This report concerns the way that Experian "verifies" or "validates" the accounts that are listed on credit reports. I have repeatedly sent in a dispute concerning a collection company that has violated several sections of the FDCPA and have shown that this company Data Line Credit refuses certified letters requesting validation and proof of the disputed account. I have complaints against this company with the FTC, Attorney General and the American collection association etc. I have demonstrated time and time again that this seems to be fraudulent account, yet when I phone experian to find out why this account is not removed I am subjected to the following conversation:
Experian: I'm sorry we cannot remove the account as the collection company has to remove the account. You should take it up with the collection company.
Me: I have taken it up with the collection company, this company is refusing all certified letters and is not responding to faxes or postal proof of delivery letters, so how exactly am I supposed to contact this company?"
Experian: "I'm sorry but we cannot remove the account until we get a letter from the collection company".
Me: I have repeatedly shown that this company is refusing all certified letters, is being investigated by the FTC, Attorney General etc and yet you still can't remove this account, how was this account verified".
Experian: We phoned the collection company and they verified that this is your account."
Me: How did they verify it?
Experian: We don't know you have to take it up with the collection company.
Me: I have. You don't find it strange that they are refusing all certified letters".
Experian: "Sorry you'll have to contact the collection company to remove this account as the problem lies with them. Is there anything else we can help you with?".
Me: Why has no one responded to my letter dated the 27th of July disputing this account? In two phone conversations (8/19/04 and 8/26/04) you confirm that experian received this letter.
Experian: We already investigated this item in April and all we would do is phone the company again and they would verify that this is your account, it is up to the collection company to remove the account, and you have to take it up with them.
This is outrageous. Why are unethical collection companies given so much power by experian to place fraudulent accounts on the credit report, and if the consumer in this case comes up with documented proof of how the collection company is violating every section of the FDCPA, FCRA and California fair credit act, this is ignored?
So not only do we have to deal with unethical and criminal collection companies now consumers are also becoming victims of credit bureaus who are supposed to accurately report consumer information. Where is the accuracy in this case? I strongly suggest that someone take the time and effort to file a class action law suit against the credit bureaus. Consumers that are being victimized by credit bureaus have until the 17th of September to file a complaint with the Federal Reserve. As this website does not allow link, anyone who is interested can do a goggle search on the FACT act and Federal Reserve. The article describing the process is pasted below.
Release Date: August 5
For immediate release:
The Federal Reserve Board on Thursday announced that it is conducting a study on the adequacy of investigations of disputed consumer information reported to consumer reporting agencies.in connection with the study, the Board is soliciting public comment on issues that will assist in the preparation of the study.
The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 (FACT Act), which generally amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), requires the Board and the Federal Trade Commission to conduct a joint study of the extent to which consumer reporting agencies and furnishers of information to consumer reporting agencies comply with certain FCRA requirements. The study will focus on:
1) the prompt investigation of disputed information;
2) the completeness of information reported to consumer reporting agencies; and
3) the prompt correction or deletion of any information that cannot be verified.
The FACT Act also requires that the study, which must be submitted to Congress by December 4, include recommendations for appropriate legislative and regulatory action. The Federal Register notice is attached. Comments are due by September 17.
Elena
Riverside, California
U.S.A.
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