Consumer complaint received 2025-08-24 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 formal complaint because my credit report contains inaccurate, misleading, and unlawful information that is severely damaging my financial life, employment opportunities, housing prospects, and overall well-being. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) 15 U.S.C. 1681, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ), and related consumer protection laws, I have the right to accurate reporting, proper validation of debts, and protection against unfair and deceptive practices. The accounts listed below are being reported incorrectly, and in many cases I have no knowledge of these accounts, yet they continue to appear on my report despite disputes. This has placed me in a position of unfair harm, financial stress, and violation of my rights. 

Account : XXXX  XXXX Open Date : XX/XX/XXXX | High Balance : {$21000.00} | Status : Charge Off Issue : This account is reported as a charge off without providing me with any validation or proof of liability. The balance is being reported in a misleading manner that damages my creditworthiness. 
Law : Under 15 U.S.C. 1692g ( FDCPA ), I have the right to request validation of the debt, yet no such validation has ever been provided. Under 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( a ) ( FCRA ), furnishers must not report inaccurate information, and under 15 U.S.C. 1681i, disputed accounts must be properly investigated. These obligations have not been fulfilled. 
Story : I have repeatedly suffered harm from this false reporting. I have been denied housing and affordable credit because the presence of a charge-off in such a high amount creates a false impression that I am a chronic defaulter. The creditor has never produced a signed contract, itemized accounting, or proof of ownership of the debt. This false charge-off is punishing me financially and emotionally and violates federal consumer protection laws. 

Account : XXXX XXXX XXXX Open Date : XX/XX/XXXX | High Balance : {$95.00} | Status : Charge Off Issue : A utility balance of {$95.00} has been reported as a charge off, which is misleading and inaccurate because utility accounts do not follow the same credit charge-off policies as revolving credit or installment loans. 
Law : Under 15 U.S.C. 1681e ( b ), credit reporting agencies must ensure maximum possible accuracy. Under 15 U.S.C. 1681i, they are required to properly reinvestigate when a consumer disputes an account. Under 15 U.S.C. 1692g, validation must be provided, which has not occurred. 
Story : Reporting a {$95.00} utility bill as a charge-off is disproportionate and harmful. No documentation has ever been given to me proving that this amount is valid or collectible. This false reporting has reduced my credit score and made it more difficult for me to obtain housing and credit cards. The continued presence of this account is a violation of federal consumer laws and causes me unnecessary hardship, even though it should not lawfully be reported as a charge off. 
Because of these false, inaccurate, and unverified accounts, my credit report has been damaged, causing me to be denied credit opportunities, face higher interest rates, and experience severe emotional and financial distress. I respectfully request the CFPB to investigate these violations, hold the furnishers and credit bureaus accountable, and demand the immediate deletion of all inaccurate, unverifiable, and unlawfully reported accounts from my credit report. These violations are ongoing and are in clear conflict with my rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief