Consumer complaint received 2025-11-08 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Incorrect information on your report — Account information incorrect
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: CA

Complaint narrative:
Dear Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, I am writing to file a formal complaint against XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX ( XXXX ) for engaging in deceptive and unlawful credit reporting practices related to a vehicle loan that was fully paid and closed. 

* * Summary of the Issue : * * My original XXXX XXXX loan was paid in full by XXXX XXXX. I subsequently paid off my obligation to XXXX XXXX, and I received the lien release and title for my vehicle in * * XX/XX/year> * *, confirming the account was closed and satisfied. 

However, XXXX has * * fraudulently reopened the previously paid and closed account * *, created a new balance, and * * reported it as a charge-off * * to the credit bureaus. This false and unauthorized action has severely damaged my credit. XXXX has no legal basis to reopen or attempt to collect on an account that was fully satisfied and closed. 

It is not the consumers burden to suffer the consequences of a creditors internal errors or recordkeeping failures. Once a loan is paid in full and closed, the creditor has no lawful authority to reopen the account or create a new balance months later. Any such action constitutes a clear violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ). Nissans mistake, whether due to negligence or intentional misconduct, can not be shifted onto me as the consumer. Their obligation is to maintain accurate records and correct any errors immediately not to damage my credit or attempt to collect a non-existent debt. 

Furthermore, the * * credit bureaus * * that accepted and reported this false information are also in * * direct violation of federal and state consumer protection laws * *. Under the * * Fair Credit Reporting Act, XXXX XXXX. XXXX ( b ) * *, consumer reporting agencies have a legal duty to maintain maximum possible accuracy of information they report. Accepting and publishing a reopened charge-off for an account that was clearly marked * * paid and closed * * months prior demonstrates a failure to perform due diligence, a lack of reasonable verification, and a disregard for consumer rights. No professional credit bureau acting in good faith should allow such obviously false data to be reported. 

This negligence has caused me * * significant emotional distress and financial harm * *, including damage to my credit reputation and loss of access to fair credit opportunities. XXXX and the credit bureaus reckless disregard for accuracy and lawfulness has directly impacted my life and livelihood. A company can not simply reopen a closed, paid-off account XXXX months later, invent a new balance, and mark it as a charge-off this is * * blatantly illegal * * and unethical. 

* * Violations : * * Nissans actions, and the credit bureaus failure to verify accuracy, constitute multiple violations of consumer protection laws, including : * * * Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), 15 U.S.C. 1681e ( b ) & 1681s-2 ( a ) * * prohibiting the reporting and furnishing of inaccurate or incomplete information.

* * * Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ), 15 U.S.C. 1692e & 1692f * * prohibiting false representations of debt and unfair or unconscionable collection practices.

* * * Truth in Lending Act ( TILA ) * * for failure to properly account for payoff and closure.

* * * State Unfair and Deceptive Acts and Practices ( UDAP ) laws * * protecting consumers from fraudulent or unethical business conduct.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation