Consumer complaint received 2025-01-02 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: NE

Complaint narrative:
I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding unauthorized hard and soft inquiries on my credit report. These inquiries have resulted in violations of my rights under multiple federal laws, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act ( GLBA ), and the Privacy Act of 1974. Below, I outline the legal violations, provide additional context, and demand immediate corrective action. 

Violations of Federal Law 1. Violation of 15 U.S.C. 6801 ( a ) and 15 U.S.C. 6802 ( b ) ( 1 ) ( C ) : As per the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, financial institutions have a continuing obligation to respect the privacy of their customers and protect their nonpublic personal information. Additionally, 15 U.S.C. 6802 ( b ) ( 1 ) ( C ) prohibits the disclosure of nonpublic personal information to nonaffiliated third parties unless the consumer is explicitly informed of their right to opt out. I have never been provided with such notice by any of the financial institutions and companies listed on all three of the credit reports enclosed, nor was I afforded the opportunity to exercise my right to nondisclosure. 

2. Violation of 15 U.S.C. 1681 ( a ) ( 2 ) and 1681b ( c ) ( 3 ) : Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, consumer reports can only be furnished with the explicit written instructions of the consumer to whom the report relates. I have not provided any written consent to XXXX, EQUIFAX, XXXX, or any of the financial institutions and companies listed on all three of the credit reports enclosed to perform or request these inquiries. Moreover, inquiries not initiated by me must be tied to a legitimate credit or insurance transaction. There was no such transaction, and I demand proof of valuable consideration to substantiate any claim of a transaction. 

3. Violation of 15 U.S.C. 6802 ( b ) ( 1 ) ( C ) and 12 C.F.R. 1016.7 : I was not informed of my right to opt out of information sharing, nor was I given the required explanation of how to exercise this right. Furthermore, 12 C.F.R. 1016.7 explicitly allows consumers to opt-out at any time. Through this complaint, I am formally opting out of all future inquiries and the reporting of my information to any non-affiliated third parties. 

4. Violation of 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) : Entities providing information to consumer reporting agencies are required to ensure that the information furnished is accurate and not misleading. The financial institutions and companies listed on all three of the credit reports enclosed have failed to meet this obligation by reporting unauthorized inquiries. 

5. Violation of 15 U.S.C. 1681e ( a ) : Consumer reporting agencies must maintain reasonable procedures to prevent unauthorized access to consumer reports. XXXX, EQUIFAX, and XXXX have failed to uphold this responsibility by allowing these unauthorized inquiries to appear on my credit report. 

6. Violation of 5 U.S.C. 552a ( b ) : The Privacy Act prohibits the sharing or disclosure of personal information without the individuals prior written consent, except under specific exceptions. No such consent was provided for the inquiries listed. 

7. Violation of 15 U.S.C. 1681 Section 602 ( a ) ( 4 ) : Congress emphasized the importance of fairness, impartiality, and respect for consumer privacy in the FCRA. XXXX, EQUIFAX, and XXXX have failed to exercise these responsibilities by sharing and reporting my private information without proper authorization. 
Demands 1. Removal of Unauthorized Inquiries : All hard and soft inquiries appearing on my credit report without my explicit consent must be removed immediately.

2. Proof of Authorization and Transactions : Provide written proof of my consent authorizing the inquiries in question.

Submit evidence of any credit or insurance transactions allegedly tied to these inquiries, including proof of valuable consideration.

3. Investigation of Violations : Conduct a thorough investigation into these violations and hold XXXX, EQUIFAX, XXXX, the financial institutions and companies listed on all three of the credit reports enclosed, and other relevant parties accountable. 

4. Confirmation of Compliance : Provide a written confirmation that the unauthorized inquiries have been removed and that appropriate steps have been taken to prevent future violations.

Formal Opt-Out Notice In accordance with 12 C.F.R. 1016.7 ( a ), I am exercising my right to opt out of all reporting and information sharing services with the consumer reporting agencies ( XXXX, Equifax, and XXXX ), as well as the financial institutions involved, including XXXX XXXX and XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX. 

Supporting Documentation Enclosed are the following : A copy of my credit reports from XXXX, EQUIFAX, and XXXX highlighting the unauthorized inquiries. 
Conclusion These actions represent clear violations of my rights under federal law, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, and the Privacy Act of 1974. I trust the CFPB will act swiftly to address these violations and ensure that my rights as a consumer are fully restored.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation