Consumer complaint received 2025-03-31 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Improper use of your report — Credit inquiries on your report that you don't recognize
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: GA

Complaint narrative:
I am writing to formally dispute the account listed on my credit report by XXXX XXXX, with the original creditor being XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. 
I would like to clarify the following points : XXXX. Authorized User Status : I was an authorized user on this account, not the primary account holder or responsible for the debt incurred. I had XXXX knowledge of this account and its associated activity. 
XXXX. Identity Theft : During the time this account was opened and active, I was a victim of identity theft. My ex-husband fraudulently used my personal information without my consent. This is explicitly detailed in my divorce decree, which states that all debts incurred by my ex-husband, including any associated with this account, are his sole responsibility and not mine. 
XXXX. XXXX  Status : At the time of this account 's activity, I was serving in the XXXX XXXX  on XXXX XXXX, which is important to note as active-duty service members have specific protections under federal law, including the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act ( SCRA ), which ensures that service members are not unfairly burdened with debt obligations during their XXXX  service. The creation of this account, along with its fraudulent nature, is a clear violation of these protections. 
In addition to the above facts, I am concerned that my personal information was mishandled and improperly used by the collection agency, XXXX XXXX. I request that you investigate how XXXX XXXX obtained my information and whether any regulations were violated in the process. 
Relevant Laws and Regulations : 1. Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ) ( 15 U.S. Code 1692 ) : o Section 1692e : Debt collectors are prohibited from making false or misleading representations, including reporting inaccurate information to credit bureaus. XXXX  XXXX  failed to verify the accuracy of this debt and improperly reported it to credit bureaus, despite my being an authorized user and not liable for the debt.

o Section 1692f : Debt collectors may not engage in unfair practices, such as attempting to collect debts that are not owed, which applies to this account.


2. Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) ( 15 U.S. Code 1681 ) : o Section 1681i : Under this section, credit reporting agencies are required to investigate disputed information within XXXX  days. If the information is found to be inaccurate or unverifiable, it must be corrected or deleted from my credit report.

o Section 1681s-2 : Furnishers of information ( like XXXX XXXX ) are obligated to report accurate and complete information to credit bureaus. They failed to ensure the information they reported to Equifax was correct, as I was neither the responsible party for this debt nor aware of the account 's existence. 
3. Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act ( 18 U.S.C. 1028 ) : o As a victim of identity theft, I am entitled to challenge any fraudulent accounts opened in my name. This account was fraudulently opened using my personal information without my consent, and I am not legally liable for this debt.

XXXX. Servicemembers Civil Relief Act ( SCRA ) ( 50 U.S.C. 3937 ) : o As an active-duty service member, I am entitled to specific protections under the SCRA, which includes ensuring that service members are not subject to unfair financial obligations while serving. This account and any associated debts should not be affecting my credit report as a result of my service.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation