Consumer complaint received 2024-10-05 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Improper use of your report — Reporting company used your report improperly
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: AL

Complaint narrative:
I, XXXX XXXX, am submitting this formal complaint regarding numerous unauthorized inquiries and inaccurate information reported on my credit report by XXXX, Equifax, and XXXX. Despite my efforts to dispute these items, they remain on my report, causing significant harm to my credit score and financial well-being. This letter serves as a formal request for the immediate removal of these items based on violations of my rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ). 

1. Unauthorized Hard Inquiries ( Violations of FCRA Section 1681b ) The following inquiries have been placed on my credit report without my authorization, in direct violation of FCRA Section 1681b, which states that consumer credit reports can only be accessed with a permissible purpose, such as explicit written consent from the consumer. 

XXXX XXXX XXXX ( Inquiry Date : XX/XX/year> ) XXXX  ( Inquiry Date : XX/XX/year> ) XXXX XXXX  XXXX ( Inquiry Date : XX/XX/year> ) XXXX XXXX XXXX ( Inquiry Date : XX/XX/year> ) XXXX XXXX XXXX ( Inquiry Date : XX/XX/year> ) Applicable Law : FCRA Section 1681b ( Permissible Purposes of Consumer Reports ) : This section outlines the conditions under which credit inquiries are allowed, including when the consumer has provided explicit consent. None of these entities had my permission to access my report, thus violating the FCRA.

Requested Action : I demand the immediate removal of these inquiries. If the credit bureaus claim these inquiries were authorized, I request a full explanation of the Method of Verification, including documentation showing the written consent I supposedly provided, as required under FCRA Section 611 ( a ) ( 7 ).

2. False Account Reporting ( Violation of FCRA Section 623 ) The following accounts are inaccurately reported and remain on my credit report despite being in dispute. They either contain false information, are unverifiable, or have been reported in a misleading manner, violating the FCRA Section 623 requirement that furnishers of information must ensure the accuracy of the data they report. 

XXXX XXXX Account Number : XXXX This account was not validated according to 15 U.S.C . 1692g, which requires debt collectors to provide validation of the debt. Since the account remains unverifiable, it must be removed immediately. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX Account Number : XXXX This account is reported inaccurately and fails to comply with 15 U.S.C. 1692e ( False or Misleading Representations ). Additionally, the account was not marked as disputed within the XXXX period as required by FCRA Section 623. 
XXXX Account Number : XXXX This account includes misleading information that was never validated properly. Under 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2, furnishers are required to correct or delete inaccurate or incomplete information, yet this account has remained on my report without adequate verification.

Applicable Law : FCRA Section 623 ( Responsibilities of Furnishers of Information ) : Furnishers of information are required to report accurate information to credit bureaus. When information is disputed, they must investigate and correct any inaccuracies within a reasonable time ( usually 30 days ).

15 U.S.C. 1692g ( Validation of Debts ) : If a debt is disputed, the creditor must provide proper validation of the debt or cease reporting it.

15 U.S.C. 1692e ( False or Misleading Representations ) : Prohibits furnishers from using false or misleading information in their reporting.

Requested Action : I demand the immediate removal of these accounts from my credit report. I also request an explanation of the Method of Verification for these accounts, including detailed information about how the creditor or furnisher verified the accuracy of the reported data. Failure to provide accurate verification or documentation within 30 days will result in further escalation.

3. Inconsistent Reporting and Violations of FCRA Section 605 ( a ) Several accounts display inconsistent reporting across credit bureaus, which violates the requirement for accurate and complete information under FCRA Section 605 ( a ). These discrepancies between credit reporting agencies indicate either negligence or intentional misinformation, both of which require immediate rectification. 

Accounts in Violation : XXXX ( Account # XXXX ) : Reported differently on XXXX, Equifax, and XXXX, causing significant inconsistencies in my credit profile. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX ( Account # XXXX ) : Inconsistent data points across bureaus regarding payment history and account status. 

Applicable Law : FCRA Section 605 ( a ) : Mandates that credit bureaus must ensure that the information reported is complete and accurate across all agencies. Inconsistent data must be corrected or removed.

Requested Action : I demand that the credit bureaus investigate and reconcile the discrepancies between the reporting agencies. If the data can not be corrected or verified, the accounts must be removed immediately.

4. General Violations and Legal Recourse The continued reporting of inaccurate and unverifiable information is not only a violation of the FCRA but also subjects the credit reporting agencies and the furnishers of information to civil liability under FCRA Section 1681n and 1681o, which allow for damages related to negligent or willful non-compliance.

Applicable Law : FCRA Section 1681n ( Civil Liability for Willful Noncompliance ) : Allows consumers to seek actual damages, punitive damages, and attorneys fees for willful non-compliance with the FCRA.

FCRA Section 1681o ( Civil Liability for Negligent Noncompliance ) : Provides consumers the right to seek damages if credit bureaus or furnishers fail to comply with the FCRAs accuracy and reporting standards due to negligence.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief