Consumer complaint received 2025-09-13 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Improper use of your report — Reporting company used your report improperly
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: FL

Complaint narrative:
Dear CFPB, I am filing this complaint because my credit report contains wrong addresses, unverifiable accounts, charge-offs, late payments, collections, and unauthorized inquiries that are harming me financially. The credit reporting agencies and furnishers have failed to comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA, 15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq. ) and, where applicable, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA, 15 U.S.C. 1692 et seq. ). 
Wrong Addresses XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, FL XXXX Wrong Address This address does not and never did belong to me. I have never lived in Florida and never conducted any financial activity connected to this location. Reporting this false address is a violation of FCRA 607 ( b ) which requires maximum possible accuracy. By associating me with an address I never used, the credit bureaus are exposing me to possible identity theft and creating confusion in my credit profile. This incorrect reporting has already led to suspicion from lenders who questioned me about fraudulent residency, causing stress, embarrassment, and denial of credit. I am demanding immediate deletion of this false address under FCRA 611 ( a ) reinvestigation procedures. 
Accounts XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Balance Owed : {$410.00} Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Late Payment * * This account is showing a late payment which I fully dispute. I never received proper notice of any delinquency, and I have consistently made payments when billed. Under FCRA 609 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) I have the right to obtain complete records, including the original signed contract and proof of payment history. If the furnisher can not provide this, then reporting the account is a violation of FCRA 611 ( a ) ( failure to reinvestigate ) and FDCPA 807 ( 8 ) ( communicating false credit information ). Because of this wrongful reporting, I was denied a small personal loan, and my interest rates on existing accounts were increased, causing direct financial harm. I demand immediate correction or deletion. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Balance Owed : {$0.00} Late Payment * * This account shows a {$0.00} balance yet is still reported as having late payments. This is contradictory and misleading, violating FCRA 607 ( b ) ( requirement for accuracy ). A creditor can not legally report me as late on an account where nothing is owed. This error paints me as irresponsible to lenders even though no balance existed. As a result, I was denied a credit card upgrade and had to explain myself repeatedly to creditors, creating humiliation and stress. Reporting false derogatory information on a closed or zero balance account is reckless and unlawful. I demand full deletion of this entry. 
XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Balance Owed : {$33000.00} Charge Off * * I dispute this charge-off completely. XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX never provided me with proper notice of default or an opportunity to cure before allegedly charging off this account, which is required under FCRA 623 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) and FDCPA 807 ( 2 ) ( A ). I have requested validation but never received original signed contracts or full billing records. Reporting this without validation is illegal and defamatory. Because of this false charge-off, I was denied financing for another vehicle, which directly affected my ability to commute to work, causing financial and professional damage. This must be deleted or fully validated immediately. 
XXXX XXXX Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Balance Owed : {$54.00} Charge Off * * This charge-off is both unreasonable and unverified. A {$54.00} balance leading to a charge-off is clearly disproportionate and misleading. Under FCRA 623 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ), furnishers must not report inaccurate or misleading information. This balance appears to be made up of late fees or penalties, not actual unpaid credit. Reporting such a minor amount as a charge-off has severely damaged my credit standing and is a grossly unfair practice. This reporting has prevented me from qualifying for affordable insurance premiums and has unjustly lowered my credit score. I demand deletion. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX  Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Balance Owed : {$350.00} Collection * * This collection account is disputed under FDCPA 809 ( a ) which requires debt collectors to provide a written validation notice within 5 days of first contact. XXXX XXXX never provided such validation to me. I have not received original contracts, proof of ownership of the debt, or a full payment history. Without this, reporting the account is illegal. XXXX has a history of violations with state and federal regulators, and I believe this entry is another instance of their abusive practices. This collection is preventing me from obtaining housing opportunities as landlords see it as a red flag. I demand immediate deletion. 
XXXX XXXX XX/XX/XXXX XXXX This is a duplicate entry of an already unauthorized inquiry. Double reporting compounds harm and demonstrates negligence. Under FCRA 616 and 617, this makes the bureau and furnisher liable for damages. I demand immediate deletion of both entries.

Requested Relief : 1. Investigate all the above accounts, addresses, and inquiries.

2. Require deletion of unverifiable or unauthorized information.

3. Enforce compliance against furnishers and credit bureaus that failed to meet FCRA/FDCPA requirements.

4. Provide me with written results of your investigation.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation