Consumer complaint received 2025-07-30 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: IL

Complaint narrative:
I am submitting this formal complaint against multiple furnishers and credit bureaus for inaccurate, incomplete, outdated, and harmful information being reported on my credit report. These accounts contain late payments, charge-offs, and errors that are either not mine, incorrectly reported, or reported without proper notice or investigation as required under federal law. Despite my efforts to resolve these disputes directly with the furnishers and credit bureaus, I have not received proper investigations or corrections, which has caused severe harm to my financial integrity, emotional well-being, and future opportunities. Each account below contains serious issues and legal violations as described. 
Account Disputes : XXXX XXXX XXXX  # XXXX * * Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Balance : {$31000.00} Late Payments * * This account shows several late payments that occurred during a time I had a XXXX hardship arrangement with the lender. 
Issue : The agreement paused payments without penalty, yet the credit file shows delinquencies.

Law : CARES Act ( Section 4021 ) mandates that during COVID-19 accommodations, accounts should be reported as current if the borrower is fulfilling the agreed-upon plan.

Story : I was unemployed during this time and relying on food banks and rental relief. Despite communicating with the lender and staying within the hardship plan, they chose to harm my credit anyway. 
XXXX XXXX # XXXX * * Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX High Credit : {$4500.00} Late Payments * * Late payments reported are false. The billing system auto-debited my account, but due to technical errors on their end, my payment was delayed. 
Issue : I received no warning or notice and was not given a chance to cure the issue before being reported late.

Law : FCRA 607 ( b ) requires credit bureaus to follow reasonable procedures to assure maximum possible accuracy.

Story : Because of this false reporting, I couldnt co-sign my daughters apartment lease. It caused family hardship and forced her into an unsafe living situation. 
XXXX XXXX # XXXX * * Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX High Credit : {$300.00} Late Payments * * This account shows several late payments even after being paid in full and closed.

Issue : Continued reporting of derogatory information post-closure violates data accuracy standards.

Law : FCRA 623 ( a ) prohibits furnishers from reporting information they know or have reasonable cause to believe is inaccurate.

Story : This false record is still haunting me during background checks and account openings. Its a minor account with a lasting impact. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX # XXXX * * Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Balance : {$680.00} Charge Off * * I was never notified of this charge-off, and I dispute the balance due. 
Issue : I never received validation of this debt and was never given a chance to resolve or dispute the balance.

Law : FDCPA 809 ( 15 U.S.C. 1692g ) requires written validation of debts before negative reporting.

Story : I found out about this charge-off when my job application was denied for a position in finance. I was humiliated in front of HR due to this unexpected record. 
XXXX XXXX  # XXXX * * Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Balance : {$4300.00} Charge Off * * The charge-off is being reported without valid debt verification.

Issue : I never authorized or acknowledged this balance. It may be fraudulent or an internal clerical error.

Law : Under FCRA 611 and FDCPA 809, all negative items must be verifiable and substantiated. 
Story : Because of this, I was denied a business credit card needed to start my small business. This has cost me months of progress and financial growth. 
XXXX # XXXX * * Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX High Credit : {$50.00} Late Payments * * Late payments are reported on an account that should have auto-closed without any due balance. 
Issue : I was under the impression the program was completed and no balance was due, yet a {$50.00} item shows late.

Law : FCRA 602 ( A ) protects consumers from inaccurate, misleading, and outdated information.

Story : This late mark over such a small amount is affecting my overall score and denying me access to fair housing opportunities.

Overall Legal Violations Across Accounts : FCRA 1681i ( a ) : Failure to conduct a reasonable investigation after I submitted formal disputes FCRA 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) : Furnishing information known to be inaccurate FCRA 1681e ( b ) : Failure to assure maximum possible accuracy FDCPA 1692e : Use of false, deceptive, or misleading representation FCRA 1681c-2 : Failure to block fraudulent data upon proper identity theft affidavit submission FCRA 1681s-2 ( b ) : Failure to correct and update incomplete or unverifiable information Due to these repeated violations, I have faced loan denials, high interest rates, and mental stress. I am requesting the CFPB to investigate these furnishers, compel deletion or correction of the inaccurate accounts, and hold them accountable under federal law.

Relief Requested : Immediate correction or deletion of the inaccurate items Civil penalties for non-compliant furnishers Monitoring of future reporting behavior of these entities Thank you for your assistance in enforcing the law and protecting consumer rights.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief