Consumer complaint received 2025-08-26 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:
I am filing this complaint because my credit report is currently reflecting multiple inaccurate collections and unauthorized inquiries that are damaging my creditworthiness, causing financial harm, and violating my consumer rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ). 
These items are either unverifiable, inaccurate, duplicate, or unauthorized, and I have already suffered serious consequences such as loan denials, higher interest rates, and emotional stress. Below is a detailed breakdown of the disputed items and the harm they have caused. 
Wrong Addresses ( Inaccurate/Not Belonging to Me Violation of FCRA 607 ( b ) ) XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, TX XXXX Wrong Address This address has never belonged to me, yet its presence on my credit file makes it appear as though I am linked to places and debts that are not mine. I have faced suspicion from landlords and employers during background checks because of these wrong entries. This has damaged my reputation and created emotional stress that is completely unnecessary. 
XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX, TX XXXX Wrong Address This address is not mine and has created additional confusion on my credit report. I have had to repeatedly explain myself to creditors, wasting time and suffering embarrassment. Wrong addresses increase my risk of identity theft and harm my financial stability. 
Accounts Reporting Inaccuracies ( Violation of FCRA 602, 607, FDCPA 807 False or Misleading Representation ) XXXX XXXX XXXX High Balance : {$330.00} | Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXXXXXX  | Late Payment This account is reporting late payments that are not accurate. I have never been late on this account, yet the furnisher continues to report delinquencies without proof. Because of this, I was denied a credit card with a lower interest rate, forcing me to pay higher fees on another product. This misreporting is damaging my financial opportunities and violates FCRA 623. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX High Balance : {$360.00} | Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXXXXXX  | Late Payment This account lists late payments that are not valid. These late marks lowered my credit score and caused me to be denied approval for an auto loan I needed for work transportation. As a result, I have had to rely on unreliable transportation, creating hardship for my employment. This is unfair and unlawful under FCRA 607 and FDCPA 807. 
XXXX XXXX High Balance : {$370.00} | Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXXXXXX  | Charge-Off This charge-off is being reported incorrectly. I never received validation or proper notice, yet my credit file shows me as someone who defaulted. This false charge-off has caused multiple rejections, including being denied for a housing application, which forced me to continue living in unstable conditions. This is a severe personal and financial harm caused by inaccurate reporting. 
XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX  High Balance : {$26000.00} | Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXXXXXX  | Charge-Off This account is reporting a very large balance as charged off without any proof or breakdown. The presence of such a large derogatory account creates the impression that I am financially irresponsible, which is completely false. Because of this entry, I was denied a small business loan I applied for, preventing me from expanding my work opportunities. The emotional stress and financial impact are enormous, and under FCRA 611 this unverifiable data must be removed. 
XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX High Balance : {$0.00} | Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXXXXXX  | Charge-Off It is contradictory to report a {$0.00} balance as charged off. This false reporting has made lenders suspicious of my credit file, and I have had to explain to multiple creditors that this does not make sense. The embarrassment and wasted time are unfair burdens on me, and this violates FDCPA 807 ( 2 ) ( A ). 
XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX High Balance : {$1000.00} | Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXXXXXX  | Late Payment This account is showing late payments without validation. Because of this, I was denied a store credit account that could have helped me build credit. I continue to suffer financial setbacks because this inaccurate late mark keeps lowering my credit profile unfairly. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX High Balance : {$21000.00} | Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXXXXXX  | Charge-Off This charge-off is reported without proof, making it look like I abandoned a large debt. This has caused extreme damage, including denial of a mortgage application I submitted for my familys housing. This forced us to continue renting at higher costs. The emotional and financial damage from this misreporting is unbearable, and under FCRA 623 it must be corrected. 
XXXX XXXX High Balance : {$250.00} | Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXXXXXX  | Collection This collection has never been validated. Under FDCPA 809 ( b ) the collector is required to provide proof, yet none has been given. The presence of this collection has resulted in higher interest rates on credit cards I applied for, costing me extra money each month. This inaccurate entry is making my financial life harder, despite my rights under the law. 

XXXXXXXX XXXX  High Balance : {$680.00} | Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXXXXXX  | Collection This collection is being reported without proper validation. I have never received proof of this alleged debt, nor any documentation with my signature. Under FDCPA 809 ( b ) debt collectors are required to validate before reporting. Because of this false entry, I was denied approval for a store credit account which I needed to rebuild credit. This has caused both financial and emotional harm. 
XXXXXXXX XXXX High Balance : {$680.00} | Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXXXXXX  | Collection This is a duplicate collection from the same company, which is misleading and unlawful. Reporting the same debt multiple times exaggerates the damage to my credit file, creating the appearance of multiple defaults when in fact it is one. This duplication violates FCRA 607 ( b ) requiring maximum accuracy. Because of this entry, I was denied financing for essential household purchases, which has placed unnecessary stress on me and my family. 
Hard Inquiries ( Unauthorized/Unverified Violation of FCRA 604 and 607 ) XXXX XXXX  Unauthorized inquiry that I never consented to. This inquiry is hurting my score and must be removed. 
XXXX XXXXXX/XX/XXXX Duplicate unauthorized inquiry. Multiple unapproved inquiries compound the damage unfairly and must be deleted. 
Harm Caused Because of these inaccurate and unauthorized items : I was denied an auto loan when I needed reliable transportation. 
My insurance premiums increased, costing me more each month. 
I was denied new lines of credit that I needed for rebuilding. 
Lenders see multiple inquiries and believe I am desperate for credit, which is false and damaging. 
My emotional health has suffered, as I feel helpless against repeated violations of my rights. 
Requested Resolution I request that the CFPB investigate these violations and require the credit reporting agencies and furnishers to : 1. Delete all unverifiable and duplicate collections.

2. Remove all unauthorized inquiries.

3. Ensure strict compliance with FCRA and FDCPA. 
If these issues are not corrected, I will pursue further legal remedies and seek damages for continued violations of my rights under federal law.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief