Consumer complaint received 2024-10-21 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Incorrect information on your report — Public record information inaccurate
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: IL

Complaint narrative:
What happened? 

I am filing this complaint because a XXXX  XXXX bankruptcy is incorrectly listed on my credit reports with XXXX, XXXX, and Equifax. The bankruptcy is reported as being filed on XX/XX/XXXX, in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in XXXX, Illinois. However, I did not file this bankruptcy, and despite multiple attempts to dispute it, the credit bureaus have not removed it. 

Having this incorrect bankruptcy on my credit reports has been incredibly stressful. It has harmed my credit score and has caused me to be denied credit opportunities. I have repeatedly requested that the credit bureaus investigate and validate the bankruptcy with official court records, but to date, no documentation has been provided, and the bankruptcy remains on my reports. 

What actions did I take? 

1. First Dispute XX/XX/XXXX : I sent disputes to XXXX, XXXX, and Equifax requesting that they investigate the bankruptcy entry and remove it if it could not be validated with court records. Each bureau responded, but the bankruptcy was not removed, and no supporting documentation was provided. 
2. XXXX Round of Disputes XX/XX/XXXX : After receiving no meaningful resolution, I sent a second round of dispute letters in XX/XX/XXXX to all three credit bureaus, demanding validation from official court records. 

3. Filed Complaints with CFPB XX/XX/XXXX : When my disputes were still not resolved, I filed additional complaints with the CFPB against XXXX, XXXX, and Equifax, as well as with XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX regarding a debt collection issue. These complaints are still in progress, but so far, there has been no resolution regarding the bankruptcy entry. 

4. Final Round of Disputes XX/XX/XXXX : I recently sent another set of letters requesting full documentation of the investigation process and proof of validation from official court sources. None of the bureaus have provided evidence that the bankruptcy is valid, but it remains on my credit reports. 

What I am requesting : I am asking that the XXXX  XXXX bankruptcy be removed from my credit reports with XXXX, XXXX, and Equifax, as it is inaccurate and unverifiable. If the credit bureaus are unable to validate the bankruptcy with official court records, they are required under FCRA 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) to remove it immediately.

Additionally, I respectfully request the following : 1. Written confirmation from each credit bureau confirming that the bankruptcy has been removed. 
2. Updated copies of my credit reports reflecting the removal of the bankruptcy.

3. Notification to any lenders or creditors who accessed my reports while the bankruptcy was listed, informing them of the correction. 
4. Assurance that the bankruptcy will not be reinserted unless it is properly validated through court records, as required by FCRA 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 5 ) ( B ).

Relevant Statutes and Case Law : FCRA, 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) : Credit bureaus are required to investigate disputed items and remove unverifiable information within 30 days. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, 115 F.3d 220 ( 3rd Cir. XXXX  ) : This case affirmed that credit reporting agencies must conduct reasonable and thorough investigations when consumers dispute items on their reports. 

Conclusion : I have made every effort to resolve this issue, but I am still being penalized by an inaccurate bankruptcy entry that does not belong to me. I am asking the CFPB to investigate this matter and ensure that the credit bureaus comply with their legal obligation to report only accurate and verifiable information. 

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation