Consumer complaint received 2024-08-22
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Improper use of your report — Reporting company used your report improperly
Company: EQUIFAX, INC. (MN)

On XX/XX/XXXX I sent letters to XXXX, XXXX, and Equifax because they violated multiple provisions of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ). I wish to opt out of their reporting services unless prior notice is provided to me. Despite my charged-off accounts being settled, these accounts should be marked as " paid as agreed, '' as a charge-off is considered a certificate of indebtedness and should be treated as income rather than an " owed debt. '' Under 15 USC 1681 section 602 ( a ), consumer reporting agencies are required to handle their responsibilities with fairness, impartiality, and respect for consumer privacy, yet these agencies have failed to uphold this obligation. My right to ensure that my personal information is not shared without my consent is protected by 15 USC 6801, which mandates that financial institutions respect customer privacy. The creditors listed on my credit report, as furnishers of information, must adhere to these legal obligations. Additionally, under 15 USC 1681 section 604 ( a ) ( 2 ), consumer reporting agencies are only authorized to furnish reports in accordance with the written instructions of the consumer. However, I did not grant consent to Equifax, XXXX, or XXXX to furnish my information, and I have revoked any prior consent, whether verbal, non-verbal, written, or implied, effective immediately. Furthermore, 15 USC 6802 ( b ) ( c ) prohibits financial institutions from disclosing nonpublic personal information to nonaffiliated third parties without informing the consumer of their right to opt-out, a right I was never informed of. It is also illegal to report transaction history, and I request that all my accountspast, present, and futurebe reported as " paid as agreed '' on my credit report. I am seeking compensation for the erroneous reports sent by these agencies, with {$100.00} for each inaccurate report that led to companies reaching inaccurate conclusions. To date, XXXX has sent approximately XXXX inaccurate reports, XXXX has sent approximately XXXX, and Equifax has sent XXXX. Additionally, I am entitled to {$1000.00} per violation of my rights. I am opting out of all reporting services that disclose information to nonaffiliated third parties without my consent, and I expect a privacy notice before any additional information is furnished on my consumer report. Lastly, I request confirmation of the corrections made regarding any inaccuracies from their records, including all charged-off accounts being tagged as " paid as agreed. '' Under 15 USC 1681n, any person who willfully fails to comply with any requirement imposed under this subchapter with respect to any consumer is liable for actual damages or damages of not less than {$100.00} and not more than {$1000.00}. If I can prove that these agencies willfully violated the act, I am entitled to at least {$1000.00} per violation plus any other damages sustained as a result of their failure to follow the law. Since this isn't the first time I am complaining, willful noncompliance can easily be demonstrated as they were fully aware of the violations after being informed.