Consumer complaint received 2025-09-09 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: MO

Complaint narrative:
I am filing this complaint because Equifax continues to publish late payment records that are either outdated, inaccurate, or unverifiable. These items include DPT EDXXXX, account number XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, showing a late payment dated XX/XX/XXXX ; DEPT OF ED/XXXX, account numbers XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX and XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, both reporting late payments dated XX/XX/XXXX ; and XXXX, account number XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX which is marked with late payments despite reflecting a XXXX balance and XXXX past due. These entries are being reported in a way that violates the Fair Credit Reporting Act and directly harms me as a consumer. 

The XXXX late payments from XX/XX/XXXX are particularly egregious because they have exceeded the maximum seven-year reporting period allowed under XXXX U.S.C. 1681c. Equifax is fully aware that negative items such as late payments can not remain indefinitely, yet these derogatory marks are still present on my report. Their continued publication is a direct violation of federal law and demonstrates either willful neglect or reckless disregard of my rights. 

The XX/XX/XXXX late payment notation for the DPT EDXXXX account is also inaccurate and unverifiable. I have disputed this account, but Equifax has failed to provide documentation proving that the payment was actually late. Simply responding with the word verified is not a lawful reinvestigation under 15 U.S.C. 1681i. A proper reinvestigation requires Equifax to obtain concrete proof from the furnishersuch as statements or payment recordsshowing that the delinquency occurred. Without this, Equifax is reporting harmful information it can not substantiate. 

The XXXX account adds another layer of inaccuracy. This account is being reported as if it has derogatory payment history, but the report itself clearly shows a XXXX balance and XXXX past due. By definition, an account with no outstanding obligation can not be delinquent. Continuing to publish this as a late payment is misleading, damaging to my credit standing, and a violation of the accuracy requirements under the FCRA. 

The impact of these inaccuracies has been significant. My credit score has been unfairly lowered, resulting in denials for credit opportunities and inflated interest rates when I am approved. During a recent loan application, the lender specifically cited student loan late payments as a key reason for denial. I have also faced the embarrassment of having to explain to landlords and financial institutions why negative marksmany of which are expired or falseremain on my report. This has caused financial strain, emotional distress, and has prevented me from accessing fair credit opportunities that I am entitled to. 

Equifax has failed in its duty to conduct proper reinvestigations, failed to honor the reporting limits established under federal law, and failed to uphold its obligation to maintain maximum accuracy in consumer reports. This behavior is not only negligent but unlawful.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation