Consumer complaint received 2025-08-13 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: TX

Complaint narrative:
I am submitting this formal complaint regarding numerous inaccuracies on my credit report that are severely affecting my financial standing, creditworthiness, and ability to obtain fair credit. These errors violate the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), specifically sections 1681e ( b ), 1681i, 1681s-2 ( b ), and other applicable federal laws. I demand immediate investigation and correction of all inaccurate information. Below I have provided details of each disputed item, the applicable law, and an explanation of the factual circumstances. 
Address : XXXX XXXX, XXXX, TX XXXX Issue : This address does not and never has belonged to me. 
XXXX : FCRA XXXX ( b ) CRAs must follow reasonable procedures to assure maximum possible accuracy. FCRA 1681i consumer may dispute and demand reinvestigation. 
Story : I have never lived, received mail, applied for services, or used this address in any transaction. Its appearance on my credit file indicates a likely file merge or clerical error linking another consumers address to my file. As a result, creditors reviewing my report have asked me to explain a residence history I do not have ; I have been denied or charged higher rates because underwriters see inconsistent address history. This erroneous address could also cause XXXX to attempt to collect debts that are not mine. Equifax must verify the source of this address ( which furnisher provided it, on what date, and on what supporting documentation ) and remove it if you can not produce government ID, lease, utility billing, or other primary evidence tying me to that location. 
Address : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, TX XXXX Issue : Incorrect address listed on my file and not associated with me. 
XXXX : FCRA 1681e ( b ) ; FCRA 1681i ( a ). 
Story : I have no history at XXXX XXXX address. My personal records, tax documents, and utility accounts show no connection to this location. The false inclusion suggests a data contamination event ( another persons address imported into my file ) or an input error by a furnisher. This false address has triggered identity verification questions and caused lenders to view my history as unstable. Equifax must disclose the furnisher that provided this address and must delete it where no verifiable proof of my residency exists. 
Address : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX, TX XXXX Issue : Unrecognized address inaccurately linked to my report. 
XXXX : FCRA 1681e ( b ) ; FCRA 1681i. 
XXXX : This rural property is not, and never has been, associated with me. Its presence in my file raises a substantial risk of mixed-file or identity theft and XXXX have led to collection entries or public records being erroneously associated with my file. The continued reporting of this address has caused confusion during employment and credit screenings. If Equifax can not show documentary proof I ever lived there ( lease, title, utility bills in my name ), delete the address immediately. 
Account : XXXX MTG, Account # : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX, Balance Owed : {$65000.00} Late Payment Issue : Late payment ( XXXX ) reported are inaccurate and unverified. 
XXXX : FCRA 1681i ( a ) ( reinvestigation ) ; FCRA 1681e ( b ) ( accuracy requirement ). 
Story : I have maintained regular mortgage payments on the referenced loan and have bank statements and cleared payment confirmations demonstrating timely payments for the periods reported late. The alleged late ( XXXX ) appear to be the result of payment posting errors or servicer misapplication ( payment credited to wrong account or posted after reporting cut-off ). Because mortgage history is the largest factor in credit decisions, these false lates have already caused a denial and higher rates in a recent refinance attempt. I request that Equifax obtain from XXXX Mortgage the full payment posting ledger, check images, and the servicers internal notes showing how and when payments were applied ; if XXXX Mortgage can not produce original proofs that I was late as reported, the late ( XXXX ) must be removed. 
Account : XXXX, Account # : XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX, Balance Owed : {$0.00} Chargeoff Issue : Account shows {$0.00} balance while still labeled charge-off ; status is contradictory and misleading. 
XXXX : FCRA 1681e ( b ) ( accuracy ) ; FCRA 1681i ( reinvestigation ). 
Story : A {$0.00} balance typically indicates paid-in-full or settled status ; a contemporaneous charge-off label implies default. This contradictory pairing misleads lenders into believing I defaulted then later paid nothing. I have documentation showing final balance XXXX ( bank records or settlement letter ) and no collection activity should remain. I request Equifax obtain and review original creditor statements, settlement agreements, or payoff confirmations. If the furnisher can not produce chain-of-title documentation showing an outstanding charged-off balance, correct or delete the charge-off status and reflect the true resolved status. 
Account : XXXX, Account # : XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX, Balance Owed : {$1800.00} Chargeoff Issue : XXXX reported without furnishing original signed account agreement, detailed billing statements, or proof of the alleged balance. 
Law : FCRA 1681i ( dispute/reinvestigation ) ; FCRA 623 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) ( furnishers must not provide inaccurate info ). FDCPA 809 ( b ) ( collector validation where applicable ). 
Story : I have disputed this account with XXXX and requested all validating documentation, including the original cardholder agreement, complete transaction history for the disputed periods, and the calculation that produced the current balance. XXXX has not supplied verifiable proof that the account became delinquent as asserted. The reported balance appears to include fees and charges that were not authorized. This chargeoff has damaged my score and caused lenders to refuse offers. Equifax must require XXXX to produce the original signed application, monthly statements, and evidence of notice of default ; absent verifiable documentation, delete the chargeoff and incorrect balance. 
Account : XXXX OF XXXX, Account # XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX, Balance Owed : {$540.00} Chargeoff Issue : XXXX entry is inconsistent with my records and appears unverified. 
Law : FCRA 1681i ; FCRA 1681e ( b ). 
Story : I negotiated or paid amounts on this account and have evidence of payment arrangements and transaction records. The chargeoff status appears to have been applied without credible notice to me or without reflecting subsequent payments or settlement. This misreporting has caused harm : a recent credit application was declined citing this chargeoff. I request Equifax XXXX Bank XXXX XXXX full account history, signed agreements, and documentation of any settlement ; if the bank can not substantiate the chargeoff, remove it. 
Account : XXXX XXXX, Account # : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX, Balance Owed : {$1600.00} Chargeoff Issue : Account reported as a chargeoff without verifiable proof ; I do not recognize the debt. 
XXXX : FCRA XXXX ( b ) ; FCRA XXXX ; FDCPA validation requirements. 
Story : I do not recall opening this account and have no contractual documents. There is a strong possibility this is a misapplied account or identity mix. I have not received validation notices or contract copies from XXXX XXXX. Its appearance has prompted collection calls and given the impression I have multiple defaults. Equifax must require the furnisher to provide a copy of the application, ID used to open the account, and full payment history. If the furnisher can not produce this, delete the entry as unverifiable. 
Account : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, Account # : XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX, Balance Owed : {$0.00} Late Payment Issue : Late-payment reported despite {$0.00} balance and evidence of on-time payments. 
XXXX : FCRA XXXX ( b ) ; FCRA XXXX. 
XXXX : This account shows both a XXXX balance and a late payment which is logically inconsistent ; my bank records show timely payments and XXXX outstanding balance. The reported late appears to be due to misposting or an erroneous status update by the furnisher. This inaccuracy has contributed to denials of credit lines where payment history is weighted heavily. Requesting Equifax to obtain the furnishers payment ledger, payment posting dates, and internal dispute notes ; if the furnisher can not verify the late, delete it. 
Account : SELF/LEADB, Account # : XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX, Balance Owed : {$0.00} Late Payment Issue : False late payment on an account with no outstanding balance and no supporting billing records. 
XXXX : FCRA 1681e ( b ) ; FCRA 1681i. 
XXXX : This record shows a late where none existed ; my payment confirmations and the lenders own communications show account was in good standing and at {$0.00}. The late notation appears to be a reporting error that has been repeated across reports, despite prior disputes. This continued misreporting is causing tangible harm to loan approvals and must be corrected or deleted. 
Account : XXXX, Account # : XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX, Balance Owed : {$100.00} Collection Issue : Reported collection without prior validated notice or documented chain of charges. 
XXXX : FCRA 1681i ( a ) ; FDCPA 809 ( a ) ( validation rights ). 
XXXX : This XXXX collection appeared on my file without my receiving a proper validation notice or a bill showing the disputed charges. I have always paid XXXX bills when billed in my name ; in this case I was never given an itemized statement or explanation of the amounts that became collectible. The collection listing caused a creditor to increase my XXXX and triggered collection calls. Equifax must require the collection agency and XXXX to provide the original service agreement, itemized statements, and any transfer-of-debt documentation ; absent such proof, delete the collection. 
Account : XXXX, Account # : XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX, Balance Owed : {$68.00} Collection Issue : Duplicate or separate unverifiable collection entry for the same service period. 
XXXX : FCRA 1681e ( b ) ; FCRA 1681i. 
Story : A separate XXXX collection for a similar period appears as a second derogatory listing. If this is a duplicate reporting of the same underlying debt it is artificially amplifying the negative effect on my credit. If it is a separate account, XXXX or the collector must show separate service agreements and statements. No validation was provided. Equifax must require furnisher documentation and delete duplicative or unverified entries. 
Account : XXXX ACCEPT, Account # : XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX, Balance Owed : {$17000.00} Chargeoff Issue : Longstanding chargeoff reported without original account history or proof of final balance. 
XXXX : FCRA 1681e ( b ) ; FCRA 1681i ( a ). 
XXXX : The account is decades-old in reporting, but I have records indicating payments and potential partial settlements. I have not seen a credible chain-of-title showing how the current balance was calculated. This legacy derogatory continues to affect my ability to obtain affordable credit. I request Equifax obtain original billing cycles, any sale/assignment documents, and proof of proper notice before a charge-off was recorded ; if these documents can not be produced, the record should be removed or corrected to reflect the true, substantiated history. 
Account : COMM SVC XXXX, Account # : XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX, Balance Owed : {$5300.00} Late Payment Issue : Late payments listed that contradict my payment records and the credit unions own transaction history. 
Law : FCRA 1681i ; FCRA 1681e ( b ). 
Story : I enrolled in autopay and have bank confirmations showing transfers occurring before due dates for the periods in question. The credit unions reporting shows multiple lates ; when I raised this with the XXXX XXXX, they acknowledged internal posting delays but did not correct the furnished data to Equifax. Consequently my debt-to-payment history looks worse than it is, and I was denied a line of credit because underwriters saw repeated lates. Equifax must obtain the credit unions posting logs, evidence of processing delays, and either correct the payment history or delete the lates if unverified. 
Account : XXXX XXXX, Account # : XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX, Balance Owed : {$120.00} Late Payment Issue : A late payment is reported though I have evidence payments were made on or before the due date. 
XXXX : FCRA 1681i ( a ) ; FCRA 1681e ( b ).

Story : I made the payment via the lenders online portal and received confirmation ; the lender later acknowledged a posting error and confirmed no balance was outstanding. Despite that, the late payment was furnished to Equifax. This single late resulted in denial of a small loan and has been used against me in underwriting decisions. I request the furnishers payment logs and portal payment confirmations be produced ; if they can not confirm a legitimate late, delete the entry. 
Account : XXXX, Account # : XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX, Balance Owed : {$0.00} Late Payment Issue : Reported late despite XXXX balance and confirmed on-time payments. 
XXXX : FCRA 1681e ( b ), FCRA 1681i. 
XXXX : This late entry is factually incorrect. The account shows a XXXX balance, and my banks records confirm timely payments. The entry appears to be a reporting error that has been replicated across bureaus without proper verification. Delete the late if the furnisher can not produce original ledger entries showing a late payment. 
Account : CREDIT COLL, Account # : XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX, Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX, Balance Owed : {$70.00} Collection Issue : Small-balance collection reported without validation. 
XXXX : FDCPA 809 ( b ) ; FCRA 1681i ( a ). 
Story : For this alleged {$70.00} obligation I never received initial debt validation required by FDCPA, and the collection agency furnished no original charge detail or assignment documentation. The reporting of this small debt has nonetheless been used to justify a higher insurance premium and a declined credit offer. Equifax must request from the collector the original creditor statement, chain of custody of the debt, and validation documentation ; if none exists, remove the collection. 
XXXX : XXXX XXXX Issue : Unauthorized hard inquiry recorded on my report. 
Law : FCRA 1681b furnisher must have a permissible purpose to pull a report. FCRA 1681i right to dispute. 
Story : I did not apply for financing with XXXX on XXXX and did not provide consent. This hard pull has lowered my score slightly and gives the incorrect impression that I was actively seeking multiple lines of credit. Please require the furnisher to produce a copy of the signed credit application, IP capture of digital consent, or other proof of my authorization ; absent such proof, delete the inquiry. 
XXXX : XXXX XXXX XXXX Issue : Hard inquiry without my authorization or a permissible purpose. 
Law : FCRA 1681b ; FCRA 1681i. 
Story : I have no relationship with XXXX XXXX and did not submit any credit application to them. The presence of this XXXX inquiry is unexplained and likely erroneous. The continued presence of unauthorized inquiries harms my credit profile and suggests possible misuse of my personal data. Require XXXX XXXX to provide a signed application or reason for the inquiry ; if none exists, remove it. 
XXXX : XXXX XXXX Issue : XXXX reported without consumer consent or permissible purpose. 
Law : FCRA XXXX ; FCRA XXXX. 
Story : I never interacted with or applied for credit from XXXX XXXX on this date. This pull is unauthorized and must be verified with a consumer-signed document or deleted if verification can not be produced. 
XXXX : XXXX XXXX Issue : Unauthorized inquiry recorded on my credit file. 
Law : FCRA XXXX ; FCRA XXXX. 
Story : I have no account application or relationship with this credit union and did not authorize a credit check on this date. Such unconsented inquiries negatively impact lender perception. Provide proof of permissible purpose or delete the inquiry. 
XXXX : XXXX XXXX Issue : Unauthorized hard inquiry without consumer application or consent. 
Law : FCRA XXXX ; FCRA XXXX. 
Story : I did not apply for XXXX XXXX credit on XXXX. This inquiry suggests either data error or potential fraud. Require XXXX XXXX to produce a signed application or permissible-purpose documentation showing my consent; if not produced, delete the inquiry. 
XXXX : XXXX XXXX Issue : XXXX placed without my authorization. 
Law : FCRA XXXX ; FCRA XXXX. 
Story : I did not request nor authorize XXXX XXXX to pull my credit on XXXX. The inquiry must be verified by presentation of a signed application or consent record ; if verification is not provided, remove it. 
XXXX : XXXX XXXX Issue : Duplicate unauthorized inquiry from the same furnisher. 
Law : FCRA XXXX ; FCRA XXXX. 
Story : A second inquiry from XXXX appears on XXXX though I did not authorize any application. Duplicate inquiries compound the misleading impression of active credit shopping and cause unwarranted score reductions. Delete unless the furnisher proves valid authorization on this date. 
XXXX : XXXX XXXX Issue : XXXX without permissible purpose or consumer authorization. 
Law : FCRA XXXX ; FCRA XXXX. 
Story : I never applied for credit or provided consent to XXXX. The inquiry is improper. Require documentary proof of a signed application with my authorizing signature or remove. 
XXXX : XXXX XXXX Issue : Unauthorized hard inquiry. 
Law : FCRA 1681b ; FCRA 1681i. 
Story : No application exists in my records for this date. This additional XXXX XXXX pull must be verified by a signed consumer application or other permissible-purpose evidence ; otherwise delete. 
Under FCRA 611 ( a ) ( 15 U.S.C. 1681i ), I request that Equifax promptly ( within the statutory timeframes ) reinvestigate each of the items above, contact the furnishers, and obtain full supporting documentation including original signed applications, complete account statements, payment ledgers, billing histories, notice-of-default/charge-off letters, settlement/paid-in-full confirmations, assignment or sale documents ( chain of title ), and debt validation where a collection is alleged. For every inquiry, obtain the furnishers proof of permissible purpose ( signed application, IP/click evidence for online consent, date/time stamps, or other XXXX XXXX confirming I authorized the access ). 
I request that all inaccuracies, including false addresses, late payments, charge-offs, collections, and unauthorized inquiries, be immediately investigated, corrected, or removed as mandated by federal law. I further request written confirmation once corrections are made, along with an updated copy of my corrected credit report.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief