Consumer complaint received 2025-09-29 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: VA

Complaint narrative:
I am submitting this complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) regarding inaccurate and unlawful reporting of accounts on my credit profile. The accounts listed below are being reported in violation of federal consumer protection laws and have caused me severe financial and reputational harm. The furnishing entities have failed to comply with their obligations under federal statutes including but not limited to the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ), and related provisions, and I am requesting CFPBs immediate intervention and enforcement to ensure compliance and permanent correction of these violations. 

Address XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX This address is being reported inaccurately in my credit file, and I have no verified residency at this location. Reporting addresses that are not connected to me creates confusion and raises concerns of mixed files, which violates FCRA 607 ( b ) requiring maximum possible accuracy. The inclusion of this address misrepresents my true identity and creates a false link to potential accounts that are not mine. If this address can not be verified with complete and original documentation, it must be permanently deleted. Maintaining false addresses can expose me to fraudulent association, which undermines the purpose of the FCRA in protecting consumer privacy. Under 609, I have the right to request the sources of such information, and if none can be provided, the entry is invalid. A credit bureau must conduct a reinvestigation under 611 whenever a dispute is raised, and any unverifiable record must be corrected. Therefore, this address is a violation of federal law and should be removed immediately. I demand written confirmation that this deletion has been completed in compliance with my rights under the law. 

Accounts XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Balance Owed : {$250000.00} Late Payment * * This account is being reported with late payments that are not consistent with my payment history, and no verified proof has been provided. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act 623 ( a ) ( 1 ), furnishers are prohibited from reporting information they know or should know is inaccurate. The late payment entries harm my creditworthiness and create a misleading profile of my financial behavior. If the creditor can not provide original records showing exact payment dates, contracts, and billing history, the negative entries must be deleted. Additionally, FCRA 611 requires that the credit bureaus perform a reasonable reinvestigation once a dispute is raised, and unverifiable information can not be retained. The continued reporting of unverified late payments directly violates federal law. The account also violates FCRA 602 ( A ), which establishes that the system of credit reporting must be fair and accurate. By allowing this account to remain without proper documentation, the bureau is enabling harmful inaccuracy. Late payments, once recorded, severely lower a consumers score, and if unverified, constitute defamation of character. The failure to maintain complete accuracy also breaches FCRA 607 ( b ), which requires consumer reports to be maximally accurate. If there is no full validation of these late payment claims, the entries must be permanently deleted. Consumers are entitled to accuracy, and I demand this account be corrected immediately. Please provide proof of the validation or delete the harmful reporting. 

XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Balance Owed : {$1300.00} Late Payment * * This account reflects late payments that are not supported with verifiable evidence. Under FCRA 611, once a consumer files a dispute, the credit reporting agencies must investigate the accuracy of the information. If the creditor can not provide signed contracts, full payment history, and billing records, the entries are considered unverifiable and must be removed. Reporting late payments without proof is not only unfair but also unlawful under 623. The accounts current reporting damages my creditworthiness by suggesting delinquency that may not exist. Furthermore, FCRA 602 ( A ) emphasizes fairness in reporting, yet this tradeline violates that principle by presenting inaccurate and misleading information. Each late payment reported without evidence of billing and notice also falls under the category of inaccurate reporting under 607 ( b ). If the bureau can not confirm the exact source of these entries, the account should be deleted to maintain compliance. The law requires strict accuracy, and reasonable procedures must be followed to prevent harm. Without validation, this tradeline is nothing more than an unsupported claim harming my financial reputation. Consumers have the right to demand deletion of unverifiable negative reporting. If this account continues to reflect late payments without substantiation, I will consider further legal remedies. For now, I request an immediate correction or deletion and written confirmation that compliance has been fulfilled. 

XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Balance Owed : {$8800.00} Late Payment * * This tradeline shows late payments that I dispute as inaccurate and unverified. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, all consumer information must be fair, accurate, and verifiable, as outlined in 602 ( A ), 607 ( b ), and 611. The reporting of late payments without verifiable proof of billing, payment notices, and contractual agreements constitutes unlawful reporting. Each late payment notation has a significant negative impact on my credit file, lowering my score unfairly and creating barriers to financial opportunity. The inclusion of this information without full documentation violates 623 ( a ) ( 1 ), which prohibits furnishers from reporting inaccurate or incomplete data. Credit bureaus are also required to perform reinvestigations and can not continue reporting unverifiable entries. This account reflects systemic noncompliance with the law and exposes me to unnecessary financial harm. Without documentation, this tradeline becomes a form of character defamation, misrepresenting my financial responsibility. Under 611, failure to delete unverifiable information is a direct violation of federal law. If the creditor can not validate with original records, this account must be deleted. The law requires accuracy, and keeping unverifiable late payments in my file is unlawful. I am exercising my right to dispute, and I demand written confirmation of correction or deletion. 

XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Balance Owed : {$910.00} Chargeoff * * This account shows a charge-off reporting that I dispute as unverifiable. Under FCRA 611, I have the right to demand proof of the alleged debt. If the creditor can not provide original records, signed agreements, and complete payment history, this charge-off is invalid. Reporting unverifiable information violates 623 ( a ) ( 1 ), which requires furnishers to report only accurate data. The bureau is also obligated under 607 ( b ) to ensure maximum possible accuracy. By allowing unverifiable charge-off reporting, the bureau violates its statutory duty. This account is damaging my financial reputation and causing undue harm. Section 602 ( A ) emphasizes fairness, yet this tradeline is neither fair nor accurate. Reporting unverifiable debt constitutes character defamation and reduces my access to financial opportunities. Without proper validation, this entry must be deleted under federal law. Any failure to reinvestigate thoroughly is a violation of 611. Consumers are entitled to protection against incomplete reporting. This charge-off, if left uncorrected, represents noncompliance. I demand immediate deletion unless verifiable proof is provided. Please provide written confirmation of the correction in compliance with my federal rights. 

XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Balance Owed : {$0.00} Chargeoff * * This tradeline shows a charge-off with a reported zero balance, which is contradictory and misleading. Under FCRA 607 ( b ), all information must be reported with maximum possible accuracy, and contradictory information can not stand. If there is no balance, there can not simultaneously be a charge-off status, making this entry inherently inaccurate. Consumers are entitled to accurate reporting under 602 ( A ), and this entry violates that requirement. Under 611, I am disputing this account and demanding a full reinvestigation. If XXXX XXXX XXXX can not provide signed documentation and accurate account records, the entry must be deleted. Furnishers are legally prohibited under 623 ( a ) ( 1 ) from reporting false or misleading information. Keeping a charge-off with no balance is misleading to creditors and unfair to me as a consumer. Such reporting harms my credit profile and causes unwarranted damage to my reputation. The contradictory nature of this reporting creates confusion and prevents fair access to credit. Federal law demands strict compliance, and this tradeline reflects negligence. If no proof of accuracy exists, this account must be removed in its entirety. I hereby demand deletion of this false entry. Please provide written confirmation of this correction in compliance with federal law. 

XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Balance Owed : {$1400.00} Chargeoff * * This account is showing a charge-off reporting that has not been validated with complete records. Under FCRA 611, I am entitled to dispute this information and require verification. If the creditor can not produce original agreements, payment history, and lawful documentation, this entry is considered unverifiable. Furnishers are bound by 623 ( a ) ( 1 ) not to report inaccurate or incomplete information. The current reporting is harming my creditworthiness and exposing me to unfair denials. Under 607 ( b ), consumer reports must be maximally accurate, and this entry fails to meet that standard. Section 602 ( A ) requires the system to be fair, yet this charge-off unfairly damages my profile without validation. Reporting unverifiable debt is unlawful and causes irreparable harm. If no documentation exists, the bureau must delete this charge-off immediately. Consumers can not be held accountable for unverifiable claims. Federal law mandates accuracy, and keeping unverifiable information is a violation. I am requesting full deletion of this charge-off to restore compliance. Please confirm in writing once this tradeline has been corrected or removed as required under the FCRA. 

XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX  Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Balance Owed : {$0.00} Late Payment * * This account reports late payments despite a recorded zero balance, which is contradictory and misleading. Under FCRA 607 ( b ), all consumer information must be accurate and complete, and contradictory reporting fails this standard. If the balance is zero, the presence of late payment notations is false. Section 623 ( a ) ( 1 ) prohibits furnishers from reporting inaccurate or misleading information, and this account violates that rule. Such reporting harms my financial profile by suggesting delinquency when no debt exists. The inclusion of this data unfairly lowers my score and damages my creditworthiness. Under 611, any disputed information must be reinvestigated, and unverifiable or inaccurate entries must be deleted. The presence of late payments on a zero balance account demonstrates negligence in reporting. Section 602 ( A ) emphasizes fairness, and this account fails to uphold that principle. Consumers are entitled to accurate files, and contradictory entries violate federal law. This account must either be corrected to reflect accuracy or be deleted entirely. Reporting false late payments creates reputational harm and financial obstacles. I hereby demand deletion if validation can not be provided. Written confirmation of compliance with federal law is required. 

XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX  Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Balance Owed : {$940.00} Late Payment * * This tradeline reports late payments that are unsubstantiated and harmful to my credit report. Under FCRA 623 ( a ) ( 1 ), creditors can not report information they know or should know to be inaccurate. If XXXX can not provide proof through billing records and contracts, these entries are unverifiable. Section 607 ( b ) requires maximum possible accuracy, and this account does not meet that standard. The late payment reporting unfairly reduces my creditworthiness and creates a misleading financial history. Under 611, disputed items must be reinvestigated, and unverifiable entries must be deleted. Section 602 ( A ) emphasizes the importance of fairness, yet this account unfairly damages my reputation. The late payment notations lower my score without justification. Reporting unverifiable information is unlawful and constitutes defamation of character. The burden of proof rests with the furnisher to validate these claims. If XXXX can not validate, the bureau must delete the negative marks. The law requires fairness, accuracy, and privacy, and this tradeline violates all three. I demand deletion of this account if no complete proof is provided. Written confirmation of correction is required under federal law. 

XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Balance Owed : {$31000.00} Late Payment * * This account is being reported with late payments that I dispute as inaccurate and unverifiable. The Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) 607 ( b ) requires credit bureaus to ensure maximum accuracy, yet these reported late payments are unverified and misleading. I have never been provided with original documentation proving that these late payments occurred. Under 609, I have the right to request the method and source of verification, which must be provided in writing. If no original signed agreement and complete payment history can be furnished, then these negative marks are unverifiable. Additionally, under 611, any disputed and unverifiable information must be deleted from my report. Reporting unverifiable late payments damages my creditworthiness and creates an inaccurate portrayal of my financial responsibility. Furthermore, creditors are bound by 623 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) not to furnish false or misleading information. Continuing to report unverifiable data violates federal law. My consumer rights guarantee fair and accurate reporting, and this account fails that test. If the bureau or furnisher can not certify the validity of these late payments, immediate deletion is required. I demand full reinvestigation, removal of all late payment notations, and written confirmation once corrected. 

XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Balance Owed : {$3000.00} Collection * * This account is reported as a collection, which I dispute as inaccurate and unverifiable. A collection account has a severe negative impact, yet under FCRA 607 ( b ), credit reporting agencies must maintain maximum accuracy, which is not the case here. No proof of validation has been provided that this account is mine or that the collection is legitimate. Under 609, I have the right to request full documentation, including the original contract, proof of ownership of the debt, and account-level evidence. If such proof can not be produced, the collection must be deleted. Furnishers are prohibited under 623 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) from reporting false or misleading information, and unverifiable collections violate this standard. Reporting unverifiable collections damages my credit reputation and subjects me to financial harm. Under 611, disputed and unverifiable items must be corrected or deleted after a reinvestigation. Furthermore, the FDCPA also requires debt collectors to validate debts before reporting, which has not been done. The continued reporting of this account without validation is misleading and unlawful. I demand full reinvestigation, deletion of this account, and written confirmation once the correction is made. 

XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Balance Owed : {$3200.00} Collection * * This account is being reported as a collection, which I dispute as inaccurate and unverifiable. Under FCRA 607 ( b ), the reporting of collections must be accurate and fully validated, yet this account has not been supported with any proof of ownership or original documentation. As a consumer, I am entitled under 609 to request full disclosure of the source and validation of this debt, including original contracts and account records. No such information has been furnished. Reporting unverifiable debts violates 623 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ), which prohibits creditors from knowingly furnishing false or misleading data. Collections create serious harm to my creditworthiness and misrepresent my financial responsibility when they are not fully validated. Under 611, any disputed information that can not be verified must be deleted immediately. The failure to provide validation also conflicts with the FDCPA, which requires proof of the debt before reporting or collection activity. The continuation of this collection on my report is misleading, damaging, and unlawful. I demand a thorough reinvestigation, deletion of this unverifiable collection, and written proof of compliance. 

Inquiries XXXX XXXX XX/XX/XXXX This inquiry appears on my credit report without my authorization. Under FCRA 604, consumer reports may only be accessed with permissible purpose. If XXXX XXXX can not provide written proof that I authorized this inquiry, it is unlawful. Unauthorized inquiries damage my score and expose me to risk. Reporting unverifiable inquiries violates 607 ( b ), which requires maximum accuracy. If no contract or application exists, this inquiry must be deleted. I demand deletion under 611 if validation can not be provided. Please confirm in writing once this has been corrected. 

XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXX/XX/XXXX This inquiry is listed without evidence of my consent. Section 604 of the FCRA clearly restricts access to consumer reports to only permissible purposes. If no proof of authorization exists, this inquiry is unlawful. Each unauthorized inquiry unfairly lowers my creditworthiness. Furnishers can not place unverifiable data under 623. This entry violates the accuracy standard of 607 ( b ). I request immediate deletion unless proper validation is supplied. Written confirmation of compliance with federal law is required. 

XXXX XX/XX/XXXX This entry reflects an inquiry I never authorized. Under FCRA 604, a creditor must have permissible purpose to access my file. Without my consent or application, this inquiry is invalid. The presence of unauthorized inquiries damages my report and constitutes unlawful access. Section 607 ( b ) requires strict accuracy, yet this reporting is inaccurate. If the bureau can not provide proof of permissible purpose, this inquiry must be deleted. I demand deletion under 611 if unverifiable. Written confirmation of correction is required. 

XXXX XX/XX/XXXX This is a duplicate inquiry from the same creditor and raises serious concerns of unauthorized access. Under 604, duplicate or excessive inquiries without consent are unlawful. Such reporting unfairly lowers my score and suggests activity I did not approve. Section 607 ( b ) requires only accurate, verifiable reporting. If no application or authorization exists, this inquiry must be removed. Reporting unverifiable inquiries violates consumer rights. I request deletion under 611 and demand written confirmation once corrected. 

XXXX XX/XX/XXXX This inquiry is listed without my approval and lacks validation. Under FCRA 604, only permissible purpose inquiries may be reported. Without a signed application or written consent, this entry is invalid. Unverified inquiries harm my score and expose me to fraud risk. Section 607 ( b ) demands accuracy, which is not met here. If no proof is provided, this inquiry must be deleted. Federal law requires deletion of unverifiable information under 611. Please confirm deletion in writing. 

XXXX XXXXXX/XX/XXXX This inquiry was not authorized by me and therefore violates my rights under 604 of the FCRA. No creditor may access my file without clear permission. Unauthorized inquiries damage my credit score and reputation unfairly. Under 607 ( b ), reporting unverifiable information is unlawful. If no signed application or authorization exists, this entry must be removed. Section 611 requires deletion of unverifiable information. I request deletion and written confirmation once corrected. Failure to comply will be a federal violation. 

XXXX XXXX XX/XX/XXXX This inquiry reflects unauthorized access to my credit file. Under FCRA 604, all inquiries must be authorized and for permissible purpose. No such consent exists in this case. Unauthorized inquiries lower my score and misrepresent my credit activity. Section 607 ( b ) requires strict accuracy, which is not satisfied here. If no validation can be provided, the inquiry must be deleted under 611. Reporting unverifiable information is unlawful under 623. I demand deletion and written confirmation. 

XXXX XXXXXX/XX/XXXX This inquiry is being reported without proof of my consent. Under FCRA 604, unauthorized access to consumer reports is unlawful. Such reporting creates financial harm and misrepresents my profile. Section 607 ( b ) requires maximum accuracy, yet this inquiry is unverifiable. If no documentation is provided, it must be deleted under 611. Reporting unverifiable data violates my federal rights. I demand immediate deletion of this inquiry. Please confirm compliance with written proof. 

XXXX  XX/XX/XXXX This inquiry was placed on my report without my consent or authorization. Under FCRA 604, consumer reporting agencies may only release files for permissible purposes with written authorization. No such documentation exists in this case. Unauthorized inquiries unfairly lower my score and create the appearance of excessive credit-seeking. Section 607 ( b ) requires strict accuracy, which this reporting fails to meet. If validation can not be provided, deletion is mandatory under 611. I demand deletion and written proof once corrected.

I am therefore requesting that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) immediately investigate these accounts, compel the furnishers to comply with the FCRA and FDCPA, and ensure that inaccurate, unverifiable, and unlawfully reported information is permanently deleted from my credit profile.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief