Consumer complaint received 2024-12-09 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: NY

Complaint narrative:
Consumer Name : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX : XX/XX/year>XXXX  Consumer SSN : XXXX Contents of this complaint : This CFPB complaint has been filed to request pursuant of FCRA Section 605B ( 15 U.S.C. Section 1681c-2 ) that you, the Equifax credit reporting agency , block information appearing on my consumer credit report that is the result of identity theft and fraud within 4 business days of you receiving this complaint. This fraudulent, inaccurate, and false information consists of a collection account from XXXX XXXX XXXX  ( Original Creditor : XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX ) with a balance of {$2400.00}. 

These accounts have resulted in several hard inquiries and fraudulent collections appearing on my consumer FICO credit report. I have listed these fraudulent accounts that are on the report that is being maintained by you. I do not recognize the accounts, collections, or hard inquiries as reported. The accounts, collections, and hard inquiries appearing on my consumer credit report that is being maintained by you were not opened, made, or initiated by me. All the accounts, collections, and hard inquiries are the result of identity theft and fraud. I have attached a copy of FTC Identity Theft Criminal Complaint # XXXX as proof from the US Federal Trade Commission that all the consumer credit accounts, collections, and hard inquiries are the result of identity theft and fraud. 

The disputed collection account has been inaccurately reported on my credit file, and I have repeatedly disputed this information with Equifax. I have asked for an investigation into the accounts accuracy and requested that it be removed, but to date, I have not received a resolution, and the account remains on my credit report. 

I have submitted multiple dispute letters to Equifax requesting an investigation and the removal of the inaccurate collection account. 
I have provided documentation and requested validation of the debt but have received no substantial response or action from XXXX. 

Laws Violated by Equifax : Failure to Investigate Dispute ( FCRA Section 611 ) : Under FCRA Section 611, Equifax is required to investigate a dispute within 30 days of receiving a consumers dispute. Despite my repeated requests, Equifax has not properly investigated the matter or provided any meaningful response, which is a violation of the FCRA. 

Failure to Correct or Remove Inaccurate Information ( FCRA Sections 609 & 605 ) : Under FCRA Section 609, credit reporting agencies are required to report only accurate and verifiable information. If the collection account can not be validated, Equifax is obligated to remove it. Additionally, under FCRA Section 605, if the account is outdated ( i.e., it has been more than 7 years since the collection account was reported ), Equifax is required to remove it. The continued reporting of this account violates these provisions. 

Failure to Provide Notice of Dispute Results ( FCRA Section 611 ( a ) ( 6 ) ) : Equifax has failed to provide me with the required notice of the results of their investigation as mandated by FCRA Section 611 ( a ) ( 6 ). This failure to communicate the outcome is a further violation of my consumer rights. 

Failure to Notify Furnishers ( FCRA Section 623 ) : Under FCRA Section 623, Equifax is required to notify the furnisher ( i.e., the collection agency ) of any dispute and ensure that the information is properly investigated. If Equifax has failed to do so, it constitutes a violation of this law. 

Violation of Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ) : If the debt reported is incorrect or has not been properly validated, the collection agency and Equifax may be violating FDCPA Section 809, which requires that debt collectors provide validation of the debt upon dispute. The failure to do so further violates my rights under the FDCPA.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief