Consumer complaint received 2024-04-06 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: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: GA

Complaint narrative:
In reference to my Account # XXXX The Privacy Act of 1974 5 U.S. Code 552a insures that my information by law is to be kept private. 

The Fair Credit Reporting Act 15 USC 1681 section 602 states : " There is a need to insure that consumer reporting agencies exercise their grave responsibilities with fairness, impartiality, and a respect for the consumers right to privacy. '' 12 CFR 1016.1 - Purpose and scope 1016.1 Purpose and scope. 
( a ) Purpose. This part governs the treatment of nonpublic personal information about consumers by the financial institutions listed in paragraph ( b ) of this section. This part : ( XXXX ) Requires a financial institution to provide notice to customers about its privacy policies and practices ; ( XXXX ) Describes the conditions under which a financial institution may disclose nonpublic personal information about consumers to nonaffiliated third parties ; and ( XXXX ) Provides a method for consumers to prevent a financial institution from disclosing that information to most nonaffiliated third parties by opting out of that disclosure, subject to the exceptions in 1016.13, 1016.14, and 1016.15. 
( b ) Scope. 
( XXXX ) This part applies only to nonpublic personal information about individuals who obtain financial products or services primarily for personal, family, or household purposes from the institutions listed below. This part does not apply to information about companies or about individuals who obtain financial products or services for business, commercial, or agricultural purposes. This part applies to those financial institutions and other persons for which the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection ( Bureau ) has rulemaking authority pursuant to section 504 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act ( GLB Act ) ( 15 U.S.C. 6804 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) ). Specifically, this part applies to any financial institution and other covered person or service provider that is subject to Subtitle A of Title V of the GLB Act, including third parties that are not financial institutions but that receive nonpublic personal information from financial institutions with whom they are not affiliated. This part does not apply to certain motor vehicle dealers described in 12 U.S.C. 5519 or to entities for which the Securities and Exchange Commission or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission has rulemaking authority pursuant to sections 504 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) ( B ) of the GLB Act ( 15 U.S.C. 6804 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) ( B ) ). Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, entities to which this part applies are referred to in this part as you. 
( XXXX ) ( i ) Nothing in this part modifies, limits, or supersedes the standards governing individually identifiable health information promulgated by the XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  under the authority of sections XXXX and XXXX of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 ( 42 U.S.C. 1320d1320d8 ). 
( XXXX ) Any institution of higher education that complies with the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act ( FERPA ), 20 U.S.C. 1232g, and its implementing regulations, 34 CFR part 99, and that is also a financial institution described in XXXX ( l ) ( XXXX ) of this part, shall be deemed to be in compliance with this part if it is in compliance with FERPA. 
( XXXX ) Nothing in this part shall apply to : ( i ) A financial institution that is a person described in section XXXX ( a ) of the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010, title X of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act ( Dodd-Frank Act ), Public Law 111203, 124 Stat. 1376 ( 12 U.S.C. 5519 ( a ) ) ; ( ii ) A financial institution or other person subject to the jurisdiction on the Commodity Futures Trading Commission under 7 U.S.C. 7b2 ; ( iii ) A broker or dealer that is registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ( 15 U.S.C. 78a et seq. ; ) ( iv ) A registered investment adviser, properly registered by or on behalf of either the Securities Exchange Commission or any state, with respect to its investment advisory activities and its activities incidental to those investment advisory activities ; ( v ) An investment company that is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 ( 15 U.S.C. 80a1 et seq. ; ) or ( vi ) An insurance company, with respect to its insurance activities and its activities incidental to those insurance activities, that is subject to supervision by a state insurance regulator. 


XXXX, Equifax, and XXXX are consumer reporting agencies and I am the Consumer. I have the right to make sure my private information isn't shared which is backed by 15 USC 6801 which states : " It is the policy of the Congress that each financial institution has an affirmative and continuing obligation to respect the privacy of its customers and to protect the security and confidentiality of those customers nonpublic personal information. '' ( Furnisher of information to credit agencies ) is a financial institution by definition under that title. 15 USC 1681 section 604 a section 2 states that " In general Subject to subsection ( c ), any consumer reporting agency may furnish a consumer report under the following circumstances and no other : in accordance with the written instructions of the consumer to whom it relates. '' ( Furnisher of information to credit agencies ) the financial institution and the Consumer reporting agencies XXXX, Equifax, and XXXX do not have my consent to furnish this information and they surely do not have my written consent. Any and all consent to Equifax, XXXX, whether it be verbal, non-verbal, written, implied or otherwise is revoked.

15 USC 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. '' 15 U.S. Code 6802 - Obligations with respect to disclosures of personal information ( a ) Notice requirements Except as otherwise provided in this subchapter, a financial institution may not, directly or through any affiliate, disclose to a nonaffiliated third party any nonpublic personal information, unless such financial institution provides or has provided to the consumer a notice that complies with section XXXX of this title. 
( b ) Opt out ( XXXX ) In general A financial institution may not disclose nonpublic personal information to a nonaffiliated third party unless ( A ) such financial institution clearly and conspicuously discloses to the consumer, in writing or in electronic form or other form permitted by the regulations prescribed under section XXXX of this title, that such information may be disclosed to such third party ; ( B ) the consumer is given the opportunity, before the time that such information is initially disclosed, to direct that such information not be disclosed to such third party ; and ( C ) the consumer is given an explanation of how the consumer can exercise that nondisclosure option. 
( XXXX ) Exception This subsection shall not prevent a financial institution from providing nonpublic personal information to a nonaffiliated third party to perform services for or functions on behalf of the financial institution, including marketing of the financial institutions own products or services, or financial products or services offered pursuant to joint agreements between XXXX or more financial institutions that comply with the requirements imposed by the regulations prescribed under section XXXX of this title, if the financial institution fully discloses the providing of such information and enters into a contractual agreement with the third party that requires the third party to maintain the confidentiality of such information. 
( c ) Limits on reuse of information Except as otherwise provided in this subchapter, a nonaffiliated third party that receives from a financial institution nonpublic personal information under this section shall not, directly or through an affiliate of such receiving third party, disclose such information to any other person that is a nonaffiliated third party of both the financial institution and such receiving third party, unless such disclosure would be lawful if made directly to such other person by the financial institution. 
( d ) Limitations on the sharing of account number information for marketing purposes A financial institution shall not disclose, other than to a consumer reporting agency, an account number or similar form of access number or access code for a credit card account, deposit account, or transaction account of a consumer to any nonaffiliated third party for use in telemarketing, direct mail marketing, or other marketing through electronic mail to the consumer. 
( XXXX ) General exceptions Subsections ( a ) and ( b ) shall not prohibit the disclosure of nonpublic personal information ( XXXX ) as necessary to effect, administer, or enforce a transaction requested or authorized by the consumer, or in connection with ( A ) servicing or processing a financial product or service requested or authorized by the consumer ; ( B ) maintaining or servicing the consumers account with the financial institution, or with another entity as part of a private label credit card program or other extension of credit on behalf of such entity ; or ( C ) a proposed or actual securitization, secondary market sale ( including sales of servicing rights ), or similar transaction related to a transaction of the consumer ; ( XXXX ) with the consent or at the direction of the consumer ; ( XXXX ) ( A ) to protect the confidentiality or security of the financial institutions records pertaining to the consumer, the service or product, or the transaction therein ; ( B ) to protect against or prevent actual or potential fraud, unauthorized transactions, claims, or other liability ; ( C ) for required institutional risk control, or for resolving customer disputes or inquiries ; ( D ) to persons holding a legal or beneficial interest relating to the consumer ; or ( XXXX ) to persons acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity on behalf of the consumer ; ( XXXX ) to provide information to insurance rate advisory organizations, guaranty funds or agencies, applicable rating agencies of the financial institution, persons assessing the institutions compliance with industry standards, and the institutions attorneys, accountants, and auditors ; ( XXXX ) to the extent specifically permitted or required under other provisions of law and in accordance with the Right to Financial Privacy Act of 1978 [ 12 U.S.C. 3401 et seq. ], to law enforcement agencies ( including the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection [ 1 ] a Federal functional regulator, the Secretary of the Treasury with respect to subchapter XXXX of chapter XXXX of title XXXX, and chapter XXXX of title I of Public Law 91508 ( 12 U.S.C. 19511959 ), a State insurance authority, or the Federal Trade Commission ), self-regulatory organizations, or for an investigation on a matter related to public safety ; ( XXXX ) ( A ) to a consumer reporting agency in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act [ 15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq. ], or ( B ) from a consumer report reported by a consumer reporting agency ; ( XXXX ) in connection with a proposed or actual sale, merger, transfer, or exchange of all or a portion of a business or operating unit if the disclosure of nonpublic personal information concerns solely consumers of such business or unit; or ( XXXX ) to comply with Federal, State, or local laws, rules, and other applicable legal requirements ; to comply with a properly authorized civil, criminal, or regulatory investigation or subpoena or summons by Federal, State, or local authorities ; or to respond to judicial process or government regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over the financial institution for examination, compliance, or other purposes as authorized by law. 

( Furnisher of information to credit agencies ) Never informed me of my right to exercise my nondisclosure option. Not only that 15 USC 1681C ( a ) ( XXXX ) states '' Except as authorized under subsection ( b ), no consumer reporting agency may make any consumer report containing any of the following items of information Any other adverse item of information, other than records of convictions of crimes which antedates the report by more than XXXX years. '' This account is an adverse item they are reporting again without my permission which is against the law. 15 U.S. Code 1681s2 ( A ) ( 1 ) A states " 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. 15 U.S. Code 1681e states '' Every consumer reporting agency shall maintain reasonable procedures designed to avoid violations of section XXXX of this title and to limit the furnishing of consumer reports to the purposes listed under section XXXX of this title. Equifax and XXXX are not maintaining reasonable procedures. 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. 

15 U.S. Code 6805 - Enforcement ( a ) In general Subject to subtitle B of the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 [ 12 U.S.C. 5511 et seq. ], this subchapter and the regulations prescribed thereunder shall be enforced by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, the Federal functional regulators, the State insurance authorities, and the Federal Trade Commission with respect to financial institutions and other persons subject to their jurisdiction under applicable law, as follows : ( XXXX ) Under section XXXX of title XXXX, by the appropriate Federal banking agency, as defined in section XXXX ( q ) of title XXXX, in the case of ( A ) national banks, Federal branches and Federal agencies of foreign banks, and any subsidiaries of such entities ( except brokers, dealers, persons providing insurance, investment companies, and investment advisers ) ; ( B ) member banks of the Federal Reserve System ( other than national banks ), branches and agencies of foreign banks ( other than Federal branches, Federal agencies, and insured State branches of foreign banks ), commercial lending companies owned or controlled by foreign banks, organizations operating under section XXXX or XXXX of the Federal Reserve Act [ 12 U.S.C. 601 et seq., 611 et seq. ], and bank holding companies and their nonbank subsidiaries or affiliates ( except brokers, dealers, persons providing insurance, investment companies, and investment advisers ) ; ( C ) banks insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ( other than members of the Federal Reserve System ), insured State branches of foreign banks, and any subsidiaries of such entities ( except brokers, dealers, persons providing insurance, investment companies, and investment advisers ) ; and ( D ) savings associations the deposits of which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and any subsidiaries of such savings associations ( except brokers, dealers, persons providing insurance, investment companies, and investment advisers ). 
( XXXX ) Under the Federal Credit Union Act [ 12 U.S.C. 1751 et seq. ], by the Board of the National Credit Union Administration with respect to any federally insured credit union, and any subsidiaries of such an entity. 
( XXXX ) Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 [ 15 U.S.C. 78a et seq. ], by the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to any broker or dealer. 
( XXXX ) Under the Investment Company Act of 1940 [ 15 U.S.C. 80a1 et seq. ], by the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to investment companies. 
( XXXX ) Under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 [ 15 U.S.C. 80b1 et seq. ], by the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to investment advisers registered with the Commission under such Act. 
( XXXX ) Under State insurance law, in the case of any person engaged in providing insurance, by the applicable State insurance authority of the State in which the person is domiciled, subject to section XXXX of this title. 
( XXXX ) Under the Federal Trade Commission Act [ 15 U.S.C. 41 et seq. ], by the Federal Trade Commission for any other financial institution or other person that is not subject to the jurisdiction of any agency or authority under paragraphs ( XXXX ) through ( XXXX ) of this subsection. 
( XXXX ) Under subtitle E of the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 [ 12 U.S.C. 5561 et seq. ], by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, in the case of any financial institution and other covered person or service provider that is subject to the jurisdiction of the Bureau and any person subject to this subchapter, but not with respect to the standards under section XXXX of this title. 
( b ) Enforcement of section XXXX ( XXXX ) In general Except as provided in paragraph ( XXXX ), the agencies and authorities described in subsection ( a ), other than the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, shall implement the standards prescribed under section XXXX ( b ) of this title in the same manner, to the extent practicable, as standards prescribed pursuant to section XXXX ( a ) of title XXXX are implemented pursuant to such section. 
( XXXX ) Exception The agencies and authorities described in paragraphs ( XXXX ), ( XXXX ), ( XXXX ), ( XXXX ), and ( XXXX ) of subsection ( a ) shall implement the standards prescribed under section XXXX ( b ) of this title by rule with respect to the financial institutions and other persons subject to their respective jurisdictions under subsection ( a ). 
( c ) Absence of State action If a State insurance authority fails to adopt regulations to carry out this subchapter, such State shall not be eligible to override, pursuant to section XXXX ( g ) ( XXXX ) ( B ) ( iii ) of title XXXX, the insurance customer protection regulations prescribed by a Federal banking agency under section XXXX ( a ) of title XXXX. 
( d ) Definitions The terms used in subsection ( a ) ( XXXX ) that are not defined in this subchapter or otherwise defined in section XXXX ( XXXX ) of title XXXX shall have the same meaning as given in section XXXX of title XXXX.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation