Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports -- Improper use of your report -- Complaint #10142271
Complaint Overview
Complaint ID: 10142271
Company: Equifax, INC.
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports
Sub-Product: Credit reporting
Issue: Improper use of your report
Sub-Issue: Reporting company used your report improperly
State: Alabama
ZIP Code: 36575
Date Received: 2024-09-16T12:00:00-05:00
Date Sent to Company: 2024-09-16T12:00:00-05:00
Company Response: Closed with non-monetary relief
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Submitted Via: Web
Consumer Narrative
Dear CFPB, I am writing to dispute the accuracy of 3 charge-off entries on my credit report, as required under 15 USC 1681 ( e ) ( B ) of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ). The following accounts are listed as charged off : 1. XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XX/XX/XXXX, in the amount of {$2200.00} 2. XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XX/XX/XXXX, in the amount of {$2200.00} 3. XXXX XXXX XXXX Reported on XX/XX/XXXX, in the amount of {$3000.00} The respective lenders have written off these accounts. The lenders have determined that they will not pursue collection of these debts and have classified them as canceled or forgiven. My tax records will reflect this status through a 1099-C form, indicating that these debts have been officially forgiven and are considered resolved. These accounts were charged off, but should not be reported as derogatory items. The lenders have acknowledged that they will not collect the debt and have classified it as canceled or forgiven. This means that the debts will be reported to the IRS as discharged, and I have received three 1099-C forms for tax purposes as proof. Consequently, the debt is considered canceled or forgiven and has been reported as income on my taxes. Since canceled or forgiven debt is reported as income and not as a derogatory mark on a credit report, having these accounts listed as charge-offs is incorrect. These listings inaccurately affect my credit profile and should be updated to reflect that the debts have been resolved or forgiven. Including this information on my credit report as derogatory violates the FCRA, which mandates that credit reports must not include income or tax-related data. Therefore, reporting these forgiven debts as charge-offs not only misrepresents their status, but also constitutes an inaccurate and unlawful entry on my credit report. According to the FCRA, credit reports must accurately reflect a consumers credit history and should not include income or tax-related information. Since these debts are no longer collectible and has been reported as canceled on my tax records, they should not be listed as charge-offs or derogatory items on my credit report. Reporting them in this manner violates the FCRA and inaccurately affects my credit profile. As such, since these debts are canceled or forgiven and has been reported to the IRS as discharged, they should not appear as derogatory items on my credit report. Reporting these debts as charged off is incorrect and misleading. I request that these entries be corrected or removed from my credit report to reflect their status as written off and forgiven accurately. Enclosed are copies of the relevant documentation, including the 1099-C forms or other proof of debt discharge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Complaint #10142271 about?
Complaint #10142271 was filed against Equifax, INC. regarding Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports specifically about Improper use of your report. It was received by the CFPB on 2024-09-16T12:00:00-05:00.
How did Equifax, INC. respond to this complaint?
The company responded with: "Closed with non-monetary relief". The response was timely.
What is the risk level of this complaint?
See the risk assessment section for details on this complaint's risk profile.
How do I file a similar complaint?
You can file a complaint with the CFPB at consumerfinance.gov/complaint. Select the appropriate product category (Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports) and describe your issue in detail.
Can I see other complaints against Equifax, INC.?
Yes, visit the Equifax, INC. company profile at readthecomplaint.com/company/equifax-inc to see all complaints, risk scores, and analysis.
Disclaimer
This analysis is AI-generated based on publicly available CFPB complaint data. It does not constitute financial or legal advice.