Consumer complaint received 2025-07-24 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:
I am submitting this statement to formally report that I have been a victim of identity theft. As a result, there are fraudulent accounts and inquiries on my credit report that I did not authorize, open, or have any knowledge of. These items were added without my consent and are negatively impacting my credit standing and overall financial reputation. 

I am exercising my rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) and am requesting that these accounts and inquiries be thoroughly investigated, verified with supporting documentation, and removed from my credit file immediately. I have never applied for or had any association with many of the creditors, debt buyers, or institutions that are currently reporting these items on my credit history. 

Details of the Dispute : I am disputing the following accounts that are currently showing on my credit report. I believe each of these accounts is the result of fraudulent activity, opened by an unauthorized party who gained access to my personally identifiable information : XXXX. XXXX XXXX Account Number : XXXX Account Type : Credit Card Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Status : Paid, Closed. {$950.00} Written Off Responsibility : Individual I never applied for this credit card and did not authorize any transactions with XXXX XXXX. The account shows a write-off, which is damaging my credit, and I had no involvement in it. 

XXXX. XXXX XXXX XXXX Account Number : XXXX Account Type : Credit Card Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Status : Paid, Closed. {$740.00} Written Off Responsibility : Individual This credit card was also opened fraudulently. I have never been a member of or held any account with XXXX XXXX XXXX. I am not responsible for any charges or payments on this account. 

XXXX. XXXX XXXX XXXX Account Number : XXXX Account Type : Debt Buyer / Collection Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Status : Collection account. {$6000.00} Past Due ( as of XX/XX/XXXX ) Responsibility : Individual This is a debt collection account that I did not initiate. I have never had a loan or credit card that would result in a collection with XXXX XXXX XXXX. This was created using stolen information and added to my file without my consent. 

Unauthorized Hard Inquiries : In addition to the fraudulent accounts listed above, the following hard inquiries were made on my credit report without my knowledge or authorization. I did not apply for any credit, loans, or financial products from these institutions during the times indicated. 

XXXX / XXXX XXXX XX/XX/XXXX XXXX / XXXX XXXX XX/XX/XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XX/XX/XXXX, XX/XX/XXXX, and XX/XX/XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XX/XX/XXXX These inquiries were clearly made by someone fraudulently posing as me to apply for credit. They should be removed immediately as they were not initiated or approved by me. 

Formal Request for Investigation and Debt Verification : Under FCRA 605B ( 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2 ), I am officially requesting that the credit reporting agencies block and delete the fraudulent accounts and inquiries identified above. These entries are the result of criminal misuse of my personal information and do not belong in my credit report.

Additionally, under FCRA 611 ( 15 U.S.C. 1681i ), I am requesting debt verification for all the disputed accounts. I expect the credit bureaus and the creditors/debt collectors ( furnishers ) to provide verifiable and legitimate documentation that proves I authorized these accounts. This includes : Signed credit card or loan agreements with my name and verified signature IP logs or application records tied to my identity Any form of authentication showing that I knowingly applied for or consented to these accounts If no such documentation exists and I believe none does the accounts must be permanently deleted from my credit report in compliance with the FCRA.

Compensation for False Verification : As stated in FCRA 616 ( 15 U.S.C. 1681n ), if any of the disputed accounts are falsely verified as valid without legitimate supporting documentation, I am entitled to statutory damages of {$1000.00} per violation, along with actual damages, attorneys fees, and legal costs if I am forced to escalate this matter further. 

Supporting Documentation : To assist with your investigation and to verify my identity, I have enclosed the following supporting documents : A copy of my identity theft report ( police report and/or FTC Identity Theft Affidavit ) A copy of my government-issued photo ID ( e.g., drivers license or passport ) A utility bill or official document showing proof of my current address These documents support my claim and provide the necessary context for my request for immediate deletion.

Requested Actions : I am respectfully requesting that the following actions be taken as soon as possible : Permanent removal and blocking of all fraudulent accounts and inquiries listed above. 

Formal debt verification for every disputed account, with removal if verifiable proof can not be produced. 

Written confirmation that all inaccurate and fraudulent information has been deleted from my credit report. 

Evidence that all furnishers involved have been contacted and instructed to cease reporting unverifiable or false information. 

A new, corrected copy of my credit report reflecting these changes. 

Conclusion : This identity theft has caused me significant stress, has impacted my financial stability, and continues to harm my credit standing. I trust that this matter will be handled with urgency and in full compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act. 

I expect confirmation in writing that my request has been processed and that these items have been removed. Should this not be resolved in a timely and lawful manner, I am prepared to take further legal action and submit formal complaints with the appropriate agencies. 

Thank you for your attention to this serious matter.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief