Consumer complaint received 2024-12-24 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Unable to get your credit report or credit score — Other problem getting your report or credit score
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: GA

Complaint narrative:
Subject : Complaint Against Equifax for Malicious Injury, Negligence, and Breach of Rights under FCRA Dear CFPB, I am writing to formally file a complaint against Equifax for malicious injury, negligence, and multiple breaches of my rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ). Equifax has engaged in the misuse, mishandling, and failure to provide accurate and complete reporting of my personal credit information, as mandated by the FCRA. The following outlines my grievances in detail : Specific Complaints 1. Failure to Provide and Report Credit Information Since XX/XX/XXXX, I have been denied access to my three bureau credit scores, provided by contract with XXXX, due to Equifaxs failure to accurately report my credit information. Despite having three trade lines reported to all major credit bureaus, none appear on my Equifax credit report. 
Instead, Equifax has regularly updated outdated accounts with false negative information, directly harming my credit profile and financial standing. 
2. Refusal to Update Personal Information Equifax has refused to update my legal name to XXXX XXXX XXXX and my address, despite numerous submissions of valid documentation. 
This refusal has directly caused credit denials due to lack of credit history, even though my legitimate trade lines exist and should be accurately reflected. 
3. Improper Handling of Disputes and Verification Requests I have requested the verification and method of verification for multiple trade lines reported on my Equifax credit file in accordance with 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 7 ). 
Instead of responding appropriately, Equifax has repeatedly and without my authorization opened or modified disputes mid-investigation, delaying resolution and obstructing my rights under the FCRA. 
These actions violate FCRAs procedural requirements for dispute resolution and fail to meet the standards outlined by the Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ). 
4. Failure to Respond to Complaints or Provide Resolutions Despite lodging multiple complaints citing clear violations of the FCRA and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ), Equifax has failed to provide any decisive, coordinated, or timely responses. 
Equifaxs lack of action disregards their legal obligation under 15 U.S.C. 1681e ( b ) to ensure the accuracy of consumer information and their duty under 15 U.S.C. 1681i to investigate disputes within 30 days.

5. Willful Non-Compliance and Negligence Equifaxs continued refusal to comply with FCRA requirements and FTC regulations, despite receiving all required documentation and evidence, constitutes willful non-compliance under 15 U.S.C. 1681n. 
These delays and refusals have caused financial harm, including denied credit opportunities and unnecessary reputational damage. 

Applicable Laws, Statutes, and Regulations The following laws and regulations are applicable to my complaint : 1. Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) 15 U.S.C. 1681e ( b ) : Duty of consumer reporting agencies to ensure maximum possible accuracy in the information they report.

15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 1 ) : Obligation to conduct a reinvestigation of disputed information within 30 days. 
15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 7 ) : Requirement to provide the method of verification upon request from the consumer.

15 U.S.C. 1681n : Civil liability for willful non-compliance with FCRA provisions.

15 U.S.C. 1681o : Civil liability for negligent non-compliance with FCRA provisions.

2. Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ) Equifaxs failure to act in good faith in responding to disputes and mishandling information may also fall under prohibitions against unfair or deceptive practices, as outlined in the FDCPA. 
3. Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ) Regulations Under the FTC Act, Equifax is prohibited from engaging in unfair or deceptive practices, including the manipulation or falsification of dispute investigations and delays in addressing consumer complaints.

The FTC also mandates that credit reporting agencies provide accurate and complete credit reporting in accordance with federal guidelines. 
4. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) Guidelines The CFPB mandates that credit reporting agencies follow clear and transparent procedures for responding to consumer disputes and complaints, as well as maintaining accountability for their compliance with FCRA standards.

Requested Resolution I request the CFPB to take immediate action to ensure that Equifax complies with the following : 1. Accurately update and report my credit file, including the addition of my valid trade lines and the removal of erroneous negative information. 
2. Promptly update my legal name and address, as submitted with supporting documentation.

3. Provide the requested method of verification for all disputed trade lines as required under 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 7 ).

4. Address and rectify Equifaxs unauthorized opening and modification of disputes.

5. Investigate Equifaxs consistent failure to respond to complaints and enforce appropriate penalties for their violations under the FCRA, FDCPA, and FTC regulations.

6. Ensure that I am fairly compensated for the financial and emotional harm caused by Equifaxs willful non-compliance and negligence, as outlined under 15 U.S.C. 1681n.

I believe these actions are necessary to hold Equifax accountable for their ongoing violations of federal laws and regulations and to ensure that no other consumers endure similar harm.

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to a prompt investigation and resolution. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX XXXX [ XXXX ]

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation