Consumer complaint received 2025-08-11 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: TX

Complaint narrative:
b'Dear Consumer Financial Protection Bureau,\nI am submitting this formal complaint regarding multiple false, inaccurate, incomplete, and unverifiable items being reported on my credit file by several furnishers and credit reporting agencies (CRAs). These inaccuracies have severely impacted my creditworthiness, caused financial harm, and violated my rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) 15 U.S.C. 1681, Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) 15 U.S.C. 1692, and CFPB regulations.\nXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  Wrong Address\nIssue: This address is a post office box that I have never rented, visited, or authorized as my mailing location.\nLaw: Under FCRA  1681e(b), consumer reporting agencies must maintain maximum possible accuracy and remove unverifiable data.\nStory: The continuous appearance of this address in my file is highly misleading. It creates a false identity trail and increases the likelihood of debt collectors or fraudulent accounts being linked to me. I have verified with USPS that I have never held a PO Box at this location. Allowing this false address to remain suggests negligence in your verification process and could lead to financial loss, missed opportunities, and reputation damage.XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  Wrong Address\nIssue: I have never lived at or been associated with this apartment.\nLaw: FCRA  609 and  611 prohibit maintaining mixed file data, where information from one consumer appears in anothers report.\nStory: This error likely arose from a similar name match with another individual. Including an unrelated residential address creates suspicion of instability to potential lenders. I have no lease, utility bill, drivers license update, or USPS mail record tied to this location. Past reports show such errors can cause bank account denials, increased interest rates, or false collection activity  all unfair consequences to an innocent consumer.XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  Wrong Address\nIssue: I have never resided in the State of Florida; this address belongs to a different consumer entirely.\nLaw: Under FCRA  1681e(b), state mismatches without proof of relocation are clear signs of inaccurate reporting.\nStory: The presence of this Florida address in my Texas-based credit history is proof of either identity theft or a file merge error. If a creditor sees such out-of-state residency without context, they could wrongfully deny my applications or mark my profile for fraud review. These consequences stem exclusively from your failure to ensure accuracy.XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX   Wrong Address\nIssue: No personal, residential, or mailing link exists between me and this street address.\nLaw: FCRA  605B protects victims from fraudulent information and addresses.\nStory: Keeping this unconnected property in my record implies that I occupied or had dealings there. If any fraudulent accounts originated here, they would be wrongly tied to my name. I have never signed a lease or received mail at this property, and you have no lawful basis for retaining itXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  Wrong Address\nIssue: This is another erroneous entry, extremely similar to the previous one, possibly reflecting a recurring database error.\nLaw: FCRA  611(a)(1) requires you to remove unverifiable addresses within 30 days of dispute.\nStory: Duplicate or near-duplicate false addresses magnify reputational damage, increasing perceived instability and potential confusion for creditors, landlords, and service providers. It demonstrates systemic inaccuracies that must be corrected.XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  Wrong Address\nIssue: I have never lived at or been associated with this property.\nLaw: FCRA  607(b) requires accurate and verified consumer data.\nStory: Verifying with USPS and property records confirms I was never tied to this location. Keeping unverifiable data like this can lead collectors to harass me, send mail to strangers, or even file judgments for debts I do not owe.XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  Wrong Address\nIssue: This residence is not part of my rental, ownership, or mailing history.\nLaw: FCRA  611 mandates deletion of unverifiable information upon dispute.\nStory: This entry likely resulted from a mixed file scenario with a completely unrelated consumer. It is dangerous to keep that association on my record, as it could falsely validate fraudulent activity conducted by others.\XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX5  Wrong Address\nIssue: This apartment address is entirely unrelated to me.\nLaw: FCRA  1681e(b) requires accurate reporting.\nStory: Such a false listing suggests to lenders that I have multiple undisclosed residences, hinting at credit risk. In reality, I have no physical or transactional link to this property, and it must be removed to comply with federal obligations.XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  Wrong Address\nIssue: This apartment is not tied to my personal history in any capacity.\nLaw: Under FCRA  611(a)(5), unverifiable addresses must be deleted.\nStory: Keeping this false entry in my records stigmatizes my profile and creates an appearance of instability, immediately harming credit-related decisions. I have confirmed via USPS and property management that I was never a tenant or recipient of mail here.\n\nXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX | Date Opened: XXXX | High Balance: XXXX | Late Payment\nISSUE: The reported late payments are inaccurate and have been reported without sufficient verification. No valid documents or records have been provided despite my request.\nLAW: Under Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)  609(a), I have the right to a full disclosure of the information in my file and its source. Under  611(a), if the information cannot be verified, it must be deleted immediately.\nSTORY: I opened this account in XXXX  and during the COVID-19 lockdown there were banking system delays, not due to my negligence. Still, the bureau reported late payments without any notice, causing unfair damage to my credit score.XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX | Date Opened: XXXX | High Balance: XXXXXXXX | Charge Off\nISSUE: A Charge Off is reported despite a $XXXX   balance.\nLAW: Under FCRA  623(a)(1)(A), information furnished must be accurate and complete. Reporting a charge-off with $XXXX balance is misleading and unlawful.\nSTORY: This account was fully paid and closed, yet reported as a charge-off. Such false reporting violates FTC guidelines and harms my credit profile.XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  | Date Opened: XXXX | High Balance: XXXX | Late Payment\nISSUE: No validation documents have been provided to support the late payment entries.\nLAW: Under FCRA  611(b), the bureau must verify or delete disputed information. This process was not followed.\nSTORY: In mid-XXXX, a bank error caused a payment delay, which I corrected within 24 hours. Despite this, the account is still showing a late payment.XXXX XXXX | Date Opened: XXXX | High Balance: $XXXX  | Late Payment\nISSUE: Mismatch between reported dates and payment records. No notice was sent by the furnisher.\nLAW: Under Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)  809(a), written notice must be sent within 5 days of initial communication.\nSTORY: Despite making on-time payments, due to internal errors and communication lapses, this account has unjust late payment entries that are unverifiable.XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  | Date Opened: XXXX | High Balance: XXXX | Collection\nISSUE: No debt validation letter or original creditor details have been provided.\nLAW: Under FDCPA  809(b), no collection activity is valid without providing the debt validation letter.\nSTORY: I have never incurred this debt and have no knowledge of its origin. This may be a case of mixed file or mistaken identity.XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX | Date Opened: XXXX | High Balance: XXXX | Late Payment\nISSUE: Reported late payment despite XXXX balance.\nLAW: Under FCRA  623(a)(2), furnishers must correct inaccurate information.\nSTORY: This account was closed with no money owed, yet it is still shown as a negative item, which is misleading and harmful.XXXX XXXX XXXX | Date Opened: XXXX | High Balance: XXXX | Late Payment\nISSUE: No documentation provided to validate the late status.\nLAW: Under FCRA  611(a)(1), inaccurate information must be removed immediately.\nSTORY: An online payment portal glitch delayed the transaction, not my fault. This error was wrongfully marked as a late payment.XXXX XXXXXXXX  Acct # XXXX   Date Opened XXXX  High Balance $XXXX   Status: Collection\nIssue: This collection is recently re-aged to make it look new, violating the original date of delinquency rules.\nLaw: FCRA  605(c) prohibits re-aging debts to extend reporting beyond allowed timeframes.\nStory: I have no contract with Portfolio Recovery for this amount. Without proof of original creditor, last payment date, and balance calculation, this entry is unverifiable and should be deleted.XXXX  Acct # XXXX   Date Opened XXXX  High Balance: $XXXX   Status: Charge Off\nIssue: 13-year-old account beyond the legal reporting window.\nLaw: FCRA  605(a)(4)  Charge-offs cannot be reported beyond 7 years from the date of first delinquency.\nStory: XXXX  is reporting a legally obsolete debt, which is damaging my credit score in violation of federal law. This must be removed immediately.XXXX XXXX  Acct # XXXX  Date Opened XXXX  High Balance: $XXXX   Status: Late Payment\nIssue: Over 15-year-old account with $XXXX  balance still showing late payments.\nLaw: FCRA  605(a)(5)  Any adverse account over 7 years old is not reportable.\nStory: This account is clearly obsolete and should not appear on my report under any circumstance.XXXX XXXX XXXX   Acct # XXXX   Date Opened XXXX  High Balance $XXXX   Status: Charge Off\nIssue: A charge-off with $XXXX  balance indicates either an error or settlement, making the derogatory mark misleading.\nLaw: FCRA  623(a) prohibits incomplete credit reporting that creates a false impression.\nStory: If there is no amount due, the account should be reported as Paid/Closed instead of Charge Off. This is an unfair reporting practice.XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  Acct # XXXX   Date Opened XXXX  High Balance $XXXX   Status: Charge Off\nIssue: This account shows charge-off without any evidence of debt or missed payments.\nLaw: FDCPA  807(2) prohibits false representation of debt status.\nStory: I have requested documentation from the furnisher but they have never responded. This makes this entry unverifiable and in violation of my rights.XXXX XXXX XXXX\nIssue: This inquiry was made without my authorization and was added to my credit report without my consent, which is illegal.\nLaw: Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), prior permission is required before conducting a credit inquiry.\nStory: I have never given this company permission to check my credit information. This type of unauthorized inquiry is damaging my credit score, which is harming my financial life.XXXX XXXX XXXX\nIssue: Inquiry made without client consent.\nLaw: Banking regulations prohibit such inquiries without authorization.\nStory: I was unaware of this activity, and my credit score has been harmed.XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXnIssue: Unauthorized inquiry and data use.\nLaw: Under the FCRA, conducting inquiries without user consent is prohibited.\nStory: I dispute this inquiry and demand corrective action.XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXIssue: Unauthorized inquiry added to my credit report.\nLaw: Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, inquiries without permission are not acceptable.\nStory: I never gave Southern Auto Finance permission to conduct an inquiry.XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXIssue: Unauthorized data verification.\nLaw: FCRA prohibits unauthorized inquiries.\nStory: This inquiry has caused unwanted negative impact on my credit report.XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXIssue: Unauthorized inquiry.\nLaw: Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, prior consent is mandatory.\nStory: I have never given XXXX permission for any inquiry.XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXIssue: Unauthorized inquiry.\nLaw: FCRA clearly prohibits inquiries without prior authorization.\nStory: For the protection of my financial interests, this inquiry should be removed.XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX\nIssue: Illegal inquiry.\nLaw: Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, inquiries without permission are not allowed.\nStory: I never approved this inquiry.\n\nHarm Caused and Legal Demand\nThe above errors are not isolated but part of a pattern of willful disregard for accuracy and consumer rights. These violations have:\n\tLowered my credit score significantly.\n\tCaused loan denials and higher interest rates.\n\tDamaged my reputation with lenders and potential employers.\nUnder FCRA 616, 617, I am entitled to actual, statutory, and punitive damages for willful or negligent noncompliance. I request that the CFPB take immediate enforcement action against the furnishers and CRAs to:\n1.\tDelete the inaccurate addresses from my credit file.\n2.\tRemove the unverifiable and incorrect accounts.\n3.\tEnsure full compliance with FCRA and FDCPA going forward.'

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief