Consumer complaint received 2024-06-21 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Credit monitoring or identity theft protection services — Didn't receive services that were advertised
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: IL

Complaint narrative:
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, IL XXXX XX/XX/2024 Equifax XXXX. 
Attn : Customer Service XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, GA XXXX Subject : XXXX XXXX XXXX and XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Dear Equifax Customer Service Team, I am writing to formally address a serious concern regarding unauthorized facial recognition practices that have been conducted on my personal information. Despite being informed otherwise, I have received multiple requests from Equifax to undergo facial recognition verification through text messages. This practice is in direct violation of the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act ( BIPA ), which mandates explicit written consent before the collection or use of biometric data. 

Below are the instances where I received text messages from Equifax requesting facial recognition verification : 1. Thu, XX/XX/XXXX at XXXX AM : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. Mon, XX/XX/XXXX at XXXX PM : XXXX XXXX XXXX  XXXX XXXX. Thu, XX/XX/XXXX at XXXX AM : https : //docv.us.equifax.com/? XXXX XXXX. Thu, XX/XX/XXXX at XXXX PM : https : //docv.us.equifax.com/? XXXX XXXX. Tue, XXXX XXXX at XXXX AM : https : //docv.us.equifax.com/? XXXX XXXX. Tue, XXXX XXXX at XXXX AM : https : //docv.us.equifax.com/? XXXX XXXX. Wed, XXXX XXXX at XXXX AM : https : //docv.us.equifax.com/? XXXX XXXX. XXXX  at XXXX PM : https : //docv.us.equifax.com/? XXXX On numerous occasions, I engaged in these verification processes under the belief that they were necessary and legally compliant. However, during recent communications with your representatives, I was informed that such practices are illegal in Illinois, leading to significant concern and distress on my part. 

I hereby demand a thorough investigation into these practices. Additionally, I formally request access to all records and logs related to the facial recognition processes conducted on my biometric data. This includes a detailed account of each instance of biometric data collection and the usage thereof. Please consider this letter as a formal request under the Freedom of Information Act ( FOIA ).

In accordance with BIPA, which prohibits the collection, use, or storage of biometric data without explicit written consent, I expect the following actions from Equifax : 1. A full investigation into the unauthorized use of my biometric data.

2. Immediate cessation of any ongoing unauthorized biometric data collection.

3. Detailed documentation of all instances of biometric data collection and processing.

4. Compensation for the unauthorized use of my biometric data. Given the nature and frequency of these violations, I propose a compensation amount of {$50000.00}, which aligns with the statutory damages outlined in XXXX ( {$1000.00} per negligent violation or {$5000.00} per intentional/reckless violation ). 

Moreover, I request that Equifax reviews the phone calls recorded with your representatives, during which I was repeatedly subjected to facial recognition verification and informed of its illegality only later. 

Failure to address these demands promptly will leave me with no choice but to seek legal recourse to protect my rights under XXXX. I trust that Equifax will take these concerns seriously and rectify this situation without delay. 

Please acknowledge receipt of this letter and provide a timeline for the requested actions and information. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation