Consumer complaint received 2023-06-17
Company: Experian Information Solutions Inc.
State: OR
Product: Credit reporting, credit repair services, or other personal consumer reports
Sub-product: Credit reporting
Issue: Credit monitoring or identity theft protection services
Sub-issue: Problem canceling credit monitoring or identify theft protection service

Complaint:
While responding to the XXXX breach I wanted to ensure my credit file was frozen I contacted Experian who is in business with Consumerinfo.com , Inc, aka Experian Consumer Services. 

In doing so I had to reestablish an account with Experian However, the process of signing up an account, may have a number of regulatory concerns that need CFPB oversight and corrective action from Experian. 

( I did find my account and it was frozen, so that is good ). 
( Not sure why I had to sign-up again and not just log in ) As you can see in the attachment I only have one option that is to authorize Consumerinfo.com to obtain my credit report and scores or not access my account with Experian. 
You will see three bullet points. 
* Provide my credit report .... 
* Notify me of other products and services... .through unaffiliated third parties * Notify me of credit opportunities and advertised credit offers... 

I understand there are many privacy laws permitting me to contact Experian, XXXX, financial intuitions, and essentially all businesses including websites to stop the share/sale of my information with third parties. That is not in question here ( though I have already informed Experian to not share my information for credit offers ). 

Before clicking on " Submit and Continue '' I clicked on the link at the end of " I understand that I may withdraw this authorization at any time by contacting XXXX '' ; an in-frame window appears with a phone number and an email address ; both that of Experian. 

XXXX experian.com Attn : Customer Care XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, TX XXXX So here are a number of issue I see with this practice 1. I see no permissible purpose for my credit to be accessed and shared. I know that the FCRA ( 604f ) provides the allowable purposes ; however, I am unable to locate the option that includes preventing me from accessing my account so to ensure my privacy without accepting additional services, advertising, and even further personal information share. 

2. Secondly, I came to Experian to protect my identity and I am essentially forced to opt-in for services that would further share my identity. What is the logic in that? 
Feels Unfair and Abusive. I make this assertion under UDAAP, acknowledging in both instances " the misleading account or practice is material ''. The word 'material ' is squishy and can be interpreted a lot of ways, and I am sure the CFPB wont consider my time and frustration of contacting Consumerinfo.com / Experian to opt-out of something material enough. However, I would like the CFPB to consider the time of all consumers forced to do the same. Many wont, and thus the risk and harm cycle continues for Americans battling privacy pirates. 

3. Considering the phone number and address to Consumerinfo.com is that of Experian 's, why wouldn't the option to decline the share of consumer information be present on the same screen on which I am forced to accept to access my account? Consumers should have ease in selecting the sharing of their personal information ; regardless of the business relationship between companies and regardless of " technical capabilities ''.

Company public response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation