Equifax, credit report in person

Problem: Misinformation about getting credit reports in person

Under the FAQ heading, "How else can I access my Equifax Credit Report?," Equifax states, "There are two ways to order your Equifax Credit Report other than online -- by phone or by mail."

The consumer reporting agency is not telling the truth: There is another way. Your federal law that gives Equifax its marching orders states:

A consumer may specify pursuant to paragraph (1) that disclosures under section 609 [§ 1681g] shall be made

(A) in person, upon the appearance of the consumer at the place of business of the consumer reporting agency where disclosures are regularly provided, during normal business hours, and on reasonable notice;

Solution: Add information to web site

Equifax, add to your web site the address at which a consumer can get his consumer file disclosure (credit report) in person:

1550 Peachtree St NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30309-2468

The FTC, Equifax's regulator, should publish the address, too, under it's heading "Where to Obtain a Copy of Your Credit Report."

A letter to Equifax regarding its web site misinformation

[sender's address]

July 15, 2009

Equifax, Inc.
1550 Peachtree Street N.E.
Atlanta, Georgia 30309-2468

On your web site, you state, "There are two ways to order your Equifax Credit Report other than online -- by phone or by mail."

That is not true. You are required to provide disclosures to consumers who make requests in person.

Correct your statement.

[signature]

[Greg Fisher]

Equifax's reply:

[CODE NUMBER-LETTERS: XXXXXXXXXX-XYZ (the same in address window)] [CONSUMER'S FULL NAME] [consumer's street address] [consumer's city, ST, ZIP]

July 22, 2009

Dear [CONSUMER'S FULL NAME]:

Your request concerning your Equifax file or Equifax credit score has been received and we are looking forward to serving you. Our records indicate that you have received a free copy of your credit file as legislated within the past 60 days. At this time payment is required.

The charge for a disclosure is $11.00. Additional reports within 12 months are $11.00. The charge for the credit score is $7.95. If you have a major credit card, you may use our automated ordering system at 1-800-685-1111.

To protect the confidentiality of your file, please forward to us the items listed below.

A copy of one item in EACH of the categories below is needed in order to verify your identification and address. The item you choose in the identity category MUST contain your Social Security Number, and the item you choose in the address category MUST contain your current mailing address of: [NAME and address].

IDENTIFICATION *Social Security card *Pay stub with U.S. Social Security number *W2 form

ADDRESS *Driver's License *Rental lease agreement/house deed *Pay stub with address *Utility bill (gas, electric, water, cable, residential telephone bills)

To ensure that your request is processed accurately, please enlarge photocopies of any items that contain small print (e.g. driver's license, W2 forms, etc.). To avoid additional delays, keep in mind that if photocopies are not legible or contain highlighting, they may cause us to ask that you resubmit your request with more legible documents.

Please submit the requested identification/address information and this letter to the address below:

Equifax Information Services LLC
P.O. Box 105379
Atlanta GA 30348-5379

If you included payment in the form of a personal check, it has been shredded for your protection. If you included a money order it is being returned to you in a separate mailing. Please include the correct payment with the new request.

Thank you for the opportunity to assist you.

Equifax Information Services LLC