Consumer complaint received 2025-06-10 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Incorrect information on your report — Account status incorrect
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: MD

Complaint narrative:
I am writing to formally dispute a late payment reported on my credit file for DEPT OF ED / XXXX - XXXX, which is inaccurate due to unauthorized access and tampering involving my account. 
During the time leading up to this late payment, I was in a relationship with an individual who had access to my personal laptop and account logins. After the relationship ended, I discovered that this person had deliberately tampered with my account disabling autopay, removing saved payment methods, and altering my email and notification settings without my knowledge or consent. 
This individual later admitted to me directly over the phone that they accessed my account maliciously and interfered with my financial information. These actions were taken without my authorization and directly caused the missed payment on an account that had otherwise maintained a positive payment history. 
Since uncovering this, I have : Secured all of my financial accounts, including this one. 
Implemented stronger security measures to prevent future incidents. 
Under federal law, these facts constitute unauthorized use of my personal information and account takeover, qualifying as identity theft under the Federal Trade Commissions definition of account takeover fraud. Accordingly, I have the right to file an Identity Theft Report with the Federal Trade Commission and law enforcement. In exercising my rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act and related statutes, I am demanding the immediate removal of this late payment from my credit report : 15 U.S. Code 1681s2 : Requires furnishers to report only accurate, verifiable information and correct inaccuracies upon notice. 
15 U.S. Code 1681i : Requires consumer reporting agencies to investigate disputes and delete unverifiable or inaccurate information within 30 days.

15 U.S. Code 1681c-2 : Provides for blocking information resulting from identity theft or fraudulent use of personal identifying information.

15 U.S. Code 45 ( FTC Act ) : Prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices, which includes the reporting of inaccurate consumer data. E-SIGN Act ( 15 U.S. Code Chapter 96 ) : Requires proper consent and authentication for any electronic authorizations or changes to account settings. 
Furthermore, it would be impossible for the furnisher to provide documented proof that I personally made the changes that led to this missed payment, as no such evidence exists. 
In the absence of verifiable documentation directly attributing these actions to me, federal law requires the deletion of this negative item. 
To resolve this matter efficiently, you may elect to remove or forgive this late payment as a final resolution. Doing so will fully release you from any potential liability associated with this dispute, while not constituting an admission of fault or acknowledgment of any inaccurate data reporting. This approach provides a clear, lawful resolution and avoids the need for further escalation. 
Please be advised that I am not requesting, nor do I authorize, the closure or restriction of my account. I am only requesting the removal of the inaccurately reported late payment. My account should remain open and in good standing following the resolution of this dispute. 
Please note, if this matter is not resolved promptly, I reserve the right to submit an Identity Theft Report to the FTC and local law enforcement, and to escalate my complaint to regulatory bodies including the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) and the Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ). 
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. I expect written confirmation of the outcome of your investigation within the time period required by law.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief