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Equifax can't keep anything straight ... and doesn't seem to try very hard. For the second time, the company has been penalized by the Federal Trade Commission for not responding to consumer inquiries. That will come as no news to the hundreds who've written to us, including those below:
Shane of Antelope CA (05/14/08)
Equifax is not responsive to my inquiries to disputes on my credit report; When compared to Experian and TransUnion, there is a difference of over 100 points in my rating. My credit union uses Equifax soley and as such has denied me on loan applications despite what the other 2 credit reporting agencies report.
After reading all of the complaints, isnt there something to be done regarding the poor customer response and unfair business practices?
Paying much much higher interest rates needlessly
H. of Greensboro NC (05/14/08)
Trying to keep your credit file safe and correct has turn into a full time job. What alot of people are not aware of is that Equifax system is merging files w/other people account. This error happen because of the way their system filters the informations sent to them. When you call them and ask them to take the time and look at the information sent to them by the creditor. They will tell you that NO ONE in the office can see that information and what is on my file is correct. When I told the Supervisor that I have spoke to the creditor and was advised they do not have my information and its a error on Equifax end. She told me they are lying and the only way they could get the information was from them. Also, I offered to do a 3-way call w/the creditor and them. She told me that she would disconnect the line. I thought they were suppose to help a person correct a errors on their account. I guess not. Oh and this is the craziest thing. On my file I have my first, middle and last name listed. Why did the supervisor ask me if I ever went by First and Last Name. I asked her was she dumb for asking me the question. I am not the only person this is happening too. Can we sue them ???
Now I am not able to get my home loan until equifax fix this error. I was in the 600s now I am in 400s due to the wrong information on my file.
Barbara of Detroit MI (05/10/08)
I attempted to get the free annual credit report from EQUIFAX. I was denied the report because I was unable to repsond to questions regarding a nonexistent mortage on my account! If in fact such a mortgage does exist then I really have a fradulant issue to deal with.
However after reading some of the complaints contained herein I feel that maybe the mortaage is nonexistent and perhaps is a glitch in the program for Equifax which after reading these complaints should be corrected! Thank you sir for the number you posted to contact Equifax. I'll keep you posted on whether I am able to obtain a credit report or will I get the run around as so many of you have.
Jorge of New York NY (05/10/08)
I have recently discovered a number of glaring errors in my credit report that is on file with Equifax. I checked them against the three agencies, and they were the only one out of three with the wrong data. For one, my name was mispelled, I do not have a middle iniital in my name. Even this one mistake can mix you up with someone else.
Two, They have me listed at two residences in florida in 2006 and 2007 that I have never lived in. I have been in New York for 35 years.
And three, they have medical information as negative information against me that is in collection, that does not belong to me. I find it very difficult to fathom how these agencies cannot be forced to update their information and directly contact the consumer yearly to make sure all their information is correct. This is literally a case of the wolves watching the hen house. They do not have our best interest at heart.
This has resulted in a very low Fico score, which undoubtedly being caused by the collections. The other agenices, Experian and Transunion, who have accurate info, have me at a much fairer and much higher score. If anyone were to see my equifax score, i would be considered a very high risk person with a poor credit history.
Donna of Cordova TN (05/09/08)
I have disputed an item on my credit several times in the past three years knowing that the company did not have any personal information or signed documents to validate that the debt was mine or if it was accurate. Equifax claims to have verified the debt simply by giving the creditor all of my personal information including my SSN, DOB, Previous Address, and Current Address without regard to my personal information and privacy. The creditor should have had to verify the information was correct prior to receiving just as the consumer does prior to gaining access to their report.
Due to this item being incorrectly reported on my credit I am being denied a loan on an investment property and loosing $2,500.00 in earnest money paid when the contract was signed. I have also been charged higher interest rates on several accounts and denied credit from other finance companies. I am beginging to invest in real estate and will be forced to pay an above average interest rate on any properties i obtain because of it!! The damages of this can be devistating.
Rns of Rns GA (05/08/08)
I used Annual Credit Report online to get my free report. I decided to do one at a time so I chose Equifax first. So I believe it redirects me to Equifax where I can get my report from them. Well when it printed it out some of the accounts where duplicates, triplets, or quadruplets. They had the same information, same amount, same open date, etc. They were correct but it just seemed odd that they were being listed more than once. And in the credit summary part it actually totaled to the duplicate or triplet amount (ex. I have one account for 5K. it reported that I had total 3 accounts and the balance was 15k). Just seemed odd.
So I used the Dispute phone number they give you and I called Equifax. I told them my report seemed odd and it was showing same accounts more than once. I gave them one of the accounts that showed up three times. Mr. Linard, Lynard, Leonard (not sure which one) said that his up-to-the-day report only showed the account once. I asked how come the report I was shown four days ago online had it duplicated several times. According to him that report came from the Central Source. He asked me what I used to get my report. I told him I went through annualcreditreport.com and it redirected me to their site. He kept stating that they pulled it from the Central Source but that my report with them was correct, no duplicates. And get this, right away he stated that I could sign up for a credit monitoring program from them to make sure my credit file stays up to date.
At this point Im still trying to figure out why the report I received online had duplicates, I thought I was redirected and sent straight to them to get the report straight from them, is that not how it works? I still dont know what he meant by Central Source. So I asked him about all my other accounts and verified that there were no duplicates. Well there were no duplicates on his report but of course he said that instead of paying 10 dollars to get my report to verify no duplicates I could check it myself for 30 days free if I signed up for the monitoring program at $15 a month. I said no thanks I dont want a program from them. I just felt cheated because I had just received my free copy and it wasnt totally correct.
Now he said I had to pay $10 to see his latest copy. Ridiculous. Are they resorting to some kind of scheme to get people to sign up for their monitoring program. How low can they go. They should be ashamed. I wonder how many people are calling in and actually signing up. And I wonder who the Central Source is. Does the redirect not work the way I think it does. From what I have heard, Im never signing up for their programs and Im informing everyone I know.
Anthony of New Berlin WI (05/08/08)
I have had a Menards credit card for a couple of years with no problems.I have paid my bills on time, and most of the time retain a low balance. However because I remodle I do use the card. Again I have never had a problem being late, or not paying my bill. Suddenly I received a letter in the mail from Menards telling me that because of my equifax report, my credit is being reduced to 100.00 from 1500.00 with no explanation. I called the store and they would not give me any information, and to date have refused to send a copy of my credit report. I'am very upset because all my bills are paid, and I know there is no negative activity on my account that would constitute a large deduction in my credit, I have many cards of which I am paying off to increase my FICO score.
Economically, I cannot just walk into the store as usual and make my purchases for the property, further I feel violated, and I feel I have done something wrong of which is embarrassing to me. And why just this card out of the blue, what about all my other credit cards I have no problems with them.
Nicholas of Huachuca City AZ (05/06/08)
I paid for a online credit report and did not recieve it so I paid for another report and did not recieve it either. un able to dispute items in credit report. Un able to contact a real person.denied acces to my report. I was refused a loan due to information in a Equifax credit check that should have been removed years ago.
I was refused a home improvement loan due to information that is on the Equifax credit report and should haven been removed years ago
Kevin of Atlanta GA (05/05/08)
The company I own has done business with Equifax for over 15 years. Recently, our ability to access credit reports on potential customers (we loan money) was halted, without warning OR notification, because the company said we owed them money and was behind over 90 days. After digging and then sending the correct info. to Mr. Law, they admitted that we owed nothing. These people manage our credit bureau reports and associated payment history? They cannot even keep up with the small stuff!
Legitimate Complaint #2: Equifaz is now charging a minimum amount of $100.00 even if you run no reports during that 30 day period. This is abusive and is likely in violation of some portion of the AntiTrust Laws. I want something done about this kind of thing! This is a blatant example of price fixing--ILLEGAL--because they are clearly taking advantage of customers in our SE regoin who do not have to ability to run credit information with anyone BUT Equifax. There is a violation of free trade provisions and violation of the Antitrust statute, in the sense that they force hig prices on fompanies that have no other option. Federal AND state law speaks to this issue. Equifax is unresponsive to customer problems and convey a sense of being the :high and mighty of the world.
The inability to pull reports on certified, signed applicants potentially cost us $100's of thousands of dollars. Discriminatory pricing violate every law in the book!
Kevin of Atlanta GA (05/05/08)
The company I own has done business with Equifax for over 15 years. Recently, our ability to access credit reports on potential customers (we loan money) was halted, without warning OR notification, because the company said we owed them money and was behind over 90 days. After digging and then sending the correct info. to Mr. Law, they admitted that we owed nothing. These people manage our credit bureau reports and associated payment history? They cannot even keep up with the small stuff!
Equifaz is now charging a minimum amount of $100.00 even if you run no reports during that 30 day period. This is abusive and is likely in violation of some portion of the AntiTrust Laws. I want something done about this kind of thing! This is a blatant example of price fixing--ILLEGAL--because they are clearly taking advantage of customers in our SE regoin who do not have to ability to run credit information with anyone BUT Equifax. There is a violation of free trade provisions and violation of the Antitrust statute, in the sense that they force hig prices on fompanies that have no other option. Federal AND state law speaks to this issue. Equifax is unresponsive to customer problems and convey a sense of being the :high and mighty of the world.
The inability to pull reports on certified, signed applicants potentially cost us $100's of thousands of dollars. Discriminatory pricing violate every law in the book!
Lynn of Pittsburgh PA (05/02/08)
I was linked to Equifax by the federal trade commission website to get my free annual credit report. Equifax did not have a free report as an option! All they did was try to sell me their products. They would not give me the free annual credit report. When I tried to order it, i needed a user name and password and the only way to get a user name and password was to pay money!
I cannot get a free annual credit report. I have not seen my credit report or ordered one in 3 or more years!
Rafia of Cleveland OH (05/02/08)
I was one of these people who was worrying about become an identity thief victim. So I opened an account on Equifax to let someone to guard my credit cards and personal informations for me and get alert if some suspicious activity happens under my name or my credit cards. Anyway, I have been using my debit credit card more than 10 years and never had problem with it until last week(4/18/2008) I became a victim of identity thief right after I opened an account on Equifax. Someone stole my debit credit card information and used it at one of gas station in Florida took over 900 dollars from my checking account. Equifax didn't even alet me about all these suspicious activities on my debit credit card.
That identity thief started to take 75.00 dollar each time and then raised it to 100.00 until he took all money from my checking account and Equifax didn't even notice and alert me about it. I noticed that my money was gone when I went to get money at atm. Most important thing is I gave that debit credit card to equifax to get my member fee automaticly from there. I believe someone inside of equifax is selling out equifax customers informations. People like myself are trusting them enough to share our credit card numbers, driver license numbers and all other private informations but they don't even do their job. If they did they would stop that identity thief before he took more money from my account because he took all that money 2 days.
I believe someone from equifax sold out our private information and someone who works at that gas station able to get money from my checking account by using my debit credit card's information without having my card. Please help me on this problem to find out whoever done this and alet all other people, who would trust equifax to open account on there and give them all their private informations. It's not a trustworthy company. Thank you in advance for your help.
Jacob of New Orleans LA (05/01/08)
great big general complaint about immoral and what should be illegal in this country - why is it that when i was 18 years old with no job, no credit, and no responsibility equifax happily assisted credit providers in raping me ...and now i'm a grown man with a household income above $50,000/year and i can't finance a paperclip. this whole situation is totally out of control in this country - and its time we all organized against it, and not by writing letters to each other on the internet. as long as we stand for it we're going to keep getting it. its everything from bad information on our credit reports, to offers of credit with 26% interest rates, giving credit to unemployed children who will default then denying credit to responsible adults.....
i apply for credit before purchases in an attempt to fix my bad credit from over 10 years ago!i get denied, so i pay cash out-right for everything, have they not picked up that i make lots of money now - i know, its because the real money is in giving single mothers and unemployed people credit cards so they can finance charge them to death.
Scott of Cincinnati OH (04/30/08)
I was on the internet and was looking to get a credit report. I was doing three things at once and clicked on the Bill Me Later link. I new right away that this was a free service and called Equifax to Cancel whatever I orderd. I then was told by the rep Victorya that it would be no problem and it was canceled. A month later recived a bill and it stated that I owed 14.99. I called Bill Me Later and and they said Equifax had to send them a cradit. So I called Equifax and they stated that the credit had been sent over. I Get another statement from Bill Me Later the following month. I called again and they stated no credit was sent.
I call Equifax again and they stated that no credit was sent, but if I send the bill to them from Bill Me Later it would be corrected in 24hr. I sent the bill in. Now it is March and I get another bill. I called Equifax and they stated that nothing has been done at all to this. I spoke with a superviser Dewite who assured me that he had sent it down to the Billing dept to get this fix and it would be done in 3 day. Dewite stated that I could call and ask for him if it was not fixed. I wait five days and I called again. I asked for Dewite and they tell me that it is a big company and they don't know who he is.
Then I spoke to another Supervisor named ANN. She said that nothing was done and she would take care of it and it would be fix in 3 days. I then called again and spoke to Jessica and she said nothing could be done and I just have to wait. I recive a email from equifax in April that they had recive the information. It states this is to show you that we have recived information on a refund. This will take aprox 5-10 days. So I called after that 10 days and they said they had not gotten any informaiton from me. I send it again and they show that it would they did recive it. They keep telling me that I have to call Bill Me Later to get the credit and Bill Me Later tells me that they have to get it from Equifax.
I tried to to a three way call with Equifax and Bill me later and they stated that Equifax would not talk to Bill Me Later. This whole thing is just trying to get my credit report and 14.99. Equifax refused to do anything to help and said call Cunsumer Affairs if you have an issue. As of right now, Bill Me later says I owe them 14.99 and it is going to start affecting my credit. What els can I do/
I belive that this will affect my credit
Tami of St Paul MN (04/30/08)
Equifax continues to report the wrong information on my credit report despite the information they are given from the creditors. From two different companies the info is wrong and unless you have many hours in a day to deal with this they make it impossible to resolve it with them.
Because of their reporting, I am haveing a very difficult time obtaining new credit with creditors.
Michael of Avondale AZ (04/26/08)
Denied Car rental in Pitts. because of Equifax. No one could tell me why. Buget gave me a card that says I was denied because of the credit report provide by Equifax.And they couldn't tell me why? So I got on line with Equifax and tried to get a report but.. they couldn't provide it agian.. so what can I do? the report will probally say nothing> Just as the last one report did, no bad mark .. I'm I powerless to battle this monster?
I don't need this aggravation, working 6,12hrs days and building a house.
Edith of Winder GA (04/25/08)
I wasnt allow to view my credit report
David of Plano TX (04/24/08)
I had noticed that several credit card companies were sending me change of Terms notices informing me that they were going to increase my maximum interest rate due to changes in my credit score. I pulled all three reports and discovered that Equifax had rated my score 100 points less than the other two reporting agencies. A review of all three reports determined that they all had essentually the same information. i have a perfect payment record and excellent credit to income ratio. To get to actually talk to someone in customer service required that I purchase one of their products.
In my case it was $15.95 for my credit score and several benefits including access to customer care. After a brief discussion of my questions and concerns, the customer care representative admitted that she had no idea why my score would be 100 points less if all information was equal but recommended the purchase of another product to ensure that I was advised immediately of future changes in my credit score. It is long overdue for the federal government to take a serious look at the credit reporting industry and make changes to protect consumers from compaines like EQUIFAX.
As a consequence solely of the Equifax report with FICO score, I have had 4 credit cards seek to raise my maximum interest rate and a refinance loan was denied. Additionally, while my credit score from Esperian and TransUnion would have made me eligible for a very low promotional auto finance rate, the equifax score made this impossible.
Mary of Savannah TN (04/24/08)
My credit score went from 795 to 548 in 8 months due. I called each of the creditors added to my report and found out it belonged to someone else. It wasn't identity theft. The creditors sent their data electronically, and it was Equifax who made the mistake. Now Equifax is telling me it will take 45 to clear it up. I have spent numerous hours finding the number to these creditors and trying to figure out what happened. I was in the process of making a huge investment and this now has delayed it because Equifax will not correct it sooner than 45 days.
I'm a computer programmer and know how this works. They should Always match first & last name, date of birth, and SSN before adding something to a report. If I wrote a program that put an employee's pay check into someone's account and the company told you it would take 45 days to correct before getting your money, how would that employee react? Same goes with a credit score. Since so much is reliable on this score, Equifax should be held responsible for their mistakes. I have a credit report from May 2007 and these accounts were not on that report, and they were opened prior to 2007, so that tells you that Equifax had a computer glitch and just moved someone's else bad debt to my report.
To me, my credit score is like my pay check each week. I have spent numerous of hours researching this and I have been stressed over it. The biggest thing is I was in the process of making a huge investment and now that has been put on hold.
Lauren of Moorpark CA (04/16/08)
Credit report contains 3 glaring errors (e.g., still uses my maiden name though I've been married 7 years). I requested an investigation. Equifax e-mailed me a 2nd notification of results (I never received the first), requiring me to log in to a particular site. I did so and repeatedly was denied access. The posted phone number did not provde access to assistance. I then called the phone number on my credit report. The agent said she couldn't help and told me to call another number. That number was no longer in service.
Besides wasting perhaps an hour in trying to fix errors in my credit report, I suspect my credit rating has been damaged by the errors.
Major of Washington DC (04/13/08)
I was able to get my free credit report from everyone but Equifax. I made my request and was sent a letter on January 5, 2008, saying the information provided did not match what they had on file. The letter (010502488-FLT) requested additional information which I provided from the list they sent. No other agencies had a problem but after providing the information, I have not heard nor been able to contact a live person regarding my request according to the FCRA. It appears they do not wish to comply or they feel they are above the law.
According to FCRA, I want to know what is in my file and what Equifax is providing regarding my credit.
Michael of San Jose CA (04/09/08)
In October of 2005 we built a new house in Wisconsin. Our son and his family live in the house for now. We had a construction loan with Bremmer bank and we were told that a national mortgage company would take over the mortage soon after the house was occupied. The house is located in the country on a county line road. The Tittle company says the house is one address and the USPS says it is another.
countrywide bought the mortgage from Bremmer bank and began sending notices to the address that the USPS says doesn't exist. Five months go by and we have been making payments faithfully and on time to the Bremmer bank. The bank never told us they didn't have the mortgage anymore. forclosure came in a visit from the Deputy Sheriff. We finally got Bremmer to give countrywide all the moneys and countrywide removed the negative reports on our credit. Our credit had been in the high 600's before all this happened. It is in the low 500's now and had never gone back to what it was even though countrywide said it would. I pay my bills, but my credit cards are all high interest now and I tried to buy a new car and have to pay 13% interest. Why? Why? Why? I make more money than I spend?
I have one negitive report on my credit and that is not mine but my daughter-in-laws and we are working to remove it. This costing me a fortune Can I sue?
Carl of Riviera Beach FL (03/30/08)
Annualcreditreport.com is supposed to provide a FREE credit report from all three credit companies. However, Equifax doesn't let you view your free report anymore. When you log on annualcredit report and choose to get your free Equifax report you are directed to a page that says you must log in. Now if it's your first time you need to register first right? Well they don't give you a place to register. The trick is, they say you must Purchase one of their products to become a member. What ever happened to you being directed to them through annualcreditreport.com? They make you buy one of their products to register to see your Free Report. Somebody please look into this and see for your self.
I am going to contact the FTC about this.
Amir of Naperville IL (03/28/08)
There is wrong information placed on my credit report by equifax . The accident happened in 2004 and police give the ticket and liability to other party. But Equifax does not investigate and placed the collection on my credit report. I have shown them so many times that the original police report in which it is clearly mentioned who is responsible for the accident and who has to pay. The other credit bureaus, Experian and Transunion have already removed the collection a year ago. But after requesting many times, Equifax has not done an investigation and has not doing anything to remove the $80 collection.
1) I have applied for business loan it is denied because of this collection. 2) I applied Line of credit but due to this it was rejected. 3) My credit score is very low as compare to other bureaus thus causing the denial of application in every credit granter.
Tony of San Marcos, TX (03/25/08)
I was denied a credit card with Bank of America. When I tried to access my free credit report, I was given the runaround, and hung up on (7 times). I had to go through a big registration process, then told my password did not match my user name. I was never ask to create a password.
Mike of Saint Petersburg FL (03/13/08)
i am trying to get a home loan. Equifax will not remove a public record of chapter 13, wage earner plan in federal ct., in florida. This was filed in error and dismissed and they have been given a court certified copy of the dismissal. Experian and transunion have deleted this from my credit report but equifax absolutely will not, saying they could not use my court document. They have knocked my score down almost 100 points. To go further, they will only let FL residents use 100 words in their complaints while some other states allow their residents 200 words. This system is flawed and it has different rules for different people.
Adam of Estes Park CO (03/10/08)
I was sent a link to free credit report.com. I answered this email, checked my credit report and was then signed up for a monthly service, unbeknown to me. I was traveling and did not check email or mail and when I returned home I was sent a bill telling me I was delinquent and charging me $68.95 for a free credit report!
Judy of Lakewood OH (03/10/08)
They and (almost as bad) Bank of America were both involved in my problem: B of A tried to raise my APR, gave a reason of history of delinquency with your creditors. To my amazement, as this is not true. Info was furnished by Equifax. I decided to order my free annual credit report that supposedly comes from all 3 reporters, and Experian and Trans Union actually sent me the reports; our friend Equifax was looking forward to assisting me, but alas, the information [I] provided as proof of [my] identity does not match [my] information currently on file. Imagine that.
Being naive, I started running through the little maze that Equifax constructed--I sent them a copy of my driver's license and a W-2 form (A copy of one item in EACH of the categories below)! I sent this, as directed, with a copy of their letter to the address they directed it be sent to. After a while Equifax sent me back an inane paragraph of a letter saying they received my request for a copy of my free credit report, however, for proper attention, you must send your request to the Annual Credit Report Request Service on the Web, they admonished me. Still not quite getting it, I played their game on their web site for a while; it doesn't take long, though, to realize that the impenetrable wall they have erected to keep you from talking to, or even e-mailing with, a person, is no small trick of the trade--it's part of a very clever and diabolical culture with the payoff huge and the punishments taken.
I don't know yet if Bank of America will succeed in raising my APR based on false information from Equifax. They say they received my rejection of new terms, but we'll see. Whatever this false information is may be is costing me in ways I don't even know--yet.
John of Fishers IN (03/10/08)
I have run my credit report and have disputed a few items on the report. They said it takes 30 days for a dispute to hit the report. However, if you pay a bill off shouldn't that show up right away? They put opened accounts on the report immediately. Why does it take so long to show an account being paid? I am trying to refinance my mortgage and I have paid off some credit cards, so then tell me why my score dropped? I did not open any new account. Why does Transunion and Experian show much higher scores for me and Equifax is 100 points less? This does not make sense. When I call and ask them, they just keep putting me off to say there is nothing they can do and that is just the way it is. This is the WORST reporting agency I have ever dealt with!
Clive of New York NY (02/26/08)
As every year, I downloaded my annual credit report from the 3 agencies. When I attempted to access my file online from Equifax, I got a message saying that internet delivery was not available. The site gave me 3 possible reasons, one of which was that there may have been a fraud alert entered on my file. That gave me a lot of concern, and I attempted to contact Equifax. But I had no luck - without a confirmation number I could not speak to anybody. All I could do was mail-in my request, which was a hassle, because I had to send copies of my social security card and utility bills. When the report arrived I could see nothing on it that would have caused a problem with my accessing the report on line - ie. there was no security freeze, fraud alert, etc. With a confirmation number now in hand, I called one of the representatives. He could offer no explanation for the problem. I asked him for the name of Equifax's regulator, so I could make a formal complaint. I was told that that information was confidential, and he could not disclose it! I said I wanted to complain about the standard of service from Equifax, and asked to whom I should direct my complaint. Nothing was forthcoming. Internal legal counsel? No success. I was given a toll-free number to call, in order to speak to web solutions department. Well, I have been on hold for 30 minutes, and even if I get through I am not hopeful that my issue will be resolved.
Being notified that my credit file could not be accessed because of a potential fraud alert, caused me significant concern and stress. This was made the worse because I could not speak to a representative without a confirmation number. I had to wait for 10 days while Equifax prepared the report and sent it to me in the mail. If there had been a security freeze on my file, or an active fraud alert, it could have affected my credit standing, and potentially denied me access to credit.
Robert of Canton GA (02/15/08)
I am up for a new job that requires a credit check. However whenever I go to Equifax.com or freecreditreport.com or anywhere else, I cannot open their page; it gives me an error. The main problem is (note other people complaining about the page being down) it was the same last year when I tried to get my Equifax report. Exactly the same. (To the man from GA who was saying he had a release letter about the 1994 taxes that he couldn't get a mortgage--you can sue Equifax under the Fair credit Reporting act for a misreport on many things, but thats one of the key ones. I would contact Equifax and let them know you will be filing suit if they don't correct it. It helps to let them know your or an attorney's name to put a sting in your stinger.) THAT IS ILLEGAL. I will be doing the same if this affects my employment decision in any way.
I will not get a great paying job with benefits and all the +'s with a great company, which means I won't be able to support my family.
Joseph of Dawsonville GA (02/11/08)
I have called Equifax numerous times to find out why they won't give me an online copy of my FREE credit report. I keep getting a recorded message that explains NOTHING. The few times I have been able to talk to a human, they act like they don't know anything about it and connect me to the same INFORMATION recoding. I had no problem pulling reports from Transunion or Experian. Why with all the negative consumer complaints against this company are they still able to ruin peoples lives like this? I need this report to dispute items that are being falsely reported on my report. I do not have a fraud alert or anything thing else on this report. I need something done about this, Can anyone help, please?
I have been turned down for a mortgage because of a so called tax lien from 1994 that Equifax still is reporting on my credit file. The worse part about this is I am holding in my hand a letter from the town clerk of that tax lien stating those taxes were paid in 1994 and should have never been reported as a bad debt. There are numerous other mistakes on this report that I have cleaned up with the other 2. This has caused me great financial havoc and almost a nervous breakdown with frustration. How do they sleep at night knowing people are counting on them to get this very important part of a person's life right and they try everything possible to mess it up? I will not rest until I am made whole on this. Someone step up and help us. Please.
Gene of Sanford ME (02/11/08)
I received my free credit report from Annualcreditreport.com, and got my credit score from Transunion and Experian, but not from Equifax. I then went to their site and signed up for what I thought was a free trial, only to find that I was being charged for $14.95 for the exact same thing I had just received for free. Getting my score apparently would be another $15. I then tried to contact them about getting a refund, twice by e-mail and once by phone, and never got a reply or a chance to speak with a person. I only got to hear the same recording at least 5 times, and I wasted most of my cell phone's minutes doing so. It may only be $14.95 to some people, but they seem to be doing this sort of thing far too often. I am also on disability, so $14.95 isn't something I can simply throw away.
Loss of almost 15 dollars and the anxiety of having to deal with this situation.
John of White Bear Lake MN (02/05/08)
I submitted a request for our free credit report. I received a reply stating that my information was incorrect and needed more information. They changed my name from John to Joan and changed an e to an a in my last name.On my wife's they changed some letters, also. In our street name they stated the address was incorrect. After reviewing my copy of the forms, I could not find any reason for these errors. They did however give me an opportunity to get my credit score for $7.95. It seems this is nothing more than an attempt to charge a fee for the report.
Dianna of Derby KS (02/01/08)
I disputed a lien that had been paid and released since 1995. CSC, an affiliate of Equifax, sent me notification that the lien was being deleted in November. I have been unable to get this off my credit file. I have made numerous attempts to talk to Equifax; they just keep giving me telephone number for CSC credit that has a prerecorded message and disconnects. I tried to get the direct telephone number from the phone book; all numbers given by information services are no longer in service This company is committing fraud by giving out data that is illegal. Is there any way I can assist in putting them out of business?
Kevin of Temple Hills MD (01/27/08)
I saw their (Equifax) free credit report banner on Comcast.net's website, and decided to get my free report as required by law in my state (MD). That statement was a part of their advertisement banner. After filling out all of the personal (and required info) to include SSN#. The website informed me that it could not give me the report, and that I need to call a 1-800 to get it.
I called the number listed on the website, and a recording citing the free report required by law in my state disclaimer, immediately stated that it will cost $7.95, plus I need to give all my personal info once more to the recording. I promptly hung up. I am exceptionally frustrated, and would like to speak a state regulator, or attorney if possible - TO GET THE FREE REPORT. Thanks
Karen of Smyrna GA (01/24/08)
I have 1 collections history on my credit report, but it was a huge misunderstanding with the insurance company, and after several years of battling with them, the collections agency said it was cleared up and would be removed from my report. So, one day when I was checking my report through Equifax, I saw it was still showing. I submitted a dispute against this, entering a consumer statement. Little did I know that Equifax would take that statement and turn it into a fraud alert on my report. I have recently been denied service from the gas company, a cable company, and the power company when I moved to a new city, only because they see this alert on my file. I've been trying to contact Equifax for months now, and have never gotten the correct number. I JUST recently found a good CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER for Equifax.
Lesley of Arlington Heights IL (01/23/08)
Equifax websit offers many products. After purchasing 3/1 monitor w/score power for $39.95, I had trouble logging on. When I called the rep, who was very nice, helped me with the log on, but then told me the product I bought was good for only 30 days. I assumed it was good for a year! He said it wasnt and tried selling me a year as a favor for $99. I asked him where in the site did it explain how long this product was good for and he said it should show up after I had submitted all my personal and payment info. Then he tried to sell me one month without fico score for $12.95. I just wanted to cancel the entire package, since I can get a free report once a year. I take issue with the fact that the company doesnt disclose the full contents such as the duration of their product in a place where it can easily be read before entering personal info. As a test, I tried to reorder it again and I still couldnt find the length of time disclosure. I cancelled it and the rep credited me back.
There was no damage to me, but for customers who might purchase you should call first ask how long the product they are purchasing is good for.
Brett of South Vienna OH (01/16/08)
I was contacted by Cold Stream, a mortgage brokerage company. I was informed that Equifax had sold them My Credit info and that they (Cold Stream) wished to get me a better rate on my mortgage.
As credit requests are made they lower your credit score. Why is Equifax allowed to sell this info when it was not requested by me?
Jeff of Pleasant Grove UT (01/03/08)
This Equifax Co is one of the worst companies I have ever tried to deal with. Trying to get my free credit report has been a nightmare. I only clicked credit report. I did not ask for my score (which would have cost). It did ask for my visa number which I gave because it would let me proceed to get my free credit report, then it charged me $7.95. It is the principle of the thing that a company of this size can get away with this. How can I get my $7.95 back from Equifax? I'm an experienced online user and was very careful not to check anything that would cost money (like the score). Of course Equifax makes it virtually impossible to contact them.
Joel of Lawrenceville GA (12/24/07)
Equifax makes it impossible to contact them by phone for general customer service questions. Are they not supposed to make it reasonably easy to get in touch with them?
The damage is I have no answers to important questions about my credit.
Marsha of Elkview WV (12/20/07)
I called Equifax requesting information about their report. I spoke with a person named Hazel a received no helpful information. I asked to speak with her supervisor and was connected to Cherlene. She provided no helpful information regarding persons who collected the information and who they obtained it from. I asked for information regarding the persons I could talk with at the court house. The statesments that she made regarding a person from Equifax went to the court house on 12/13/07 to collect the information. I asked for a title of the person, I did not need a name, and was met with no helpful information.
I am contacting the Medina Court House again. I find Equifax's responses unacceptable since the are reporting incorrect information and seem to have no desire to provide factual information. This kind of reporting should be corrected.
Angela of Wappapello MO (12/10/07)
I can't get through to Equifax to make disputes on my credit report. I can't get a loan becuase of wrong and out-dated material on my credit report. I have disputed online and have gotten absolutely no reply. This should be illegal. How they are ruining people's lives!
Julia of Staten Island NY (12/05/07)
I called Equifax in the beginning of September to obtain a free copy of my credit reports from the three agencies as permitted by law. Both Transunion and Esperian sent me mine with the information requested. I received my report from Transunion and Esperian immediately. Equifax sent me back a letter refusing, saying the information they have on file does not match what I submitted and that I was supposed to send proof such as W2 forms, Drivers license, and a bill that was mailed to my address, to prove I live here. (How did I receive their denial if I didn't live here?), proof of last two pay stubs, etc. I wrote back explaining that I had a copy of 2003 report by them with that information on it and enclosed a copy that I am 83 years old have been on their files since the 1940's, do not work, go out or drive, and that I wanted a copy of my report to see what was changed on it and by whom. They had correct information in 2003 why not now?
All they did was send me back another letter telling me my information does not match theirs. I have lived at this address for 30 years, and I am entitled to my report. Why should I have to prove their unreliable corrections to my file? I did not change it; they did. Can you get in touch with someone there who might know what he or she is doing to get me a report to which I am entitled?
It is very time consuming and aggravating to try to get them to comply.
David of Virginia Beach VA (12/05/07)
Got my free annual report online with no difficulty. But when I wanted to dispute some incorrect information, the number published on the website, (EQUIFAX.com), for just that, was NO LONGER IN SERVICE! Tried to initiate an investigation online, submitted all my info, and got a message that their system could not process my request at this time, please call the toll-free number listed on your credit report. Of course this was the disconnected number! Have been unable to contact any life-form at EQUIFAX whatsoever. Doesn't give me a warm fuzzy feeling knowing the sensitive information they are safeguarding. I can only hope that data thieves are having the same lack of success gaining access to them.
Hours wasted during working hours and at home in the evening.
Paul of Canton GA (12/03/07)
I tried to get my free annual report from annualreport.com - and got Transunion and Experian no problem at all. When I went to get my Equifax report, it said "At this time we are unable to deliver your credit file online. You may call us to request your credit file be sent to you by contacting us at 1-800-685-1111." I called the automated number and somehow I was able to talk to a human...in INDIA...who had access to my credit file. (Does this bother anyone else that a company in India has the credit files of every US citizen?) Anyway, she was unable to get my credit report to show up on line but said she could sell me one discounted for $10. I said "No, it's supposed to be free. When she repeated that she couldn't see any reason why it shouldn't show up, I asked to speak with a supervisor. She said, "He'll tell you the same thing, sir." I said "Okay, can I speak to one anyway?" She said "Okay," then hung up on me. This company scares me.
Ryan of New York NY (11/25/07)
They do not pick up the phone. I've been on hold for over an hour. I thought they have already gotten in trouble over this?
Walter of Max Meadows VA (11/20/07)
I purchased product to get credit report from Equifax, but when I log on all I get is a lot of ads wanting me to buy more junk. Their ad says it is easy to get your report. I tried for two hours, lost valuable time, and never was able to bypass the ads to get to the product I ordered.
Amy of Saint Cloud MN (11/04/07)
I went to https://www.annualcreditreport.com and had no trouble getting my experian and transunion credit report. However, at the Equifax site you are required to login, however, you can only login if you purchase one of their credit reports. I am very computer literate and their website made it impossible to get the free Equifax credit report I was promised.
Brik of Albany TX (11/04/07)
I was denied credit for an auto loan and when I was shown my Equifax report that state: insufficient credit history and high fraud risk. The report also did not show a credit score. I kept a copy of it and later purchased my credit score and received my reports from the three bureaus. Equifax had wrong and out-dated information and no credit score. In reality I have 8 to 10 instances of credit including 2 mortgages, 2 auto loans and a number of revolving accounts all paid in full with not a single payment over a day late. I am completely out of debt and should have a very good score.
To purchase a new auto I had to use part of a cd I have in the bank. Otherwise I would have had to pay 9.25% interest. My credit standing is hurt. I never have requested a fraud alert to be put in my file. I have spent too much time and money on this, and it has been very stressful.
Todd Parker of Mt Sinai NY (10/29/07)
Equifax billed me $100.00 for a credit report I never requested and provides no customer service number or contact to dispute the charge.
I've had to challenge the charge with my credit card company.
Annett of Lakewood WA (10/27/07)
I have tried to access my free Equifax credit report since 2006 without success. Equifax's website only refers me back to purchases, and now with the new Freeze Law it tells me my account is frozen. I have not frozen my account! I am not willing to supply my pay stubs, SS card, driver's license along with utility bills to a company to get my credit history. I have no idea who is handling this info and do not feel comfortable. Equifax is a ripoff and unfortunately the most used credit reporting agency! Equifax is abusing and taking advantage of consumers for a profit!
Jacqueline of Las Vegas NV (10/17/07)
I have contacted Equifax on several occasions. I have been denied credit so requested a free report. The only response from Equifax are forms indicating to send them the required personal information before they can release a reportt. I have mailed the information twice. I need my report.
Karen of Chandler AZ (10/13/07)
My husband and I were trying to get our annual free credit reports through annualcreditreport.com. Experian and Transunion reports were no problem, but Equifax reported You have no Consumer Statement on file for both of us. They had our addresses, but other identification was none, and employment was none or way out of date. It said file blocked for promotional purposes. Businesses should NOT use Equifax for any decisions because this co. obviously has incomplete and inaccurate information in their database.
Brenda of Charleston IL (10/12/07)
Equifax is charging my credit card $12.95 each month for a memebership I did not order and do not want.
Jeff of Post Falls ID (10/02/07)
Thinking that I was ordering my credit score, I inadvertently ordered a 12 month monitoring system which is totally worthless. When I discovered my error, I IMMEDIATELY called their toll free number to inform them that I needed a refund and to order the score instead of the 12 month subscription to credit monitoring, and they refused. I still had to purchase both. Also, on their site, it is VERY difficult to find the credit score product, and when you do click on it, they have already highlighted a 47 dollar option and another more expensive option. I feel they are unethical.
Ken of Ponte Vedra FL (09/27/07)
Equifax has charged me 7.95 a month for 8 months for something I didnt sign up for. I have tried to talk to them but all has failed. they will not even listen to my problem. I sat on hold for 1hour and 46 minutes today to talk to somebody.Then they hung up on me when it picked up.
Randall of Spring TX (05/27/07)
Still reporting a Federal Tax lien after the lien was released in 1988, the same lien was again released in 1994 and again in 2004 - EQUIFAX reported the tax lien as being released in their report dated 6-7-06 but again reported the lien as of 3-2-07 all in the face of my protests, letters with copies of lien release from I.R.S., Senator John McCain, Maricopa County Recorder's Office & I.R.S. Problem Resolution Office.
This has been an on-going battle for 21 years and 25 separate attempts to clear the record of a 1987 tax lien that was released on 01-08-1988.
Paula of Elberton GA (05/22/07)
I was denied for a car loan by my credit union because they said I had four mortgages. I have one mortgage. I tried to get a free copy of my Equifax report. It stated I had received a mortgage in 2003 and asked what bank. I did not get a mortgage in 2003 so I couldn’t answer the question. I printed the form and sent a copy of my W2 for identification and a copy of my driver’s license to verify my address.
Two weeks later, I received a letter stating that the info does not match my file. Once again, I sent in my W2, a pay stub with my address, and a power bill. Two weeks later, I received the exact same letter!
Justin of Citrus Heights CA (05/14/07)
I saw a lot of negative postings about Equifax due to consumers being unable to obtain a customer service phone number to speak with a live person, which discouraged me because I also needed the number. So, after about 20 minutes of searching online I came up with 800-846-5279 and it works! It starts as an automated voice giving information about starting an investigation into your credit file, but then takes you to a live person who was extremely helpful. Hopefully this post can make it to the website to help the others out.
Cristina of Weston FL (04/20/07)
I recently was denied a lease through Ford Motor Company because of some repo on my Equifax credit report. I have only owned 2 vehicles in my name. Paid 1 off back in 1995 and the other in 2004 in a trade while purchasing a new vehicle through Ford.
In order to call them you have to have your credit report (which I don't have) because that's where they indicate to have a number for you to reach them. I have tried 3 times to obtain this thru the internet and by the time I get to step 3 of their process, I get DENIED. Security questions about a possible mortgage obtained on 04/05 which I do not have and did not have at that time neither. My answer was none of the above and to call their automated number. EQUIFAX WEB SITE GIVES YOU 2 NUMBERS - DISPUTE: 800-685-1111 AND FOR FRAUD: 888-766-0008 - BOTH AUTOMATED!
Richard of Puyallup WA (04/19/07)
I tried to get my free credit report from Equifax. After inputting my information and clicking on my report, the site asked for my login information. The free credit report process never asked me any questions to setup a login ID and password, when I did the automated request for my login information, it wasn't found. However, the only way to create an account is if you buy one of Equifax's products. I then tried to get a contact number but the site only gives you a contact number if you login, which requires you to buy something.
I'm applying for a line of credit and I have been informed that there is a tax lien on my Equifax report. This tax lien was filed in error by the IRS and I have no way to contest it without seeing my credit report.
Thomas of Anaheim CA (04/03/07)
Requested to permanently remove a security freeze of my credit report to Equifax on 04/21/06 and Experian on 03/20/06,then they sent me the confirmations it was done, but until now my files still blocked. The Lenders could not pull out to review my credit report.
Janice of Scarsdale NY (04/03/07)
I have been trying to get my free credit report from Equifax. My attempts online are met with requests that I fill out a form and mail it in along with proof of SSN and address. I have done this twice and I only receive back the same form letter. I then submitted a complaint at annualcreditreport.com and weeks later I received the same form letter from Equifax. I have tried calling, but people apparently do not exist at Equifax. The letter tries to imply that I have no credit report, but I just received copies from the other two bureaus and there was at least one mistake listed that would hurt my credit score. I am starting to look to buy a home, but I am terrified of trying to get a loan before I know what Equifax has on file for me.
Karen of Fort Edward NY (03/20/07)
I have requested several times that Equifax update my credit report which shows a past due account from 2005--from Progressive Insurance. I contacted Progressive and they sent me and Equifax a letter stating the account was paid in full on 2/04/05 and should not appear as delinquent. Because of Equifax my credit stinks!! I would like this mess straightened out. I have tried contacting Equifax and I always get someone who cannot speak English so therefore they don't understand it either! I have requested an updated credit report and they just refuse to give me one free of charge. I thought because of a dispute they were required to provide one?
Lynn of Orinda CA (03/17/07)
Equifax has been reporting erroneous collection information (1 account for about $80) for over 2 years. They have failed to respond to my inquiries regarding who the creditor/collector is (it is not listed on their report, which I had to pay for just to see in full). They have also ignored my disputes filed on their web site. Their report of my score is adversely impacting my cost of credit and I don't know who to go to in order to get this issue resolved. Please help.
I have experienced delays in securing mortgages, resulting in thousands of dollars in excess fees and interest charges in the interim.
Angela of Pittsfield ME (01/31/07)
I have been receiving unsolicited mail originating from Equifax to companies such as College Loan Corporation even though I have put myself on the Direct Marketing Do Not Mail list. The first time I received unsolicited mail from College Loan Corp. in September 2006, I called Equifax's 1-888-5OPTOUT phone number and subsequently mailed in their request to take me off all Direct Marketing lists. It is now late January 2007, and I am STILL receiving unsolicited mail from College Loan Corp. originating from information provided by Equifax.
Equifax also continues to provide incorrect information about me to marketers even though I followed THEIR instructions to correct my information back in May 2006. Specifically, they have my old last name. It is very upsetting to me and my new husband that I continue to receive mail with my old married name...it was horrible marriage and I do not appreciate the constant reminders due to Equifax.
If they are going to continue to let people harass me by mail, the least they can do is do it in my correct name. Please make it stop!
Andrea of Phoenix AZ (01/12/07)
I am trying to improve my credit and have obtained Experian and Trans Union reports online without problems, but when I am asked to verify my information, Equifax asks me to verify a MORTGAGE that I do NOT have. It does not exist or is incorrect or someone has used my info to get one. I can not see that info as Equifax will not let me in as they think I am not me as they have a Mortgage on my credit report. There is no Phone Number and I am extremely frustrated. I have been denied credit at a local bicycle shop and I am afraid to try to purchase a car as I don't know what is contained on their information.
Janice of Camarillo, CA (12/07/06)
I requested a security freeze be put on my account on May 20, 2006. I have been unable to remove the security freeze and as a result I cannot obtain a credit card for my work. I could not buy a washer and dryer when mine broke.
Everytime I send a letter to Equifax, with the documents they ask for, I just get another form letter from them.
Thomas of Linden CA (11/06/06)
I was denied credit, because equifax continued negative credit reporting. I asked equifax to review my credit status. I have maintained an outstanding credit history for nine years and have perfect credit score. Esperian and other credit reporting agencies have removed and deleted all bankruptscy listings on my credit. I informed equifax, this was due to a divorce and a ex-spouse. I submitted a request to equifax, to please remove this from my credit file.
Equifax put my dispute letter on my permanent credit file. This is total incompetence on their part. This is not what I had ask them to do. If Esperian and other credit reporting agencies have reviewed my credit history for the last ten years and expunged the bankruptscy filing, and given me excellent credit score because of my fiscal responsibility.
Yee of Sanford NC (08/24/06)
Several months ago I had sent in my request for Equifax to freeze my account. They responded back via letter stating that they could not freeze my account since I did not send them a payment. This was incorrect because I sent them a check along with all necessary information. I figured what the heck. Don't really need my accoun frozen. I was just being cautious. Well, today I found out that they had put a freeze on my account without ever notifying me or providing me the pin number to unfreeze my account. Only found out when I tried to apply for credit. To make things worse, you can't even contact them. They provide no phone number to contact them. All other numbers are recordings only. How can such a company have so much power over us and can't be contacted. What is the government doing about this. I am so upset that this is allowed to happen. I will contact my congressman/senator today and the state attorney to file complaints.
Lee of Fayettevill NC (08/08/06)
In my recent attempts to finance a home I have found that my credit score from Equifax is approximately 125 points lower than the other two reporting agencies. Logically this indicates a discrepency or dare I say mistake by Equifax. I subsequently went to their web site and searched for a phone number to call to ask questions and was unsuccessful. It would seem that the only way to gain access is to give them money for a credit report so that I can then do all the leg work to fix their mistake. This means that I give them money so that I can then do their job for them at no cost.
It would appear that their supposed mistakes are extremely profitable for them. An unfortunate coincidence that I'm sure they don't take advantage of. If nothing else there should be communication between the three agencies to validate each other.
My credit score average was 708 as apposed to approximately 750. This apparently equates to an interest rate hike of .5%. Extra interest I now get to pay.
Michael of Lighthouse Point FL (07/29/06)
equifax kept charging me 9.99 monthly and i had to get my debit card number changed to stop them from withdrawing money.the 1 time i got through to contest info on my report the lady i spoke to was nasty as hell.. i still can not get a credit rating number from them...they have addresses and job descriptions on file that have nothing to do with me . i have sent numerous emails to them and called several times and can get no one on the phone but recordings.
Bri of Woodbridge VA (07/21/06)
I have few collection items, which were inherited to me because of my previous bad marriage. Since these were the joint accounts and I was the primary accounts, I had to pay all these accounts in full. By law these items and the accounts as well should be deleted from my credit report after seven years. This seven year period depends how these credit beaurue companies count this time. It should have a start date and after seven years there should be a end date.
But in my case even though the accounts are fully paid, the creditors keep informing these credit beaure companies and the start date keep becoming the most recent information date. I have no connection with these creditors any more and I do not use there credit any more and my start date should have started long time ago and these items should be taken off from my credit report long time ago, but since the creditors keep informing these credit agencies, the start date never starts actully and these items never go off from my credit report and I have to suffer for no fault of mine. I tried to call the Equifax so that I can talk to some human voice, but there all the automated voice sytem and I can never fine a Equifax phone number where I can talk to some human being. I do not know what to do.
Becky of Colorado Springs CO (07/20/06)
On 8/11/2005 I checked my credit report with Equifax and there was nothing on it. By nothing I mean NO THING! Of all 3 agencies Equifax was reporting the lowest score by over 100 pts. However, I got busy disputing an item that wasn't mine on my Transunion credit report that I just forgot about it. However, now I am trying to refinance my home and Equifax has the very item I disputed with Transunion last year on my credit report! I need to refinance now but they want me to write to them and request a copy of my report and then wait for my report before I can write to them again to dispute the item. They won't let me dispute the item online by using the credit report I paid for that my mortgage lender is using to set my rate. Apparently I have to have my own confirmation number.
This is costing me a lot of time and money and I fully intend to see this thing through with an attorney when this is all over with. I am 50 years old and this is my first house. I've lived in it for 2 years and now I may love it because I can not afford my house payment because of the high rates I qualify for due to my credit score. I should have excellent credit scores except for the duplicate entries which makes it look like I'm overextended, and the 2 erroneous negative accounts that have just now appeared even though they date back to 2000. This is so irresponsible! I think they should be put on time out for a very long time.
Carrie of Grandview MO (06/06/06)
According to FICO Equifax has a Verizon Wireless account open under my name, that belonged to my ex husband, and was charged-off in a bankruptcy of mine in 2004. This mistake has been lowering my credit score significantly! I am trying to buy a house for my family, and because Equifax cannot seem to fix THEIR mistake I am having a hard time getting a loan now. My score has dropped 31 points in one month! When I talk to Equifax (which was 4 times on 6/5/06) they blame the mistake on FICO, FICO says it isn't possible because all they do is pull there information directly from Equifax.
Equifax tells me that they've had it under bankruptcy but they haven't because I pulled my credit on 5/26/06 and the Verizon account was on the report as open. Equifax won't do a thing about the mistake and they don't blink at ruining someone's credit, in turn someon'e financial life. I have two big companies pointing their long fingers at eachother and neither taking responsiblity and more importantly neither caring about the consumer.
My credit score has lowered 31 points in 5 weeks. I went from having good enough credit to buy a house to no possible way of buying one without insanely high interest....all due to this stupid mistake.
Deirdre of Paterson NJ (05/27/06)
I have tried on numerous ocassions to get credit reports for my self and my husband online and was advised i am unable to get my report online that i would get it in the mail and still have not received it but when i try to call they said i received my free credit report for the year. Same situation with my husband.
Thomas of Gaithersburg MD (05/24/06)
Last month, I received a letter from my mortgage company that customer information in their possession was lost and my personal information could be compromised. They recommended that I put a fraud alert on my credit accounts. I tried to put a 90 day credit alert on my account (which I had successfully done online last year) using the phone number on the Equifax website and I was denied three times. I called the Customer Service number at (1-866-640-2273) and, after waiting on hold for 30 minutes, spoke to Curtis (x31592). I told him I wanted the credit alert on my account. I gave him the information requested (SSN, Address, etc.) as well as telling him I was very disappointed with Equirax Customer Service.
He forwarded me to a Customer Service manager. She told me the fraud alert could not be put on my account because of a discrepancy and that I would have to mail in information for it to be done. I told her I was not going to mail anything because I was able to put the fraud alert on my account many times last year without doing such. She then hung up on me.
James of Apple Valley CA (05/23/06)
I have been trying to get equifax to remove a security freeze that is on my information. I requested the freeze 10 years ago. I have not had any problems until about 8 months ago when I started getting turned down for simple credit requests. So I called to cancel the freeze and the machines I talked to were not cooperative. I then wrote them. They wrote me back a form letter telling me that I needed to give them the 10-digit code that they supposedly furnished to me 10 years earlier. I’ve since written them explaining that I have no code and to, by all means, cancel the freeze. I’ve just received from them the same form letter with the same request of the all powerful 10 digit code.
Robyn of Siler City NC (04/26/06)
I was denied credit because equifax was not listing any current accounts but only the old negative ones. I tried accessing their website to dispute but it was not working. I finally did dispute and was told it was corrected. I was recently deinied credit again because they did NOT remove the tiems they indicated would be removed.
Michael of Port Huron MI (04/17/06)
I did dispute an address on my credit report. They stated on 2 letters now that it has been deleted, but it is still listed. I also requested an investigation as to why this was on my report, they inturn did not furnish me with this information.
Mark of Cincinnati OH (03/24/06)
I have been locked out of my account, and, can no longer access it thru the internet. They sent me an email stating that someone has been trying to get into my account, and if it was me, then call the number. I called the number, only you never speak to a live representative... I've tried for two days now, and have spent well over 3 hours on the phone waiting. I never get a response from sending email either.
They force you into using their so called "products" by making it impossible to update your account except thru one of their products. Otherwise, after disputing a charge, they send you information asking for all your credit card account numbers, copies of your drivers license, etc... and then, after sending that information in, they claim they don't get it, and the whole process starts over.
Patricia of Everett WA (03/03/06)
I filed bankruptcy, it was discharged 10/2003. Equifax refused to show it on my credit report, they said get an attorney. Hello? i can not afford it and they are causing me grief. I'm trying to get back on track and every time I turn around they are there sticking it to me.
Suzette of West Farmington, OH (8/28/05):
After claiming bankruptcy I obtained a free credit report to see where I stood. I was amazed at the errors on my credit report. My name was wrong; they have me living in a city I have never lived in; and some things that were not included in the bankruptcy are reported as being included. They wanted a copy of my drivers license to verify my name change which I sent it to them, and guess what? They still have my name wrong and now they have my birth date wrong as well. Can't they read what's on this official document?
The address they have for me does not even exist, and has still not been removed. I have tried nine different times to fix these same issues and it keeps getting worse.
Damages: I have been denied credit and the physical strain this is placing on me is becoming unbearable. I was trying to get a new job last year and several companies may have done a credit check and nothing would have matched up with my application and credit file.
Richard of Billings, MT (8/24/05):
Equifax has repeatedly refused to remove duplicate credit accounts from my personal credit file. In addition, Equifax has refused to remove negative information from my personal credit file where they have no current phone numbers or mail addresses for me to contact the alleged creditor to rectify the negative information.
Damages: These specific Equifax actions are causing me to have to pay a significantly higher interest rate on a new home loan. The monetary damages to my family and me are in the thousands of dollars annually. The two other credit-reporting agencies have both corrected their reports on my personal credit file.
Donna of Rancho Cucamonga, CA (7/26/05):
I was turned down for a home equity loan because the bank said I had no
credit history and no credit score with Equifax. I am 58 years old, have
owned 4 homes and about 8 cars. I have been a sole proprietor for over 25
years and currently use 3 credit cards. I make $84,000 annually and have no
history of late pay. How can I have no credit history?
Damages: I was denied a home equity to make home improvements.
Phyllis of Manteca CA (6/5/03):
I applied for a credit card and a received a letter from the company saying the credit agencies were not using my address. I have had the same Street and PO Box address for 23 years. I have been unable to get a person to answer the phone, just recorded messages. I can't reach them on their web site because I wasn't turned down so I don't have a copy of the report which they require. Their being fined apparently didn't make an impression on them or change their behavior.
Jamal of Mesa AZ writes (7/30/03):
In Feburary of 2003, I contacted Equifax to investigate a "false" report on my credit report. I was told it would take 30 days and they would investigate my complaint and issue their findings. It is now the end of July and I haven't recieved any response.
Amy of Largo FL (7/22/03):
Bankruptcy was filed reluctantly a year and a half ago due to back-to-back job losses by myself and my husband, but several of my accounts still had that I owed a balance. Equifax was contacted via a certified letter telling them of the corrections needed to be made. Discharge papers and "schedule F" Forms were sent as proof these companies were added. I understand bankruptcy is on the report for all to see, but the schedule is not.
These credit reporting agencies are messing up people's live's with no fear of penalty. I wish they could be held accountable somehow for all the errors they create because they go by a name rather than a social security number. How hard can that be? It would be nice if Equifax could do something radical - like their job! We are still being harrassed by collection agencies who go by the report that Equifax has wrong.
Steven of Oakland CA (6/26/03):
Equifax and Experian, while they harbor information of critical importance to a citizen's daily life, should not be so remote and impossible to contact on urgent matters like credit. This is pure and outright hostile behavior to consumers! Fastest methods of contact and response can easily take weeks for one thing to get done! This company makes it impossible to get through and talk to anyone!
Next problem is that this company is "double-dipping!" This means that the Corporation is selling info to businesses on citizens and then turning around and charging citizens for access to their own files! This is or should be illegal! Consumers should have free and unlimited access to their own reports if the corporation is making money selling this private information!
Lynn of New Hope PA (6/21/03):
I have sent Equifax information concerning credit card accounts on my reports. I have letters from each creditor stating that these are not my accounts, however when I requested that Equifax removed this information they have refused. They are damanging my credit.
Mike of Herndon VA (6/17/03):
First, let me make clear that Equifax is not the only company at fault here. I first tried, unsuccessfully, to resolve the issue with Associates Bank. But Equifax is ALLOWING fraudulent reporting on my credit file by failing to properly investigate the "debt" that Associates claims I owe. As background, I had an inferior product delivered for which I used a credit card, and sent a dispute to Associates which they properly credited.
Despite being told by their customer service reps that I would pay no finance charges if I paid for all items except the disputed one, there were indeed finance charges on my subsequent bills. I made repeated calls to get them cleared, and stopped all purchases with that card. Some charges were credited, but since I was not sending in payments for their mistaken balances (which should have been zero since I paid for all purchases and won my dispute) they began putting "late charges" each month, and more finance charges, and it snowballed to the current "balance" which is ENTIRELY due to their not coordinating between their customer service people and their billing dept.
So, enter Equifax, as I write to them to ask them to remove the R9 from my credit report from Associates. Three times I've written to Mr. Glenn King at Equifax, explaining that Associates balance was derived entirely from their failure to credit back finance charges and late fees incorrectly charged to a disputed amount on my account, and three times I've received the same canned/generic response from Equifax: "This creditor has verified to Equifax that the balance is being reported correctly". That's all I get! No personal note, explaining how, exactly, it was supposedly "verified". I know for a fact that if Equifax was given access to my monthly statements from way back when it started, that they would see from the sequence of events that I have been telling the truth all along, and that Associates employees are simply too thick to see it. Equifax is not providing the service I deserve.
Henry of Ft. Wayne IN (6/14/03):
I was denied credit and told that I could get a free crdeit report from Equifax, however they could not bring up my report from the 800 number. Continuing on they request an enormous amount of documentation and $9.00 for the free credit report. This is not consistent with terms of the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Carol of Los Angeles (6/6/03):
Equifax provided a Credit Score which was grossly in error regarding my credit history to lendingtree.com. Attempts to correct this report were met only with demands from them that I must purchase a credit report from them at a cost from me of either $9.00 or $39.95 (depending on what stage I was in my confronting them). I choose not to pay them anything. As a person who has had the exact same address for nearly half a century, there should be no confusion about my identity. I'm sure if they would allow me to address the problems on their report, they would find that their errors are obvious. I do not feel I should have to pay them to correct their own errors. The entire process appears to be a scam to force me to pay for their service.
Damage Resulting: I was unable to get a mortgage at the low rate which my excellent credit would allow me because of their false report. Lenders would not consider me for the low-interest loans.
Frederico of Honolulu HI (6/5/03):
I applied for an internet bank account and was turned down because of "invalid social security number". Equifax was reportedly their source, and I was given a toll free phone number to resolve this issue. I called Equifax and an automated phone system instructed me to send copies of my social sec. card, driver's license (sent my state ID as I didn't have a driver's license) an affidavit of identity, w-2, pay check details. I sent all of these about 4 weeks ago and I never got a response.
I am very frustrated and inconvenienced because I've spent so much time trying but still cannot open an internet bank account. I have done no wrong, don't owe a single cent to anybody (don't owe a single credit card, never bought anything on credit), and my SS# is totally legit and is good enough for my employment and the IRS, yet Equifax can apparently block my application for bank accounts (got similar results from other banks) by putting me in a blacklist.
Is this legal? Here's what I'd like to see happen: I want Equifax to tell me what they think is wrong with my ss# and take my name off this blacklist. I know I am entitled to a free report if blocked from a bank account due to their data. Forcing me to buy one of their credit reports (again, I don't have a single credit card) to resolve this would be blackmail.
Carolyn of Honolulu HI (5/12/03):
Rejected due to bad credit report from Equifax when trying to rent an apartment. Requested free reports from all three CRA's. Received Experian on 3/23/03 and Trans Union on 4/16/03 which had NO Negative Information on those two reports. Equifax not responding other than repeated form notices with no contact number. Unable to get through phone system without a report. Unable to get a report from Equifax even though have written to them three time already.
Cynthia of Clifton Park NY (4/23/03):
I ordered a product from Ritzcamera.com. I paid by check via the internet. The check was put through as a double using only one check number.This caused the checks to bounce and I was reported to Equifax. A few days later the duplicate checks were resubmitted to my bank and both were paid. I have contacted Equifax,my bank and Ritzcamera.com. I have faxed proof everywhere. Equifax still has not corrected their records and I cannot write checks in retail stores until they do. I am getting absolutely no where with Equifax. Also, it takes several attempts to reach them and long periods of time on hold, only to get nowhere.
I write checks for everything. I don't carry cash and prefer not to use credit cards. An error was made by Ritzcamera.com and I am paying the price via Equifax
Randy of Villa Park CA (3/31/03):
During a routine once a year check of my credit report, I noticed a problem on my Equifax credit file. The report indicated that a closed account I once had with Victoria's Secret had a problem. The report said "Dispute Resolution Pending", when in fact there was no dispute. For eight months I have been tring to get Equifax to clear my good name. I have called every single month to both Equifax and Victoria's Secret about this. I have recieved three letters from Victoria's Secret and their bank that my account was closed in good standing and that there is not and was not a dispute. They have told me that they have filed the proper paperwork and called Equifax about this. Yet, each month Equifax contines to report a problem when no problem exists.
As I understand it, it is against the law to fail to correct a credit report once the truth is known. Equifax is in clear violation of the FCRA. I have been trying to clear my name by following the procedures. It has not worked. I have on several occations sent faxes to Equifax with the letters from Victoria's Secret bank to have them clear my name, but they refuse.
Laurie of Forest Hills NY (3/5/03):
I am trying to get a mortgage. Unfortunately, Equifax had the limit on my Capital One account as $543, with a balance of $450. This was causing my balance-to-limit ratio to be very high, consequently lowering my credit score. My actual limit is $3,250, my balance is $293. After 30 days of waiting for an investigation to be completed, they made it MUCH WORSE. They're now reporting that my limit is $293 and my balance is $450. Which of course makes it look like I am now OVER my fictional paltry limit. And this has now LOWERED my credit score.
I have spoken to several people in several depts. They are rude and unhelpful, and tell me that it will likely take another 30 days to fix this mess. Meanwhile, my mortgage is in limbo. I have spoken to Capital One several times, and they have sent me two letters verifying the information they reported to Equifax. I have faxed these to Equifax, and they say that it's first come, first served... and it may very well take ANOTHER month. Equifax stubbornly insists on reporting my balance as my credit limit, and reporting an old balance as my current balance. No matter how many times I call, or how many times Capital One contacts them, they just won't fix it.
It's ridiculous how these incompetent people are allowed to hold our lives in their hands, and if they screw up, too bad. Just wait your turn, we'll get to it (AGAIN!!) when we get to it. Meanwhile, we're branded with this totally wrong "number" that we need to make any financial moves. It's insane. In this day and age, there is no reason in the world why mistakes (THEIR MISTAKES, mind you) cannot be rectified faster than 30 days. Do they not have computers?
Pamela of Anaheim, CA, writes:
I work at Ashley Stewart in Compton part-time. I frequently shop there also. I write checks for most of my purchases. In writing a check on Tuesday the 8th of this month, it was declined by Equifax.
I phoned Equifax and was advised that I have too much activity on my account at this store so they are unable to approve any of my checks at this time. I told the operator that I work at this location and haven't had any bounced checks. I was then advised that though I have no negative activity, I have an excessive amount of activity and they need additonal information on or from me to allow me to write checks there again. I was very upset at this news as it seems that my personal finances are being monitored secretely and this is some type of invasion of privacy.
If a person write "x" amount checks from their own account and there is no reporting of negative activity, why is it that the check company can monitor this and revoke our rights of purchase? I do admit I am a very frequent shopper at the store I work in however it's my business how much I spend and how I pay for it since ALL of my checks clear. On Tuesday I only had one check out for Ashley Stewart which cleared yesterday. Again I tried to write a check for the suit I tried to purchase on Tuesday and it was declined.
This is not only embarassing but frustrating. Apparently Equifax has some type of VIP form that probably half the public is unaware of they are supposed to send to me. Why do I need a VIP form from a check company if I have no negative activity? This seems outrageous and I feel my privacy of right to purchase is violated. A person should be able to buy whatever they can afford without being told "YOU BUY OR BOUGHT TOO MUCH FROM HERE/THERE". What can be done about this and is it legal for them to do this to customers?
No doubt Equifax' reply would be that Pamela should use cash if she wants privacy. Equifax and other agencies are a form of insurance for stores. The stores are protected against bad checks but they must abide by Equifax' rules, which can indeed be arbitrary.
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