Consumer complaint received 2025-01-29 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: FL

Complaint narrative:
This complaint is being submitted for the fourth time due to Equifaxs persistent refusal to comply with federal law regarding a fraudulent account on my credit report. Despite my repeated disputes, Equifax has failed to investigate, verify properly, or remove the account within the legally mandated timeframe. Their continued negligence has caused significant financial and reputational harm to me and my business. 

I am formally requesting that the CFPB enforce the immediate removal and blocking of this fraudulent account under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), Identity Theft Laws, and other federal and state regulations. Additionally, I request that this complaint be included in the CFPBs ongoing lawsuit against Equifax for its pattern of law violations. 

Violations Committed by Equifax Failure to Investigate and Resolve Disputes FCRA 611 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) ( 15 U.S.C. 1681i ) requires credit bureaus to investigate and resolve disputes within 30 days. It has now been more than 90 days since my initial dispute, and Equifax has failed to conduct a lawful investigation or provide a valid basis for verification. 
Failure to Provide Verification Upon Request Under FCRA 611 ( a ) ( 6 ) & 611 ( a ) ( 7 ), Equifax must provide a clear explanation of how the disputed information was verified. Despite multiple requests for signed contracts, application records, and other supporting documentation, Equifax has failed to respond adequately or provide any legally required proof of verification. 
Failure to Remove and Block Fraudulent Accounts Under FCRA 605B ( 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2 ), a credit bureau must block and remove any fraudulent account when a consumer provides evidence of identity theft. Despite my repeated documentation proving that the XXXX account ( Account No. XXXX ) is fraudulent, Equifax has refused to remove it. 
Failure to Ensure Maximum Accuracy of Consumer Reports FCRA 607 ( b ) ( 15 U.S.C. 1681e ( b ) ) requires credit bureaus to maintain maximum possible accuracy in consumer reports. Equifax has continued to report inaccurate balances, credit limits, and other inconsistencies, violating this legal obligation. 
Failure to Notify of Negative Information 15 U.S.C. 1692g requires creditors to notify consumers within five days of reporting a debt. I was never notified of this fraudulent account or the associated inquiries. 
Failure to Protect Consumer Data The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act ( 15 U.S.C. 6801-6809 ) mandates that credit bureaus must safeguard consumer information. The continued presence of fraudulent accounts on my credit report demonstrates Equifaxs failure to protect my data and prevent fraudulent reporting. 
Violations of Identity Theft Laws The Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act ( 18 U.S.C. 1028 ) criminalizes the unauthorized use of personal information. Equifaxs failure to investigate identity theft complaints and their refusal to remove fraudulent data violate consumer rights under this statute. 
State Law Violations ( Florida Law ) Under Florida Statute 817.568, identity theft is a criminal offense, and consumer reporting agencies must comply with fraud investigations. Equifaxs refusal to act on documented fraud violates state protections. 
Requested Actions by CFPB Pursuant to the laws cited above, I demand the CFPB enforce the immediate removal and blocking of the fraudulent account as required under FCRA 605B. Specifically, I request : The immediate and permanent removal of the fraudulent account : Creditor : XXXX Account Number : XXXX A written confirmation from Equifax stating that the fraudulent account and any related inquiries have been permanently deleted. 

A full investigation into Equifaxs noncompliance with FCRA, including penalties for its repeated failure to investigate disputes within the legally mandated timeframe. 

A directive from the CFPB instructing Equifax to implement proper identity theft procedures, ensuring that fraudulent accounts are promptly blocked and removed in compliance with federal law. 

Inclusion of this case in the ongoing CFPB lawsuit against Equifax for systematic violations of consumer protection laws. 

Legal & Financial Consequences of Equifaxs Negligence Equifaxs continuous noncompliance with FCRA and other consumer protection laws has caused substantial financial and reputational harm to me as a business owner. If this matter is not resolved immediately, I am prepared to escalate further action, including : Filing complaints with the Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ), the State Attorney General, and Congress regarding Equifaxs continued disregard for federal laws. 
Initiating legal action against Equifax for damages caused by their failure to remove fraudulent information. 
Seeking full legal remedies under the FCRA, including statutory damages, punitive damages, and attorneys fees.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation