Consumer complaint received 2023-07-17 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting, credit repair services, or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Improper use of your report — Reporting company used your report improperly
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: GA

Complaint narrative:
Subject : Complaint Regarding Failure to Investigate Disputed Credit Report Information Dear Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to bring to your attention a concerning issue regarding the failure of Bureau 's to investigate and rectify inaccuracies on my credit report, as mandated by the provisions of the United States Code ( USC ) definition. 

Background Information : Equifax : 1. The following personal information is incorrect Account Number : Name : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. The following personal information is incorrect Account Number : Previous Address ( es ) : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, GA XXXX 3. The following personal information is incorrect Account Number : Employers : XXXX XXXX  4. The following personal information is incorrect Account Number : Employers : XXXX XXXX The following personal information is incorrect Account Number : Employers : RETIRED 6. Dispute of Unauthorized Credit Reporting under 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ) 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ) and 1681 ( c ) ( 2 ) 15 U.S.C. 6801 XXXX  XXXX Bankruptcy Case Number : XXXX Please investigate and delete from my credit report. 

7. Dispute of Unauthorized Credit Reporting under 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ) 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ) and 1681 ( c ) ( 2 ) 15 U.S.C. 6801 XXXX XXXX Bankruptcy Case Number : XXXX Please investigate and delete from my credit report. 

8. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX  Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

9. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX XXXX Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

10. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX  Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

11. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report.

12. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX  Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

13. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

14. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

15. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

16. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX  Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

17. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX  Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

18. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX  Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

19. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX  Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

20. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX/XXXX  Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

21. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX XXXX XXXX Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

22. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

23. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX XXXX XXXX  Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

24. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX XXXX XXXX Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

25. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

26. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

27. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

28. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

29. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report.

30. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX XXXX XXXX Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

31. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX  Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

32. Dispute of Unauthorized Credit Reporting under 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ) 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ) and 1681 ( c ) ( 2 ) 15 U.S.C. 6801 XXXX XXXX Account Number : XXXX Please investigate and delete from my credit report. 

33. Dispute of Unauthorized Credit Reporting under 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ) 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ) and 1681 ( c ) ( 2 ) 15 U.S.C. 6801 XXXX XXXX Account Number : XXXX Please investigate and delete from my credit report. 

34. Dispute of Unauthorized Credit Reporting under 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ) 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ) and 1681 ( c ) ( 2 ) 15 U.S.C. 6801 XXXX XXXX Account Number : XXXX Please investigate and delete from my credit report. 

35. Dispute of Unauthorized Credit Reporting under 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ) 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ) and XXXX ( c ) ( 2 ) 15 U.S.C. 6801 XXXX  Account Number : XXXX Please investigate and delete from my credit report. 

36. Dispute of Unauthorized Credit Reporting under 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ) 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ) and 1681 ( c ) ( 2 ) 15 U.S.C. 6801 XXXX Account Number : XXXX Please investigate and delete from my credit report. 

37. Dispute of Unauthorized Credit Reporting under 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ) 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ) and 1681 ( c ) ( 2 ) 15 U.S.C. 6801 XXXX Account Number : XXXX Please investigate and delete from my credit report. 

38. Dispute of Unauthorized Credit Reporting under 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ) 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ) and XXXX ( c ) ( 2 ) 15 U.S.C. 6801 XXXX XXXX XXXX Account Number : XXXX Please investigate and delete from my credit report. 

39. Dispute of Unauthorized Credit Reporting under 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ) 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ) and 1681 ( c ) ( 2 ) 15 U.S.C. 6801 XXXX XXXX Account Number : XXXX Please investigate and delete from my credit report. 

40. Dispute of Unauthorized Credit Reporting under 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ) 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ) and 1681 ( c ) ( 2 ) 15 U.S.C. 6801 XXXX  Account Number : XXXX Please investigate and delete from my credit report. 

41. Dispute of Unauthorized Credit Reporting under 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ) 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ) and 1681 ( c ) ( 2 ) 15 U.S.C. 6801 XXXX  XXXX Account Number : XXXX Please investigate and delete from my credit report. 

42. Dispute of Unauthorized Credit Reporting under 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ) 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ) and 1681 ( c ) ( 2 ) 15 U.S.C. 6801 XXXX XXXX XXXX Account Number : XXXX Please investigate and delete from my credit report. 

43. The following personal information is incorrect Account Number : Previous Address ( es ) : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, GA XXXX XXXX : 1. Dispute of Unauthorized Credit Reporting under 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ) 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ) and 1681 ( c ) ( 2 ) 15 U.S.C. 6801 XXXX XXXX Bankruptcy Case Number : XXXX Please investigate and delete from my credit report. 

2. Dispute of Unauthorized Credit Reporting under 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ) 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ) and 1681 ( c ) ( 2 ) 15 U.S.C. 6801 XXXX XXXX Bankruptcy Case Number : XXXX Please investigate and delete from my credit report. 

3. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX XXXX XXXX Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

4. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

5. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

6. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

7. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

8. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX XXXX Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

9. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX XXXX Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

10. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX XXXX Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report.

11. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX XXXX XXXX  Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

12. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

13. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

14. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX XXXX Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

15. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX XXXX XXXX Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

16. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

17. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX XXXX XXXX Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

18. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

19. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

20. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX XXXX Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

21. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX  Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

22. Dispute of Unauthorized Credit Reporting under 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ) 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ) and 1681 ( c ) ( 2 ) 15 U.S.C. 6801 XXXX XXXX Account Number : XXXX Please investigate and delete from my credit report. 

23. Dispute of Unauthorized Credit Reporting under 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ) 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ) and 1681 ( c ) ( 2 ) 15 U.S.C. 6801 XXXX XXXX Account Number : XXXX Please investigate and delete from my credit report. 

24. Dispute of Unauthorized Credit Reporting under 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ) 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ) and 1681 ( c ) ( 2 ) 15 U.S.C. 6801 XXXX XXXX Account Number : XXXX Please investigate and delete from my credit report. 

25. Dispute of Unauthorized Credit Reporting under 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ) 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ) and 1681 ( c ) ( 2 ) 15 U.S.C. 6801 XXXX Account Number : XXXX Please investigate and delete from my credit report. 

26. Dispute of Unauthorized Credit Reporting under 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ) 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ) and 1681 ( c ) ( 2 ) 15 U.S.C. 6801 XXXX Account Number : XXXX Please investigate and delete from my credit report. 

27. Dispute of Unauthorized Credit Reporting under 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ) 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ) and 1681 ( c ) ( 2 ) 15 U.S.C. 6801 XXXX Account Number : XXXX Please investigate and delete from my credit report. 

28. Dispute of Unauthorized Credit Reporting under 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ) 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ) and 1681 ( c ) ( 2 ) 15 U.S.C. 6801 XXXX Account Number : XXXX Please investigate and delete from my credit report. 

29. Dispute of Unauthorized Credit Reporting under 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ) 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ) and 1681 ( c ) ( 2 ) 15 U.S.C. 6801 XXXX XXXX XXXX Account Number : XXXX Please investigate and delete from my credit report. 

30. Dispute of Unauthorized Credit Reporting under 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ) 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ) and 1681 ( c ) ( 2 ) 15 U.S.C. 6801 XXXX XXXX Account Number : XXXX Please investigate and delete from my credit report. 

31. Dispute of Unauthorized Credit Reporting under 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ) 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ) and 1681 ( c ) ( 2 ) 15 U.S.C. 6801 XXXX/XXXX  Account Number : XXXX Please investigate and delete from my credit report. 

32. Dispute of Unauthorized Credit Reporting under 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ) 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ) and 1681 ( c ) ( 2 ) 15 U.S.C. 6801 XXXX  XXXX Account Number : XXXX Please investigate and delete from my credit report. 

33. Dispute of Unauthorized Credit Reporting under 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ) 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ) and 1681 ( c ) ( 2 ) 15 U.S.C. 6801 XXXX XXXX Account Number : XXXX Please investigate and delete from my credit report. 

34. Dispute of Unauthorized Credit Reporting under 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ) 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ) and 1681 ( c ) ( 2 ) 15 U.S.C. 6801 XXXX Account Number : XXXX Please investigate and delete from my credit report. 

35. Dispute of Unauthorized Credit Reporting under 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ) 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ) and 1681 ( c ) ( 2 ) 15 U.S.C. 6801 XXXX XXXX Account Number : XXXX Please investigate and delete from my credit report. 

36. Dispute of Unauthorized Credit Reporting under 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ) 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ) and 1681 ( c ) ( 2 ) 15 U.S.C. 6801 XXXX Account Number : XXXX Please investigate and delete from my credit report. 

37. Dispute of Unauthorized Credit Reporting under 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ) 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ) and 1681 ( c ) ( 2 ) 15 U.S.C. 6801 XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Account Number : XXXX Please investigate and delete from my credit report. 

38. Dispute of Unauthorized Credit Reporting under 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ) 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ) and 1681 ( c ) ( 2 ) 15 U.S.C. 6801 XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Account Number : XXXX Please investigate and delete from my credit report. 

39. Dispute of Unauthorized Credit Reporting under 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ) 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ) and 1681 ( c ) ( 2 ) 15 U.S.C. 6801 XXXX XXXX XXXX Account Number : XXXX Please investigate and delete from my credit report. 

40. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX XXXX  Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

XXXX : 1. The following personal information is incorrect Account Number : Current Address ( es ) : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, GA XXXX 2. The following personal information is incorrect Account Number : Employers : XXXX XXXX  3. The following personal information is incorrect Account Number : Employers : XXXX 4. Dispute of Unauthorized Credit Reporting under 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ) 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ) and 1681 ( c ) ( 2 ) 15 U.S.C. 6801 XXXX XXXX Bankruptcy Case Number : XXXX Please investigate and delete from my credit report. 

5. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX XXXX Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

6. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX XXXX Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

7. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX XXXX Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

8. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

9. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

10. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX  Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

11. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

12. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

13. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX XXXX Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

14. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX XXXX XXXX Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

15. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

16. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX XXXX  Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

17. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

18. The inquiry was not authorized XXXX Date of inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Please remove it from my credit report. 

19. Dispute of Unauthorized Credit Reporting under 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ) 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ) and 1681 ( c ) ( 2 ) 15 U.S.C. 6801 XXXX XXXX Account Number : XXXX Please investigate and delete from my credit report. 

20. Dispute of Unauthorized Credit Reporting under 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ) 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ) and 1681 ( c ) ( 2 ) 15 U.S.C. 6801 XXXX XXXX Account Number : XXXX Please investigate and delete from my credit report. 

21. Dispute of Unauthorized Credit Reporting under 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ) 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ) and 1681 ( c ) ( 2 ) 15 U.S.C. 6801 XXXX XXXX Account Number : XXXX Please investigate and delete from my credit report. 

22. Dispute of Unauthorized Credit Reporting under 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ) 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ) and 1681 ( c ) ( 2 ) 15 U.S.C. 6801 XXXX Account Number : XXXX Please investigate and delete from my credit report. 

23. Dispute of Unauthorized Credit Reporting under 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ) 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ) and 1681 ( c ) ( 2 ) 15 U.S.C. 6801 XXXX Account Number : XXXX Please investigate and delete from my credit report. 

24. Dispute of Unauthorized Credit Reporting under 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ) 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ) and 1681 ( c ) ( 2 ) 15 U.S.C. 6801 XXXX Account Number : XXXX Please investigate and delete from my credit report. 

25. Dispute of Unauthorized Credit Reporting under 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ) 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ) and 1681 ( c ) ( 2 ) 15 U.S.C. 6801 XXXX Account Number : XXXX Please investigate and delete from my credit report. 

26. Dispute of Unauthorized Credit Reporting under 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ) 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ) and 1681 ( c ) ( 2 ) 15 U.S.C. 6801 XXXX XXXX XXXX Account Number : XXXX Please investigate and delete from my credit report. 

27. Dispute of Unauthorized Credit Reporting under 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ) 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ) and 1681 ( c ) ( 2 ) 15 U.S.C. 6801 XXXX XXXX Account Number : XXXX Please investigate and delete from my credit report. 

28. Dispute of Unauthorized Credit Reporting under 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ) 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ) and 1681 ( c ) ( 2 ) 15 U.S.C. 6801 XXXX Account Number : XXXX Please investigate and delete from my credit report. 

29. Dispute of Unauthorized Credit Reporting under 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ) 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ) and 1681 ( c ) ( 2 ) 15 U.S.C. 6801 XXXX Account Number : XXXX Please investigate and delete from my credit report. 

30. Dispute of Unauthorized Credit Reporting under 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ) 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ) and 1681 ( c ) ( 2 ) 15 U.S.C. 6801 XXXX XXXX Account Number : XXXX Please investigate and delete from my credit report. 

31. Dispute of Unauthorized Credit Reporting under 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ) 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ) and 1681 ( c ) ( 2 ) 15 U.S.C. 6801 XXXX Account Number : XXXX Please investigate and delete from my credit report. 

32. Dispute of Unauthorized Credit Reporting under 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ) 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ) and 1681 ( c ) ( 2 ) 15 U.S.C. 6801 XXXX XXXX XXXX Account Number : XXXX Please investigate and delete from my credit report. 

33. Dispute of Unauthorized Credit Reporting under 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( b ) 1681 ( c ) ( 1 ) and 1681 ( c ) ( 2 ) 15 U.S.C. 6801 XXXX Account Number : XXXX Please investigate and delete from my credit report. 

34. The following personal information is incorrect Account Number : Current Address ( es ) : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, GA XXXX According to the provisions outlined in the USC code, specifically Under 15 U.S. Code 1681 The definition of " INVESTIGATE '' : ( e ) The term investigative consumer report means a consumer report or portion thereof in which information on a consumers character, general reputation, personal characteristics, or mode of living is obtained through personal interviews with neighbors, friends, or associates of the consumer reported on or with others with whom he is acquainted or who may have knowledge concerning any such items of information. However, such information shall not include specific factual information on a consumers credit record obtained directly from a creditor of the consumer or from a consumer reporting agency when such information was obtained directly from a creditor of the consumer or from the consumer. I have the right to dispute inaccurate information on my credit report. I exercised this right and submitted a formal dispute to the Bureau 's on XX/XX/XXXX. The inaccuracies pertain to Collection entry on my credit report that I have never authorized or entered into any contractual agreement with. Cease all collection activities until investigation completion. 15 U.S. Code 1681s 2, 1681a ( 3 ).

. 

Despite providing all necessary documentation and evidence to support my dispute, Bureau 's has failed to initiate a thorough investigation into the matter. As per the USC code definition, it is the responsibility of the credit bureau to conduct a reasonable investigation upon receiving notice of a dispute. 

I am deeply concerned about this violation of the law and the potential negative impact on my creditworthiness. The failure to investigate my dispute not only undermines my rights as a consumer but also compromises the accuracy and integrity of the credit reporting system as a whole. 

I kindly request your intervention and assistance in addressing this matter. I believe it is imperative for the Bureau 's to adhere to the regulations set forth in the USC code and fulfill its obligation to investigate and correct inaccuracies on my credit report.

Enclosed with this letter, you will find copies of the correspondence exchanged between myself and the Bureau 's including the initial dispute letter, supporting documentation, and any responses or lack thereof. These documents serve as evidence of the credit bureau 's failure to comply with the USC code.

I respectfully ask that you investigate this matter further, ensure compliance with the applicable USC code, and take appropriate actions against the Bureau 's for their non-compliance. Additionally, I kindly request that you keep me informed of any progress or developments regarding my complaint.

Thank you for your attention to this serious matter. I trust in the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau 's commitment to safeguarding consumer rights, and I look forward to a prompt resolution of this dispute. 

Sincerely,

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief