Consumer complaint received 2025-03-03 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: VA

Complaint narrative:
I am filing this formal complaint against XXXX  XXXX ( XXXX XXXX ) and Equifax Information Services LLC for their unlawful and harassing actions in reporting a collection account without proper verification in violation of federal law. This erroneous and unverified account is negatively impacting my livelihood, financial stability, and creditworthiness without legal proof that I owe this debt. 

By failing to verify this debt before placing it on my credit report, Equifax and XXXX XXXX have engaged in illegal reporting, harassment, and financial harm, violating both the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) ( 15 U.S.C. 1681 ) and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ) ( 15 U.S.C. 1692g ). 

Details of the Disputed Collection Account : Creditor Name : XXXX  XXXX ( XXXX XXXX ) Date Reported : XX/XX/XXXX Date Assigned : XX/XX/XXXX Amount : {$400.00} Status Date : XX/XX/XXXX Balance Date : XX/XX/XXXX Account Designator Code : Individual Account Account Number : XXXX FCRA & FDCPA Violations Unlawful Reporting & Harassment : Failure to Provide Debt Validation ( 15 U.S.C. 1692g ( b ) ) I never received proper validation of this alleged debt, including : A copy of the original signed contract proving I legally agreed to pay this debt.

Account statements showing how this balance was calculated.

Proof that my identity was verified before reporting this to Equifax. 
Under the FDCPA, a debt collector must cease collection efforts until they provide proper validation, yet XXXX XXXX and Equifax continue to report this unverified account. 
Failure to Verify the Debt Before Reporting ( 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) ) Equifax has no right to place a collection account on my credit report unless they verify that it actually belongs to me. 
This unverified reporting is illegal, and Equifax has failed in its duty under the FCRA to ensure the maximum possible accuracy of consumer reports. 
Unlawful Harassment & Financial Harm ( 15 U.S.C. 1692d ) Reporting an unverified debt is a form of harassment under federal law.

This collection account is blocking me from obtaining financial opportunities, including credit approvals, employment, and housing options. 
Equifax and XXXX XXXX are damaging my reputation and financial health without legal basis. 
Violation of My Right to Dispute & Remove Unverified Accounts ( 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) ) I disputed this account, and XXXX XXXX has failed to verify it within the legally required 30-day timeframe.

Per 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 5 ), any disputed debt that can not be verified must be removed immediatelyyet Equifax has failed to do so. 
Requested Action & Legal Consequences : I am demanding the following IMMEDIATE corrective actions in compliance with federal law : Full Debt Validation from XXXX XXXX If this debt is legitimate, XXXX  XXXX must provide : A copy of the original signed contract proving I agreed to this debt. 
Complete account statements detailing the charges. 
Proof of identity verification before placing this on my report. 
Immediate Removal from My Credit Report If XXXX XXXX can not provide this information, Equifax must DELETE this account immediately per 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 5 ). 
Failure to remove unverified accounts is a violation of the FCRA and FDCPA and carries legal consequences. 
Legal Action If Not Resolved Promptly If this account is not removed, I will file a lawsuit against Equifax and XXXX XXXX for damages under 15 U.S.C. 1681n and 15 U.S.C. 1692k. 
Under the law, I am entitled to statutory damages, attorneys fees, and punitive damages for harassment, financial harm, and improper credit reporting. 
Formal Complaint to Federal Agencies & Regulatory Bodies If this issue is not resolved immediately, I will escalate this matter to the Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ), Attorney General, and state consumer protection agencies for further action against Equifax and XXXX XXXX. 
Supporting Documents : [ Attach any prior disputes, Equifax responses, or any relevant documentation ] I request that the CFPB intervene immediately to hold Equifax and XXXX XXXX accountable for their improper reporting, harassment, and failure to comply with federal law. Please confirm receipt of my complaint and provide an expected resolution timeline.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation