Consumer complaint received 2025-07-31 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: MI

Complaint narrative:
Dear Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, I am submitting this complaint regarding multiple serious violations of my consumer rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) and Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ). The following inaccurate and damaging items are being reported on my credit file without proper verification, causing substantial harm to my financial reputation, emotional health, and ability to access credit and housing. 
XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX Wrong Address Issue : I have never lived at this address, nor do I have any affiliation with this location. This address being reported as part of my credit profile is not only inaccurate but has created significant personal distress and confusion when verifying my identity for housing, employment, and financial applications. 
Law : Under FCRA 607 ( b ), consumer reporting agencies must follow reasonable procedures to assure maximum possible accuracy of the information they report. FCRA 605 ( a ) ( 5 ) also prohibits the inclusion of addresses that do not belong to the consumer and are not verified. 
XXXX : This incorrect address has resulted in a lease application being delayed because my proof of residence did not match this listing. I was questioned by a landlord and even asked to provide police clearance due to the suspicious address mismatch. This level of public embarrassment and interference with my housing opportunities is unacceptable and directly caused by the failure to properly report only factual, verified information. I demand this address be removed from my file immediately. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX MI XXXX Wrong Address Issue : This address has never been associated with me in any legal, financial, or residential capacity. It is showing on my credit report in error. 
Law : Under FCRA 1681e ( b ), information must be complete and accurate. This address violates that requirement. The continued presence of inaccurate personal identifiers can be grounds for legal liability for both the furnisher and the credit bureau under FCRA 616 and 617. 
XXXX : This error led to a failed identity verification when I attempted to open a high-yield savings account. The bank flagged my file for fraud and required multiple manual verifications that delayed the process by weeks. Additionally, I was denied a line of credit and told that my address history raised concern. This completely false address has cost me financial opportunities and peace of mind. 
XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Charge Off High Balance {$1000.00} Date Opened XX/XX/XXXX Issue : This account is listed as a charge-off, but I never received proper notice, validation, or any written communication to verify this debt. I dispute both the amount and the reporting status. 
Law : Under FDCPA 809 ( 15 USC 1692g ), a consumer has the right to request validation of the debt. FCRA 623 ( a ) ( 3 ) also requires accurate reporting and prompt correction of any incomplete or disputed information. FCRA 1681s-2 ( b ) mandates an investigation upon notice of dispute. 
Story : I was never informed of any past-due balance with XXXX. I believe this account XXXX have been opened fraudulently or closed with a misunderstanding that was never properly resolved. The charge-off entry has had a devastating impact on my credit score and denied me the ability to refinance my auto loan at a lower rate. I have contacted XXXX directly and received no documentation supporting this charge-off. The account was never verified, yet the credit bureaus continue to report it. This is a serious violation of my consumer rights, and I am demanding immediate deletion. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX High Balance {$170.00} Date Opened XX/XX/XXXX Issue : I have no knowledge of this debt and was never contacted regarding this balance. XXXX XXXX XXXX has not sent any debt validation notice nor proof that this collection is mine. 
XXXX : XXXX FDCPA 809, a collection agency must send a written notice of debt validation within XXXX days of the initial communication. Under FCRA 623, inaccurate, unverifiable, or incomplete information must be deleted. 
Story : I learned about this debt for the first time only after checking my credit report. I was never contacted through mail or phone. I suspect this XXXX be an error or a case of mistaken identity. Because of this false collection, my mortgage preapproval was downgraded and I missed the opportunity to lock in a lower rate. The stress and financial harm caused by this account are significant. It has no business being reported, and until verified properly, it must be removed. 
Requested Outcome : I request a full and timely investigation into these violations, complete deletion of the inaccurate data, and a written response from each involved party ( XXXX XXXX and credit bureaus ) confirming the correction of my consumer file. If these issues are not resolved, I am prepared to pursue legal remedies under FCRA 616 and 617. 
Thank you for your attention to this serious matter. I trust that the CFPB will ensure that my rights are upheld and the parties responsible for these violations are held accountable.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation