Consumer complaint received 2024-04-15 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Problem with a company's investigation into an existing problem — Problem with personal statement of dispute
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: FL

Complaint narrative:
In response to complaint id : XXXX I am aware that a charge off is viewed as a certificate of indebtedness, making it taxable income and potentially eligible for removal from records. Given this understanding and the appearance of this information across multiple credit bureau reports, I am seeking assistance in reviewing this situation. According to the Internal Revenue Service publication 4681, if a debt for which you are personally responsible is forgiven or discharged for less than the full amount owed, the remaining unpaid portion is considered canceled debt and must be included in your income. I am requesting an inquiry based on data from the four major credit reporting agencies, which indicate a charged off debt from XXXX XXXX XXXX reported on XX/XX/XXXX, totaling {$23000.00}. An authorized 1099-C form has already been submitted to the IRS, and I have both copies available for verification. The amount enlisted in the form will be included in my income for tax year XXXX and should also be removed from the credit reports since my credit history should not include income information. 
In accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act 15 USC 1681 section 602, it is imperative that consumer reporting agencies uphold their responsibilities with fairness, impartiality, and respect for consumer privacy. I, as the consumer, have the right to safeguard my personal information, as supported by 15 USC 6801 which emphasizes the obligation of financial institutions to protect customer privacy. XXXX XXXX XXXX falls under the definition of a financial institution. 15 USC 1681 section 604 highlights that consumer reporting agencies can only furnish a consumer report with the explicit written instructions of the consumer concerned. I have not provided my consent for XXXX XXXX XXXX, Equifax, XXXX, XXXX, and XXXX to share this information, whether verbally, non-verbally, in writing, or otherwise. Any consent previously given is now revoked. 


Furthermore, as per 15 USC 6802 ( b ) ( c ), a financial institution can not disclose nonpublic personal information to a third party without informing the consumer of their right to opt out of such disclosures. XXXX XXXX XXXX did not inform me of my right to exercise this option. The account they are reporting without my permission constitutes an adverse item of information, which is prohibited under 15 USC 1681C ( a ) ( 5 ). Additionally, 15 U.S. Code 1681s2 ( A ) ( 1 ) prohibits furnishing inaccurate consumer information to reporting agencies, while 15 U.S. Code 1681e requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain procedures that prevent violations and limit report furnishing to specific purposes. Equifax, XXXX, XXXX, and XXXX are failing to maintain reasonable procedures. 


Lastly, as outlined in 12 CFR 1016.7, consumers have the right to opt out of reporting services at any time. Therefore, I am choosing to opt out of your reporting services.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief