Consumer complaint received 2025-03-09 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: CA

Complaint narrative:
Complainant Information : Name : XXXX XXXX Address : XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX, CA XXXX Email : XXXX Preferred Contact Method : Mail or Email Only ( No Phone Calls ) Complaint Against : Companies Involved : Experian XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX, TX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX, GA XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX, PA XXXX [ XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Furnishers ] Complaint Summary : I am filing this complaint against Experian, Equifax, TransUnion, and multiple data furnishers for their failure to remove fraudulent and compromised accounts from my credit report despite multiple formal disputes and legal demands. These companies are in violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) and Fair Credit Billing Act ( FCBA ) for failing to conduct reasonable investigations, provide proper documentation, and permanently delete unverifiable or fraudulent information from my credit file. 

I initially disputed these accounts on XX/XX/XXXX, with follow-ups on XX/XX/XXXX, XX/XX/XXXX, and XX/XX/XXXX. However, these credit bureaus and furnishers have failed to comply with federal laws, and 10 fraudulent accounts remain.

Under FCRA 605B ( 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2 ), credit reporting agencies are required to remove fraudulent accounts within four ( 4 ) business days of receiving a dispute. The failure to do so has caused me severe financial harm, including but not limited to : Denial of mortgage and housing instability due to fraudulent collections lowering my credit score.

Higher interest rates on auto loans and other financial services, leading to an excessive financial burden. 
Inability to co-sign for student loans, preventing my family members from receiving necessary financial aid. 
Missed business and employment opportunities due to wrongful credit reporting. 
Severe mental and emotional distress, including stress, frustration, and financial uncertainty. 

Additionally, these agencies have conducted sham investigations, as outlined in the recent CFPB enforcement action against Experian for failing to process, investigate, and notify consumers about disputes properly. The CFPB alleges that Experian : Conducts sham investigations that fail to properly address consumer disputes. 
Uncritically accepts responses from furnishers, even when the information is inaccurate, improbable, or illogical. 
Fails to notify consumers properly about the results of dispute investigations. 
Improperly reinserts inaccurate information onto consumer reports after removal. 

This is exactly what has happened in my caseExperian, Equifax, and TransUnion have all failed to comply with their legal obligations.

Laws Violated : The credit bureaus and data furnishers are violating multiple consumer protection laws, including but not limited to : FCRA 605B ( 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2 ) : Requires fraudulent accounts to be blocked and removed within four business days.

FCRA 611 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) ( 15 U.S.C. 1681i ) : Mandates a reasonable reinvestigation within 30 days of a dispute.

FCRA 611 ( a ) ( 5 ) ( A ) : Requires deletion of unverifiable or inaccurate information.

FCRA 609 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( 15 U.S.C. 1681g ) : Entitles me to receive full verification documentation for all reported accounts.

FDCPA 1692e & 1692f ( 15 U.S.C. 1692e, 1692f ) : Prohibits misrepresenting the validity of a debt or engaging in unfair or deceptive collection practices. 
California Identity Theft Act ( Cal. Civ. Code 1798.92 ) : Mandates removal of fraudulent accounts within 30 days of notice, with penalties of up to {$30000.00} per violation.

Fair Credit Billing Act ( FCBA ) ( 15 U.S.C. 1666 ) : Requires the removal of fraudulent charges when properly disputed.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief