Consumer complaint received 2025-03-13 00:00:00
Product: Student loan — Federal student loan servicing
Issue: Problem with a company's investigation into an existing problem — Was not notified of investigation status or results
Company: Nelnet, Inc.
State: AZ

Complaint narrative:
Formal Complaint Regarding Unauthorized Access to Education Records, Social Security Information, and Request for Student Loan Forgiveness Dear CFPB, I am writing to formally file a complaint under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act ( FERPA ) ( 20 U.S.C. 1232g ; 34 CFR Part 99 ) regarding the unauthorized access and disclosure of my protected education records, Social Security information, and personal address. Additionally, I am requesting the forgiveness of all federal student loans under my name due to the severe violation of my privacy rights and the potential misuse of my personal information. 

On or around XX/XX/XXXX, I became aware that my secure education records, including my Social Security number and personal address, were accessed and disclosed without my consent. This unauthorized access occurred within Nelnet, in violation of all privacy regulations. 

The specific details of the incident are as follows : 1. **Unauthorized Access : ** XX/XX/XXXX it was reported by the news and the government XXXX XXXX and XXXX  had accessed student loan information system. 
2. **Information Disclosed : ** My Social Security number, education records, and personal address were accessed and/or disclosed to unauthorized individuals or entities. 
3. **Impact : ** This breach has caused significant harm, including [ describe any consequences, such as identity theft, emotional distress, financial harm, etc. ]. 
FERPA Violations FERPA guarantees the privacy and security of students education records and personally identifiable information ( PII ). The unauthorized access and disclosure of my records constitute a clear violation of FERPA, including but not limited to : - **34 CFR 99.30 : ** Failure to obtain my written consent before disclosing my education records.

- **34 CFR 99.31 : ** Lack of a permissible exception to disclose my records without consent.

- **34 CFR 99.33 : ** Failure to ensure that only authorized parties accessed my records.

Request for Student Loan Forgiveness Due to the severity of this violation and the potential misuse of my personal information, I am requesting the forgiveness of all federal student loans under my name. The unauthorized access to my Social Security number and education records has compromised my financial security and created undue stress, making it unreasonable to hold me accountable for these loans.

1. I request a thorough investigation into this violation, including the identification of all parties responsible for the unauthorized access and disclosure of my records.

2. I request that Nelnet and any other student loan servicer past or present, take immediate steps to secure my records, prevent future breaches, and provide me with a detailed report of the actions taken.

3. I request the forgiveness of all federal student loans under my name due to the harm caused by this violation.

4. I request written confirmation of the steps taken to address this complaint and the outcome of the investigation. 

I trust that your office will take this matter seriously and act promptly to address this violation of my rights. Please contact me at XXXX or XXXX if you require additional information or documentation. 

Thank you for your attention to this matter. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation