Consumer complaint received 2023-10-20
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: PA
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:
I am writing to file a formal complaint against Equifax, XXXX, and XXXX, consumer reporting agencies, for their unauthorized sharing of my private information. As a consumer, I have the right to ensure that my personal information is not shared without my consent, as stated in the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( 15 USC 1681 section 602a ).

According to 15 USC 6801, it is the policy of Congress that each financial institution, including the " Furnisher of information to credit agencies, '' has an affirmative and continuing obligation to respect the privacy of its customers and protect the security and confidentiality of their nonpublic personal information. Equifax, XXXX, and XXXX fall under the definition of consumer reporting agencies and are therefore obligated to adhere to this policy. 

However, I have not provided my consent, whether verbal, non-verbal, written, implied, or otherwise, for Equifax, XXXX, XXXX, or the " Furnisher of information to credit agencies '' to furnish my personal information. Therefore, any and all consent previously given to these agencies is hereby revoked. 

Furthermore, 15 USC 1681 section 604a ( 2 ) clearly states that consumer reporting agencies may only furnish a consumer report in accordance with the written instructions of the consumer to whom it relates. Equifax, XXXX, XXXX, and the " Furnisher of information to credit agencies '' do not have my written consent to furnish this information, thus violating the law. 

Additionally, 15 USC 6802 ( b ) ( c ) mandates that a financial institution may not disclose nonpublic personal information to a nonaffiliated third party unless the consumer is given an explanation of how they can exercise their nondisclosure option. I have never been informed of my right to exercise this nondisclosure option by the " Furnisher of information to credit agencies. '' Moreover, 15 USC 1681C ( a ) ( 5 ) explicitly prohibits consumer reporting agencies from including any adverse item of information in a consumer report without authorization, except for records of convictions of crimes that antedate the report by more than seven years. The account being reported is an adverse item that is being reported without my permission, which is a clear violation of the law.

Furthermore, 15 U.S. Code 1681s2 ( A ) ( 1 ) states that a person shall not furnish any information relating to a consumer to any consumer reporting agency if the person knows or has reasonable cause to believe that the information is inaccurate. Equifax, XXXX, and XXXX are therefore in violation of this code by furnishing inaccurate information. 

Lastly, 12 CFR 1016.7 grants consumers the right to opt out of reporting services at any time. I am hereby exercising my right to opt out of your reporting services. 

I demand that Equifax, XXXX, and XXXX immediately cease the sharing of my private information without my consent and take immediate steps to rectify the inaccurate information being reported. I also request that you provide me with a written confirmation of the actions taken to address this complaint within 15 days of receiving this letter. 

Failure to comply with my demands and rectify this situation will leave me with no choice but to pursue legal action to protect my rights and seek appropriate remedies. 

I expect a prompt and satisfactory resolution to this matter. Thank you for your attention to this serious issue.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation