Consumer complaint received 2025-08-20 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 a consumer and a permanently XXXX veteran. I have not authorized anyone to access, share, or use my credit reports or my personal information for any purpose. Recently, I discovered inquiries and negative items appearing on my consumer reports without my permission. I did not give written instructions or any other authorization to obtain my consumer report, and no entity had a permissible purpose under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ). Obtaining or using my report without a permissible purpose violates FCRA 604/15 U.S.C. 1681b and 604 ( f ). 
The presence of these unauthorized inquiries and negative items is causing downstream harm and potential discrimination by lenders, insurers, employers, and landlords who rely on this reported information. FCRA requires consumer reporting agencies ( CRAs ) to follow reasonable procedures to assure maximum possible accuracy, and to investigate and delete inaccurate or unverifiable information upon dispute ( FCRA 607 ( b ), 611/15 U.S.C. 1681e ( b ), 1681i ).

Additionally, any company furnishing information to the CRAs must ensure accuracy and must investigate disputes and correct or delete information that can not be verified, under FCRA 623 and Regulation V, 12 C.F.R. 1022.42.

I am also concerned that my nonpublic personal information has been disclosed or shared without proper notice or opt-out rights in violation of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act ( GLBA ) privacy rule ( Regulation P ), which limits disclosure of nonpublic personal information to non-affiliated third parties unless conditions ( notice and opt-out, or an exception ) are met. I did not receive such notices. 
If any adverse action ( denial or rate increase ) has been taken against me based on a consumer report, I did not receive compliant adverse-action notices explaining the specific reasons, as required by FCRA 615/15 U.S.C. 1681m and by the Equal Credit Opportunity Act ( ECOA ) and Regulation B ( 12 C.F.R.

1002.9 ). As a XXXX veteran whose income includes VA benefits, I am especially concerned about fair treatmentnotably ECOAs protection against discrimination based on receipt of public assistance income. 
-- - Relief Requested : XXXX. Require all involved CRAs to identify who accessed my reports, when, and on what stated permissible purpose, and to provide me the sources of all items in my file ( FCRA 609 ). 
XXXX. Direct CRAs and furnishers to delete any inquiries and negative items that lack a lawful permissible purpose or that they can not verify with competent evidence within the FCRA timelines ( FCRA 611 ). 
XXXX. If any item is the result of identity theft or unauthorized use of my information, require CRAs to block the reporting of that information within four business days upon receipt of an identity theft report ( FCRA 605B/15 U.S.C. 1681c-2 ). 
XXXX. Ensure all furnishers comply with accuracy and dispute duties under FCRA 623 and Regulation V ( 12 C.F.R. 1022.42 ). 
XXXX. Enforce GLBA Regulation P limits on sharing my nonpublic personal information without the required XXXX. Where any creditor took adverse action using my report, require delivery of compliant adverse-action notices with the specific reasons ( FCRA 615 ; ECOA/Reg B 1002.9 ) XXXX 
XXXX. Given my military status, ensure I can place fraud alerts ( initial or extended ) and, if applicable, an active-duty alert ( XXXX  months ) and security freezes at no cost, per FCRA 605A and XXXX  amendments. 
-- - Harm : Unauthorized access and inaccurate reporting have lowered my creditworthiness in the marketplace and exposed me to discrimination and financial harm in credit, housing, insurance, and employment decisions, contrary to the FCRAs purpose of fairness, privacy, and proper utilization of consumer information. 
-- - What I Want the CFPB to Do : Investigate the CRAs, furnishers, and any users involved ; compel deletion of unauthorized or unverifiable information and inquiries ; stop unlawful sharing of my nonpublic personal information ; and ensure all legally required notices are provided. I request the Bureau use its UDAAP authority, where appropriate, to stop unfair, deceptive, or abusive practices.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation