Credit reporting, credit repair services, or other personal consumer reports -- Problem with fraud alerts or security freezes -- Complaint #4936429
Complaint Overview
Complaint ID: 4936429
Company: Equifax, INC.
Product: Credit reporting, credit repair services, or other personal consumer reports
Sub-Product: Credit reporting
Issue: Problem with fraud alerts or security freezes
State: Ohio
ZIP Code: 45248
Date Received: 2021-11-22T12:00:00-05:00
Date Sent to Company: 2021-11-22T12:00:00-05:00
Company Response: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Submitted Via: Web
Consumer Narrative
Attempted to process a temporary lift of a security freeze on XX/XX/XXXX on my Equifax credit report to apply for a credit card. I have the confirmation paperwork that Equifax sent me on XX/XX/XXXX when I initially placed the freeze on my credit report, which includes the PIN number required to lift or remove the security freeze in the future. I first attempted the lift by phone. The system never asked for my PIN number and tried to verify my identity by asking questions about accounts that did not apply to me. They never asked about accounts that are actually on my credit report to verify my identity. They then said that they can't process my request and that I have to mail copies of sensitive documents in the mail to process the request. That is a major security issue and I should not have to do that since I have the PIN number required to lift the freeze. I also tried to process the lift online and got the same result. I will not risk my identity by sending sensitive documents by mail when I have the PIN number required to lift the freeze. Equifax should only lift the security freeze with a PIN. If an identity thief knows my personal information without my PIN, he/she can lift my freeze and steal my identity. My paperwork says that the security freeze can ONLY be lifted with the PIN number I was provided. It should not be lifted ANY other way. That is a huge liability issue for Equifax if an identity thief unfreezes my credit report without my PIN number. This issue needs to be corrected so that I can manage my security freeze by phone or online with the PIN number I was provided with. If Equifax was serious about people 's security, they would not be bypassing the PIN number system that was put in place to protect consumers with security freezes. As it stands right now, my Equifax credit report is permanently frozen for life since I am unable to manage the freeze. Sending sensitive documents in the mail is NOT and should NOT be the solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Complaint #4936429 about?
Complaint #4936429 was filed against Equifax, INC. regarding Credit reporting, credit repair services, or other personal consumer reports specifically about Problem with fraud alerts or security freezes. It was received by the CFPB on 2021-11-22T12:00:00-05:00.
How did Equifax, INC. respond to this complaint?
The company responded with: "Closed with explanation". 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, credit repair services, 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.