Consumer complaint received 2025-07-08 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: IL

Complaint narrative:
I am filing this complaint against Equifax for multiple violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), specifically related to the inaccurate reporting of personal identifying information, an unverifiable derogatory account, and an unauthorized hard inquiry. Despite my efforts to resolve these issues directly, Equifax has failed to properly investigate or correct the errors, and I am requesting the CFPB 's assistance in enforcing my rights. 
XXXX. Wrong Address Reporting Violates FCRA 607 ( b ) [ 15 U.S.C. 1681e ( b ) ] Equifax is reporting two addresses on my credit file that are completely inaccurate and have never been associated with me : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, IL XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX IL XXXX XXXX addresses are erroneous and their presence on my file indicates a potential case of file misassociation or identity confusion. I have never lived at these addresses nor used them on any application. Reporting such false data without sufficient verification is a direct violation of XXXX legal obligation to maintain maximum possible accuracy in credit files. 
XXXX. Inaccurate Account Reporting XXXX  # XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Charge-Off Violates FCRA XXXX and FDCPA XXXX * * Equifax is XXXX reporting an account from XXXX  ( XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  ) with a high balance of {$19000.00} and a charge-off status dated XX/XX/XXXX. I have disputed this account because it is inaccurate, outdated, and misleading. I was never provided proper documentation validating this debt, nor was I informed of my right to dispute it. Reporting this account without full verification violates FCRA 1681i, which requires Equifax to investigate disputed items within 30 days and delete or correct unverifiable data. The failure to investigate and validate this account also constitutes a violation of the FDCPA 809 [ 15 U.S.C. 1692g ], which mandates debt validation when requested.

3. Unauthorized Inquiry XXXX  XXXX XXXX XX/XX/XXXX Violates FCRA 604 [ 15 U.S.C. 1681b ] My credit file reflects a hard inquiry from XXXX XXXX XXXX dated  XX/XX/XXXX. I did not apply for any credit with this institution, nor did I authorize this inquiry. Under FCRA 604, a hard inquiry can only be made with the consumers explicit consent or in connection with a legitimate credit transaction. This inquiry has harmed my credit score and may indicate identity theft or negligent reporting by Equifax. I have requested proof of authorization, but none has been provided. 
Equifax has failed to comply with federal law by continuing to report incorrect personal data, a derogatory tradeline that lacks proper validation, and an inquiry that was not authorized by me. These violations have caused serious damage to my credit standing, affected my ability to obtain financial products, and caused significant emotional and financial stress. 
I respectfully request the CFPBs urgent intervention to compel Equifax to : Delete the incorrect addresses listed above Remove or fully validate the XXXX  account reporting as a charge-off Remove the unauthorized XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX inquiry I am also requesting that the CFPB review Equifax 's compliance practices and hold them accountable for failing to uphold the consumer protections guaranteed under the FCRA and FDCPA. 
Thank you for your time and assistance.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief