Consumer complaint received 2023-12-01
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: WA
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports
Sub-product: Credit reporting
Issue: Improper use of your report
Sub-issue: Reporting company used your report improperly

Complaint:
To whom this may concern : I am writing to address a matter of significant concern regarding the information held by your agency, [ XXXXXXXX/Equifax/XXXXXXXX ] , pertaining to my consumer report. 

I am XXXX XXXX XXXX and I am troubled by the negative private information shared without my explicit consent, which has adversely affected my financial standing and mental well-being. I have never entered into a clear and conspicuous contractual agreement with [ XXXX/Equifax/XXXX ] XXXX granting permission for the dissemination of such personal data. 

As a business owner myself, I understand the gravity of handling private information responsibly. If I were to unjustly share adverse information regarding individuals without their explicit consent, I would rightfully face legal consequences. 

The negative entries on my consumer report, which have been shared with multiple companies, are unfairly hindering my ability to progress in life. Even if these negative accounts hold some truth, they are entirely unrelated to any contractual obligations or transactions involving [ XXXXEquifax/XXXX ] XXXX 
Which are all companys who have ASSUMED a vital role. 
Credit score is never defined in the federal law because it is the elaborate mechanism of these companys. 

I kindly request a thorough investigation into the origin and legality of sharing these specific negative entries on my report. Proof that I signed a clear and conspicuous contract, a copy of the Contract binding both parties. 

They also have a grave responsibility and obligation to respect my privacy. 

I appreciate your immediate attention to this matter and request a timely response regarding the steps taken to address these concerns. 

Thank you for your prompt assistance in resolving this issue. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX XXXX 15 U.S. Code 1681 - Congressional findings and statement of purpose 15 U.S. Code 1681b - Permissible purposes of consumer reports ( a ) Subject to subsection ( c ), any consumer reporting agency may furnish a consumer report under the following circumstances and no other : ( 2 ) - In accordance with the written instructions of the consumer to whom it relates.

1. Remove possible finance accounts which are unfairly affecting my life in a significant way. I can not get a new truck for our business or a credit card to fix the truck which has left me in a situation where I feel hopeless. This is not FAIR to me and it must be fair to me as the consumer I need to provide for my family with credit and a new vehicle to continue our business we have built over 3 years. Again consumer reporting agencys have ASSUMED a vital role no one gave them. 

For the damages that have been done over the past years I will be seeking {$5000.00} in criminal liability damages for not respecting my privacy and sharing information without any written instructions from me.

15 U.S. Code 1611 - Criminal liability for willful and knowing violation I will be seeking {$1000.00} in civil liability 15 U.S. Code 1681n - Civil liability for willful noncompliance Send payment to : XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Wa Within 15 days of receiving this notice.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation