Consumer complaint received 2023-12-24 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: Nelnet, Inc.
State: NC

Complaint narrative:
I am writing to file a formal complaint against Nelnet Loan Services regarding their unauthorized and illegal reporting of my educational records, specifically the transaction history, to consumer reporting agencies. This action by Nelnet Loan Services is a clear violation of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act ( FERPA ) of 1974.

The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act ( FERPA ) safeguards educational records, encompassing a wide array of information, including but not limited to grades, transcripts, disciplinary records, and personally identifiable information ( PII ) directly linked to a student. Transaction history pertinent to educational loans or financial matters, although not explicitly outlined in FERPA, falls squarely within the realm of protected information due to its direct association with the educational journey and financial status of the student. 

As custodians of these records, Nelnet Loan Services is bound by FERPA regulations. However, they have egregiously disregarded these regulations by reporting transaction histories to consumer reporting agencies without obtaining my explicit consent, thereby breaching the privacy rights guaranteed under FERPA.

Moreover, the Privacy Act of 1974 supplements FERPA by regulating the collection, use, and dissemination of personal information by federal agencies. This act establishes stringent measures to ensure confidentiality, accuracy, relevance, and proper use of personal information.

Nelnet Loan Services ' disclosure of my transaction history to consumer reporting agencies without my explicit consent constitutes a blatant violation not only of FERPA but also of the broader principles established under the Privacy Act of 1974. These actions compromise the confidentiality and privacy protections afforded to my educational records and personal information, resulting in tangible financial damages and emotional distress.

Despite my attempts to rectify this matter directly with Nelnet Loan Services, their failure to acknowledge or resolve the issue necessitates the intervention of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. I am seeking not only accountability for Nelnet Loan Services ' actions but also compensation for the financial damages and emotional distress incurred due to their illegal reporting activities. 

I kindly request that the CFPB investigate this matter thoroughly and take appropriate actions to rectify the violations committed by Nelnet Loan Services. Pursuant to 15 USC 1681n, I seek damages of {$1000.00} per violation as a result of their unlawful actions. 

Enclosed with this letter are relevant documents supporting my claim. Please do not hesitate to contact me for any further information or clarification needed to pursue this matter. 

Thank you for your attention to this urgent issue. I trust that the CFPB will take necessary steps to address this grievance and ensure justice is served.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation