Consumer complaint received 2025-01-10 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Problem with a company's investigation into an existing problem — Their investigation did not fix an error on your report
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: TX

Complaint narrative:
Fraudulent Accounts and Inquiries In XXXX, I contacted XXXX, XXXX, and Equifax to dispute fraudulent information on my consumer report related to an unauthorized address and accounts/inquiries from companies such as XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX ), XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX and XXXX. These accounts and inquiries were fraudulently opened using my Social Security number without my knowledge or consent. 

Fraudulent Address I also discovered an unauthorized address, [ XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX ], repeatedly appearing on my credit reports, despite multiple disputes and its removal. I have lived in XXXX, TX, for the past five years and have no connection to this address. The credit bureaus have provided no evidence linking me to it, yet it continues to reappear. 

In addition, I am a victim of identity theft, as documented in an FTC Identity Theft Report ( # XXXX ) and a police report ( HPD Case # XXXX ). My personal information, including my Social Security number and driver 's license, was compromised during the Equifax data breach. 

Despite providing all required documentation to substantiate my claims, XXXX, XXXX, and Equifax have failed to prevent the fraudulent accounts and address from reappearing. Their actions have caused harm to my financial reputation and emotional well-being. 

Harm Caused by Inaction : / Credit Score Impact : Because of unauthorized inquiries in XXXX : After disputing and removing the first inquiry, my credit score dropped by XXXX points before temporarily recovering to XXXX. 
A second unauthorized inquiry appeared weeks later, and my credit score dropped by XXXX points after the dispute. However, the score never returned to its original level, despite no high credit usage, late payments, or outstanding balances. 
When I contacted XXXX for an explanation, they were unable to provide one. 

Constant Monitoring and Distress : This ongoing issue has caused constant distress, as I am forced to : Monitor my credit reports and alerts not only with XXXX, Equifax, and XXXX but also with XXXX, XXXX, XXXX, XXXX, and other lesser-known bureaus. 
Continuously search for additional credit reporting agencies that may be receiving or selling incorrect and fraudulent information about me. 
This exhaustive and repetitive process has consumed a significant amount of my time, caused emotional stress, and incurred additional costs for credit monitoring services. 

I am aware that the CFPB has filed a lawsuit against XXXX for improper dispute handling, and I believe my case reflects the same systemic issues. 

Potential FCRA Violations I believe these issues are indicative of systemic failures, including those highlighted by the recent lawsuit filed by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) against XXXX for improper handling of disputes. In my case, XXXX 's failure to prevent the reappearance of disputed fraudulent information and the unexplained harm to my credit score align with the practices cited in the lawsuit.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief