Consumer complaint received 2024-06-06 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: IA

Complaint narrative:
I am writing to file a formal complaint against Equifax for their deliberate and repeated violations of my consumer rights and privacy, as outlined under federal and state laws. This complaint also encompasses their actions related to the Equifax data breach settlement and raises serious concerns about potential fraudulent activities aimed at causing me financial harm. 

Specifically, Equifax has unlawfully furnished my personal and financial information to unauthorized entities without my consent. This includes providing my data to collection agencies and debt buyers, despite my explicit instructions to opt out of such disclosures.

I am aware of my rights under 5 U.S.C. 1681b & the public law, which states " Sec. 60XXXX. [ 15 U.S.C. 1681b ] ( a ) In general.Subject to subsection ( c ) of this section, any consumer reporting agency may furnish a consumer report under the following circumstances and no other XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX ) In response to a request by the head of a State or local child support enforcement agency ( or a State or local government official authorized by the head of such an agency ), if the person making the request certifies to the consumer reporting agency that ( A ) the consumer report is needed for the purpose of establishing an individuals capacity to make child support payments or determining the appropriate level of such payments ; ( B ) the paternity of the consumer for the child to which the obligation relates has been established or acknowledged by the consumer in accordance with State laws under which the obligation arises ( if required by those laws ) ; ( C ) the person has provided at least 10 days prior notice to the consumer whose report is requested, by certified or registered mail to the last known address of the consumer, that the report will be requested ; and ( D ) the consumer report will be kept confidential, will be used solely for a purpose described in subparagraph ( A ), and will not be used in connection with any other civil, administrative, or criminal proceeding, or for any other purpose.

( XXXX ) To an agency administering a State plan under section 654 of title 42 for use to set an initial or modified child support award. '' Based off this public law, Equifax is in direct violation of by furnishing by records to the various debt collectors and 3rd part associates, whether bank, trustee, indentured trustee or any derivates. 

Furthermore, Equifax has violated the Privacy Act of 1974 by knowingly disclosing my personal information without a lawful purpose. This act prohibits federal agencies from disclosing records without the written consent of the individual, unless specifically authorized by law. 

Additionally, I believe that Equifax actions are in direct violation of the terms and spirit of the Equifax data breach settlement. This settlement was intended to provide relief and protection to consumers whose data was compromised, yet Equifax continues to engage in practices that further endanger my financial security. 

I have strong reason to believe that Equifax 's deliberate and repeated violations are not merely negligent but are part of a calculated scheme to cause me financial harm. The unauthorized dissemination of my information has led to a barrage of fraudulent activities, including attempts to open accounts in my name, unauthorized charges on my existing accounts, and harassment from debt collectors regarding debts I do not owe. 

I suspect that these actions are intended to destabilize my financial standing and potentially facilitate the embezzlement of estate funds to which I am entitled. The continuous and targeted nature of these attacks suggests a malicious intent that goes beyond simple data mismanagement.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation