Consumer complaint received 2025-08-16 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:
Dear Sir/Madam, I am filing this complaint to formally report multiple violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA, 15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq. ) and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA, 15 U.S.C. 1692 et seq. ) by various creditors, collectors, and credit reporting agencies. My credit report is currently being harmed by accounts and inquiries that are inaccurate, unverifiable, misleading, and in many cases duplicated. These items have caused me severe financial harm, including denial of credit, higher insurance rates, and inability to obtain fair housing and employment opportunities.

I respectfully request the CFPBs assistance in investigating these violations and holding the responsible furnishers and credit bureaus accountable. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, CA XXXX Wrong Address Issue : Wrong address reported that does not belong to me.

Law : FCRA 607 ( b ) requires maximum possible accuracy. Reporting an incorrect address is a violation.

Story : This address has never been connected to me. Yet, it is on my credit report, creating unnecessary risks of misidentification and fraud. Because of this false reporting, creditors may assume I am tied to accounts and obligations that are not mine. I have been questioned about this address during credit applications, and it caused embarrassment and suspicion. Maintaining accuracy in personal identifying information is fundamental, and this inaccuracy is unacceptable. I request its immediate deletion to restore my accurate credit identity. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX * * Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX High Credit : {$2300.00} Late Payment * * Issue : Late payment inaccurately reported.

Law : FCRA 623 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) requires furnishers to report only accurate information.

Story : I have always ensured my payments are on time. The incorrect reporting of lateness on this account has lowered my score and resulted in credit denials. I have been forced to pay higher interest rates because of a mark that is not valid. This is extremely unfair and violates my rights under federal law. If XXXX XXXX can not provide documented proof of an actual late payment, the negative reporting must be deleted. 
XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX  Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX High Credit : {$1700.00} Late Payment * * Issue : Wrong delinquency reporting.

Law : FCRA 611 mandates reinvestigation and correction of disputed items.

Story : I dispute this late payment because I kept proper records of payment schedules. Any claim that I was late must be supported with evidence such as billing statements and payment histories. To date, no such evidence has been provided. This false negative mark unfairly damages my profile, portraying me as irresponsible when I am not. This error has caused stress, denial of financing, and humiliation when I applied for credit. 
XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX  Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX High Credit : {$970.00} Late Payment * * Issue : Late payment reported in error.

Law : FCRA 609 and 611 give me the right to demand full validation of any negative reporting.

Story : This late payment entry does not match my actual payment history. The creditor has failed to notify me properly or provide documentation to support this derogatory item. Because of this false information, I have been portrayed as a high-risk borrower. It is not acceptable to damage someones livelihood with unverifiable and inaccurate reporting. 
XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX  Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX High Credit : {$1000.00} Late Payment * * Issue : False late payment.

Law : FCRA 623 ( b ) requires creditors to investigate disputes thoroughly.

Story : This item does not accurately reflect my payment behavior. I was never late in the manner reported, yet it continues to harm me. This error has had consequences including credit denials and higher loan terms. I have been forced to explain myself repeatedly to lenders about something that is not true. 
XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX  Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX High Credit : {$410.00} Late Payment * * Issue : Incorrect lateness reported.

Law : FCRA 607 ( b ) requires accurate reporting.

Story : This is a small account, yet the negative reporting has had a big impact on my file. Such mistakes paint a false image of irresponsibility, which is damaging in the eyes of creditors and employers alike. A single false late payment can reduce a score significantly, which is unlawful and unfair when not backed by evidence. 
XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX  Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX High Credit : {$3200.00} Late Payment * * Issue : False late reporting.

Law : FCRA 611 requires deletion of unverifiable items.

Story : This error has cost me real opportunities. When I applied for financing, this mark was pointed out as a red flag. I was either denied or given higher interest rates, which I should not have had to face. The emotional toll of being wrongly labeled delinquent has been significant, and this false report continues to cause harm. 
XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX High Credit : {$2100.00} Late Payment * * Issue : Reported late in error. 
Law : FCRA and FDCPA prohibit furnishing of inaccurate or misleading data.

Story : This account is relatively new, and it is unacceptable to already have false negative marks attached to it. I have kept accurate payment practices. By allowing this false reporting to remain, the bureau is failing its duty under the law to ensure maximum accuracy. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX High Credit : {$970.00} Late Payment * * Issue : Late payment listed wrongly.

Law : FCRA 611 requires reinvestigation.

Story : This reporting is damaging my credit profile so early in the accounts history. I have been cautious with this account, and the false reporting creates unnecessary obstacles. If proper records can not validate this entry, it must be permanently deleted. 
XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX High Credit : {$930.00} Late Payment * * Issue : Inaccurate late payment.

Law : FCRA and FDCPA prohibit false reporting.

Story : This error shows a lack of responsibility on the part of the furnisher and bureau. It harms me personally and financially by lowering my creditworthiness for no valid reason. 
XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Multiple entries : XXXX, XXXX, XXXX ) Late Payments * * Issue : Multiple false late payment entries on student loans.

Law : FCRA and the Higher Education Act require accuracy in federal student loan reporting. 
Story : These repeated errors create the illusion of a pattern of irresponsibility. They span years and paint a distorted picture of my payment history. In reality, I have been diligent, and these inaccuracies are systemic failures that continue to burden me. These false entries have impacted my ability to obtain fair student loan repayment options and opportunities for other credit. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX High Credit : {$17000.00} Late Payment * * Issue : Incorrect delinquency reporting. 
Law : FCRA and FDCPA prohibit false or misleading data. 
Story : An auto loan is a major account, and false late payments here create serious damage to my financial standing. This has led to denials for refinancing and higher insurance costs because insurers also consider creditworthiness. The impact is long-lasting and deeply unfair. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX High Credit : {$890.00} Late Payment * * Issue : Wrong lateness reported.

Law : FCRA 623 demands accurate reporting.

Story : Such mistakes create doubt in the eyes of lenders, making me appear unreliable. This entry is unjust, harmful, and should not remain. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX  Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX High Credit : {$10000.00} Late Payment * * Issue : False late reporting.

Law : FCRA and FDCPA prohibit misrepresentation.

Story : This is a significant account, and the wrongful reporting of lateness is devastating to my financial profile. I have been portrayed as delinquent without basis, and this has caused serious setbacks. 
XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX High Credit : {$1200.00} Charge Off * * Issue : Charge-off reported in error.

Law : FCRA 611 requires that unverified charge-offs must be deleted. FDCPA 807 prohibits false representation of debt.

Story : This alleged charge-off is entirely inaccurate and unsupported. It paints the most damaging picture possible on a credit report and makes it nearly impossible to secure credit, rent housing, or even pursue certain jobs. A charge-off is one of the most severe derogatories, and to have one reported falsely is unlawful and unjust. This error must be deleted immediately. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX High Credit : {$540.00} Late Payment * * Issue : Inaccurate late payment reporting.

Law : FCRA 1681i and FCRA 1681s-2 ( a ) require furnishers to report only accurate information and to delete unverifiable data. 
Story : I have never received any valid documentation that proves these alleged late payments. The creditor has failed to produce signed contracts, payment history, or account statements. Because of this inaccurate late payment, I have been denied credit opportunities, including a recent attempt to refinance my car loan, where lenders cited my poor payment history as the reason for denial. This has unfairly harmed my creditworthiness, created emotional distress, and made it more expensive for me to access financial services. Such reporting is misleading and unlawful under the FCRA, and must be deleted immediately. 
XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX  Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX High Credit : {$2200.00} Charge Off * * Issue : Improper charge-off reporting.

Law : FCRA 1681b requires permissible purpose in reporting, and FDCPA 809 ( b ) requires debt validation.

Story : No creditor has provided me with proof of this charge-off. I have not received a copy of the contract, the account history, or validation of the alleged debt. Despite repeated disputes, the account continues to appear on my report. This unfair charge-off prevents me from qualifying for mortgages and other financial opportunities, and it portrays me as irresponsible when in fact the account itself has not been properly validated. Continuing to report this charge-off is reckless, harmful, and a clear violation of federal consumer protection laws. 
XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX High Credit : {$1400.00} Charge Off * * Issue : False charge-off without proof.

Law : FCRA 1681i ( a ) requires reinvestigation of disputed items.

Story : This charge-off is severely impacting my credit. When I applied for a personal loan to cover medical expenses, I was rejected due to this negative mark. The creditor has not shown any proof that I owe this debt or that the reporting is accurate. Without proper documentation, this charge-off creates a false impression of financial irresponsibility, when in reality the account may not even belong to me. This unlawful reporting is damaging my financial life, making it harder to secure housing and credit. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX High Credit : {$10000.00} Collection * Issue : Inflated collection reporting.

Law : FCRA 1681c-2 gives consumers the right to block unverifiable information.

Story : This account is listed at more than {$10000.00}, but no creditor has provided evidence of how this balance was calculated. Without original contracts, account statements, or proof of ownership, this reporting is not only inaccurate but also highly damaging. It falsely inflates my debt burden and has prevented me from obtaining affordable housing, as landlords often deny applications based on large collection balances. This has caused severe hardship and must be deleted immediately. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX High Credit : {$2000.00} Collection * * Issue : Unvalidated collection.

Law : FDCPA 807 ( 8 ) prohibits credit reporting without validation.

Story : The collector has never provided me with written notice or proof that I owe this debt. Yet it continues to damage my credit profile. Because of this collection, my application for a small business loan was denied, preventing me from expanding my income and providing for my family. The harm caused by this unverifiable account is unjust and must be corrected immediately. 
XXXX  XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX High Credit : {$2000.00} Charge Off * * Issue : Charge-off without accuracy.

Law : FCRA 1681c ( a ) ( 4 ) prohibits obsolete or misleading reporting.

Story : This charge-off continues to harm my credit despite the fact that no validation has been provided. My ability to obtain even small lines of credit is impaired. This has forced me to rely on high-interest alternatives, which further burdens me financially. Without proof, this charge-off is unfair and unlawful. 
XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX  Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX High Credit : {$0.00} Charge Off * * Issue : Contradictory reporting.

Law : FCRA 1681e ( b ) requires complete and accurate reporting.

Story : Reporting a charge-off with {$0.00} balance is contradictory and misleading. If the balance is XXXX, there should be no negative charge-off. This confusing reporting damages my profile and portrays me as irresponsible even though there is no balance. This is misleading to lenders and must be corrected or deleted. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX * Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX High Credit : {$1800.00} Charge Off * * Issue : Improper charge-off.

Law : FCRA 1681c-2 allows blocking unverifiable items.

Story : I have requested validation multiple times, but none has been provided. This negative reporting is preventing me from qualifying for better financial terms, and it misrepresents my financial history. It is unfair and unlawful to continue reporting it. 
XXXX XXXX  XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX  Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX High Credit : {$17000.00} Charge Off * * Issue : Large unverifiable charge-off.

Law : FCRA 1681e ( b ) requires maximum possible accuracy.

Story : A large balance of over {$17000.00} is being reported, but no validation or breakdown has been provided. This severely damages my profile, portraying me as irresponsible and financially unstable, when in reality no proof has been provided that I owe this debt. This has directly prevented me from obtaining fair financing. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX High Credit : {$1700.00} Charge Off * * Issue : Unvalidated charge-off.

Law : FCRA 1681i ( a ) requires reinvestigation.

Story : Despite disputes, no validation has been provided. This charge-off is inaccurate and continues to prevent me from obtaining affordable credit. The harm caused is unjust and must be corrected. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX High Credit : {$1700.00} Collection * * Issue : Duplicate reporting of debt already listed above.

Law : FCRA 1681s-2 ( b ) prohibits duplicate reporting.

Story : This is a duplicate of XXXX  XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  Duplicate reporting doubles the negative impact, making me appear more delinquent than I am. This unfairly increases the damage to my creditworthiness and violates my rights. 
Inquiries ( XXXX XX/XX/XXXX, XXXX XX/XX/XXXX ) Issue : Unauthorized and excessive hard inquiries.

Law : FCRA 1681b ( a ) requires permissible purpose.

Story : I never authorized these inquiries. They have damaged my credit score and created the false impression that I am recklessly seeking credit. As a result, I was denied approval for a credit card and auto loan. These inquiries are unauthorized, harmful, and must be removed. 
Conclusion The above accounts and inquiries are inaccurate, unverifiable, misleading, or duplicative. They directly violate the FCRA and FDCPA, and they have caused me substantial harm including : Denied credit cards and loans Higher insurance premiums Rejected housing applications Emotional distress and financial hardship I request the CFPB to investigate these violations, enforce compliance, and order the deletion or correction of these items from my credit report. If not resolved, I will consider pursuing further legal action for willful noncompliance.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief