Consumer complaint received 2023-12-08
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: FL
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 it may concern, I am writing to formally dispute information contained in my consumer report provided by your agency. Having recently obtained a copy of my consumer report, I uncovered that non-public information about me has been disclosed to a non-affiliated third party without my written consent. This appears to be a violation of the provisions outlined in 15 U.S. Code 6802 - Obligations with Respect to Disclosures of Personal Information.

Per the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), I have the right to be informed about and control the disclosure of my personal information. The disclosed information to a non-affiliated third party raises concerns about my privacy rights, as I was never provided with an option to opt-out, as required by law. 

Upon reviewing the report, I noticed that certain accounts are being reported without my written consent. It is crucial to clarify that my dispute is not with the creditor but with your reporting agency for disclosing and reporting information without proper authorization. 

Referring to 15 USC 1681b - Permissible Purpose, a consumer 's written consent is mandated for the reporting of personal information. As of now, I have not given such written consent, and I request that you provide proof of my consent to demonstrate compliance with this legal requirement. Failure to provide evidence of my consent could be construed as a violation of my rights under the FCRA. 

Furthermore, I have filed a report with the Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ) regarding this matter, and the reference number for my complaint is XXXX. I believe that the unauthorized disclosure and reporting of my personal information may constitute a violation under 18 USC 1028a, as it could be perceived as a form of identity theft.

In accordance with 15 USC 1681c-2, I am formally requesting the removal of the following accounts from my consumer report within four business days from the date of this letter : ACCOUNT INFO Account name XXXX Account XXXX XXXX Account name XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Account number XXXX Account name XXXX XXXX XXXX Account number XXXX Account name XXXX XXXX  Account number XXXX Account name XXXX XXXX XXXX Account number XXXX Account Name DEPT OF ED / XXXX Account Number : XXXX UNAUTHORIZED INQUIRY XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Inquired XXXX XX/XX/XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX  Inquired on XX/XX/XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Inquired on XX/XX/XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Inquired on XX/XX/XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XX/XX/XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX Inquired on XX/XX/XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Inquired on XX/XX/XXXX XXXX  XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XX/XX/XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Inquired on XX/XX/XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Inquired on XX/XX/XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Inquired on XX/XX/XXXX I assert my right to a fair and accurate credit reporting process, and I believe that the swift removal of these accounts is essential to rectify the reported inaccuracies. Additionally, I request that you provide documentation regarding your method of verification for the disputed accounts and records showing proof of giving me the option to opt out of the information being reported in my consumer report. This will help ensure that your reporting agency adheres to the necessary standards for accuracy and fairness in credit reporting. 

I expect your prompt attention to this matter and the resolution of my dispute within the specified time frame ( 4 Business days ). Failure to comply with the provisions of the FCRA may result in further legal action. 

Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief