Consumer complaint received 2025-04-27 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Problem with a company's investigation into an existing problem — Investigation took more than 30 days
Company: Maximus Federal Services, Inc.
State: MD

Complaint narrative:
Back in XXXX, I sent XXXX  and Aidvantage a formal dispute and discharge request. Included in the packet was specific documentation to assist XXXX  with the investigation. Within the packet, I provided a page of my most recent XXXX  report as proof Aidvantage provided inaccurate information.

In my original letter, I provided the following : " Furthermore, although I am currently in the Income Drive Repayment Plan, which Aidvantage sent an email to me on XX/XX/XXXX confirming my recertification was good until 30 days BEFORE my due date of XX/XX/XXXX, Equifax is reporting my student loan account balance increased by {$800.00}... It looks like your student loan balance went up. This could be due to a missed payment, which can have a negative effect on your score ... My account is currently in good standing and I have not missed any payments. According to the FCRA, CRAs are required to ensure the accuracy of information on consumer reports. After seeing this reporting on my consumer report, I contacted my student loan servicer- Aidvantage. According to Aidvantage, this information is inaccurate and Borrowers Defense payments are scheduled for XXXX. The Aidvantage representative informed me of my rights and the necessary emails to address the inaccuracies being reported on my consumer report. After contacting XXXX  directly to inquire about these discrepancies, I was told Aidvantage provided updated information. Aidvantage blamed XXXX  and XXXX  said they were only reporting what was provided. However, the information in the portal, in the letters, etc., indicate there is a huge discrepancy, and the cost is at my expense. Based on the FCRA, there is an issue with the accuracy of the information Equifax is currently reporting, my privacy has not been protected, and a credit reporting agency reporting an {$800.00} increase for a payment currently and LEGALLY at {$0.00}, is unfair and problematic. Aidvantage reported delinquent and inaccurate information regarding my federal student loan account to one or more credit reporting agencies without my knowledge, consent, or proper notice on XX/XX/XXXX. In fact, the paperwork I currently have and what is reporting in the Aidvantage portal, contradicts what is being reported on my credit report ( direct violation of FERPA ). '' As of today, XX/XX/XXXX, I have not given any updates in reference to the investigation, nor any information about either entity receiving the original complaint. In the original complaint I identified the various violations associated with said student loans : " My private data was compromised without my authorization, violating multiple federal laws designed to protect student records and personal privacy. Under the following legal protections, my information should have been safeguarded : A. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act ( FERPA ) : Ensures the confidentiality of student records and prohibits the unauthorized disclosure of personal information.

B. Higher Education Act ( HEA ) : Establishes the responsibility of educational institutions and loan servicers to protect student data.

C. Privacy Act of 1974 : Prohibits the unauthorized sharing of personal information held by federal agencies. 
The unauthorized sharing of student loan borrowers personal and financial information with third parties, including XXXX XXXX, constitutes a violation of the contractual obligations to protect borrower data and borrowers privacy. 
The data breach, Borrowers ' Defense participation, and the egregious and erroneous information reporting on my credit profile despite being in the IDR plan, all supports how XXXX  and Aidvantage have both violated my consumer rights and protections. ''

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation