Consumer complaint received 2024-10-31 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: TX

Complaint narrative:
NEEDS RE-INVESTIGATION RE : [ XXXX XXXX XXXX, THE CREDITOR-Account Number : [ XXXX ] Equifax stated in their response to the CFPB that XXXX XXXX XXXX , the creditor associated with account number XXXX, confirmed the accuracy of the reported status and payment history. I disagree with this assertion. I do not accept conclusions based on hearsay. Under 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( 7 ), Description of reinvestigation procedure A consumer reporting agency shall provide to a consumer a description referred to in paragraph ( 6 ) ( B ) ( iii ) by not later than 15 days after receiving a request from the consumer for that description. I have repeatedly requested that Equifax and XXXX provide the verification method used to ensure the complete accuracy and verifiability of the information in my consumer file. To this day, my requests have gone unanswered, and I have not received any proper documentation or proof detailing the processes they used to verify the disputed item, including the name and contact information of the individual they consulted and any contracts with that creditor that bear my signature and proof of identity. I demand proper documentation, not just the results of an alleged phone call with the creditor, as both credit bureaus are responsible for the information they are individually reporting on my consumer report. If the creditor claims that the reported status was correct, why is the historical account information updated and modified every time I submit a dispute? You also assert that the date of last activity is accurate ; how can you confirm this based solely on an alleged phone call without proper documentation and a clear method of verification? Why does the account change every time I dispute it? Each dispute I submit results in an updated inquiry that is then deemed accurate. What exactly is being updated if all previous dispute responses indicate that the account is correct? This is misleading and constitutes a clear violation of my consumer rights. I can see on their websites that this account has been disputed multiple times without a thorough investigation, leading me to believe that this account lacks proper documentation and can not be verified or validated. 
I strongly believe that my consumer file is being mishandled by both bureaus. In recent weeks, I have repeatedly reached out to remind both companies of their responsibilities under 15 USC 1681. It appears they are deliberately ignoring my concerns. According to 15 USC 1681e ( b ), I am entitled to complete accuracy in my report as required by federal law. Furthermore, 15 USC 1681i ( A.5 ) states that any unverified or inaccurate information must be removed promptly after a reinvestigation on the 30th day after receiving the dispute. How many investigations are necessary to confirm that both bureaus are reporting incorrect or unverifiable information? I am concerned about your claim that the account you are reporting is accurate, particularly since both XXXX and Equifax have also CERTIFIED the accuracy of their reports, even though they both contain inaccurate information. XXXX does not even show this account in their records. To highlight a few inaccuracies : Both bureaus list this account as " open, '' which does not comply with FCRA regulations. A charge-off is inherently late and should be classified as a " closed account, '' not an open one. The last active date for the account is inconsistent between XXXX and Equifax, with a years difference in the reported dates. XXXX consistently shows " Charge-Off '' in the payment history from XX/XX/XXXX to XX/XX/XXXX, which is not permissible for this type of account, while Equifax indicates `` OK '' payments from XX/XX/XXXX to XX/XX/XXXX for an alleged " open account '' that was closed in midXXXX. How is this considered accurate reporting? This clearly demonstrates their inaccurate reporting, and this account must be removed immediately. The ongoing inconsistencies reported by both credit bureaus are NOT IN FCRA COMPLIANCE. 
I have all the necessary documentation, including timestamps of my disputes, the information I requested, and the responses from your bureau. I want you to understand that I am fully aware of my rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, and I will pursue further Litigation action if this matter is not resolved and deleted off from my consumer file. You may be liable for {$1000.00} for each violation listed on my consumer report. According to 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( 7 ), you must provide all method of verification by supplying documentation and proof as stated above within 15 days. Under 15 U.S.C. 1681e ( b ), the credit bureau is obligated to ensure the highest possible accuracy in reporting. Therefore, if you can not provide the requested documentation and proof of accuracy and validation, I demand that this account be removed from my credit report immediately before the end of the 30 day. I expect full adherence to all regulations regarding credit reporting as specified in the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Sincerely, XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation