Consumer complaint received 2024-05-22 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Improper use of your report — Reporting company used your report improperly
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: FL

Complaint narrative:
I am writing to formally contest and request the removal of an erroneous debt listing on my credit report, erroneously reported by XXXX XXXX XXXX. This claim pertains to an alleged debt with XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX ( FL ), which is not only incorrect but has also been mishandled in a manner that breaches multiple legal standards.

This matter is currently under investigation by the Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ), the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ), and other regulatory bodies, with a CFPB report already filed under number XXXX. Despite my disputes and the ongoing investigation, XXXX XXXX XXXX has continued to report this disputed debt on my credit file, a clear violation of federal laws. 

XXXX XXXX XXXX, along with XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, has failed to provide a detailed, itemized bill of cleaning charges, removing wrong XX/XX/year>, charges and others. They promised to furnish this documentation within a reasonable period, yet nearly two months have passed without any proper evidence or proper validation of the debt being provided. 

**Legal Violations Include : ** - **15 U.S.C. 1692e ( 2 ), FDCPA** : This statute forbids the misrepresentation of the character, amount, or legal status of any debt. By attributing a shared debt ( also a wrong debt ) solely to me, XXXX XXXX misrepresents both the character and amount of the debt. 

- **15 U.S.C. 1681s-2, FCRA** : Mandates that all information furnished to credit reporting agencies must be accurate. Reporting this debt under only my name, when it is a shared obligation ( also a wrong debt ), constitutes a violation of this law.

- **15 U.S.C. 1692e, FDCPA** : Prohibits deceptive practices in debt collection, including false representation or the use of misleading means in debt collection activities.

- **15 U.S.C. 1692f, FDCPA** : Outlaws the use of unfair or unconscionable means to collect a debt. Imposing the entire burden of a shared debt ( also a wrong debt ) on a single individual is considered an unfair practice.

- **15 U.S.C. 1692g ( b ), FDCPA** : Requires cessation of collection efforts following a dispute until the debt is verified. XXXX XXXX XXXX has continued collection activities without providing the necessary verification in detail. 

- **15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 3 ), FCRA** : Requires a furnisher to investigate a disputed debt and mark it as disputed on the credit report if the dispute remains unresolved. The failure to mark the debt as disputed on my credit report is a non-compliance with this requirement.

- **15 U.S.C. 1692d, FDCPA** : Addresses harassment and abuse in debt collection, where repeated reporting of a disputed debt can be deemed as harassment.

- **15 U.S.C. 1681b, FCRA** : Prohibits accessing a credit report without written consent or a permissible purpose, making unauthorized access a violation of privacy rights.

- **15 U.S.C. 1692e ( 2 ), FDCPA** : Prohibits the collection of a debt not evidenced by my name on the billing documentation provided, misrepresenting the debt 's legal status.

- **15 U.S.C. 1691, ECOA** : While primarily applying to creditors, discriminatory actions based on national origin or other protected statuses might also extend to debt collection practices.

Under the Florida Consumer Collection Practices Act ( FCCPA ), both debt collectors and creditors are prohibited from engaging in abusive, deceptive, or misleading practices. This includes the failure to validate a debt upon request and pursuing a debt without adequate proof or misleading claims regarding the debt 's validity.

In Florida, if debt collectors chase me without valid evidence or my consent, and the original creditor hasn't provided debt proof promptly, they may be breaking both state and federal laws. The Florida Consumer Collection Practices Act ( FCCPA ) bans abusive or deceptive tactics by collectors and creditors. Violations include not validating debts upon request and misrepresenting the debt 's nature, amount, or legality.

Given these violations and the lack of evidence supporting the claim against me, I insist on the immediate cessation of all collection efforts and the removal of this entry from my credit report. I expect a prompt resolution to this matter, ensuring compliance with all relevant consumer protection laws.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation