Consumer complaint received 2025-07-28 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: FL

Complaint narrative:
Dear CFPB Officer, I am filing this formal complaint against the credit bureaus and several data furnishers for reporting inaccurate personal information, unauthorized or incorrect account data, and unverified inquiries on my credit report, in violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), 15 U.S.C. 1681. Despite multiple efforts to dispute the errors directly with the credit bureaus and furnishers, these issues remain unresolved and continue to negatively impact my creditworthiness and peace of mind.

XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, FL XXXX Wrong Address Issue : This address is falsely linked to me and appears in error. 
Law : FCRA 602 ( a ), which ensures fair and accurate reporting.

Story : I have never resided at this location, nor used it for any financial or personal purposes. Having it listed in my file is misleading and has contributed to multiple credit denials and misidentification. My applications have been flagged for suspected fraud due to this unknown address, which is distressing and unacceptable. I ask for immediate deletion. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, FL XXXX Wrong Address ( Duplicate ) Issue : This address appears again as a duplicate entry in slightly altered format. 
Law : FCRA 607 ( b ) Accuracy and duplication prevention.

Story : This is clearly a duplicate of the previous listing. Duplicate incorrect addresses make it appear as though I have moved multiple times or am hiding something. That perception has hurt my rental and job applications. This entry is damaging and should be removed immediately.

XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Issue : Late payment reported during financial hardship. 
Law : FCRA 623 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) Prohibits reporting inaccurate information.

Story : During the period this late payment was reported, I was experiencing extreme financial difficulty after losing my job. I contacted the creditor and asked for hardship support, but I received no response. Despite trying to work out a payment plan, I was marked late. This late mark does not reflect my effort or intent. The impact on my credit score has been devastating. I respectfully request that the late payment be removed. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Issue : One-time late payment due to COVID-related income disruption. 
Law : FCRA 602 ( a ) and Equal Credit Opportunity Act.

Story : During the COVID-19 pandemic, I had temporary financial hardship due to reduced hours at work. I missed a payment unintentionally but caught up as soon as possible. I also notified the creditor. This mark is not reflective of my usual payment history. I ask for leniency and request the late status be removed as a goodwill gesture due to unprecedented global circumstances.

XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Issue : I never received validation of this debt. 
Law : FDCPA 809 ( b ) Requires debt collectors to validate debts upon request.

Story : I was shocked to see this collection account because I was never notified. I have never received any validation letter, bill, or documentation. Without proper validation, this collection can not legally remain on my credit file. Its also possible this debt doesnt even belong to me. I demand its immediate deletion. 
XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Issue : Late mark occurred while I was on an active hardship plan. 
Law : FCRA 602 and CARES Act guidance on credit reporting during COVID-19.

Story : I had informed the creditor of my financial hardship and requested temporary forbearance. They agreed verbally but still reported me as late. This is misleading and unfair. According to CARES Act credit reporting guidance, late payments during hardship plans should not be reported. I request the removal of this derogatory mark.

XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Issue : Late payment reported despite having active communication for payment arrangements. 
Law : FCRA 623 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ).

Story : I was in contact with this lender and requested payment deferment. I was not told that I would still be marked late, and I believe this is a breakdown in communication or misreporting. I respectfully request this be corrected and the late payment removed. 
XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Issue : Charge-off occurred during personal medical emergency. 
Law : FCRA 602 ( a ).

Story : I had a medical emergency and was XXXX  during this time. I reached out to the lender, but they did not offer any support and charged off the account. This reflects a lack of compassion and fails to reflect the true story. I ask for this to be reconsidered and removed. 
XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Issue : Settled account reported inaccurately as charge-off. 
Law : FCRA 607 ( b ).

Story : I paid this account through a settlement agreement. It should not be listed as charged-off if it was settled. Continued reporting as charge-off is inaccurate and misleading. I ask for correction or deletion. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  Issue : Closed account still showing charge-off status. 
Law : FCRA 623 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ).

Story : This account was paid and closed years ago. Yet it still shows as a charge-off, which is both outdated and incorrect. This hurts my credit and misrepresents my financial responsibility. I request immediate correction or deletion.

XXXX XXXX XXXX * * XXXX * * Issue : Voluntary vehicle surrender reported as charge-off with inflated balance.

Law : FDCPA 809 ( b ). 
Story : I surrendered the vehicle voluntarily, but was never given a final balance statement. This inflated debt amount has never been explained or validated. It must be validated or removed immediately. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Charge-Off ( Duplicate ) * * Issue : Same account listed as both charge-off and collection. 
Law : FCRA 607 ( b ).

Story : This is clearly a duplicate account already listed as a collection. Reporting it as a charge-off again is deceptive and unfair. It must be removed for accurate reporting.

XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  Issue : Previous disputes ignored ; entry remains unverifiable. 
Law : FCRA 611 ( a ) ( 5 ) ( B ).

Story : Ive disputed this account before and received no response. They failed to provide documentation or respond within the required time. This item must now be deleted under the law. 
XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Issue : Fraudulent account due to identity theft. 
Law : FCRA 605B Identity Theft Protection.

Story : I filed a police report and FTC Identity Theft Report proving this account was opened fraudulently in my name. I never authorized this account. Under FCRA 605B, this item must be blocked and removed immediately.

Relief Requested 1. Immediate removal of all wrong addresses listed above.

2. Deletion of all inaccurate accounts not verified with original signed documentation.

3. Removal of all unauthorized inquiries made without my consent.

4. A full investigation into potential identity confusion or mixed file issues under your enforcement.

5. A formal response with results of your investigation and appropriate action. 
Thank you for your time and attention to this serious matter. I request your urgent assistance in compelling these agencies and furnishers to follow the law, correct the record, and prevent further harm to me.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief