Consumer complaint received 2025-10-09 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: CA

Complaint narrative:
To : Experian Dispute Department XXXX. XXXX XXXX XXXX, TX XXXX Subject : Formal Deletion Request XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX ( Acct # : XXXX ) RE : Inaccurate, Unverified, and Privacy-Violative Reporting Dear Experian Dispute Department , This letter is a formal request to delete the XXXX XXXX account ( issued by XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX my credit report. The information being reported is inaccurate, unverifiable, and potentially violates my privacy rights under federal law. 
I am disputing this tradeline under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), the Privacy Act of 1974, and applicable consumer protection laws. Please consider the following details and violations : Account Information Being Disputed : Creditor : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX Account XXXX : XXXX Account Type : Credit Card Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Reported Balance : {$1100.00} Credit Limit : {$1000.00} Account Status : Closed Charged Off Last Payment Date : XX/XX/XXXX Status Updated : XX/XX/XXXX Payment History : XXXX Potentially Negative Months Charge-Off Amount : {$1100.00} Past Due Amount : {$1100.00} ( as of XX/XX/XXXX ) Reasons for Deletion Request : 1. Inaccurate and Conflicting Reporting FCRA 1681e ( b ) The account was closed yet continues to show a growing number of late payments and negative marks ( 26 months ) beyond closure, which is factually and legally inaccurate. 


The account shows a charge-off, but still reflects monthly delinquency status updates with no clear resolution. 


This reporting pattern misleads lenders and fails to represent the true status of the account, violating the FCRA 's requirement for accurate reporting. 


2. Duplicate/Improper Charge-Off Updates The charge-off was marked in XX/XX/XXXX, yet the account continues to be updated monthly as late through XX/XX/XXXX, with no payments posted. 


This suggests improper re-aging or continued derogatory reporting beyond legal guidelinesan FCRA violation. 


XXXX. Privacy Act of XXXX Concerns This account information may have been reported or shared without my consent, or beyond its lawful and necessary purpose. 


The ongoing exposure of personal, closed account data with derogatory information raises serious privacy concerns, especially without notification or proper documentation. 


XXXX. Consumer Law Violations FDCPA/UDAAP If XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX agents can not validate this debt with documentation, continued negative reporting constitutes unfair or deceptive practices, violating the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ) and UDAAP standards. 


Subject : Formal Deletion Request XXXX XXXX XXXX  Account ( Acct # : XXXX ) RE : Privacy Violations, Inaccurate Reporting, and FCRA Non-Compliance Dear Experian XXXX Department, This letter serves as a formal dispute and deletion request for the account listed below, reported by XXXX XXXX XXXX ( WFS ). The information being reported is inaccurate, misleading, and potentially unlawful under the following federal laws : Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) 15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.

Privacy Act of 1974 5 U.S.C. 552a Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ) Unfair, Deceptive, or Abusive Acts or Practices ( UDAAP ) Disputed Account Details : Creditor : XXXX XXXX XXXX Account Number : XXXX Account Type : Auto Loan Responsibility : Joint Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Original Balance : {$14000.00} Reported Balance : {$13000.00} Status : Charged Off ( as of XX/XX/XXXX ) Last Payment Date : XXXX XXXX XXXX Monthly Payment : Not listed Payment History : XXXX Potentially Negative Months Reported As : Account information disputed by consumer ( Meets requirement of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ) Past Due Amount : {$13000.00} Grounds for Deletion Request : XXXX. Continued Negative Reporting After Charge-Off FCRA Violation ( Re-Aging ) The account was charged off in XX/XX/XXXX, but negative payment history continues to be reported well into XXXX. 


This is an illegal re-aging of the account, which falsely extends the life of the derogatory information and is a direct violation of FCRA 1681c ( a ). 


The FCRA prohibits furnishing information that is inaccurate or misleading, especially if it affects the date of first delinquency. 


XXXX. Inaccurate Reporting of Past Due and Balance Amounts The charge-off amount reported is {$15000.00}, while the past due balance is {$13000.00}, yet the original balance was {$14000.00}. 


These figures are inconsistent and do not reconcile, showing a lack of reporting accuracy and transparency as required under FCRA 1681e ( b ).

3. Privacy Act of 1974 Potential Violation If this account was reported or continued without proper authorization, notification, or full disclosure, it may be in violation of the Privacy Act, which protects against improper sharing or storage of personal financial data.

4. FDCPA and UDAAP Violations Unfair and Misleading Reporting If XXXX or any associated servicer can not verify the complete debt history, ownership, and accurate status, then continued reporting XXXX constitute a deceptive or unfair practice, violating FDCPA and UDAAP standards. 


XXXX. Account Already Marked as Disputed by Consumer Despite the account being flagged as disputed, no correction or updated documentation has been provided. 


This lack of timely investigation and correction violates FCRA 611 ( a ) which mandates a reasonable reinvestigation and response within 30 days. 

Subject : Formal Dispute and Deletion Request XXXX  XXXX Account ( Acct # : XXXX ) Violation of FCRA, Privacy Act of XXXX, and Inaccurate Reporting Dear Experian Dispute Department, I am submitting this formal dispute and deletion request regarding an account reported by XXXX XXXX, which appears on my Experian credit file with significant inaccuracies and violations of federal law, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), the Privacy Act of XXXX, and other consumer protection statutes. 
Disputed Account Information : Creditor : XXXX  XXXX Account Number : XXXX Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Original Balance : {$1400.00} Current Balance : {$390.00} Charge-Off Amount : {$540.00} Account Type : Unsecured / Closed Terms : 12 Months Last Payment Date : XX/XX/XXXX Status Updated : XX/XX/XXXX Reported Delinquencies : XXXX Potentially Negative Months Status : Charged Off Past Due {$390.00} as of XX/XX/XXXX Grounds for Deletion Request : XXXX. Inaccurate and Conflicting Reporting FCRA 1681e ( b ) This account reflects 35 months of derogatory reporting on a loan that had a XXXX repayment term. 


A closed account with a fixed term can not legally show ongoing late payments and continuing charge-off updates beyond its contractual obligation. 


The balance and charge-off figures are inconsistent and misleading, as the account shows 72 % paid off, yet still reports a charge-off status and {$390.00} past duethese figures conflict with the original balance and reported timeline. 


XXXX. Illegal Re-Aging of Delinquency FCRA 605 ( c ) This account continues to report negative updates after the charge-off occurred in XX/XX/XXXX, violating FCRA restrictions on updating or re-aging delinquent accounts to extend their derogatory impact. 


Updating monthly payment status as CO after the account is closed and charged off is a misleading practice and causes harm to the consumer 's profile and lending prospects. 


XXXX. Failure to Conduct a Reasonable Investigation FCRA 611 ( a ) This item has not been corrected or validated properly despite the evident inaccuracies. 


If XXXX XXXX or its servicer can not validate this account with original signed contract, billing history, and payment ledger, it can not remain on my file legally. 


XXXX. Privacy Act of XXXX XXXX XXXX of XXXX XXXX This account XXXX have been reported or shared without my consent or in excess of its permissible use, raising concerns about unauthorized disclosure and handling of private financial data. 


XXXX. Unfair or Deceptive Reporting FDCPA / UDAAP If XXXX XXXX has sold or outsourced this debt and continues to report it without full legal ownership or authority, this constitutes deceptive and unfair conduct under FDCPA and UDAAP provisions. 

Subject : Formal Deletion Request XXXX  Account ( Acct # : XXXX ) RE : Violations of the FCRA, Privacy Act, and Inaccurate Reporting Dear Experian Dispute Department, I am writing to formally dispute and request deletion of an account reported by XXXX, which is currently appearing on my Experian credit report with numerous inaccuracies and reporting violations. 
This account is in direct conflict with my rights under : The Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) The Privacy Act of XXXX The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ) Additional consumer protection laws ( UDAAP ) Account Details Being Disputed : Creditor : XXXX  Account Number : XXXX Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Original Balance : {$9600.00} Current Balance : {$6600.00} Charge-Off Amount : {$8300.00} Status : Charged Off Past Due : {$6600.00} Last Payment Date : XX/XX/XXXX Status Updated : XX/XX/XXXX Reported As : XXXX Potentially Negative Months Account Type : Unsecured / Closed Reasons for Deletion Request : 1. Improper Post-Charge-Off Reporting FCRA 1681e ( b ) The account was reportedly charged off in XX/XX/XXXX, but it continues to reflect monthly delinquencies through XX/XX/XXXX, even after closure. 


This is a form of illegal re-aging, which misrepresents the age and impact of the derogatory item, a direct violation of the FCRAs accuracy requirements. 


XXXX. Inconsistent Balance and Status Reporting The original balance was {$9600.00}, yet the charge-off is listed as {$8300.00}, and the current balance is {$6600.00} past due these figures do not align and indicate either incomplete or inaccurate reporting. 


Misreporting of financial data materially harms my credit profile and violates FCRA XXXX ( a ) regarding completeness and accuracy. 


XXXX. Privacy Act of XXXX Concerns Reporting this level of detailed financial and personal information without valid and verified authorization raises questions about potential violations of privacy protections, especially if proper consent, notice, or validation procedures were not followed. 


XXXX. Violation of FDCPA and UDAAP Standards If XXXX can not provide original contractual documents, complete payment history, and validation of debt ownership, the continued reporting may constitute deceptive or abusive practices under FDCPA and UDAAP consumer protection standards. 


XXXX. Failure to Investigate Disputes in Good Faith FCRA 611 This account has not been adequately corrected or validated following consumer disputes. Ongoing negative updates without documentation or verification represent willful noncompliance with the FCRAs reinvestigation requirements. 

To : TransUnion LLC XXXX. XXXX XXXX XXXX, PA XXXX Subject : Request for Investigation and XXXX XXXX Bank XXXX Account ( XXXX ) Re : Inaccurate Reporting, FCRA & Privacy Act Violations, and XXXX XXXX XXXX Dear TransUnion Dispute Department, I am submitting this formal dispute concerning an account reported by XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX ( XXXX XXXX ), appearing on my TransUnion credit file under account number ending in XXXX I am asserting that the current reporting of this account is inaccurate, misleading, and in violation of federal consumer protection laws, including : The Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) The Privacy Act of XXXX Consumer protections under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ) and UDAAP ( Unfair, Deceptive, or Abusive Acts or Practices ) Disputed Account Information : Creditor Name : XXXX XXXX  XXXX Account Number : XXXX  Account Type : Revolving account Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Date Closed / Charged Off : XX/XX/XXXX Balance : {$1100.00} Credit Limit : {$1000.00} Status : Charged off as bad debt Past Due Amount : {$1100.00} Last Payment Date : XX/XX/XXXX Comments : Canceled by XXXX XXXX Payment History : Not available Credit Usage : 100 % Reasons for Dispute & Deletion Request : XXXX. Inaccurate and Incomplete Reporting FCRA 1681e ( b ) The account shows : 100 % utilization after charge-off A past due amount that mirrors the balance No payment history to support charge-off status This is materially misleading, especially for a closed account, and negatively affects my creditworthiness. 


XXXX. Charge-Off Reporting Without Validation FCRA 609 XXXX XXXX  ( or TransUnion as the furnisher ) has not provided any evidence of : A signed credit agreement A full payment history or account ledger Proper notice of charge-off If such documentation can not be produced upon reinvestigation, this entry must be deleted as required by federal law. 
XXXX. Re-aging and Reporting Timeline Concerns FCRA 605 ( a ) The continued charged-off status update in XX/XX/XXXX XXXX constitute illegal re-aging, as the last payment was made in XX/XX/XXXX. This misrepresentation affects the account 's age and timeline for exclusion from my credit file. 
XXXX. Privacy Act of XXXX Violation If XXXX XXXX  or its affiliates reported, accessed, or shared this account information without my proper consent or without providing legal notice, it constitutes a violation of federal privacy laws, especially given the sensitivity of financial records. 
XXXX. Misleading Comments and Lack of Transparency The comment Canceled by credit grantor lacks context and implies consumer default when paired with a charge-off. This language is prejudicial and should not appear without substantiation. 

Subject : Formal Dispute & Request for Deletion XXXX XXXX  Account # XXXX Re : FCRA Violations, Inaccurate Reporting, and Privacy Act XXXX Dear TransUnion Dispute Department, This is a formal request under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) to dispute and request deletion of the account listed below due to multiple reporting violations and failure to meet legal standards for accuracy, completeness, and validation. 

Account in Dispute : Debt Buyer : XXXX XXXX  Original Creditor : XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX 


Account Number : XXXX Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Original Balance : {$650.00} Current Balance : {$650.00} Balance Updated : XX/XX/XXXX Account Type : Open Account Status : Not Provided Comments : " Account information disputed by consumer '' Payment History : No payment history available Dispute Summary and Legal Violations : XXXX. Incomplete and Misleading Reporting FCRA 1681e ( b ) The account is missing a defined status, has no payment history, and yet includes disputed by consumer in the comments. This is both incomplete and misleading, and fails to meet the standard of maximum possible accuracy. 
XXXX. Reporting by a Debt Buyer Without Proper Validation FCRA 609 / FDCPA 809 As a third-party debt buyer, XXXX must have in its possession : The signed original contract A full payment history Proof of complete chain of assignment from the original creditor ( XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX If you can not verify this documentation during your reinvestigation, the account must be deleted under the FCRA. 
XXXX. Privacy Act of XXXX Violations If this debt was reported without my knowledge, consent, or proper validation, this may constitute a violation of my federal privacy rights, particularly since the debt was purchased and reported by a third party. 
XXXX. Unverified Consumer Dispute Notation The comment Account information disputed by consumer implies an ongoing dispute. I am requesting deletion, not just notation. This vague language is prejudicial and may lead to continued adverse credit decisions, despite no resolution or verified documentation being supplied to me. 

To : Equifax Information Services, LLC XXXX. XXXX XXXX XXXX, GA XXXX Subject : Formal Deletion Request XXXX XXXX ( XXXX XXXX  ) Acct # : XXXX Re : FCRA Violations, Inaccurate Reporting, Re-aging, and Privacy Act Concerns Dear TransUnion Dispute Department XXXX This is a formal dispute and request for immediate deletion of the derogatory XXXX  XXXX  account issued by XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  XXXX XXXX which currently appears on my TransUnion credit report. 
This account contains multiple reporting violations and inaccuracies that directly conflict with federal consumer protection laws, specifically : The Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) The Privacy Act of XXXX The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ) Unfair, Deceptive, or Abusive Acts or Practices ( UDAAP ) Disputed Account Details : Creditor : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Account XXXX : XXXX Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Current Balance : {$1100.00} Credit Limit : {$1000.00} Status : Charged Off Past Due : {$1100.00} Closed Account Status Updated : XX/XX/XXXX Payment History : 25 months of derogatory marks Last Payment Date : XX/XX/XXXX Comments : Charged off account ; account closed by credit grantor Dispute Basis & Legal Violations : 1. Overextended Derogatory Reporting FCRA 605 ( a ) The account reflects 25 months of negative marks, which extends beyond the allowable delinquency timeline on a closed and charged-off account. 


Reporting CO ( charge-off ) months after the charge-off occurred is a form of re-aging and violates accuracy provisions under FCRA 1681e ( b ).

2. Inaccurate Balance & Status Reporting The account reflects a 100 % utilization rate post charge-off, which misrepresents account activity. Since the account is closed and charged off, there should be no new utilization reported.

Reporting continued " past due '' amounts after charge-off can mislead lenders and impact creditworthiness unfairly.

3. Violation of FCRA Reinvestigation Requirements 611 This account remains with ongoing derogatory reporting despite the passage of time and lack of evidence of further delinquency. 


If XXXX XXXX  can not validate the debt with full documentation ( contract, payment ledger, itemized billing ), the account must be removed per FCRA standards. 


XXXX. Privacy Act of XXXX Concerns If this account was reported, updated, or shared without appropriate notice, consent, or authorization, it may constitute a privacy rights violation, especially considering sensitive financial data. 


XXXX. Unfair and Misleading Reporting UDAAP / FDCPA Continued negative updates, especially when there is no monthly payment obligation due to the charge-off, is potentially abusive and deceptive under UDAAP. 


Charge-off accounts should not continue to report as active with accruing delinquencies if the debt has not been legally validated. 


Subject : Formal Dispute and Deletion Request XXXX XXXX XXXX Account # XXXX RE : Privacy Violations, Inaccurate Reporting, FCRA 611, 609, 605, and Privacy Act of XXXX Dear TransUnion Dispute Department, I am formally disputing and demanding the deletion of the following account listed on my TransUnion credit report, due to multiple violations of federal law, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), the Privacy Act of XXXX, and other relevant consumer protection statutes. 
Disputed Account Details : Creditor / Debt Buyer : XXXX XXXX XXXX Original Creditor : XXXX XXXX XXXX  XXXX. 


Account Number : XXXX Date Opened : XX/XX/XXXX Original Balance : {$650.00} Current Balance : {$650.00} Account Status : Collection Account ( Reported as C multiple months ) Status Updated : XX/XX/XXXX Comments : Collection account Payment History : Misleading and inconsistent entries marked C for numerous months Balance Paid Off : 0 % usage reported ( conflicting with collection status ) Basis for Dispute & Request for Deletion : XXXX. Illegal Payment History Reporting by a Debt Buyer FCRA 1681s-XXXX XXXX XXXX  is not the original creditor and is not legally permitted to report monthly payment history ( " XXXX '' ) on an account they did not originate, especially if no payments have been made to them or validated. This misrepresents the nature of the debt, misleads lenders, and damages consumer credit scores. 
XXXX. Lack of Proper Debt Validation FCRA 609 / FDCPA 809 As a third-party debt collector, XXXX must be able to produce : A signed original credit agreement A complete chain of assignment from XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX 


A full itemized breakdown of the alleged debt If TransUnion can not provide this documentation upon reinvestigation, the account must be deleted. 
XXXX. Violation of the Privacy Act of 1974 Reporting this account without proper notice, consent, or verification constitutes a violation of privacy protections concerning sensitive personal financial data. No verified consent was provided for XXXX  to access, process, or share this data with your bureau. 
XXXX. Inaccurate Balance and Status Reporting FCRA 1681e ( b ) Although the balance is shown as {$650.00}, your records state it is " 0 % paid off, '' and the status is blank ( - ) for recent months while continuing to report collection status in the comments. These discrepancies are factually incorrect and legally misleading. 
XXXX. Re-aging or Continued Reporting Beyond Standard Practices The payment history suggests ongoing C entries months after the account was opened and despite no validation or payment activity. This indicates re-aging or continued updating of a non-validated, inactive account.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation