Consumer complaint received 2024-12-08 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: FL

Complaint narrative:
I am filing this complaint to formally address the willful and persistent violations committed by XXXX, XXXX, and Equifax regarding fraudulent accounts and unauthorized inquiries on my credit report. Despite three previous attempts to resolve these issues and over 90 days passing since my initial disputewell beyond the legally mandated 30-day period under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), 15 U.S.C. 611 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) these inaccuracies remain unresolved. The credit bureaus have not complied with federal and state laws requiring the removal and blocking of fraudulent accounts and inquiries.

Violations Committed : Failure to Investigate and Resolve Disputes : FCRA 611 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) mandates that credit bureaus investigate and resolve disputes within 30 days. More than 90 days have elapsed since my initial dispute without resolution.

Failure to Notify of Negative Information : Under 15 U.S.C. 1692g, creditors are required to notify consumers within five days of reporting a debt. I was never notified of these fraudulent accounts and inquiries. 

Failure to Ensure Maximum Accuracy : FCRA 607 ( b ) requires credit bureaus to ensure the maximum accuracy of the information they report. Discrepancies in balances, credit limits, and reporting dates indicate noncompliance.

Failure to Remove and Block Fraudulent Accounts : Under FCRA 605B, upon receipt of evidence of identity theft, credit bureaus are required to remove and block fraudulent accounts and inquiries from credit reports. Despite providing substantial evidence, this has not occurred. 

Failure to Protect Consumer Data : Under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act ( 15 U.S.C. 6801-6809 ), financial institutions and credit bureaus are required to safeguard consumer information. The presence of these fraudulent accounts demonstrates a failure to protect my data.

Identity Theft Protections Ignored : The Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act ( 18 U.S.C. 1028 ) criminalizes the unauthorized use of personal information. The fraudulent accounts and inaction by the bureaus violate my rights under this statute. 

State Law Violations : Under Florida Statute 817.568, identity theft is addressed as a criminal offense. The credit bureaus failure to act constitutes a violation of state protections. 

Fraudulent Accounts and Inquiries : XXXX  Loans ( Account # XXXX XXXX, XXXX, XXXX, XXXX, XXXX, XXXX, XXXX, XXXX ) : Fraudulent accounts added without consent. 

Discrepancies in balances and reporting dates. 

Violations of 15 U.S.C. 1692g as I was not notified within five days prior to their reporting. 

XXXX XXXX ( Account # XXXX ) : Fraudulent account added without consent. 

Discrepancies in balances and reporting dates. 

Violations of 15 U.S.C. 1692g as I was not notified within five days prior to its reporting.

These accounts are fraudulent and were added to my credit report without my consent. Additionally, these accounts show discrepancies and lack proper validation.

Requested Resolution : Under FCRA 605B, I demand the immediate removal and permanent blocking of these accounts and inquiries from my credit report. Additionally, I request : A thorough investigation into the reporting failures and evidence of identity theft. 

Written confirmation of the removal and blocking of these accounts and inquiries. 

Implementation of fraud alerts and compliance with federal and state identity theft protections. 

The continued presence of these fraudulent accounts on my credit report has caused significant financial harm and emotional distress. If these issues are not resolved promptly, I will pursue legal action to protect my rights and escalate this matter to other regulatory authorities. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation