Consumer complaint received 2025-02-23 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: FL

Complaint narrative:
Equifax Attn : Fraud Department XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, GA XXXX Subject : FORMAL DISPUTE & DEMAND FOR IMMEDIATE REMOVAL UNDER FCRA SECTIONS 605B & 1681i To Whom It May Concern, This is a formal dispute and demand for the immediate deletion of an inaccurately reported charge-off under both 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2 ( FCRA Section 605B ) and 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( FCRA Dispute Process ). The charge-off reported by XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX is fraudulent, unverifiable, and misrepresented, and must be removed from my credit report immediately. 
Account Information : 1. Creditor Name : XXXX XXXX XXXX 2. Account NumbeXXXX : XXXX 3. Nature of Dispute : Charge-off is being fraudulently reported due to the creditors failure to comply with IRS 1099-C requirements and inaccurate FCRA reporting. 
ARGUMENT 1 : IMMEDIATE REMOVAL UNDER FCRA SECTION 605B ( Fraudulent Reporting 4-Day Deadline ) 1. Fraudulent Reporting Due to Missing IRS 1099-C Under 26 U.S. Code 6050P, if a creditor charges off and cancels a debt of {$600.00} or more, they are legally required to issue a 1099-C to both the IRS and the debtor .

No 1099-C has been issued, meaning : 1. The charge-off was never properly canceled, making the reporting false and misleading.

2. The creditor is either still pursuing the debt or is attempting to misrepresent its status, making this fraudulent reporting.

3. This constitutes an FCRA violation and meets the criteria for immediate removal under Section 605B as fraudulent information. 
2. Legal Requirement to Remove This Account in 4 Business Days Under FCRA Section 605B, fraudulent or misrepresented accounts must be blocked and removed within four business days upon receipt of this letter.

You do not need to verify this accountyou are legally required to immediately remove it.

ARGUMENT 2 : DEMAND FOR VERIFICATION UNDER FCRA SECTION 1681i ( 30-Day Dispute Process ) If you fail to remove this charge-off within 4 business days, then you are required under 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 2 ) ( A ) to conduct a full reinvestigation and provide actual evidence verifying its accuracy.

3. Demand for Method of Verification ( MOV ) Key FCRA Provision The credit bureaus can not just verify this account by asking the creditorthey must obtain actual proof of its accuracy.

Acceptable verification must include : 1. A wet ink signed original contract proving I agreed to this debt.

2. Itemized statements or a full payment history showing exactly how the balance was calculated.

3. A signed affidavit from the creditors representative verifying the account details. 
4. A copy of the IRS Form 1099-C ( if the debt was charged off and canceled ).

If you fail to provide documented proof within 15 days, this charge-off must be deleted immediately.

4. Reference the FTC Opinion Letter & Legal Precedents The FTC Staff Opinion Letter ( 1997, Cass Letter ) confirms that inaccurate charge-offs must be removed.

Court cases such as Cushman v. TransUnion have ruled that credit bureaus must conduct a reasonable investigation and can not blindly rely on the creditors word.

5. Failure to Provide Verification = Immediate Deletion Under the FCRA If you can not obtain the original wet-ink signed agreement, proof of charge-off, and the required IRS 1099-C, then you are in violation of the FCRA, and this account must be deleted. 
FAILURE TO COMPLY WILL RESULT IN LEGAL ACTION If you fail to remove this fraudulent charge-off within four business days, or fail to properly verify it within 30 days, I will take further action, including but not limited to : 1. Filing formal complaints with the CFPB, FTC, and IRS for violations of FCRA and tax law.

2. Filing a lawsuit under the FCRA, which allows for : Statutory damages up to {$1000.00} per violation Punitive damages for willful misreporting Attorneys fees and costs REQUIRED ACTIONS WITHIN 4 BUSINESS DAYS : 1. Remove the charge-off from my credit report immediately under FCRA 605B .

2. Provide written confirmation of its deletion.

3. Cease any further reporting of this fraudulent account.

ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS WITHIN 30 DAYS ( IF NOT REMOVED UNDER 605B ) : 1. Provide full verification of the charge-off, including : A wet ink signed original contract proving I agreed to this debt. 
A full itemized payment history detailing all charges and credits.

The IRS Form 1099-C ( if the debt was canceled ).

The method of verification used to confirm this debt.

2. If you fail to provide complete verification, you are required by law to delete this charge-off immediately under FCRA 1681i ( a ) ( 5 ) ( A ). 
FINAL WARNING I expect written confirmation of the removal of this charge-off or full validation with legally required documentation within the legally mandated timeframe. Failure to comply will result in immediate escalation. 
Sincerely,

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief