Consumer complaint received 2025-05-17 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Problem with a company's investigation into an existing problem — Investigation took more than 30 days
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: SC

Complaint narrative:
Dear CFPB, I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding multiple violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) and Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ) that are affecting my consumer credit profile. These issues involve incorrect personal information, unverified and inaccurate negative accounts, and unauthorized hard inquiries that I did not consent to. 

Personal Background : I am a responsible consumer who monitors my credit regularly. Unfortunately, I have discovered that my credit reports contain several errors and violations that are causing substantial financial and emotional harm. These errors have negatively impacted my credit score, denied me access to fair credit opportunities, and caused immense stress and frustration. 

1. Inaccurate Personal Information ( FCRA Section 609 ( c ), 602 ( A ) ) The following addresses listed on my credit report are inaccurate and have no relation to me. I have never lived at these locations : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Reporting inaccurate personal data violates FCRA Section 609 ( c ), which entitles consumers to accurate information, and Section 602 ( A ), which emphasizes the need for fair and equitable treatment. These addresses could indicate a mixed file or identity confusion, which can be highly damaging. 

2. Unverified Negative Accounts ( FCRA Sections 611 & 623 ) The following accounts are reporting late payments or charge-offs that I do not recognize, and I have not received any verification of these debts despite previous disputes : XXXX  XXXX  ( XXXX ) Open Date : XX/XX/XXXXXXXX  Balance : {$630.00} Late Payment XXXX  XXXX ( XXXX  ) Highest Balance : {$1100.00} Late Payment XXXX XXXX XXXX ( XXXX ) Open Date : XX/XX/XXXXXXXX  Balance : {$260.00} Late Payment XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX ( XXXX ) XXXX XXXX XXXX XX/XX/XXXXXXXX  Balance : {$550.00} Charge Off These accounts have never been properly validated as required under FCRA Section 611, which grants me the right to dispute and receive verification of any item on my credit report. Additionally, FCRA Section 623 requires furnishers of data to report accurate and complete information. These furnishers have failed to comply by reporting potentially incorrect data without documentation. 

If these accounts are being collected, the FDCPA Section 809 ( a ) requires debt collectors to provide written verification upon request within 30 days. This was not done.

3. Unauthorized Hard Inquiries ( FCRA Section 604 ) The following hard inquiries were made without my knowledge or consent, which violates FCRA Section 604 : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXX/XX/XXXX Hard inquiries affect my credit score and should only be made with a permissible purpose and my written authorization. I did not initiate or approve these inquiries. 

Emotional & Financial Impact These violations have caused me significant distress, including : Denial of credit applications Higher interest rates XXXX  and stress due to derogatory items Hours spent disputing with no resolution This behavior by credit reporting agencies and data furnishers is negligent, harmful, and a breach of my rights as a consumer. 

Requested Resolution : Remove all inaccurate addresses listed above from my credit file. 

Delete all unverified negative accounts or provide legally sufficient documentation proving accuracy and ownership. 

Delete all unauthorized hard inquiries that were made without my consent. 

Provide updated credit reports showing these corrections. 

Enforce full compliance with the FCRA and FDCPA by all parties involved. 

Legal References : FCRA Section 602 ( A ) Right to fair and accurate credit reporting FCRA Section 609 ( a ) Right to request and access information FCRA Section 611 ( a ) Right to dispute and verify inaccurate items FCRA Section 623 ( a ) Obligation of furnishers to report accurately FCRA Section 604 ( a ) Permissible purpose for credit inquiries FDCPA Section 809 ( a ) Right to request debt validation Please take immediate action to investigate and resolve these serious violations.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief