should the disputed information be found unverifiable, I expect immediate removal or correction of the information from my credit report, as required by law.

I am fully aware of my rights under federal law and Executive Order 14117, and I am prepared to pursue all available remedies, including filing formal complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ), Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ), and other relevant agencies if this matter is not resolved satisfactorily.

I respectfully request that you : 1. Conduct a Thorough Investigation of the disputed bankruptcy entry, including consideration of alternative credit data ( such as rental and utility payment histories ) in accordance with the principles set forth in Executive Order 14117 and CFPB recommendations.

2. Correct or Remove All Inaccurate Information identified above to ensure compliance with the FCRA and ECOA.

3. Adopt Credit Scoring Models that reflect equitable methodologies consistent with federal mandates, reducing the adverse impact of legacy systems that disproportionately harm consumers in historically marginalized communities.

4. Provide a Written Explanation of your findings and corrective actions taken, along with an updated copy of my credit report reflecting all corrections. 

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Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation