Consumer complaint received 2025-06-22 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Incorrect information on your report — Information belongs to someone else
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: GA

Complaint narrative:
I am filing this identity theft dispute under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), specifically invoking my rights under 15 U.S. Code 1681c-2 ( Section 605B ). My FTC Identity Theft Report reference number is XXXX. This dispute concerns a charge-off auto loan reported by XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Account Number : * XXXX, that appears on my Equifax credit report with a charge-off amount of {$3800.00} and a current balance of {$3300.00}. I co-signed the original loan for a business vehicle, but the vehicle was declared a total loss and the loan was settled through insurance. I did not authorize or sign for any post-settlement liability. No 1099-C Cancellation of Debt form was issued, which is a legal requirement under IRS regulations for canceled debt exceeding {$600.00}. I have verified directly with the IRS that no cancellation of debt was filed. Additionally, there is no evidence that I was delinquent on the account prior to its closure, and no verified late payment history was provided to justify a charge-off. XXXX XXXX XXXX credit reporting standards, a charge-off following an insurance settlement should not retain a remaining balance or suggest continued consumer liability unless contractually enforceable. The current reporting by XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX misrepresents the accounts true nature and artificially inflates my debt load in violation of FCRA XXXX ( a ) ( XXXX ) ( A ) and XXXX ( b ). I am formally disputing this tradeline as fraudulent and unauthorized. I have never signed any document consenting to the continued liability that XXXX XXXX XXXX is reporting. This charge-off is the result of identity misuse, and I have previously disputed this with the credit bureaus. Despite my efforts, the account continues to be reported as valid, in violation of my rights under FCRA. Pursuant to FCRA 1681c-2 ( c ), the credit bureau is required to block this information within four business days of receiving a valid identity theft report, proof of identity, proof of address, and a written statement identifying the fraudulent item. I have submitted all required documentation, including my FTC Identity Theft Report, government-issued ID, proof of address, and this statement. I also believe my personal data may have been exposed in the 2017 Equifax data breach, which increases the risk that this fraudulent tradeline resulted from unauthorized use of my identity. This context supports my identity theft claim and the need for immediate removal. I am requesting the immediate and permanent deletion of the XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX tradeline from my credit file. I also request written confirmation that this account has been deleted and will not be reinserted unless all conditions under FCRA 1681c-2 ( d ) are fully satisfied. Continued verification or reinsertion of this account without proper legal validation may constitute willful noncompliance under FCRA 1681n and 1681o, and I reserve all rights to pursue legal remedies. This request is submitted in good faith and in accordance with federal law.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief