Consumer complaint received 2025-08-15 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: AR

Complaint narrative:
Dear CFPB, I am filing this formal complaint against [ Equifax XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX ] for their continued reporting of inaccurate, unverifiable, misleading, and duplicate information on my credit reports, in violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ), and the XXXX XXXX XXXX. 
Despite multiple disputes, these items remain on my reports without proper verification or correction. These entries have significantly damaged my credit score, hindered my ability to obtain housing and credit, and caused emotional and financial distress. 
Incorrect Addresses to Be Deleted XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX Story : These addresses are not now, nor have they ever been, my legal residences. Their presence in my credit file is a direct violation of FCRA 1681e ( b ), which requires maximum possible accuracy in consumer reports. I have never signed any contracts, utility bills, lease agreements, or other documents tying me to these addresses. Including them creates a false profile of my residence history, exposes me to identity theft, and makes it appear that I have lived in multiple locations tied to unrelated debts. This is particularly harmful when lenders use address history to assess stability. Under FCRA 1681i ( a ), you are required to investigate and remove unverifiable addresses within 30 days. 
XXXX XXXX Account # XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  Charge-off * * Issue : Reported as a charge-off with a {$610.00} balance ; unverifiable.

Law : FCRA 1681i, FCRA 1681e ( b ).

Story : I dispute the accuracy of this account because I have not been provided with a signed original agreement, complete account statements, or proof that the alleged debt is valid and collectible. The creditor has failed to validate the debt under FDCPA 809 ( b ), which requires a debt collector to provide verification of the debt upon request. Continuing to report this tradeline as charged-off without lawful proof is an act of negligence and reckless disregard for accuracy. This derogatory mark is damaging my credit score, causing credit denials, and subjecting me to financial hardship. 
XXXX Account # XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  Charge-off * * Issue : Balance of {$860.00} marked as charge-off without proof.

Law : FCRA 1681i ( a ), FDCPA 809 ( b ).

Story : This account appears with a negative status despite my repeated requests for validation. The creditor has failed to produce documentation showing the chain of custody from original creditor to current furnisher. Without such proof, the tradeline is not legally reportable. Reporting this as a charge-off suggests I am unwilling to pay debts, which is inaccurate and defamatory when no proof exists. 
XXXX Account # XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  Charge-off * * Issue : {$0.00} balance but still marked charged-off.

Law : FCRA 1681e ( b ).

Story : A {$0.00} balance indicates payment or settlement ; however, retaining a charge-off status misrepresents the accounts true standing. This is a willful mischaracterization that unfairly impacts my creditworthiness. If the balance is XXXX, it must either be updated to Paid or deleted entirely. Anything else constitutes misleading reporting. 
XXXX Account # XXXX Charge-off * * Issue : No proof of delinquency or default. 
Law : FCRA 1681i.

Story : This account is reported as charged-off without providing a single piece of verified documentation. The creditor has not shown any evidence of a late payment history, default notices, or proof of assignment. Inaccurate negative information like this can lead to unjustified credit denials and is prohibited under federal law. 
XXXX Account # XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Charge-off * * Issue : {$0.00} balance but derogatory status remains. 
Law : FCRA 1681e ( b ).

Story : The creditors records contradict themselves by showing a zero balance yet maintaining a negative charge-off. This misrepresentation unfairly lowers my score and damages my credibility with lenders. The FCRA mandates removal of data that is inconsistent or unverifiable. 
XXXX XXXX Account # XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  Charge-off * * Issue : {$0.00} balance with derogatory status. 
Law : FCRA 1681e ( b ).

Story : The reporting of this account is inconsistent with basic credit reporting accuracy standards. Keeping a negative mark after resolution is deceptive and has a chilling effect on my ability to access fair credit terms. 
XXXX Account # XXXX Late Payment * * Issue : {$130000.00} balance with reported late payments ; accuracy disputed. 
Law : FCRA 1681i, Higher Education Act protections.

Story : This account shows late payments during periods where I was under approved deferment or forbearance status. Reporting lates during legally protected payment suspensions is prohibited. This not only misrepresents my payment history but also violates federal student loan servicing guidelines. 
XXXX Account # XXXX Late Payment Issue : {$9700.00} balance with lates ; unverifiable.

Law : FCRA 1681s-2 ( a ).

Story : The servicer has not provided accurate payment records showing the exact dates and reasons for each late mark. Without precise records, these derogatory entries are speculative and must be deleted. 
XXXX Account # XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Late Payment * * Issue : Duplicate/inconsistent reporting.

Law : FCRA 1681e ( b ).

Story : This appears to be a duplicate of the previous account, creating the false appearance of multiple defaults when only one exists. Duplicate reporting artificially inflates derogatory marks and must be corrected immediately. 
XXXX Account # XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  Late Payment * * Issue : Inaccurate late payment report. 
Law : FCRA 1681i.

Story : No documentation has been provided showing when and how this late occurred. Reporting unverifiable lates damages my ability to secure housing, employment, and credit at fair rates. 
XXXX  Account # XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Balance Owed : {$0.00} Charge-off Issue : This account is reported as a charge-off despite showing a zero balance.

Law : FCRA 607 ( b ) requires maximum possible accuracy in consumer reporting. 
Story : Reporting an account as charged-off when the balance is {$0.00} creates a false narrative about my credit history, implying there is an unresolved derogatory debt when there is none. I have never received any proof from the creditor that this account was lawfully charged-off. This inaccurate reporting is misleading to potential creditors and directly harms my ability to obtain credit, housing, or employment. Without concrete, original documentation proving the validity of this charge-off, this entry must be deleted immediately to comply with federal law. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX Account # XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Balance Owed : {$0.00} Charge-off Issue : Account shows derogatory status with no amount owed. 
Law : FCRA 611 ( a ) requires deletion of unverifiable information upon dispute. 
Story : I have no recollection of entering into an agreement with XXXX XXXX XXXX for the alleged debt in question. No creditor has provided an original signed contract, full account history, or payment records that validate this entry. The ongoing reporting of a charge-off for a debt that does not exist creates unnecessary harm to my financial reputation, prevents me from accessing fair credit opportunities, and misleads any lender who reviews my report. This is a clear violation of my rights and must be corrected. 
XXXX  Account # XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Balance Owed : {$0.00} Charge-off Issue : Listed as charged-off without a balance owed. 
Law : FCRA 602 ( a ) emphasizes that credit reports must be fair, accurate, and impartial.

Story : This derogatory mark is damaging without a legal or financial basis. At no point have I received statements, contracts, or proof of default that would justify this reporting. The continued presence of such an entry creates a distorted picture of my creditworthiness, undermining my ability to rebuild credit and placing me in an unfair financial position. The law does not permit the retention of unverifiable or misleading data, and therefore this account must be removed immediately. 
XXXX Account # XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Balance Owed : {$0.00} Charge-off Issue : Incorrect and misleading reporting. 
Law : FCRA 623 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) prohibits furnishing information known to be inaccurate. 
Story : I have requested multiple times for validation of this debt and have received no proof of its legitimacy. Without an original creditors signed agreement, full payment history, and lawful charge-off notice, this entry violates my rights. The damage caused by such an error is not minor it directly affects my credit scores, increases interest rates, and restricts my access to fair lending. This account must be deleted unless fully validated. 
XXXX XXXX ( multiple accounts # XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX # XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  ) Collection Issue : Duplicate reporting of the same debts. 
Law : FCRA 607 ( b ) and FDCPA 807 ( 2 ) prohibit misrepresentation of debt and duplicate listings. 
Story : XXXX XXXX has reported the same debts multiple times, with slight variations in account numbers and dates. This creates the false impression that I have more delinquent accounts than I actually do. Such duplication artificially lowers my credit score and makes my credit profile appear riskier than it is. This is deceptive and unlawful under both FCRA and FDCPA. All duplicates must be deleted, and the original account must be verified with complete documentation. 
XXXX  Account # XXXXXXXX XXXX Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Balance Owed : {$260.00} Collection Issue : Lack of verification.

Law : FDCPA 809 ( b ) requires validation of debt before further collection or reporting. 
Story : I have repeatedly requested proof of this debt and have received no documentation showing that it is valid, accurate, or that I am the legal debtor. Without proof, its presence on my report is unlawful and damaging. This entry must be removed immediately. 
XXXX Account # XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Balance Owed : {$280.00} Collection Issue : Unverified reporting. 
Law : FDCPA validation requirement and FCRAs accuracy standard.

Story : This collection account has appeared without warning, notice, or any supporting documentation. I dispute its accuracy and request full removal unless original proof is provided. 
Unknown Account # XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Balance Owed : {$210.00} Collection Issue : Unknown origin and unverified debt. 
Law : FDCPA and FCRA. 
Story : I have no record, recollection, or acknowledgment of this debt, and it was never disclosed to me before appearing on my report. This makes it an unverified and unauthorized entry, which must be deleted immediately. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX  Reference # XXXX Court XXXX Bankruptcy Court XXXX  Issue : Discharged debts still showing derogatory statuses.

Law : U.S. Bankruptcy Code 524 prohibits post-discharge derogatory reporting. 
Story : After my XXXX XXXX XXXX was discharged, all included debts should have been updated to show zero balances and no derogatory status. Instead, several creditors continue to report these debts in violation of my bankruptcy protections and the FCRA. This is illegal and must be corrected immediately. 
Hard Inquiries ( XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX, ) Issue : Multiple unauthorized credit inquiries. 
Law : FCRA 604 ( a ) ( 2 ) prohibits inquiries without permissible purpose.

Story : Many of these inquiries occurred without my consent or application for credit, suggesting that my credit file may have been accessed improperly. Unauthorized inquiries lower my credit score and can indicate potential identity theft. All unauthorized inquiries must be removed immediately to restore the accuracy of my file.

Harm Caused : These inaccuracies have caused multiple credit denials, increased interest rates, and emotional distress. They have impacted my ability to secure stable housing, obtain fair credit terms, and maintain financial stability. The continued presence of these unverifiable and inaccurate items is unlawful and violates my rights under federal law.

Requested Resolution : Conduct a full and independent investigation into each disputed account.

Provide me with copies of all original documents, contracts, and account statements used to verify these debts.

Delete any item that can not be verified in full compliance with the FCRA and FDCPA.

Remove all unauthorized hard inquiries.

Update all bankruptcy-related accounts to show Discharged in Bankruptcy with zero balances.

Please ensure that your response includes proof of each investigation and the steps taken to correct my credit reports.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief