Consumer complaint received 2023-09-26
Company: SYNCHRONY FINANCIAL
State: TX
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:
This is my formal complaint against both accounts in relation to SYNCHRONY, a financial institution, for multiple violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), 15 USC 1681, and the Privacy Act of 1974, 5 USC 552a, as well as additional pertinent statutory and regulatory provisions. This complaint revolves around Synchrony 's transaction reporting violations, invasive breaches of privacy, and disregard for consumer rights.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 USC 1681 section 602 ( a ), underscores the paramount need for consumer reporting agencies to fulfill their responsibilities with fairness, impartiality, and a profound respect for consumers ' privacy rights. This principle is further echoed in 15 USC 6801, which mandates that every financial institution, including Synchrony, has an affirmative and ongoing obligation to uphold customer privacy and safeguard the security and confidentiality of nonpublic personal information.

However, my complaint centers on Synchrony 's transaction reporting violations, unauthorized inquiries, and their disregard for privacy rights. As per 15 USC 1681 section 604 ( a ) ( 2 ), consumer reporting agencies may furnish a consumer report solely " in accordance with the written instructions of the consumer to whom it relates. '' Neither Synchrony, the financial institution, nor the consumer reporting agencies, XXXX, XXXX, and XXXX, sought my consent, let alone written consent, to furnish this information. Consequently, I hereby formally revoke any and all consent, irrespective of its form, be it verbal, non-verbal, written, implied, or conveyed by any other means, to XXXX, XXXX, XXXX, and Synchrony. 

Furthermore, Synchrony failed to inform me of my right to exercise my nondisclosure option, as stipulated by 15 USC 6802 ( b ) ( c ). This represents a clear violation of federal regulations. Notably, 15 USC 1681C ( a ) ( 5 ) mandates that no consumer reporting agency may compile a consumer report containing adverse information without proper authorization. Synchrony reported adverse information without my consent, thus violating federal law.

Additionally, 15 U.S. Code 1681s2 ( A ) ( 1 ) ( A ) specifies that a person shall not furnish information to a consumer reporting agency if they know or have reasonable cause to believe that the information is inaccurate. Synchrony has furnished inaccurate information, leading to harm and potential financial consequences for consumers. 

Moreover, XXXX, XXXX, and XXXX, the consumer reporting agencies, have failed to maintain reasonable procedures, as required by 15 U.S. Code 1681e. These agencies have reported inaccurate and inconsistent information, causing harm and confusion. 

In light of these severe violations, I request the CFPB conducts a thorough investigation into Synchrony 's actions, encompassing transaction reporting violations, encroachments on privacy, and disregard for consumer rights. I further request that appropriate actions be taken to rectify these infringements and that Synchrony be held accountable for its failure to adhere to statutory and regulatory requirements. Any account information you require of me, please let me know and I will be happy to furnish the information.

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