Consumer complaint received 2025-12-15 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Incorrect information on your report — Information belongs to someone else
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: PA

Complaint narrative:
I am submitting this Identity Theft Report because credit inquiries and accounts were opened in my name without my knowledge, authorization, or consent. I am the victim of identity theft, and this statement explains how I discovered the fraud, what actions I have takenincluding filing a police reportand why the fraudulent accounts and inquiries must be removed from my credit file. Everything provided in this statement is accurate to the best of my knowledge. 

I first realized something was wrong when I reviewed my credit report and noticed several inquiries and account-related activities that were completely unfamiliar. These inquiries came from lenders and companies with which I have never applied, interacted, or shared my personal information. Before seeing these entries, I had no reason to believe my identity had been compromised. I have always taken care to protect my personal information, so seeing unauthorized inquiries immediately raised concern. After confirming that I had not applied for any of the accounts listed, it became evident that I was a victim of identity theft. 

None of the accounts or credit applications reflected on my report were initiated or approved by me. At no point have I given permission for anyone else to use my personal details, including my name, Social Security number, birthdate, address, or financial information. These inquiries appeared suddenly and without any legitimate connection to my activities. I have been actively monitoring my credit for accuracy, and the presence of these entries clearly indicated fraudulent use of my information. 

Once I discovered the unauthorized activity, I took immediate action. I contacted the lenders associated with the inquiries to inform them that the applications were fraudulent and that I did not submit or authorize any of them. I provided proof of my identity when required and requested that they close, cancel, or flag these applications as identity theft. These creditors were notified that I am not responsible for any account, application, transaction, or inquiry tied to the fraudulent use of my information. 

In addition to contacting the lenders, I also placed a fraud alert on my credit file to warn other creditors that my personal information has been compromised. I then placed a credit freeze on my reports to prevent additional unauthorized applications from being processed. These steps were taken immediately to protect myself from further damage and to ensure no additional fraudulent activity could occur using my information. 

Because this situation involved clear misuse of my identity, I also took the important step of filing a police report with my local law enforcement agency. I provided them with details regarding the unauthorized inquiries and included the names of the companies that appeared on my credit report without my permission. Filing the police report formally documented the identity theft and created an official record of the incident. This report serves as additional proof that I am actively addressing the fraudulent activity and that I am not responsible for the unauthorized use of my identity. 

Identity theft can occur in many ways, including data breaches, theft of documents, phishing attempts, or unauthorized access to personal information. I do not know exactly how my information was compromised, but I have never knowingly shared sensitive details with any unknown or untrusted individual or entity. Despite taking precautions, someone still managed to access my personal information and attempt to use it to open accounts in my name. This has caused significant stress, inconvenience, and concern, especially because fraudulent accounts and inquiries can negatively affect my credit and financial stability. 

Since discovering the issue, I have closely monitored my credit and maintained records of the fraudulent activity. I reported the identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission and am submitting this detailed statement as part of the official record and investigative process. My goal is to correct the inaccuracies on my credit report and ensure that no fraudulent information remains. The credit file should reflect only the accounts and inquiries that legitimately belong to me. 

Because these applications and inquiries were made without my authorization, I am requesting that all fraudulent accounts, inquiries, applications, and related information be permanently removed from my credit report. I also request that any creditors associated with these fraudulent applications mark them as identity theft and stop all communication or collection efforts related to them. I am not responsible for any financial obligations, charges, or activity associated with the fraudulent use of my identity. 

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), especially Section 605B, I have the right to request the blocking and removal of any information that resulted from identity theft. The fraudulent inquiries and any associated accounts violate my rights under the FCRA because they are not accurate representations of my credit history or financial behavior. Removing them is essential to restoring the accuracy of my credit file and preventing further harm. 

This situation has required me to spend time reviewing my credit, filing a police report, contacting creditors, submitting disputes, and securing my personal informationall due to actions someone else took using my stolen identity. These fraudulent entries misrepresent my financial habits and create a misleading impression of my creditworthiness. It is important that the false information be removed promptly so that my credit file accurately reflects legitimate activity. 

To be absolutely clear, I had no involvement whatsoever with the fraudulent applications or accounts. I did not initiate them, approve them, authorize them, or receive any benefit from them. I am the victim of identity theft, and the fraudulent entries on my credit report reflect the actions of the individual ( s ) who used my information without permission. I am requesting assistance from the Federal Trade Commission, the credit bureaus, and the creditors involved to finalize the removal of the fraudulent data. 

In conclusion, I respectfully request that all fraudulent credit inquiries, applications, and accounts be investigated and removed from my credit reports immediately. My identity was used without my consent, and the inaccurate information appearing on my report must be corrected to restore the integrity of my credit. I have filed a police report, reported the theft to the FTC, contacted the creditors, and taken all recommended steps to resolve this matter. I declare that the information provided herein is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge and appreciate your assistance in resolving this identity theft and correcting my record.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation