Consumer complaint received 2025-08-18 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Improper use of your report — Reporting company used your report improperly
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: CA

Complaint narrative:
To Whom It May Concern, I am filing this complaint to bring to your attention multiple violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA, 15 U.S.C. 1681 ) and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA, 15 U.S.C. 1692 ) by credit reporting agencies and furnishers of information. Despite my repeated efforts, my credit file continues to contain false addresses, unverifiable charge-offs, inaccurate collections, and unauthorized inquiries. These errors have severely harmed my ability to obtain housing, employment, and fair credit opportunities. 
Wrong Addresses XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX, CA XXXX Issue : This is not my residence and I have never lived here.

Law : Under FCRA 607 ( b ), agencies must ensure maximum possible accuracy in credit reports.

Story : This address has no connection to me, yet it has been tied to my identity. Because of this, lenders have questioned my stability and residency history. On multiple occasions, creditors have raised concerns, suggesting that I appear to be moving frequently or living at unverified addresses. This is humiliating because I have always been responsible with my living arrangements. Imagine applying for a home rental and being told you may be a risk because your credit file shows you have lived in places you have never even visited. This false impression has unfairly labeled me and directly damaged my financial credibility. 
Accounts XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX High Balance : {$460.00} Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Issue : Reported as charge-off, inaccurate and unverifiable. 
Law : Under FCRA 611 ( a ), unverifiable information must be deleted.

Story : This account reporting has haunted me. I never received proper documentation or validation showing this was legitimately charged off. Yet, every time a lender sees this, they view me as someone who defaults on commitments. I have been denied auto loans because this charge-off dragged my credit score down. The most painful moment came when I was trying to co-sign for a family member, and I was turned away because this account labeled me as high-risk. It was embarrassing and discouraging, knowing that a mistake on my report caused me to let my loved one down. 
XXXX XXXX High Balance : {$900.00} Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Issue : Wrongfully reported charge-off.

Law : Under FCRA 604 ( b ) and 611, information must be accurate and verifiable.

Story : I have never seen any legitimate records for this account, yet it is being reported as a charge-off. This paints me as financially irresponsible, when I have always done my best to meet obligations. Because of this derogatory mark, I have had credit applications rejected and was forced to accept loans with much higher interest rates. That means I am paying more money than I should be, not because of my actions, but because of inaccurate reporting. This has cost me hundreds of dollars and has weighed heavily on me emotionally. 
XXXX  XXXX High Balance : {$640.00} Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Issue : Reported as charge-off, not validated. 
Law : Under FCRA 607 ( b ) and FDCPA 809 ( b ), unvalidated debts can not be reported.

Story : This alleged debt has never been explained or validated to me. Without proof, it is unfair and unlawful to tarnish my report with such a label. I have had to deal with lenders assuming I am someone who walks away from debts, which is false. This has been a source of humiliation and stress. It has also left me in situations where I could not access affordable credit to cover emergencies, forcing me to rely on less favorable options. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX High Balance : {$930.00} Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Issue : Reported as a collection without validation.

Law : FDCPA 809 ( a ) requires validation of debt. 
Story : XXXX XXXX is a debt buyer, yet they have never provided me proof of ownership or documentation of this debt. Instead, they simply reported it, making me look like I am running from unpaid bills. This is not only misleading but destructive to my financial reputation. I can not count how many times I have had to explain to potential creditors that I never received any communication from XXXX, yet they refuse to trust me because the negative mark remains. The emotional toll of constantly defending myself is exhausting.

Request for Relief I am requesting that the CFPB : 1. Investigate these violations by the credit reporting agencies and furnishers.

2. Compel the removal of all unverifiable, inaccurate, and unauthorized items listed above.

3. Hold the responsible parties accountable for their repeated noncompliance with federal law.

These inaccuracies have denied me fair access to credit, housing, and financial stability, directly contradicting the protections guaranteed under the FCRA and FDCPA. I am demanding immediate enforcement action to correct these violations and restore accuracy to my credit report. 
Thank you for your prompt review and assistance in protecting my rights as a consumer.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief