Consumer complaint received 2025-05-30 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Other personal consumer report
Issue: Identity theft protection or other monitoring services — Problem canceling credit monitoring or identify theft protection service
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: OH

Complaint narrative:
Formal Complaint Regarding Unauthorized Access to SSA and Employment Records Without Proper Consent To the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, This complaint is submitted in accordance with the rights granted to consumers under federal privacy laws, specifically the Privacy Act of 1974 ( 5 U.S.C. 552a ) and Section 1106 of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1306 ), to formally object to and request restriction of the disclosure and verification of personal identifying information ( including Social Security Number and employment data ) to any unauthorized third-party entities.

The complainant asserts that their personal data, including but not limited to name, Social Security Number ( SSN ), phone number, and employment history, has been made available or is at risk of being accessed by external parties through employment verification systems or data vendors without their explicit written consent. 

Complaint Summary and Request The individual is requesting immediate enforcement of privacy rights and legal protections under the following conditions : Restriction of Disclosure : No information, including SSN, employment history, or related identifiers, should be released to any third-party entity that does not have a valid, legally authorized purpose as outlined in the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( 15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq. ) or applicable SSA guidelines.

Notice to Data Brokers and Employment Verifiers : Data aggregators such as The Work Number, Equifax XXXX XXXXXXXX and similar entities must be restricted from distributing, verifying, or storing information relating to the complainant unless written consent has been directly obtained. 

Jurisdictional Limits : Any agency, platform, or employer not acting under legal jurisdiction or court-ordered authority should not be allowed access to confidential SSA or employment data.

Violation of Federal Guidelines : If unauthorized disclosures have occurred or continue to occur, this would constitute a violation of : The Privacy Act of 1974 Section 1106 of the Social Security Act FCRA Section 1681b and 1681e Recent FTC enforcement actions against Equifax for mishandling consumer data Relief Sought The complainant respectfully requests that the CFPB : Enforce protections to block further unauthorized access to the individual 's data Issue a notice or guidance to Equifax XXXX XXXX, The Work Number, and affiliated data vendors that no information should be disclosed regarding this individual without written, signed consent Provide a reference number and confirmation of action taken Investigate the data systems that continue to provide employment verification without the consumer 's knowledge or participation Conclusion The unauthorized disclosure or verification of personal data poses a significant risk to consumer privacy and security. The complainant seeks protection under federal law and wishes to hold data handlers and reporting agencies accountable for any nonconsensual disclosures. 

Thank you for your attention to this matter. 

Sincerely, [ Name Redacted for CFPB Submission ]

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation