Consumer complaint received 2025-02-20 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: TX

Complaint narrative:
I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding the improper use and publication of my financial transaction history, which I believe violates the Privacy Act of 1974 ( XXXX U.S. CXXXXe XXXX ) and 15 U.S. Code XXXX. Under these laws, federal agencies and credit reporting entities are prohibited from disclosing personal records without proper authorization and from republishing previously disputed information that has been determined to be incorrect. I have reason to believe that my personal credit information has been misused or improperly shared. 

According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( 15 U.S.C. XXXX XXXX ( a ) ), consumer reporting agencies, including Equifax and Experian, must exercise their responsibilities with fairness, impartiality, and respect for consumers ' rights to privacy. Additionally, 15 U.S.C. XXXX establishes that financial institutions must protect the security and confidentiality of nonpublic personal information. Equifax and XXXX have failed to meet these obligations by sharing my credit information without my explicit written consent. 

Further, 15 U.S.C. XXXX XXXX ( a ) ( XXXX ) states that a consumer reporting agency may only furnish a report with the written consent of the consumer. I have not provided written consent to Equifax, Experian, or any financial institution to furnish or share my credit information. Moreover, 15 U.S.C. XXXX ( b ) ( c ) requires financial institutions to inform consumers of their right to opt out of information sharing, which I was not provided. 

Additionally, 15 U.S.C. XXXXc ( a ) ( XXXX ) prohibits consumer reporting agencies from including adverse items of information that are older than XXXX years, except for records of criminal convictions. Equifax and Experian have unlawfully continued to report adverse information on my credit report, violating this statute. 15 U.S.C. XXXX ( a ) ( XXXX ) ( A ) further states that no entity should furnish information to a consumer reporting agency if they know or have reason to believe it is inaccurate. XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX affirms that consumers have the right to opt-out at any time, and I am formally opting out of all reporting services by Equifax and Experian. 

Furthermore, I have identified that a transferred debt has been improperly reported on my credit report. 15 U.S.C. XXXX ( a ) ( XXXX ) ( A ) prohibits the furnishing of information that is known to be inaccurate, and a transferred debt should not be reflected as a negative item on my credit report. Reporting a transferred debt in a manner that negatively impacts my creditworthiness is misleading and in violation of federal law. 

Additionally, closed accounts should not be reported as negative items on credit reports, as they are considered certificates of indebtedness, which are classified as income rather than liabilities. Under XXXX XXXX. XXXX, income is broadly defined and includes any accession to wealth, clearly realized, and over which the taxpayer has complete control. The improper reporting of closed accounts violates this principle and misrepresents the financial status of consumers. 

Furthermore, student loan information has been improperly reported on my credit report in violation of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act ( FERPA ) ( XXXX XXXX. XXXX ). FERPA restricts the disclosure of personally identifiable information from education records without the student 's explicit consent. The improper disclosure of student loan information to consumer reporting agencies constitutes a violation of this federal privacy law and must be corrected immediately. 

Specifically, I have identified the following issues with my credit report : Unauthorized furnishing of my personal financial information without my explicit written consent. 

Failure to provide me with the opportunity to opt out of third-party sharing, as required by law. 

Continued reporting of previously disputed and incorrect adverse information. 

Incorrect reporting of transferred debt as a negative item on my credit report. 

Improper classification of closed accounts as liabilities rather than income, in violation of federal financial regulations. 

Violation of FERPA through the unauthorized reporting of student loan information. 

As a consumer, I demand the following corrective actions : An immediate investigation into the improper use or publication of my financial data. 

The removal or correction of any improperly disclosed or inaccurate financial transaction history, including transferred debt, closed accounts, and student loan information. 

A written response detailing the findings of your investigation and the actions taken to address my concerns. 

Compensation of {$1000.00} per inquiry, as stipulated under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) for each unauthorized or incorrect inquiry on my credit report. 

Formal acknowledgment and confirmation of my request to opt out of reporting services. 

Under the FCRA, 15 U.S. CXXXXe XXXX, Privacy Act of 1974, FERPA, and other relevant statutes, I expect a prompt resolution of this matter. Failure to comply may result in further legal action, including seeking additional remedies through appropriate legal channels. 

I have attached copies of my credit report, ( unable to obtain Equifax without buying per my.equifax.com ) relevant documentation, and any supporting evidence to assist in your investigation. Please respond to this complaint within the legally required timeframe. 

If you require further information, I can be reached at XXXX or XXXX. I appreciate your prompt attention to this serious matter.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation