Consumer complaint received 2025-08-22 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 submitting this complaint because my credit report contains multiple serious inaccuracies, false addresses, late payment misreporting, and unvalidated charge-offs that are causing me severe financial, personal, and emotional harm. These violations breach the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ), and related consumer protection laws. I request immediate investigation, correction, and removal of all disputed items. Below are the disputed items with the issue, law, and detailed explanation of the harm caused. 
XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, CA XXXX Wrong Address Issue : This address has never been my residence, yet it appears on my credit report, linking me to accounts and credit inquiries that are not mine. 
Law : FCRA 1681e ( b ) requires maximum possible accuracy in consumer reporting ; FCRA 1681c ( a ) ( 4 ) prohibits inclusion of incorrect identifying information.

Story : Because of this false address, lenders have questioned my identity during applications, causing multiple delays and rejections for credit and loans. I have had to spend hours submitting proof of my actual address, including utility bills and government documents. The repeated misrepresentation has created emotional stress and undermined my trust in financial institutions. This false address may also expose me to potential fraud if a creditor mistakenly associates another persons financial activities with my file. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, CA XXXX Wrong Address Issue : Another inaccurate address appearing on my report, creating a mixed-file situation. 
Law : FCRA 1681e ( b ) and 1681i require accurate reporting and investigation of disputes.

Story : This wrong address has resulted in lenders flagging my credit file for suspicious activity, leading to higher interest rates, additional identity verification requests, and repeated stress during loan approvals. I have also faced embarrassment during in-person verifications when clerks questioned me about residing at this nonexistent address. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX Account XXXX High Balance : {$380000.00} Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Late Payment Issue : Late payments are being reported inaccurately on my mortgage account. 
Law : FCRA 1681i mandates reasonable reinvestigation of disputed information ; FDCPA 807 prohibits false reporting.

Story : These false late payment records lowered my credit score significantly. Because of this, I was denied refinancing opportunities that would have saved me thousands of dollars in interest. Despite providing proof of timely payments, the servicer refuses to correct the record. The repeated misreporting has caused XXXX, disrupted financial planning, and jeopardized my homeownership stability. 
XXXX XXXX Account XXXX High Balance : {$1200.00} Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Chargeoff Issue : Reported as a charge-off without validation or proper notice. 
Law : FDCPA 809 ( a ) requires debt validation ; FCRA 1681s-2 prohibits furnishing inaccurate information. 
Story : I never received notification of this charge-off or an opportunity to dispute it. Its presence on my credit report misrepresents my financial responsibility. As a result, I faced denials for credit cards, personal loans, and even rental applications. The stress of fighting this false reporting has been overwhelming, and it has caused real financial harm by increasing my borrowing costs and limiting access to necessary credit. 
XXXX XXXX Account XXXX High Balance : {$700.00} Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Late Payment Issue : Reported late payments are incorrect. 
Law : FCRA 1681e ( b ) requires accuracy ; 1681i ensures reinvestigation rights. 
Story : Because of this error, I was denied a low-interest line of credit. The late payment entries have lowered my creditworthiness unfairly. I have spent considerable time and energy documenting my on-time payments, yet the incorrect reporting persists. This has created unnecessary financial barriers and emotional distress, undermining my ability to plan for major life events. 
XXXX Account XXXX High Balance : {$840.00} Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Chargeoff Issue : Account reported as charge-off inaccurately and without verification. 
Law : FDCPA 807 ( 8 ) prohibits false reporting ; FCRA 1681s-2 requires accurate reporting. 
Story : I was never given an opportunity to validate this debt. The false charge-off has caused lenders to view me as high-risk, leading to higher interest rates and denial of credit. The repeated inaccurate reporting has created XXXX  and made me cautious of engaging in any new credit agreements, negatively impacting my financial growth. 
XXXX XXXX Account XXXX High Balance : {$430.00} Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Late Payment Issue : Incorrect late payment reporting. 
Law : FCRA 1681i and 1681e ( b ).

Story : The inaccurate late payments contributed to higher insurance premiums and interest rates. It also made it difficult to refinance existing debts at favorable terms, causing financial strain and stress over my long-term financial stability. 
XXXX Account XXXX High Balance : {$800.00} Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Chargeoff Issue : Account reported as charge-off without validation. 
Law : FDCPA 809 ; FCRA 1681s-2 ( b ).

Story : This unverified charge-off has been repeatedly shown to lenders, damaging my credit history. Despite disputes, the mark remains, resulting in higher borrowing costs and a false perception of financial irresponsibility. This error is causing ongoing stress and frustration. 
XXXX  Account XXXX High Balance : {$350.00} Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Chargeoff Issue : Duplicate account reported incorrectly. 
Law : FCRA 1681e ( b ) requires accuracy and prohibits duplicate reporting.

Story : Reporting the same debt twice amplifies damage to my credit score. Lenders see multiple defaults, which is entirely false. This has led to denied loans, delayed mortgage approvals, and unnecessary financial obstacles, creating both monetary loss and psychological burden. 
XXXX XXXX Account XXXX High Balance : {$910.00} Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Chargeoff Issue : Charge-off is inaccurate and unverified. 
Law : FCRA 1681s-2 ; FDCPA 807.

Story : This false charge-off portrays me as a reckless borrower. It led to rejection of apartment lease applications and limited my housing options. I have been forced to spend time and resources proving that the reporting is erroneous. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX Account XXXX High Balance : {$2200.00} Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Chargeoff Issue : Reported without proper validation. 
Law : FDCPA 809 ; FCRA 1681i.

Story : The reporting of this unvalidated charge-off has prevented me from consolidating debt, increasing my monthly financial burden. I have suffered emotional distress due to repeated denials of credit for essential purposes. 
XXXX XXXXXXXX Account XXXX High Balance : {$4000.00} Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Chargeoff Issue : Charge-off reported inaccurately. 
Law : FCRA 1681e ( b ) ; FDCPA 807 ( 8 ).

Story : This unverified charge-off falsely portrays me as irresponsible. I have been denied multiple lines of credit and personal loans, increasing interest costs and creating undue stress and frustration over my financial reputation. 
I request that the CFPB investigate these inaccuracies and enforce my rights under the FCRA and FDCPA. I demand immediate deletion or correction of all inaccurate, unverified, or misleading entries on my credit report. These violations have caused significant financial harm, stress, and reputational damage, and must be corrected promptly.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation