Consumer complaint received 2023-12-22
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. (PA)

Dear Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, I am writing to exercise my rights under 12 CFR 1016.7 to opt out of the inclusion of certain information in my consumer report. Furthermore, I would like to bring to your attention several violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), 15 U.S. Code 1681, and related statutes by Equifax. 

According to 15 U.S. Code 1681, Section 602 ( a ), there is a need to ensure that consumer reporting agencies exercise their responsibilities with fairness, impartiality, and a respect for the consumers right to privacy. Equifax as a consumer reporting agency, must adhere to these principles, and I, as the consumer, have the right to ensure that my private information is not shared without my consent. 

Furthermore, 15 U.S. Code 6801 establishes the policy that financial institutions have an affirmative and continuing obligation to respect the privacy of their customers and protect the security and confidentiality of nonpublic personal information. The entities reporting information on my behalf ( XXXX, XXXX, and XXXX XXXX XXXX ) fall under the definition of financial institutions as per this title. However, Equifax does not have my consent to furnish this information, as required by 15 U.S. Code 1681, Section 604 ( a ) ( 2 ), which states that a consumer reporting agency may furnish a consumer report only in accordance with the written instructions of the consumer. 

I am revoking any and all consent, whether verbal, non-verbal, written, implied, or otherwise, for Equifax, and the furnishers of information to credit agencies to report any information on my behalf. 

Moreover, 15 U.S. Code 6802 ( b ) ( c ) states that a financial institution may not disclose nonpublic personal information to a nonaffiliated third party unless the consumer is given an explanation of how the consumer can exercise that nondisclosure option. The furnisher of information to credit agencies never informed me of my right to exercise my nondisclosure option. 

Additionally, 15 U.S. Code 1681C ( a ) ( 5 ) prohibits a consumer reporting agency from making any consumer report containing adverse items of information without authorization. The accounts from XXXX, XXXX, and XXXX XXXX XXXX that are being reported without my consent constitute adverse items in violation of this provision. 

Furthermore, 15 U.S. Code 1681s2 ( A ) ( 1 ) ( A ) 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 are reporting information without my consent, constituting inaccurate information. 

Finally, 15 U.S. Code 1681e mandates that every consumer reporting agency shall maintain reasonable procedures to avoid violations of the FCRA. Equifax is not maintaining reasonable procedures, as evidenced by their reporting of unauthorized and inaccurate information. Also 12 CFR 1016.7 states that " A consumer may exercise the right to opt out at any time. '' I am opting out of your reporting services. 

I kindly request that you investigate these matters promptly and inform me of the results of your investigation. Additionally, I request that any inaccurate or unauthorized information be removed from my consumer report. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX