Consumer complaint received 2025-07-01 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: TX

Complaint narrative:
I am filing this formal complaint against Equifax for multiple severe violations under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ), and Consumer Financial Protection Act ( CFPA ). Despite my previous attempts to resolve these matters directly with Equifax through dispute letters, inaccurate and harmful data remains on my credit report, causing significant and unjust damage to my financial reputation. I am also currently pursuing open complaints with CFPB, and this filing supplements and strengthens those submissions.

1. WRONG ADDRESS REPORTING XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, NJ XXXX Incorrect Address XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, NY XXXX Incorrect Address These addresses do not belong to me, have never been associated with me, and I have no financial, residential, or legal connection to them. Equifax has knowingly published and maintained these false identifiers despite my previous disputes, causing confusion in verification processes, delays in credit approvals, and the mixing of my file with others a clear case of file mismerge. 
Violation of : FCRA 604 ( c ), 605 ( b ), 607 ( b ), and 609 ( c ) Duty to maintain accurate information and reinvestigate disputes properly.

CFPA ( 12 U.S.C. 5531 ) Engaging in unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices.

Story & Harm : These addresses have created confusion during background checks and credit verifications for housing and employment. I was almost denied a lease because a property manager saw New Jersey and New York addresses, assuming I was falsifying my residency claims. Equifaxs negligence is unacceptable. 
XXXX. XXXX  Account # : XXXX Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXXXXXX  High Balance : {$740.00} Status : Charge-Off I have disputed this account multiple times as it contains inaccurate and outdated information, yet Equifax continues to report it as a charge-off without verifying it with proper documentation or account ownership validation. I never authorized this credit line and believe it to be linked with identity theft or unauthorized activity. No contract bearing my signature or accurate SSN has been provided. Failing to investigate and continuing to report this harmful tradeline is both careless and illegal. 
Violation of : FCRA 611 ( 15 U.S.C. 1681i ) Duty to conduct a reasonable reinvestigation FCRA 607 ( b ) Duty to ensure maximum possible accuracy FDCPA 807 ( 8 ) Misrepresenting the legal status of a debt FCRA 609 ( a ) ( 1 ) Failure to provide proper documentation upon request Story & Harm : Due to this illegitimate charge-off, my credit score has dropped drastically, making it difficult to qualify for rental housing and emergency loans. Ive sent Equifax written disputes and identity verification, yet this account was verified without any real evidence. This is a serious compliance breach.

XXXX. XXXX XXXX  Account # : XXXX Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX High Balance : {$40000.00} Status : Late Payment This account is being reported with multiple late payments that I have already disputed due to COVID-19-related financial hardship during that period. I requested Equifax and the furnisher to conduct a reinvestigation and update it as per CARES Act guidelines, but Equifax failed to make any corrections or even respond with proper investigation results. The account was in deferment or forbearance, and the late payment status is misleading, inaccurate, and damaging. 
Violation of : FCRA 1681s-2 ( b ) Duty of furnishers to investigate disputes CARES Act 4021 ( XX/XX/XXXX update to FCRA ) Protection from negative reporting during COVID-19 forbearance FCRA 607 ( b ) Duty to ensure accurate and complete reporting Consumer Financial Protection Act 1031 Prohibits unfair practices like improper reporting during federally declared emergencies Story & Harm : I contacted both the creditor and Equifax multiple times to correct this, clearly stating I had forbearance during the months in question. Equifax ignored documentation and kept reporting false late payments. This misreporting cost me a business credit opportunity and led to loan denials. I believe this is a systemic failure to adhere to consumer protection obligations. 
Conclusion/ Request for Relief : Equifax has shown a repeated pattern of negligence, violation of multiple consumer rights statutes, and failure to correct clearly disputed data even after being made aware of errors. These inaccuracies are harming me both personally and financially. I respectfully request that CFPB : Initiate an immediate investigation into Equifaxs reporting practices Instruct Equifax to delete the two incorrect addresses Remove or fully reinvestigate the XXXX charge-off Correct or remove the XXXX XXXX  late payments per CARES Act protections Penalize Equifax for violating consumer protection laws Thank you for your attention to this serious matter. Im available to provide supporting documentation upon request.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief