Consumer complaint received 2025-12-18 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Incorrect information on your report — Information belongs to someone else
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: GA

Complaint narrative:
I am submitting this complaint because my credit file has been severely compromised by identity theft, and I am struggling to get meaningful help correcting the damage. I only discovered the extent of this issue when a mortgage lender reviewed my credit during an attempt to purchase a home. What should have been a hopeful milestone turned into shock and distress as I learned my credit report contained dozens of accounts, inquiries, and personal identifiers that do not belong to me. 

I serve in a highly visible public role through ministry alongside my spouse. Our work involves constant interaction with large groups of people, frequent relocations across multiple cities, and a level of public exposure that most consumers do not experience. Over the years, this has significantly increased my risk of identity misuse. That risk became reality after my personal information including my Social Security number, date of birth, and financial data was exposed through multiple large scale data breaches, including XXXX XXXX and XXXX XXXX XXXX. 

The fraudulent activity on my credit reports shows clear patterns of manipulation. There are slight variations of legitimate past addresses, unfamiliar surnames I have never used, and extensive credit activity clustered across lenders and debt collectors. This is not a single isolated error. It is widespread file contamination that has left my credit profile unrecognizable.

I have taken every required step to protect myself. I filed FTC Identity Theft Reports, gathered documentation, and submitted formal disputes to each credit bureau. Despite this, I am deeply concerned that the credit bureaus will rely on automated responses or vague verifications instead of conducting a meaningful investigation. In past experiences, disputes like this are often marked as verified without any explanation of how the information was confirmed or what evidence was reviewed. 

Please note that I submitted two separate FTC Identity Theft Reports because the volume of fraudulent accounts, inquiries, and personal information linked to this identity theft exceeded the limits of a single FTC form. Due to those form constraints, additional fraudulent accounts, inquiries, names, addresses, and related details are included within the personal statement sections of the FTC reports. I am asking that my documentation be reviewed carefully in full, including both FTC reports and all attachments, so that every identity-theft-related item is properly blocked and removed.

I am emotionally exhausted and frustrated. I am not trying to avoid legitimate obligations. I am simply asking for my credit file to reflect my true financial identity so I can move forward with my life and provide stability for my family. Right now, the burden of this fraud feels overwhelming. 

I've also submitted my ID, SS Card, and proof of address to verify my identity.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief