Consumer complaint received 2025-07-16 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: TN

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 : WRONG ADDRESSES XXXX XXXX CT XXXX, TN XXXX Issue : I have never lived at this address, nor do I have any connection to it. It was placed on my credit report without my knowledge or consent. 
Law : Under FCRA Section 609 ( 15 U.S.C. 1681g ), I have the right to accurate information in my file. Reporting this address violates my right to fair and accurate reporting. 
Story : Due to the appearance of this unfamiliar address, I have been flagged for potential fraud, leading to denials in credit applications. This is particularly distressing as it creates confusion and a false impression of residency. I believe this XXXX be tied to unauthorized use of my personal information by a third party. 
XXXX XXXX CT XXXX, TN XXXX Issue : Another false address linked to my file without any relationship to me. 
Law : Under FCRA Section 605, credit bureaus must not include inaccurate or unverifiable addresses. 
Story : Ive never rented, owned, or resided here. The inclusion of this address further complicates my credit profile and exposes a potential loophole being used to apply for credit using my name fraudulently. 
XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX, TN XXXX Issue : This is a variation of the first address, likely entered multiple times with extended ZIP. 
XXXX : The FCRA prohibits duplicate and inaccurate data under Section 607 ( b ) which requires maximum possible accuracy. 
Story : Having this same address repeatedly under different formats increases the possibility of misidentification, fraud suspicions, and lowers my credibility with creditors. 
XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX, TN XXXX Issue : Completely unknown address linked to my file. 
Law : Under FCRA Section 604, credit information can not be accessed or used without a permissible purpose. 
XXXX : This false listing has affected my apartment applications and loan approvals, and shows that my identity has possibly been stolen and used by someone residing at or linked to this address. 
ACCOUNTS XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Status : Charge Off * * Issue : This is not my account. I never opened this credit card. The debt is invalid. 
Law : Under FCRA Section 611, I have the right to dispute any inaccurate information. Also, under the Fair Credit Billing Act, I must be notified of debts I supposedly owe. 
XXXX : This charge-off entry is not only false, but has severely damaged my credit score. It reflects negatively on my financial history and has led to several credit card denials. I suspect this may have been opened fraudulently using stolen identity details. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX Acct # : XXXX * * * * * * * * Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Balance : {$970.00} Status : Collection * * Issue : I never received any communication or validation notice about this debt. 
XXXX : Under the FDCPA Section 809 ( 15 U.S.C. 1692g ), debt collectors must notify and allow 30 days to dispute a debt. This was not done. 
XXXX : This collection was reported without any prior notice. I believe it is either a result of identity theft or re-aged debt. My rights to validate this debt were completely bypassed, and now I am left with a collection that is both harmful and inaccurate. 
HARD INQUIRIES ( Unauthorized ) All of the following inquiries occurred without my consent, authorization, or application, and therefore violate the FCRA Section 604 ( a ) ( XXXX ) which outlines that a permissible purpose is required for a hard inquiry. 
CREDIT ACCEPTANCE XX/XX/XXXX Story : I never applied for credit through this company. Yet they accessed my report without authorization, potentially in connection with a fraudulent application. 
XXXX XXXX XX/XX/XXXX Story : I did not visit or apply at XXXX XXXX. This inquiry was unauthorized and could indicate someone attempting to use my identity to apply for auto financing. 
XXXX XXXX XX/XX/XXXX Story : I have multiple inquiries from Capital XXXX which I never initiated. These repetitive and unauthorized pulls suggest misuse of my personal data. 
XXXX ( XXXX XXXX Services ) XX/XX/XXXX Story : I never gave permission to this lender to access my credit. I have no relationship with them. 
XXXX XXXX XX/XX/XXXX XXXX : Another auto dealer pulling my credit without authorization. I never applied for credit with them. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX XX/XX/XXXX Story : Duplicate inquiry like XXXX XXXX XXXX This raises concern over third-party misuse of my identity across multiple dealerships. 
XXXX XXXX NA XX/XX/XXXX Story : Capital XXXX appears again. The frequency and duplication of these inquiries strongly indicate fraudulent behavior by someone impersonating me. 
CONSUMER PORTFOLIO SVC XX/XX/XXXX Story : This inquiry is unauthorized and unlawful. I did not provide consent to this lender. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX XX/XX/XXXX Story : No loan application, no business with XXXX. This inquiry has reduced my credit score unfairly. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXX/XX/XXXX Story : I suspect this is part of a group of inquiries made on the same day by a dealer or fraudulent user applying for financing using my credentials. 
XXXX XXXX XXXXXX/XX/XXXX Story : I have never done business with XXXX. This inquiry is a serious violation of my privacy rights under FCRA. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX XX/XX/XXXX Story : Another auto financing inquiry that I never authorized. This implies identity theft, and I demand investigation and removal. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXy : Duplicate unauthorized inquiry. I never applied for financing with them. 
XXXX XXXX XX/XX/XXXX Story : Repeat of prior XXXX inquiry, adding further proof that my information was used by someone else fraudulently. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX XX/XX/XXXX Story : Another duplicate from Exeter. Clearly, a dealership or entity submitted multiple financing applications in my name without permission. 
RELIEF REQUESTED I respectfully request the CFPB to : 1. Investigate the unauthorized credit inquiries and require the furnishers to prove permissible purpose.

2. Direct the credit bureaus to delete the inaccurate addresses, inquiries, and account records if the furnishers can not provide proper validation.

3. Hold furnishers accountable for violations of FCRA and FDCPA, including possible fines and corrective action.

4. Provide written confirmation to me once the records have been deleted or corrected.

5. 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 non-monetary relief