Consumer complaint received 2025-07-17 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:
To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding multiple violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ) related to my consumer credit file. I am a victim of false address reporting, unauthorized hard inquiries, and inaccurate account reporting by furnishers and credit bureaus. These actions have severely damaged my credit standing and caused significant hardship in my personal and financial life. 
I have never authorized many of the items currently appearing on my credit reports, and despite my prior efforts to resolve these issues, they remain unresolved. This letter supplements a prior complaint that is still under review by the CFPB. 
Below are the details of each disputed item : Please find my concerns below, organized with detailed facts, applicable legal references, and the specific resolution requested for each item : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Balance : {$0.00} Status : Late Payment Issue : Late payment is being reported on an account that was fully paid and closed. 
Law : FCRA 607 ( b ) ; 611 Credit bureaus must ensure maximum possible accuracy. 
XXXX : This XXXX account was resolved and paid in full, and it currently holds a {$0.00} balance. However, despite its closed status, Equifax is still reporting a late payment that occurred during a brief financial hardship due to job instability. I acted promptly to bring the account current. Continued reporting of this late payment misrepresents my credit history and damages my profile unfairly. I respectfully request that this derogatory mark be removed to reflect accurate and complete information, as required by law. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Balance : {$410.00} Status : Late Payment Issue : Late payment occurred due to autopay setup failure shortly after account initiation. 
Law : FCRA 623 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) Data furnishers must report complete and accurate information.

Story : The late payment on this account happened after a delay in setting up automatic payments. I believed the system would draft my first installment, but it failed. As soon as I realized the payment was missed, I paid it immediately. I have remained current since. Reporting this as a serious derogatory event does not reflect the full story or intent, and therefore should be removed under the spirit of the FCRA to protect consumers from misleading data. 
XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Balance : {$0.00} Status : Late Payment Issue : A late payment is being reported on a closed and fully paid account. 
Law : FCR

A 611 ; 15 U.S.C. 1681i Credit bureaus must reinvestigate disputed data. Story : I completed and paid this account in full. The late paymen
t occurred over a year before the account was closed and during a time of medical hardship. Despite my best efforts to stay current, this single incident does not represent a pattern. I acted responsibly, completed my financial obligation, and am now being penalized despite resolving the account in good standing. Please remove this outdated negative item from my file. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Balance : {$33000.00} Status : Charge Off Issue : The account was charged off while I was actively attempting to resolve the balance, and no written validation was ever provided. 
Law : FCRA 1681s-2 ; FDCPA 807 ( 8 ) ; Metro 2 Guidelines Requires accurate charge-off reporting and verification. 
Story : Due to a temporary reduction in income, I missed a few payments but reached out to XXXX XXXX to discuss a payment arrangement. Despite my cooperation, they charged off the loan without validating the remaining balance or providing written notice. I never received an itemized breakdown of the debt. Reporting this without verification is a violation of FCRA and Metro 2 standards. I am requesting complete deletion unless full, original validation is provided. 
XXXX. XXXX Account # XXXX Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Balance : {$54.00} Status : Charge Off Issue : A minor balance of {$54.00} was charged off with no collection notice or opportunity to pay. 
Law : FCRA 611 ; 15 U.S.C. 1681i Requires credit bureaus to correct unverifiable and incomplete information.

Story : This charge-off was a complete surprise to me. I was never contacted about the balance nor given a chance to pay it. I have always handled small obligations like this immediately when informed. Reporting a charge-off for {$54.00} without any collection communication is misleading and unjust, and does not serve the public interest the FCRA aims to protect. I request this account be removed for lack of proper verification and consumer notification. 
* * XXXX. XXXX XXXX XXXX : XX/XX/XXXX Issue : Unauthorized or unrecognized inquiry. 
Law : FCRA 604 ( a ) ( 3 ) Inquiries must be authorized and have a permissible purpose. 
Story : I do not recall applying for credit or authorizing this hard inquiry with XXXX on the date in question. I respectfully request that Equifax investigate and remove this inquiry if it can not be verified with clear documentation showing that I gave written authorization or initiated a credit application.

RELIEF REQUESTED I respectfully request the CFPB to : 1. Investigate the unauthorized credit inquiries and require the furnishers to prove permissible purpose. 
XXXX. XXXX the credit bureaus to delete the inaccurate addresses, inquiries, and account records if the furnishers can not provide proper validation. 
XXXX. Hold furnishers accountable for violations of FCRA and FDCPA, including possible fines and corrective action. 
XXXX. Provide written confirmation to me once the records have been deleted or corrected. 
XXXX. Issue appropriate enforcement against repeat violators or data furnishers engaging in systemic neglect. 
These violations are serious, repeated, and harmful, and I am requesting immediate attention to prevent further damage to my financial future. I am happy to provide supporting documentation or identification verification upon request. 
Thank you for your time and assistance.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation