Consumer complaint received 2025-01-06 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Problem with a company's investigation into an existing problem — Difficulty submitting a dispute or getting information about a dispute over the phone
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: AZ

Complaint narrative:
My name is XXXX XXXX. I am submitting this formal complaint regarding a financial and credit reporting issue that has caused me significant personal and financial distress. Specifically, I was unknowingly added as an authorized user to a XXXX XXXX account without my consent or knowledge. Despite my proactive efforts to resolve the issue, I encountered numerous systemic barriers from XXXX XXXX  and the major credit reporting agencieXXXX, Equifax, and XXXX highlight significant consumer protection gaps. 

XXXX. Key Facts : XXXX : The unauthorized account addition appeared on my XXXX credit score only report sporadically *maybe* starting in XXXX but I suspect it's been longer. XXXX  records only go back to XXXX. 
XXXX : On today 's date, XXXX, I reviewed my XXXX Credit Score only report and noticed the XXXX XXXX account balance reported under my name and has been affecting my credit score. 
Actions Taken : I contacted XXXX ( several times in several different departments I was shuffled around ) and was informed that I had been added as an authorized user but had since been removed around XX/XX/XXXX. 
XXXX did not notify me of the addition or removal at any point. 
They refused to disclose to me who the primary account holder was, when I was added, or any other relevant details unless I provided the account number. 
I then contacted via phone all XXXX credit bureaus, froze my credit to prevent further unauthorized use of my information, ordered detailed credit reports from all three bureaus through the XXXX website. 
XXXX. Issues Identified : Lack of Consent and Notification : I was never asked for my consent to be added as an authorized user and was not informed when I was removed. This reveals a major flaw in financial institution protocols for adding third parties to accounts. 
Technology : I am very tech literate. I was still challenged calling every single credit reporting bureau and navigating theiXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX question asking and challenged by XXXX as well. 
Transparency Failures : I was denied critical information about the account that directly has been for years now impacting my credit, which I follow extremely closely but evidently not closely enough. even though I was the affected party. 
Outdated Information Mismatches : My old last name " XXXX '' and a previous XXXX address were still associated with my Social Security number in XXXX 's system, increasing my vulnerability to unauthorized account additions. And, because of that, I was unable to successfully initially log into the XXXX ' website until it recognized my new name, ultimately revealing my former name. I legally changed my name in XXXX. 

Impact on My Credit : The unauthorized account impacted my credit score, which is particularly damaging for divorced women and older adults seeking financial stability. I need to create a simulated future credit score analysis to see how this fraudulent account connected to my credit affected my credit score. 

XXXX. Broader Systemic Implications : XXXX XXXX Vulnerabilities : Many women, especially after divorce or major life changes, XXXX be unaware that outdated name records tied to their Social Security numbers can be used to exploit their credit and finances. My divorce was in XXXX. My legal name change was in XXXX. 

National Vulnerability : The lack of mandatory consent-based systems for authorized user additions creates opportunities for financial abuse by family including ex-spouses, caregivers, or fraudsters. This issue disproportionately impacts women, solo agers, and older adults with limited support networks, those lacking financial literacy or even limited financial resources. 

XXXX. Requests for Action : Investigation : I request a full investigation into XXXX policies regarding authorized user additions and their failure to notify consumers of significant account changes. 

XXXX XXXX : I recommend strengthening consumer protections by requiring : Explicit consent from individuals before they can be added as authorized users. 
Real-time notifications for additions and removals. 
Improved consumer access to account information affecting their credit reports, even without an account number. 

Credit Bureau XXXX : I request that the credit bureaus review and correct discrepancies related to my old name and address to ensure they are not being used in new or unauthorized accounts. 

XXXX. Conclusion : This experience has revealed significant gaps in consumer protections related to authorized user additions and credit reporting. These gaps put consumersparticularly women navigating post-divorce financial recovery even years ; decades, after a divorce still can be at significant risk. I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to your response.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation