Consumer complaint received 2025-07-17 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Incorrect information on your report — Account information incorrect
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: GA

Complaint narrative:
To Whom It May Concern, I am filing a formal complaint against XXXX XXXX for inaccurately reporting both a 90-day late payment and a suspicious increase in my loan balance during an approved forbearance and federal consolidation process. These errors have significantly damaged my credit, reducing my score by nearly XXXX points and jeopardizing my ability to secure a mortgage loan. 

Summary of Issues : Forbearance and Late Payment Reporting My federal student loans were in an active, approved forbearance. Despite this, a 90-day delinquency was reported to the credit bureaus, which directly caused a XXXX drop in my credit score. According to XXXX, I was still in forbearance and not responsible for any payments during this time. 

Consolidation Status Mismanagement After this error, I was instructed by XXXX to proceed with federal loan consolidation, which I did. During this process, my loan balance reflected {$0.00}, and my score briefly recovered to XXXX. When I followed up about a repayment plan, I was told there was no plan yet established because the consolidation had not been finalized. 

Second Credit Score Drop and Balance Increase Shortly after, my score dropped again, despite Edfinancial confirming my account still showed a {$0.00} balance and in good standing. Then, without explanation or notice, my student loan balance increased, which is inconsistent with the federal consolidation process and was not authorized or communicated. 

This fluctuation, alongside improper late reporting, directly contradicts Department of Education guidance on student loan servicing, and my credit history continues to be damaged as a result.

Legal References Supporting My Complaint : FCRA 1681s-2 ( a ) : Requires accurate credit reporting by furnishers. Reporting a delinquency or increasing a balance during forbearance and consolidation is inaccurate and misleading.

FCRA 1681s-2 ( b ) : Upon dispute, furnishers must investigate and correct any incorrect information promptly.

Higher Education Act ( 34 CFR 682.211 ) : Prohibits reporting a loan as delinquent during approved forbearance or while a consolidation is in process.

Truth in Lending Act ( TILA ) : Requires clear disclosure of terms including balances and changes ; unexplained balance increases may violate this requirement.

Requested Relief : Immediate removal of all inaccurate late payment notations and account updates that occurred during forbearance and consolidation.

Full correction of the balance reporting to reflect a legitimate and finalized {$0.00} balance or current status.

Written confirmation that my student loan account is being reported accurately and in accordance with federal law.

Assurance that my data is being securely handled in light of broader privacy concerns. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief