Consumer complaint received 2025-06-06 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: MO

Complaint narrative:
Equifax Information Services LLC XXXX. XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX Subject : Formal Identity Theft Notification and Final Legal Warning Regarding Fraudulent XXXX XXXX Accounts To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally dispute and demand the immediate removal of two ( 2 ) unauthorized XXXX XXXX accounts currently appearing on my Equifax credit report. These accounts were fraudulently opened without my knowledge, consent, or authorization, and their continued presence on my report is in direct violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), 15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.

Background and Supporting Documentation I am a verified victim of identity theft and have submitted the following documents as required under 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2 ( a ) : A Federal Trade Commission XXXX FTC ) Identity Theft Report, A copy of my U.S. Passport for identity verification, A recent utility bill confirming my address, A signed statement identifying the fraudulent XXXX XXXX accounts and affirming they are not associated with any transactions I authorized.

These documents were submitted to Equifax through previous disputes. Despite this, Equifax has failed to take the legally required action of blocking and removing the fraudulent accounts from my credit file.

Legal Requirement 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2 ( a ) : Once pr
oper identity theft documentation is received, Equifax is required to block the disputed information within 4 business days. This blocking requirement is mandatory and can not be delayed due to internal investigations or awaiting a response from the creditor ( furnisher ). FTC Guidance : The Federal Trade Commission has mad
e it explicitly clear that the identity theft blocking obligation under 1681c-2 is not discretionary. Equifax must block the reporting immediately upon receipt of sufficient documentation. 

Continued Reporting During Investigation is Illegal Let me make this clear : it is illegal for Equifax to continue reporting these accounts while awaiting a response from XXXX XXXX or conducting any internal review. The FCRA demands that Equifax block the information promptly. There is no legal basis for delay or conditional action after receiving valid identity theft documents. 

XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. XXXX XXXX ) : The court held that a CRA must block disputed identity theft items immediately upon proper notice and can not defer action based on the furnisher 's lack of response. 

Final Legal Warning and Right to Sue This letter serves as Equifaxs final legal warning. If the two unauthorized XXXX XXXX accounts are not permanently removed from my credit report within 7 calendar days, I will initiate a civil lawsuit against Equifax under : 15 U.S.C. 1681n For willful noncompliance, allowing me to seek actual, statutory, and punitive damages, as well as attorneys fees ; 15 U.S.C. 1681o For negligent noncompliance, entitling me to actual damages and legal costs. 

Cases Where Equifax Has Been Sued for Similar Violations XXXX XXXX Equifax Information Services LLC, No. XXXX ( XXXX. XXXX XXXX ) : Equifax was ordered to pay {$88.00} XXXX in punitive damages for failing to correct false information after the consumer submitted identity theft claims. 

XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXX ( XXXX XXXX. XXXX ) : While not directly against Equifax, this case reinforced a consumer 's right to sue CRAs for procedural violations of the FCRAeven in the absence of direct monetary harm. 

FTC v. Equifax ( XXXX ) : Equifax agreed to a {$570.00} XXXX settlement for failure to protect consumer data and mishandling sensitive information, demonstrating a history of regulatory violations. 

Demand for Immediate Action To resolve this matter, I demand that Equifax : Immediately and permanently block both fraudulent XXXX XXXX accounts ; Provide written confirmation that these accounts have been removed ; Cease all further reporting of these accounts to third parties ; Ensure all actions taken are compliant with the FCRA and federal consumer protection laws. 

Failure to comply will result in legal action, complaints filed with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ), Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ), and my State Attorney General. I have attached a recommendation from the FTC and the CFPB on how this case should be handled. kindly see the file attached. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation