Consumer complaint received 2025-07-16 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: LA

Complaint narrative:
Dear CFPB Officer, I am submitting this formal complaint regarding multiple violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ) involving the reporting of inaccurate personal information, fraudulent accounts, unauthorized inquiries, and unverified negative items on my credit report. Despite attempts to resolve these issues directly with the credit reporting agencies and furnishers, they have failed to investigate or remove the false data. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX  XXXX Wrong Address This address has never belonged to me. I have never lived, worked, or received mail at this location. Reporting this address is a direct violation of FCRA Section 607 ( b ), which mandates accurate consumer identification. This misinformation caused confusion and delayed job and housing applications. 

XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX  XXXX Wrong Address This address is also inaccurate. I never authorized or resided at this address. Its inclusion on my credit report violates FCRA Section 602 ( A ) regarding fairness and accuracy. Because of this, Ive faced denials on car loans and elevated insurance quotes.

ACCOUNTS WITH NEGATIVE ITEMS DETAILS WITH DATES & BALANCES XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  Acct : XXXXXXXX XXXX Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX High Balance : {$640.00} Issue : Late payments reported without considering hardship assistance request.

Law Violated : FCRA 623 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) prohibits reporting information known to be inaccurate. 
Story : I contacted the creditor during a financial emergency, explained my situation, and requested temporary relief. They continued to report late payments without response. This inaccurate negative reporting deeply hurt my credit score and delayed essential financial approvals. 
XXXX Acct : XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX  Date Opened : * * XX/XX/XXXX High Balance : {$520.00} Issue : Reported late without validation, and no response to dispute.

Law Violated : FDCPA 809 ( b ) requires validation of debt upon request.

Story : I disputed this account multiple times due to late payments that are not accurate. They did not validate the debt nor responded to my letters. Yet, the account remains derogatory. This has limited my access to basic credit-building products. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX Acct : XXXX Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX High Balance : {$17000.00} Issue : Late payments while account was under dispute.

Law Violated : FCRA 623 ( a ) ( 3 ) must report account as disputed if a dispute is in process.

Story : I disputed several entries on this account, but they never updated the status to reflect it was in dispute. Reporting it as late during the investigation process is unlawful and misleading to potential lenders. 
XXXX XXXX Acct : XXXX Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX High Balance : {$39000.00} Issue : Late payments despite being enrolled in a hardship plan.

Law Violated : FCRA 623 ( a ) + CARES Act hardship guidelines Story : I lost my job in XXXX  and entered into a formal deferment program, which was acknowledged by the lender. Despite this, they reported me late, violating federal protections and drastically harming my credit profile. 
XXXX XXXX  Acct : XXXXXXXX XXXX  Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX High Balance : {$680.00} Issue : Late payment reported without due process or communication.

Law Violated : FDCPA 807 deceptive collection and reporting practices.

Story : I was not notified of any missed payment nor given time to resolve the matter before the negative mark was added. I believe this is retaliation after I tried to adjust the payment plan. 
XXXX XXXX  Acct : XXXXXXXX XXXX ( Duplicate Entry ) Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX High Balance : {$660.00} Issue : Duplicate reporting of same account with similar balance and lates. 
Law Violated : FCRA 605B duplicate negative reporting prohibited.

Story : This seems to be a duplicated account, misrepresenting my obligations. It misleads creditors and lowers my credit score unfairly. Both entries must be investigated and corrected. 
XXXX Acct : XXXXXXXX XXXX Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX High Balance : {$560.00} Issue : Collection added without any communication or verification. 
Law Violated : FDCPA 809 ( a ) notice required within 5 days of first contact.

Story : I never received any contact, validation letter, or notice from XXXX. This collection was posted behind my back, violating my consumer rights and damaging my financial reputation. 
XXXX XXXXXXXX  Acct : XXXX Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX High Balance : {$77.00} Issue : Collection placed for unknown amount without prior notice.

Law Violated : FDCPA 809 ( b ) + FCRA 602 ( b ) Story : This debt is unfamiliar to me. Ive never received communication regarding it. The small balance doesnt excuse the legal requirement to validate debt before reporting. I demand its removal.

Unauthorized/Excessive Hard Inquiries Inquiries The following inquiries were made without my knowledge, consent, or application : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXX/XX/XXXX I never authorized these inquiries. These unauthorized inquiries are in violation of FCRA Section 604 ( a ) ( 3 ), which requires permissible purpose. This excessive pulling of my report has caused serious damage to my credit profile, and I demand these inquiries be investigated and permanently removed.

REQUEST FOR RELIEF I respectfully request the following : 1. Full investigation and deletion of the wrong addresses listed above.

2. Removal or correction of each account listed that is unverified, inaccurate, or falsely reported.

3. Removal of all unauthorized or excessive hard inquiries from my credit report.

4. Sanctions or enforcement actions against the furnishers and bureaus who failed to uphold FCRA and FDCPA obligations.

These errors have caused me financial harm, emotional XXXX, denials of loans, and reputational damage. I am keeping copies of all documentation and will pursue legal action if necessary.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief