Since disputing several items online I have received one verified item within two days and today I received a letter from Equifax. They are asking for a copy of my social security card and Driver's License to prove who I am and where I live because it doesn't match what they have on file. I am just wondering if this is some kind of tactic they use. Now, I know this is a bunch of crap because when I pulled up my credit report it shows my current address and my correct social security number. So, what exactly am I dealing with here?
I am in the middle of writing a letter to them right now...does this sound ok? Is there anything I should add? Should I send it at all? Dear Equifax, I just received a letter from your company asking for a copy of my social security number and something to verify my address in order to follow up on a question with my credit report. I find this request very odd considering when I pulled up my credit report, you do in fact have my correct address and social security number listed. If you will kindly tell me the TRUE reason behind wanting my personal information I may be inclined to give it to you. This is just the first couple paragraphs, waiting for some feedback from you guys
Hi Skwirl, Your CRA is merely asking you to verify your identity. Though we suspect it's just a tactic to delay everything they never-the-less have the right to do so. I've gone through the same thing many times. Here is the most recent letter I sent to a CRA which does the trick. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Dear Sirs: I understand your desire to have me demonstrate my identity. However I don't believe I am required to provide all that inconsequential information on your questionnaire. This request is properly notarized and a copy of my Social Security card is enclosed. I demand that you proceed without further delay. [ Explain the components of your dispute HERE ] Optional: I am justifiably very upset with this situation. You now have, in hand, sufficient information to prove my position. I require immediate removal of this item from my credit report. (This applied to me but it may not apply to you. Remove it if it doesn't) This letter in no way should be considered a waiver of my right to pursue this further. Regards, Mr. Butch SSN# 123-45-6789 DOB mm/dd/yyyy Sworn to before me and subscribed by Swirl XXXX, in my presence this ______ day of _________, 2002 ___________________ Notary Public $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Photo copy the front of your SS card and take your letter to your bank. They will be most happy to notarize it free. Just tell them you're a customer. Send it CRRR and keep copies of everything. Don't supply them with any other info. at this point. Good Luck and keep us posted.
I dunno Butch, aren't they just using this request to delay? I mean, either you ignore it and then they will say that the consumer didn't reply to their request for identification, or you send what they want and they will call it 'additional information' and extend your dispute by 15 days. If they have the exact information in the file, then it is an outright lie for them to say the data doesn't match. They did not say "we don't believe you are who you say you are and want you to prove it" but instead lied and said the info doesn't match. Not that they give a flying you know what though, so you will have better luck bending over for them...
I am NOT disputing the address or SS# so your request for a copy of the SS CARD and proof of address is FRIVOLOUS...
Wait 30 days before sending your ID. Then send it with the dispute. That way, you do not risk giving them an additional 15 days. Plus if they investigate anyway, without getting the ID from you first, they have shot themselves in the foot.
QueenBee..is it some type of violation if they investigate before receiving proof of Identity? I posted my friend's dispute process before but here it is again. He submitted a dispute on June 29, 2002. Never received a letter from Equifax with results. However, one item was deleted and at least one other was verified. On August 16, 2002 he sent another dispute letter to EQ disputing other items. Received letter from them 2 weeks later asking for proof of identity. Items are all marked in dispute and it appears that one item was actually updated and verified. What I am thinking of telling him to do is send letter to EQ re: June 29 letter asking them to delete b/c they violated by not sending results within 30 days. Sending another letter with the identify info for the August 16 dispute. However, what happens if we don't send it til Friday when the 30 days are up?
As Butch stated above, they have the right to ask for this info. So, if you choose to wait til the 30 days are up to send it, the only thing that will happen is you are delaying the investigation. If you want the investigation done, then copy Butchs' letter above and send them the info.
Jambe, Unfortunately you're exactly right. It's just a delay tactic. The problem is that they really do have the right to ask you to prove who you are. So the use that legal component as a delay tactic. So - send barely enough to prove who you are then, and no more. Bend over only so far. LOL
If you printed a copy of your report, send that back to them and state that they Obviously have that information already. I would guess that the CRAs are becoming overwhelmed with disputes, as folks try to clean their reports, and they're just begging for more time. I would also mention the fact that they have already processed previous investigations for you, so there can be no doubt as to your identity. Not to mention the fact that you supplied enough personal information to Access your reports online, in the first place. I agree with George - their request is frivolous and you need to let them know you're on to their tactics. Remind them of their timeframe and tell them to get their asses in gear.
What percentage of consumers actually still have their Social Security card? Drivers licenses are good enough for cashing checks, buying booze, and airport security. But Equifax doesn't accept them alone. Search the FCRA for the word "identification."
You should ask them to provide you with the same. Proof that the debt they are reporting is indeed your debt....copy of contracts, SSN, Driver's License. How can they be so sure they are reporting accurate inforamtion? Do they request copies of completed applications when thier subscribers request to see our credit report or do they just take them at thier word?
Greg, I still have my ss card and so does my husband. It's an important card to keep so why would people not have it anymore?
I still have my SS card but (glancing around suspiciously) I laminated it when I was in high school, which I think is against the law. No wonder everyone was chasing me down.
