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: OH

Complaint narrative:
To the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ), I am filing this complaint due to multiple violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ) that are currently harming my financial stability, creditworthiness, and mental well-being. I have discovered several inaccuracies and unauthorized activities on my credit reports being reported by various creditors, collectors, and credit bureaus. These include wrong addresses, inaccurately reported delinquent accounts, charge-offs, collections, and unauthorized hard inquiries that I did not initiate. 
Wrong Addresses XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, OH XXXX Wrong Address Issue : This address is not mine and likely belongs to someone else. It may be the result of a mixed credit file error.

Law Violated : FCRA Section 611 Consumers have the right to dispute and request deletion of inaccurate information.

Story : This false association with Ohio, where I have no ties, misrepresents my identity and has led to questions during employment background checks. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX, OH XXXX Wrong Address Issue : I have no history with this address. It is completely incorrect.

Law Violated : FCRA Section 602A Credit reporting must be fair, impartial, and respectful to the privacy of consumers.

Story : Including such false data puts me at risk of being denied for housing or credit, as it may appear fraudulent or raise red flags during verifications. 
Accounts with Issues XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Late Payment * * Issue : The account shows late payments despite a {$0.00} balance and being closed. I was never informed of being past due.

Law Violated : FCRA Section 623 ( a ) ( 5 ) Furnishers must provide accurate and complete information. FDCPA Section 807 Prohibits false representation.

Story : This misleading report has damaged my credit score. I maintained communication and paid off the balance. The late payment status is unjustified and severely impacted loan applications. 
DEPTED/XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Late Payment ( reported twice ) * * Issue : This account appears twice, both showing late payments, even though its closed and has a {$0.00} balance.

Law Violated : FCRA Section 605 ( a ) No outdated or duplicative data after 7 years.

Story : This double reporting falsely inflates my delinquencies and misrepresents my creditworthiness. I completed all requirements and was told the account was resolved. 
XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Charge Off * * Issue : The account was charged off without prior notice or proper billing breakdown. I was denied a fair opportunity to resolve it.

Law Violated : FCRA Section 611 ( a ) Furnishers must provide verification of the debt upon dispute. ECOA Requires proper notification of adverse action.

Story : This charge-off hurt my credit tremendously. I contacted XXXX multiple times to negotiate, but they reported a charge-off without transparency. This was unfair and damaging. 
XXXX  XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Charge Off * * Issue : The account shows a charge-off with a {$0.00} balance, which is contradictory and misleading.

Law Violated : FCRA Section 623 ( b ) Credit data must be corrected or removed if found to be inaccurate or unverifiable. 
Story : I never received proper billing, and XXXX XXXX continued reporting a charge-off even after settling the account. This affects credit utilization and credibility with lenders. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Collection {$500.00} * * Issue : This collection was reported without providing a debt validation notice or proof of debt.

Law Violated : FDCPA Section 809 ( a ) Debt collectors must provide written notice within 5 days. FCRA Section 611 Mandates deletion if debt is unverifiable.

Story : I was blindsided by this collection and never contacted by XXXX. This collection is completely unfair, and I have never received any explanation or invoice. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Collection {$270.00} * * Issue : I was not informed about this debt before it appeared on my credit report. No attempt to collect or communicate was made.

Law Violated : FDCPA Section 809 ( a ), FCRA Section 623 Unverified debts must not be reported.

Story : This collection is inaccurate and likely the result of an error or mixed file. Its affecting my credit and is unjustified. I dispute it entirely. 
Hard Inquiries ( Unauthorized ) XXXX XXXX XXXX Inquiry Date : XX/XX/XXXX Issue : I did not authorize this inquiry. I never applied for any credit or service from XXXX XXXX. 
Law Violated : FCRA Section 604 ( a ) ( 3 ) Inquiries must be authorized and based on a permissible purpose.

Story : This inquiry damaged my credit score without my consent. It may be due to an error, identity theft, or misuse of my information. It must be removed immediately. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX Inquiry Date : XX/XX/XXXX Issue : This is an unauthorized pull. I never gave permission to access my report.

Law Violated : FCRA Section 604 ( c ) Written consent is required for promotional or firm offers.

Story : This inquiry is harming my score and credibility. I believe it may be fraudulent or triggered in error. I want a full investigation and removal. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX Inquiry Date : XX/XX/XXXX Issue : I did not apply for credit with this lender and did not authorize a hard inquiry. 
Law Violated : FCRA Section 604 Accessing a consumer 's report without consent is a violation of federal law.

Story : This inquiry was done without cause or permission. It suggests potential fraud or system misuse, and I want this immediately deleted to restore my score. 
Conclusion & Request : I am requesting that the CFPB launch an immediate investigation into these violations. I also request that the credit bureaus ( Equifax, XXXX XXXX  ) be instructed to delete or correct the above errors. These inaccuracies are serious, and despite efforts to dispute them directly, no adequate resolution has been made. I am attaching my ID and proof of address to support my identity. 
These errors are severely damaging my ability to secure housing, employment, and essential credit. I respectfully request your help in restoring my consumer rights under FCRA and FDCPA.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief