Consumer complaint received 2025-07-11 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: MS

Complaint narrative:
Dear CFPB Investigative Officer, I am writing to file a formal complaint against XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, as well as to raise concerns regarding the unlawful dissemination of my private financial information and the subsequent harm caused by negative credit reporting from the national credit bureaus. I am currently serving as an XXXX XXXX service member of the United States XXXX XXXX XXXX, having proudly held this position for the last XXXX ( XXXX ) years. 

Despite my XXXX  status and consistent communication with XXXX to ensure my loans were appropriately managedincluding multiple deferments and active efforts to resolve any outstanding mattersmy credit has suffered irreparable harm due to what I believe to be gross negligence, noncompliance with federal statutes, and unauthorized data sharing with third-party entities. 

1. Violation of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act ( SCRA ) Under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act ( SCRA ), 50 U.S.C. 3901 et seq., I am entitled to specific protections, including : Capping of interest rates at 6 % on pre-service obligations ; The right to delay civil court actions, including debt collection ; Protection from default judgments; Shielding from adverse credit reporting due to delays or non-payment caused by XXXX military service. 

Despite these protections, adverse marks have been repeatedly placed on my credit reports, and there has been no apparent acknowledgment or consistent application of SCRA compliance by XXXX. This failure has directly contributed to my declining credit score and has placed me in an unjust financial position. 

2. Violation of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act ( FERPA ) I also believe that FERPA ( 20 U.S.C. 1232g ; 34 CFR Part 99 ) has been violated. My student loan records and personal identifying information appear to have been shared with third-party collection agencies and credit bureaus without proper consent or due process. Under FERPA, my education records and any personally identifiable information therein are protected and should not be disclosed without written authorization, especially in a manner that may compromise my identity and credit integrity. 

3. Failure of Duty and Misrepresentation by XXXX I have made numerous attempts to resolve these issues directly with XXXX, including : Confirming deferment eligibility, Submitting SCRA-related documentation, Requesting corrections to credit reporting, And seeking written verification of account status. 

Despite these efforts, XXXX has failed to act in a timely or legally compliant manner. Their continued mismanagement of my student loan accounts reflects not only administrative negligence but also a reckless disregard for both my federal rights and the financial harm inflicted as a result. 

4. Impact on Financial Future and Lending Access Due to these issues, I have suffered : Significant credit score damage, Denials of credit opportunities for both educational and personal purposes, Higher interest rates, And long-term consequences to my financial trajectory. 

This is not only unjustit is illegal.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation