Consumer complaint received 2025-09-04 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 submitting this complaint regarding multiple inaccurate accounts and inquiries being reported on my credit file. These errors violate the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) and Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ). The following items are disputed, and I am requesting immediate investigation, deletion, and correction. 
Wrong/Unverified Addresses Reported XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Story : These addresses are not all mine, and many were added without my authorization or knowledge. Because of these unverified addresses, I have been linked to accounts and debts that are not mine, which has led to wrongful denials for credit and unfair treatment by creditors. For example, I was questioned about addresses where I never lived during an apartment application process, and that resulted in embarrassment and rejection. The CRAs are supposed to ensure that only accurate and verified addresses are reported under FCRA 607 ( b ), but in my case, they have failed, exposing me to identity confusion and financial harm. 
XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Balance Owed : {$210.00} Status : Charge Off XXXX XXXX Story : XXXX XXXX is a utility account, not a traditional credit line. Reporting it as a charge-off is inaccurate and misleading to creditors. I had a dispute with the utility company over service charges that were never resolved, yet instead of proper resolution, they reported it negatively to the CRAs. This has caused long-term damage to my credit history, making me appear irresponsible when in reality it was a billing dispute. Because of this false charge-off, I was denied a personal loan that I needed during a financial emergency, forcing me into further hardship. This reporting practice is not only inaccurate but also unfair, violating FCRA 607 ( b ). 
XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Balance Owed : {$0.00} Status : Charge Off XXXX XXXX  Story : This account is showing as a charge-off with a {$0.00} balance, which is contradictory and misleading. A charge-off implies loss to the creditor, yet a {$0.00} balance shows no debt exists. This entry confuses creditors and portrays me as a high-risk borrower when I owe nothing. Because of this, I was denied a refinance opportunity that would have lowered my monthly expenses. Reporting a charge-off on {$0.00} balance violates FCRA 607 ( b ) and FCRA 611 ( a ) regarding accuracy and reinvestigation. 
XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Balance Owed : {$0.00} Status : Charge Off XXXX XXXX Story : This is a duplicate account, reported as a separate charge-off with a {$0.00} balance. Duplicate derogatory reporting magnifies negative impact and unfairly lowers my score. I have been questioned by lenders about why I have multiple charge-offs, when in reality these are false duplicates. This violates FCRA 623 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( B ) since the furnisher is knowingly providing misleading information. The duplicate reporting is defamation of my character and has caused severe financial hardship. 
XXXX XXXX Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Balance Owed : {$930.00} Status : Collection XXXX XXXX Story : This account is reported as a collection, but I was never properly notified or validated of this debt. I never received a validation letter as required by FDCPA 809 ( b ). This collection appeared suddenly on my report and has caused serious credit damage. Because of it, I was denied an auto loan, forcing me to rely on unreliable transportation. Reporting a debt without validation is illegal and predatory. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Balance Owed : {$950.00} Status : Collection XXXX XXXX  Story : This collection account is not mine and appears to be linked to identity confusion. I never received any billing statements, validation, or proof that this account belongs to me. Despite my disputes, the CRAs continue reporting it, violating FCRA 611 ( a ) which requires reasonable reinvestigation. This collection caused me to be denied a credit card I needed to rebuild my credit responsibly. It has forced me to pay higher interest rates on other loans, costing me significant money. 
My Story These false late payments, duplicate charge-offs, unvalidated collections, and unauthorized inquiries have destroyed my credit profile. I have been denied loans, housing, and fair financial opportunities. My family and I have suffered emotional distress and financial losses. The CRAs and furnishers have failed to ensure accuracy and have ignored my rights under FCRA 611 ( a ) by continuing to report unverifiable information. 
Relief Requested 1. Immediate deletion of all inaccurate late payments, charge-offs, and collections listed above.

2. Removal of all unauthorized inquiries from my credit file.

3. Written confirmation of investigation and resolution within 30 days as required by FCRA 611 ( a ).

4. Assurance that no unverifiable or duplicate accounts will be reinserted in the future without full documentation.

If these violations are not corrected, I will escalate this complaint to state and federal regulators and pursue damages under FCRA 616 and 617.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief