Consumer complaint received 2024-05-20 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Improper use of your report — Reporting company used your report improperly
Company: SYNCHRONY FINANCIAL
State: NC

Complaint narrative:
I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding the unauthorized and unethical handling of my personal information by various credit reporting agencies. This includes the improper transmission of sensitive data, such as my Social Security Number, date of birth, and other restricted information, to non-affiliated third-party entities that are not official credit bureaus recognized by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau . 

This complaint is aggravated by several additional violations : Failure to Provide Opt-Out Information : I have never received the monthly options to opt out of data sharing, which is a requirement for ensuring consumer rights are respected. 
Lack of Express Written Consent : These agencies have never obtained my express written consent to collect or share my personal information, as mandated by law. 
Misrepresentation of Opt-Out Rights : I was incorrectly informed that I was not allowed to opt out of their services, which constitutes fraudulent misrepresentation. 
Illegal Profit from Personal Data : My personal information has been transmitted illegally to third parties for the profit of these agencies, from which I have seen no benefit. This action also constitutes a violation of the Privacy Act of 1974, which protects against unauthorized disclosure of personal information. 
These actions not only breach the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) and 15 U.S.C. 6802, but also expose a severe disregard for my rights and safety, potentially leading to identity theft and financial fraud. The behavior of these agencies highlights a systemic failure to uphold the privacy and integrity of consumer data. 

I even have multiple responses for Sync stating " they follow all applicable laws '' but transmitted my XXXX XXXX, and Transaction data to unaffiliated third parties and then attempted to rationalize it with the following repsonse : " Credit Bureau Reporting. We may report information about your account to credit bureaus. Late payments, missed payments, or other defaults on your account may be shown in your credit report. '' IT IS ILLEGAL TO TRANSMIT PAYMENT OR ACCOUNT INFORMATION. 

I urgently request that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau initiate a comprehensive investigation into these flagrant violations and enforce appropriate penalties to prevent further misconduct as well as refer these bad actors to the XXXX XXXX  XXXX for investigation into fraudulent business practices. I will personally be filing a complaint with the NC attorney general. It is imperative that rigorous actions are taken to ensure compliance with all relevant statutes and to safeguard consumer rights. 

I look forward to your prompt response and resolution of this grave matter. Please contact me at the details provided above if more information or documentation is required.

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