Consumer complaint received 2024-10-23 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Credit card debt
Issue: Attempts to collect debt not owed — Debt was result of identity theft
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: PA

Complaint narrative:
To Whom It May Concern, It is with immense disappointment and concern that I write to report a severe case of identity theft and the presence of fraudulent items on my credit report. This situation has arisen due to the unauthorized access and misuse of my sensitive personal information, primarily my Social Security number. My information was unfortunately compromised in numerous data breaches, exposing my current and previous addresses, Social Security number, email address, and other sensitive data. It appears that an individual residing at my former address has exploited this information for their personal gain. I have gathered substantial evidence, including instances where purchases have been made under my name and unauthorized access to my email account. Adding to my distress, I have been included in over XXXX security breaches including EQUIFAX that has exposed my Social Security number, address, and email address, leading to threats and taunts from malicious actors. My information has even surfaced on the dark web, further amplifying my concerns. I am citing XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX as case law for furthering my dispute. Upon reviewing my credit report, which I had not examined recently due to a lack of credit-related activity, I was appalled to discover the extent of the damage. XXXX identified a separate Social Security number linked to my report in XX/XX/XXXX, which has since been removed. They can confirm this discrepancy if required. XXXX also contains inaccurate information, which I am actively working to rectify with supporting documentation. I have more proof of my identity theft if needed. I have not bothered to check my credit in the past because I was not using my credit and believed I had no need. Until I began to receive crazy emails of debt including hackers threatening me. This identity theft and the resulting fraudulent activities have significantly impacted my creditworthiness. I request the immediate removal of the numerous unauthorized accounts listed on my report. I have filed and now waiting for my police report from my local police department who has been a huge help. I have also filed a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. As a low-income XXXXXXXX XXXX  struggling with the current economic climate, this situation has caused undue financial and emotional strain. I urge you to address this matter with urgency and delete the fraudulent accounts listed on my report. Here are the fraud accounts I would like deleted immediately from my report : XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXXXXXX XXXX Reference # : XXXX, Account Balance : {$1100.00}, Creditor Account # XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX Reference # : XXXX, Account Balance : {$1200.00} XXXX XXXX  XXXX XXXX Account number # : XXXX, Account Balance : {$3200.00} XXXX XXXX, Account number # : XXXX, Account Balance : {$190.00} XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Account number # : XXXX, Account Balance : {$720.00} XXXX XXXX XXXX Account number # : XXXX, Account Balance : {$290.00} Thank you for your prompt attention to this critical matter.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation