Consumer complaint received 2025-07-22 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: IL

Complaint narrative:
To Whom It May Concern, I am filing this formal complaint through the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) against Equifax regarding several inaccurate and unauthorized items listed on my credit report. Despite my previous efforts to resolve these issues directly with Equifax, they have failed to provide a lawful and verifiable resolution.

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), I have the right to a credit report that is accurate, complete, and verifiable. The following items are currently in violation of those rights : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  Account # XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX Status : Charge Off XXXX XXXX Issue : This account is reporting as a charge-off, yet I have never received any lawful written validation of the debt. 
Law Violated : FCRA 611 ( 15 U.S.C. 1681i ) Failure to conduct a proper reinvestigation FCRA 609 ( 15 U.S.C. 1681g ) Failure to provide complete and accurate verification Story : I have repeatedly requested verification of this account, including original signed documentation proving that I opened and authorized this line of credit. Equifax has failed to provide any documentation that legally substantiates their reporting. Reporting a derogatory item without verification is not only irresponsible but illegal. I am being unfairly penalized for an item that may not even be mine. This has harmed my credit score and financial opportunities. 

XXXX. XXXX Inquiry Date : XX/XX/XXXX Issue : Unauthorized hard inquiry Law Violated : FCRA 604 ( a ) ( 3 ) ( 15 U.S.C. 1681b ) Permissible purpose required for accessing a credit report Story : I did not authorize or initiate any application or transaction with this company around the date listed. No permissible purpose existed for this inquiry to be conducted, making this an illegal pull on my credit file. 

XXXX. XXXX Inquiry Date : XX/XX/XXXX Issue : Unauthorized hard inquiry Law Violated : FCRA 604 ( a ) ( 3 ) No permissible purpose Story : I have no relationship with this lender and did not apply for any form of credit from them. I was never notified or gave consent for this inquiry, and Equifax has refused to remove it despite my dispute. 

XXXX. XXXX XXXX XXXX Inquiry Date : XX/XX/XXXX Issue : Unauthorized hard inquiry Law Violated : FCRA 604 ( a ) ( 3 ) Lack of permissible purpose Story : I did not authorize this inquiry nor applied for any account with this company. The continued presence of this inquiry on my report is unjust and misleading to other lenders. 

XXXX. XXXX Inquiry Date : XX/XX/XXXX Issue : Unauthorized hard inquiry Law Violated : FCRA 604 ( a ) ( 3 ) No permissible purpose Story : Similar to the other inquiries listed above, this credit pull was done without my knowledge or consent. I request that CFPB investigate why Equifax continues to allow unauthorized parties to access my credit file without following the proper legal procedure. 

Despite notifying Equifax of these violations in previous disputes, no meaningful resolution has been provided. Equifax continues to willfully disregard their obligations under the FCRA. 

I am requesting that the CFPB assist me by investigating this matter and holding Equifax accountable for these violations. Additionally, I respectfully request that all of the disputed items listed above be either : Permanently deleted from my credit file due to lack of verification or authorization, or Verified with complete documentation, including contracts with original signatures and proof of permissible purpose where applicable. 

This situation has caused significant harm to my creditworthiness and emotional distress. I hope that with the intervention of the CFPB, a proper investigation and resolution will be reached.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation