Consumer complaint received 2025-02-17 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Problem with a company's investigation into an existing problem — Investigation took more than 30 days
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: MI

Complaint narrative:
Subject : Formal Complaint Against Experian for FCRA Violations and Deceptive Practices To Whom It May Concern, I am filing a formal complaint against Experian due to their repeated violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), deceptive practices, and failure to comply with federal law despite multiple disputes and the submission of legally sufficient documentation, including my FTC Identity Theft Affidavit and police report. Provided an actual police report and was denied and stated it was not filed with a law enforcement agency. Which I provided proof. 

Violations Committed by Experian 1. Failure to Block Fraudulent Accounts Violation of FCRA 605B ( 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2 ) * I submitted an FTC Identity Theft Affidavit, a police report, my Social Security card , government ID, and utility bill to Experian requesting the immediate blocking of fraudulent accounts. 
* Despite having legally sufficient documentation, Experian refused to block fraudulent accounts, claiming that I did not provide the required documents, which is false. 
* Legal Precedent : XXXX v. XXXX, XXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXX ( XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX ) Credit bureaus must conduct a reasonable investigation when a dispute is filed. 
2. Unlawful Reinsertion of Deleted Accounts Violation of FCRA 1681i ( a ) ( 5 ) ( B ) * Experian previously deleted fraudulent accounts, including XXXX and other accounts, yet these accounts were reinserted without notifying me as required by law. 
* FCRA Mandate : If a previously deleted item is reinserted, the credit bureau must notify the consumer in writing within five business days, which Experian failed to do. 
* Legal Precedent : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXX ( XXXX XXXX. XXXX ) Credit bureaus must ensure the accuracy of reported information. 
3. Failure to Remove Incorrect Addresses and Associated Fraudulent Accounts * My credit report contains addresses that I have never lived at, yet Experian refuses to remove them, falsely claiming that these addresses are linked to accounts they refuse to delete. 
* FCRA Violation : If fraudulent accounts are reported, all information associated with identity theft must be removed. 
4. Failure to Provide Proof of Verification Violation of FCRA 1681i ( a ) ( 6 ) ( B ) ( iii ) * Experian claims that furnishers verified disputed accounts, but they refuse to provide proof of how this verification was conducted. 
* I have a legal right to request the method of verification, and Experian must provide the name and contact information of the furnisher, along with the specific documents used for verification. 
5. Obstruction of the Dispute Process and Consumer Access * Experian has denied me access to online and telephone dispute options, falsely claiming they can not verify my identity. 
* FCRA Violation : Experian is obstructing my ability to dispute fraudulent information by preventing me from utilizing standard dispute channels. 
6. Emotional Distress and Financial Harm Due to Experians Negligence * The repeated errors, unauthorized reinsertions, and failure to act on my identity theft documentation have caused significant stress, emotional anguish, and financial harm, affecting my creditworthiness. 
* Legal Grounds for Compensation : Under 15 U.S.C. 1681n, Experian may be liable for actual damages, statutory damages, and punitive damages for willful violations of the FCRA. 
Requested Actions from CFPB 1. Investigate Experian for Willful FCRA Violations and Deceptive Practices * Require Experian to immediately block all fraudulent accounts as required under FCRA 605B. 
* Hold Experian accountable for repeated violations and deceptive reinsertion practices. 
2. Demand Experian Provide Full Verification or Delete All Fraudulent Accounts * Require Experian to provide direct proof from the original creditor or collection agency regarding all disputed accounts. 
* If Experian can not produce original documentation, the accounts must be permanently deleted. 
3. Require Experian to Provide Financial Compensation for Damages * Due to Experians reckless handling of my credit report, I demand financial compensation for the harm caused, including : * Emotional distress * Loss of financial opportunities * Increased credit costs due to inaccurate reporting 4. Monitor Experian for Further Violations * CFPB should investigate how Experian obstructs the dispute process, including denying consumers online and phone access under false pretexts. 
I request immediate corrective action, and I expect a resolution within the legally required timeframe. Failure to act will result in further escalation, including arbitration and legal action. 
Sincerely, XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation