{"took":115,"timed_out":false,"_shards":{"total":5,"successful":5,"skipped":0,"failed":0},"hits":{"total":{"value":58,"relation":"eq"},"max_score":null,"hits":[{"_index":"complaint-public-v1","_id":"10113309","_score":20.61718,"_source":{"product":"Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports","complaint_what_happened":"I am filing this complaint due to Equifaxs continued denial of electronic access to my credit report, which is essential for my efforts to purchase a home. Despite having my password, I am consistently being locked out of my Equifax account, receiving an error message instructing me to call Customer Care. I have contacted Equifax Customer Care numerous times, but they have failed to restore access to my account or provide my credit report electronically, as requested.\n\nUnder 15 U.S.C. 1681g ( a ) ( 1 ) of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), I am entitled to one free credit report annually through the channel of my choosing, which in this case is electronic access. This right includes access through online platforms maintained by credit reporting agencies such as Equifax. Denying me access to my report electronically, while still controlling my account, violates this section.\n\nIn addition, 15 U.S.C. 1681j ( b ) reinforces my right to choose how I wish to receive my credit report. It states that the credit reporting agency should provide the report at no charge and in the format that is accessible and convenient to the consumer. In my case, that means I need to access the report online for the purposes of managing disputes and correcting inaccuracies promptly.\n\nDenying electronic access further interferes with my ability to dispute errors and exercise my rights under 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 1 ), which mandates that I have the right to dispute inaccurate or incomplete information. A reasonable reinvestigation of disputed items must be performed within 30 days. However, Equifaxs actions in denying me access to my account are effectively preventing me from making these disputes electronically, delaying the correction of my credit report, and impacting my ability to proceed with my home purchase.\n\nFurthermore, Equifax is violating the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, which emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in the handling of consumer information. Section 1032 of this Act mandates that disclosures and information must be made available in a manner understandable and accessible to the consumer. By denying me online access to my credit report, Equifax is failing to meet this standard of transparency and accessibility.\n\nAdditionally, 15 U.S.C. 1681b ( a ) specifies that I have a right to access my credit report for legitimate purposes, including reviewing my own report. Since I am preparing for a home purchase, this is a legitimate financial decision that requires immediate and efficient access to my report, which should be provided electronically in line with modern technology and consumer preferences.\n\nFinally, under 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2 ( a ), I have the right to block certain information that has been reported due to identity theft or inaccuracies. If I can not access my credit report electronically, I am unable to block inaccurate information, which delays the resolution of disputes and harms my creditworthiness in a critical time-sensitive situation.\n\nAdditional Arguments : 1. Speed and Efficiency : Online access is crucial for promptly addressing issues on my credit report. Delaying access or requiring mailed copies adds unnecessary delays to correcting errors, a critical issue as I am in the process of securing a mortgage for home purchase. In todays digital age, electronic access is the industry standard for fast, secure, and transparent handling of personal financial data.\n\n2. Security Concerns : Mailing a physical copy of my credit report, as opposed to allowing secure electronic access, introduces unnecessary security risks, including potential identity theft from lost or misdelivered mail. 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1 ( a ) and related sections on security freezes affirm the need for secure handling of consumer data to prevent identity theft, which online access better supports through encryption and secure portals.\n\n3. Equifax Data Breach : Equifax has a well-documented history of data breaches, and electronic access is crucial for me to monitor my credit information consistently. The Equifax Cybersecurity Incident of 2017, which exposed sensitive information of 147 million Americans, highlights the importance of consumers being able to quickly and regularly monitor their credit reports online to prevent further damage and identify potential issues.\n\n4. Burden of Proof and Reinvestigation : Denying me access to dispute items online also impacts the legal timelines within which Equifax is required to act. Under 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 2 ), a credit reporting agency must notify the information furnisher ( creditor ) of a dispute within 5 business days. Without immediate online access, my ability to submit disputes and initiate this process is delayed, further extending the time it takes to resolve these errors.\n\n5. Electronic Commerce Promotion : In alignment with the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act ( E-Sign Act ), consumers have the right to request and consent to receive records electronically. Equifaxs refusal to provide my report electronically is a breach of this Act, which promotes the use of electronic communications and records in consumer transactions.\n\nConclusion : Equifaxs failure to provide electronic access to my account and my free credit report violates the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), Dodd-Frank Act, E-Sign Act, and various sections of U.S. Code regarding credit reporting rights. I request that the CFPB intervene to ensure that Equifax complies with my right to access my report electronically and without delay, so I may proceed with the correction of errors as I pursue homeownership.\n\nThis version expands on the legal framework, provides more legal references, and makes stronger arguments about why electronic access is essential for your situation. Let me know if youd like to adjust or add anything further!","date_sent_to_company":"2024-09-13T18:39:46.000Z","issue":"Unable to get your credit report or credit score","sub_product":"Credit reporting","zip_code":"99705","tags":null,"has_narrative":true,"complaint_id":"10113309","timely":"Yes","company_response":"Closed with explanation","submitted_via":"Web","company":"EQUIFAX, INC.","date_received":"2024-09-13T18:39:42.000Z","state":"AK","company_public_response":null,"sub_issue":"Other problem getting your report or credit score"},"highlight":{"complaint_what_happened":["<em>Security</em> Concerns : Mailing a physical copy of my credit report, as opposed to allowing secure <em>electronic</em> <em>access</em>, introduces unnecessary <em>security</em> risks, including potential identity theft from lost or misdelivered mail. 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1 ( a ) and related sections on <em>security</em> freezes affirm the need for secure handling of consumer data to prevent identity theft, which online <em>access</em> better supports through encryption and secure portals.\n\n3."]},"sort":[20.61718,"10113309"]},{"_index":"complaint-public-v1","_id":"10112858","_score":20.605267,"_source":{"product":"Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports","complaint_what_happened":"I am filing this complaint due to Equifaxs continued denial of electronic access to my credit report, which is essential for my efforts to purchase a home. Despite having my password, I am consistently being locked out of my Equifax account, receiving an error message instructing me to call Customer Care. I have contacted Equifax Customer Care numerous times, but they have failed to restore access to my account or provide my credit report electronically, as requested.\n\nUnder 15 U.S.C. 1681g ( a ) ( 1 ) of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), I am entitled to one free credit report annually through the channel of my choosing, which in this case is electronic access. This right includes access through online platforms maintained by credit reporting agencies such as Equifax. Denying me access to my report electronically, while still controlling my account, violates this section.\n\nIn addition, 15 U.S.C. 1681j ( b ) reinforces my right to choose how I wish to receive my credit report. It states that the credit reporting agency should provide the report at no charge and in the format that is accessible and convenient to the consumer. In my case, that means I need to access the report online for the purposes of managing disputes and correcting inaccuracies promptly.\n\nDenying electronic access further interferes with my ability to dispute errors and exercise my rights under 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 1 ), which mandates that I have the right to dispute inaccurate or incomplete information. A reasonable reinvestigation of disputed items must be performed within 30 days. However, Equifaxs actions in denying me access to my account are effectively preventing me from making these disputes electronically, delaying the correction of my credit report, and impacting my ability to proceed with my home purchase.\n\nFurthermore, Equifax is violating the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, which emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in the handling of consumer information. Section 1032 of this Act mandates that disclosures and information must be made available in a manner understandable and accessible to the consumer. By denying me online access to my credit report, Equifax is failing to meet this standard of transparency and accessibility.\n\nAdditionally, 15 U.S.C. 1681b ( a ) specifies that I have a right to access my credit report for legitimate purposes, including reviewing my own report. Since I am preparing for a home purchase, this is a legitimate financial decision that requires immediate and efficient access to my report, which should be provided electronically in line with modern technology and consumer preferences.\n\nFinally, under 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2 ( a ), I have the right to block certain information that has been reported due to identity theft or inaccuracies. If I can not access my credit report electronically, I am unable to block inaccurate information, which delays the resolution of disputes and harms my creditworthiness in a critical time-sensitive situation.\n\nAdditional Arguments : 1. Speed and Efficiency : Online access is crucial for promptly addressing issues on my credit report. Delaying access or requiring mailed copies adds unnecessary delays to correcting errors, a critical issue as I am in the process of securing a mortgage for home purchase. In todays digital age, electronic access is the industry standard for fast, secure, and transparent handling of personal financial data.\n\n2. Security Concerns : Mailing a physical copy of my credit report, as opposed to allowing secure electronic access, introduces unnecessary security risks, including potential identity theft from lost or misdelivered mail. 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1 ( a ) and related sections on security freezes affirm the need for secure handling of consumer data to prevent identity theft, which online access better supports through encryption and secure portals.\n\n3. Equifax Data Breach : Equifax has a well-documented history of data breaches, and electronic access is crucial for me to monitor my credit information consistently. The Equifax Cybersecurity Incident of 2017, which exposed sensitive information of 147 million Americans, highlights the importance of consumers being able to quickly and regularly monitor their credit reports online to prevent further damage and identify potential issues.\n\n4. Burden of Proof and Reinvestigation : Denying me access to dispute items online also impacts the legal timelines within which Equifax is required to act. Under 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 2 ), a credit reporting agency must notify the information furnisher ( creditor ) of a dispute within 5 business days. Without immediate online access, my ability to submit disputes and initiate this process is delayed, further extending the time it takes to resolve these errors.\n\n5. Electronic Commerce Promotion : In alignment with the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act ( E-Sign Act ), consumers have the right to request and consent to receive records electronically. Equifaxs refusal to provide my report electronically is a breach of this Act, which promotes the use of electronic communications and records in consumer transactions.\n\nConclusion : Equifaxs failure to provide electronic access to my account and my free credit report violates the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), Dodd-Frank Act, E-Sign Act, and various sections of U.S. Code regarding credit reporting rights. I request that the CFPB intervene to ensure that Equifax complies with my right to access my report electronically and without delay, so I may proceed with the correction of errors as I pursue homeownership.\n\nThis version expands on the legal framework, provides more legal references, and makes stronger arguments about why electronic access is essential for your situation. Let me know if youd like to adjust or add anything further!","date_sent_to_company":"2024-09-13T18:39:34.000Z","issue":"Unable to get your credit report or credit score","sub_product":"Credit reporting","zip_code":"99705","tags":null,"has_narrative":true,"complaint_id":"10112858","timely":"Yes","company_response":"Closed with explanation","submitted_via":"Web","company":"EQUIFAX, INC.","date_received":"2024-09-13T18:31:28.000Z","state":"AK","company_public_response":null,"sub_issue":"Other problem getting your report or credit score"},"highlight":{"complaint_what_happened":["<em>Security</em> Concerns : Mailing a physical copy of my credit report, as opposed to allowing secure <em>electronic</em> <em>access</em>, introduces unnecessary <em>security</em> risks, including potential identity theft from lost or misdelivered mail. 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1 ( a ) and related sections on <em>security</em> freezes affirm the need for secure handling of consumer data to prevent identity theft, which online <em>access</em> better supports through encryption and secure portals.\n\n3."]},"sort":[20.605267,"10112858"]},{"_index":"complaint-public-v1","_id":"10113431","_score":20.568043,"_source":{"product":"Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports","complaint_what_happened":"I am filing this complaint due to Equifaxs continued denial of electronic access to my credit report, which is essential for my efforts to purchase a home. Despite having my password, I am consistently being locked out of my Equifax account, receiving an error message instructing me to call Customer Care. I have contacted Equifax Customer Care numerous times, but they have failed to restore access to my account or provide my credit report electronically, as requested. \n\nUnder 15 U.S.C. 1681g ( a ) ( 1 ) of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), I am entitled to one free credit report annually through the channel of my choosing, which in this case is electronic access. This right includes access through online platforms maintained by credit reporting agencies such as Equifax. Denying me access to my report electronically, while still controlling my account, violates this section. \n\nIn addition, 15 U.S.C. 1681j ( b ) reinforces my right to choose how I wish to receive my credit report. It states that the credit reporting agency should provide the report at no charge and in the format that is accessible and convenient to the consumer. In my case, that means I need to access the report online for the purposes of managing disputes and correcting inaccuracies promptly. \n\nDenying electronic access further interferes with my ability to dispute errors and exercise my rights under 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 1 ), which mandates that I have the right to dispute inaccurate or incomplete information. A reasonable reinvestigation of disputed items must be performed within 30 days. However, Equifaxs actions in denying me access to my account are effectively preventing me from making these disputes electronically, delaying the correction of my credit report, and impacting my ability to proceed with my home purchase. \n\nFurthermore, Equifax is violating the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, which emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in the handling of consumer information. Section 1032 of this Act mandates that disclosures and information must be made available in a manner understandable and accessible to the consumer. By denying me online access to my credit report, Equifax is failing to meet this standard of transparency and accessibility. \n\nAdditionally, 15 U.S.C. 1681b ( a ) specifies that I have a right to access my credit report for legitimate purposes, including reviewing my own report. Since I am preparing for a home purchase, this is a legitimate financial decision that requires immediate and efficient access to my report, which should be provided electronically in line with modern technology and consumer preferences. \n\nFinally, under 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2 ( a ), I have the right to block certain information that has been reported due to identity theft or inaccuracies. If I can not access my credit report electronically, I am unable to block inaccurate information, which delays the resolution of disputes and harms my creditworthiness in a critical time-sensitive situation. \n\nAdditional Arguments : 1. Speed and Efficiency : Online access is crucial for promptly addressing issues on my credit report. Delaying access or requiring mailed copies adds unnecessary delays to correcting errors, a critical issue as I am in the process of securing a mortgage for home purchase. In todays digital age, electronic access is the industry standard for fast, secure, and transparent handling of personal financial data.\n\n2. Security Concerns : Mailing a physical copy of my credit report, as opposed to allowing secure electronic access, introduces unnecessary security risks, including potential identity theft from lost or misdelivered mail. 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1 ( a ) and related sections on security freezes affirm the need for secure handling of consumer data to prevent identity theft, which online access better supports through encryption and secure portals. \n3. Equifax Data Breach : Equifax has a well-documented history of data breaches, and electronic access is crucial for me to monitor my credit information consistently. The Equifax Cybersecurity Incident of XXXX, which exposed sensitive information of XXXX XXXX Americans, highlights the importance of consumers being able to quickly and regularly monitor their credit reports online to prevent further damage and identify potential issues. \n4. Burden of Proof and Reinvestigation : Denying me access to dispute items online also impacts the legal timelines within which Equifax is required to act. Under 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 2 ), a credit reporting agency must notify the information furnisher ( creditor ) of a dispute within 5 business days. Without immediate online access, my ability to submit disputes and initiate this process is delayed, further extending the time it takes to resolve these errors. \n5. Electronic Commerce Promotion : In alignment with the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act ( E-Sign Act ), consumers have the right to request and consent to receive records electronically. Equifaxs refusal to provide my report electronically is a breach of this Act, which promotes the use of electronic communications and records in consumer transactions. \n\nConclusion : Equifaxs failure to provide electronic access to my account and my free credit report violates the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), Dodd-Frank Act, E-Sign Act, and various sections of U.S. Code regarding credit reporting rights. I request that the CFPB intervene to ensure that Equifax complies with my right to access my report electronically and without delay, so I may proceed with the correction of errors as I pursue homeownership. \n\nThis version expands on the legal framework, provides more legal references, and makes stronger arguments about why electronic access is essential for your situation. Let me know if youd like to adjust or add anything further!","date_sent_to_company":"2024-09-13T18:39:46.000Z","issue":"Unable to get your credit report or credit score","sub_product":"Credit reporting","zip_code":"99705","tags":null,"has_narrative":true,"complaint_id":"10113431","timely":"Yes","company_response":"Closed with explanation","submitted_via":"Web","company":"EQUIFAX, INC.","date_received":"2024-09-13T18:39:42.000Z","state":"AK","company_public_response":null,"sub_issue":"Other problem getting your report or credit score"},"highlight":{"complaint_what_happened":["<em>Security</em> Concerns : Mailing a physical copy of my credit report, as opposed to allowing secure <em>electronic</em> <em>access</em>, introduces unnecessary <em>security</em> risks, including potential identity theft from lost or misdelivered mail. 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1 ( a ) and related sections on <em>security</em> freezes affirm the need for secure handling of consumer data to prevent identity theft, which online <em>access</em> better supports through encryption and secure portals. \n3."]},"sort":[20.568043,"10113431"]},{"_index":"complaint-public-v1","_id":"10128942","_score":20.50622,"_source":{"product":"Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports","complaint_what_happened":"I am filing this complaint due to Equifaxs continued denial of electronic access to my credit report, which is essential for my efforts to purchase a home. Despite having my password, I am consistently being locked out of my Equifax account, receiving an error message instructing me to call Customer Care. I have contacted Equifax Customer Care numerous times, but they have failed to restore access to my account or provide my credit report electronically, as requested.\n\nUnder 15 U.S.C. 1681g ( a ) ( 1 ) of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), I am entitled to one free credit report annually through the channel of my choosing, which in this case is electronic access. This right includes access through online platforms maintained by credit reporting agencies such as Equifax. Denying me access to my report electronically, while still controlling my account, violates this section.\n\nIn addition, 15 U.S.C. 1681j ( b ) reinforces my right to choose how I wish to receive my credit report. It states that the credit reporting agency should provide the report at no charge and in the format that is accessible and convenient to the consumer. In my case, that means I need to access the report online for the purposes of managing disputes and correcting inaccuracies promptly.\n\nDenying electronic access further interferes with my ability to dispute errors and exercise my rights under 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 1 ), which mandates that I have the right to dispute inaccurate or incomplete information. A reasonable reinvestigation of disputed items must be performed within 30 days. However, Equifaxs actions in denying me access to my account are effectively preventing me from making these disputes electronically, delaying the correction of my credit report, and impacting my ability to proceed with my home purchase.\n\nFurthermore, Equifax is violating the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, which emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in the handling of consumer information. Section 1032 of this Act mandates that disclosures and information must be made available in a manner understandable and accessible to the consumer. By denying me online access to my credit report, Equifax is failing to meet this standard of transparency and accessibility.\n\nAdditionally, 15 U.S.C. 1681b ( a ) specifies that I have a right to access my credit report for legitimate purposes, including reviewing my own report. Since I am preparing for a home purchase, this is a legitimate financial decision that requires immediate and efficient access to my report, which should be provided electronically in line with modern technology and consumer preferences.\n\nFinally, under 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2 ( a ), I have the right to block certain information that has been reported due to identity theft or inaccuracies. If I can not access my credit report electronically, I am unable to block inaccurate information, which delays the resolution of disputes and harms my creditworthiness in a critical time-sensitive situation.\n\nAdditional Arguments : 1. Speed and Efficiency : Online access is crucial for promptly addressing issues on my credit report. Delaying access or requiring mailed copies adds unnecessary delays to correcting errors, a critical issue as I am in the process of securing a mortgage for home purchase. In todays digital age, electronic access is the industry standard for fast, secure, and transparent handling of personal financial data.\n\n2. Security Concerns : Mailing a physical copy of my credit report, as opposed to allowing secure electronic access, introduces unnecessary security risks, including potential identity theft from lost or misdelivered mail. 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1 ( a ) and related sections on security freezes affirm the need for secure handling of consumer data to prevent identity theft, which online access better supports through encryption and secure portals.\n\n3. Equifax Data Breach : Equifax has a well-documented history of data breaches, and electronic access is crucial for me to monitor my credit information consistently. The Equifax XXXX XXXX of XXXX, which exposed sensitive information of XXXX XXXX Americans, highlights the importance of consumers being able to quickly and regularly monitor their credit reports online to prevent further damage and identify potential issues. \n4. Burden of Proof and Reinvestigation : Denying me access to dispute items online also impacts the legal timelines within which Equifax is required to act. Under 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 2 ), a credit reporting agency must notify the information furnisher ( creditor ) of a dispute within 5 business days. Without immediate online access, my ability to submit disputes and initiate this process is delayed, further extending the time it takes to resolve these errors.\n\n5. Electronic Commerce Promotion : In alignment with the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act ( E-Sign Act ), consumers have the right to request and consent to receive records electronically. Equifaxs refusal to provide my report electronically is a breach of this Act, which promotes the use of electronic communications and records in consumer transactions.\n\nConclusion : Equifaxs failure to provide electronic access to my account and my free credit report violates the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), Dodd-Frank Act, E-Sign Act, and various sections of U.S. Code regarding credit reporting rights. I request that the CFPB intervene to ensure that Equifax complies with my right to access my report electronically and without delay, so I may proceed with the correction of errors as I pursue homeownership.","date_sent_to_company":"2024-09-15T23:38:04.000Z","issue":"Unable to get your credit report or credit score","sub_product":"Credit reporting","zip_code":"99705","tags":null,"has_narrative":true,"complaint_id":"10128942","timely":"Yes","company_response":"Closed with explanation","submitted_via":"Web","company":"EQUIFAX, INC.","date_received":"2024-09-15T23:03:56.000Z","state":"AK","company_public_response":null,"sub_issue":"Other problem getting your report or credit score"},"highlight":{"complaint_what_happened":["<em>Security</em> Concerns : Mailing a physical copy of my credit report, as opposed to allowing secure <em>electronic</em> <em>access</em>, introduces unnecessary <em>security</em> risks, including potential identity theft from lost or misdelivered mail. 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1 ( a ) and related sections on <em>security</em> freezes affirm the need for secure handling of consumer data to prevent identity theft, which online <em>access</em> better supports through encryption and secure portals.\n\n3."]},"sort":[20.50622,"10128942"]},{"_index":"complaint-public-v1","_id":"10128921","_score":20.50622,"_source":{"product":"Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports","complaint_what_happened":"Description of the Issue : I am filing this complaint due to Equifaxs continued denial of electronic access to my credit report, which is essential for my efforts to purchase a home. Despite having my password, I am consistently being locked out of my Equifax account, receiving an error message instructing me to call Customer Care. I have contacted Equifax Customer Care numerous times, but they have failed to restore access to my account or provide my credit report electronically, as requested.\n\nUnder 15 U.S.C. 1681g ( a ) ( 1 ) of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), I am entitled to one free credit report annually through the channel of my choosing, which in this case is electronic access. This right includes access through online platforms maintained by credit reporting agencies such as Equifax. Denying me access to my report electronically, while still controlling my account, violates this section.\n\nIn addition, 15 U.S.C. 1681j ( b ) reinforces my right to choose how I wish to receive my credit report. It states that the credit reporting agency should provide the report at no charge and in the format that is accessible and convenient to the consumer. In my case, that means I need to access the report online for the purposes of managing disputes and correcting inaccuracies promptly.\n\nDenying electronic access further interferes with my ability to dispute errors and exercise my rights under 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 1 ), which mandates that I have the right to dispute inaccurate or incomplete information. A reasonable reinvestigation of disputed items must be performed within 30 days. However, Equifaxs actions in denying me access to my account are effectively preventing me from making these disputes electronically, delaying the correction of my credit report, and impacting my ability to proceed with my home purchase.\n\nFurthermore, Equifax is violating the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, which emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in the handling of consumer information. Section 1032 of this Act mandates that disclosures and information must be made available in a manner understandable and accessible to the consumer. By denying me online access to my credit report, Equifax is failing to meet this standard of transparency and accessibility.\n\nAdditionally, 15 U.S.C. 1681b ( a ) specifies that I have a right to access my credit report for legitimate purposes, including reviewing my own report. Since I am preparing for a home purchase, this is a legitimate financial decision that requires immediate and efficient access to my report, which should be provided electronically in line with modern technology and consumer preferences.\n\nFinally, under 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2 ( a ), I have the right to block certain information that has been reported due to identity theft or inaccuracies. If I can not access my credit report electronically, I am unable to block inaccurate information, which delays the resolution of disputes and harms my creditworthiness in a critical time-sensitive situation.\n\nAdditional Arguments : 1. Speed and Efficiency : Online access is crucial for promptly addressing issues on my credit report. Delaying access or requiring mailed copies adds unnecessary delays to correcting errors, a critical issue as I am in the process of securing a mortgage for home purchase. In todays digital age, electronic access is the industry standard for fast, secure, and transparent handling of personal financial data.\n\n2. Security Concerns : Mailing a physical copy of my credit report, as opposed to allowing secure electronic access, introduces unnecessary security risks, including potential identity theft from lost or misdelivered mail. 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1 ( a ) and related sections on security freezes affirm the need for secure handling of consumer data to prevent identity theft, which online access better supports through encryption and secure portals.\n\n3. Equifax Data Breach : Equifax has a well-documented history of data breaches, and electronic access is crucial for me to monitor my credit information consistently. The Equifax Cybersecurity Incident of 2017, which exposed sensitive information of 147 million Americans, highlights the importance of consumers being able to quickly and regularly monitor their credit reports online to prevent further damage and identify potential issues.\n\n4. Burden of Proof and Reinvestigation : Denying me access to dispute items online also impacts the legal timelines within which Equifax is required to act. Under 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 2 ), a credit reporting agency must notify the information furnisher ( creditor ) of a dispute within 5 business days. Without immediate online access, my ability to submit disputes and initiate this process is delayed, further extending the time it takes to resolve these errors.\n\n5. Electronic Commerce Promotion : In alignment with the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act ( E-Sign Act ), consumers have the right to request and consent to receive records electronically. Equifaxs refusal to provide my report electronically is a breach of this Act, which promotes the use of electronic communications and records in consumer transactions.\n\nConclusion : Equifaxs failure to provide electronic access to my account and my free credit report violates the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), Dodd-Frank Act, E-Sign Act, and various sections of U.S. Code regarding credit reporting rights. I request that the CFPB intervene to ensure that Equifax complies with my right to access my report electronically and without delay, so I may proceed with the correction of errors as I pursue homeownership.","date_sent_to_company":"2024-09-15T20:17:52.000Z","issue":"Unable to get your credit report or credit score","sub_product":"Credit reporting","zip_code":"009XX","tags":null,"has_narrative":true,"complaint_id":"10128921","timely":"Yes","company_response":"Closed with explanation","submitted_via":"Web","company":"EQUIFAX, INC.","date_received":"2024-09-15T20:17:49.000Z","state":"PR","company_public_response":null,"sub_issue":"Other problem getting your report or credit score"},"highlight":{"complaint_what_happened":["<em>Security</em> Concerns : Mailing a physical copy of my credit report, as opposed to allowing secure <em>electronic</em> <em>access</em>, introduces unnecessary <em>security</em> risks, including potential identity theft from lost or misdelivered mail. 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1 ( a ) and related sections on <em>security</em> freezes affirm the need for secure handling of consumer data to prevent identity theft, which online <em>access</em> better supports through encryption and secure portals.\n\n3."]},"sort":[20.50622,"10128921"]},{"_index":"complaint-public-v1","_id":"10129406","_score":20.480719,"_source":{"product":"Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports","complaint_what_happened":"I am filing this complaint due to Equifaxs continued denial of electronic access to my credit report, which is essential for my efforts to purchase a home. Despite having my password, I am consistently being locked out of my Equifax account, receiving an error message instructing me to call Customer Care. I have contacted Equifax Customer Care numerous times, but they have failed to restore access to my account or provide my credit report electronically, as requested.\n\nUnder 15 U.S.C. 1681g ( a ) ( 1 ) of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), I am entitled to one free credit report annually through the channel of my choosing, which in this case is electronic access. This right includes access through online platforms maintained by credit reporting agencies such as Equifax. Denying me access to my report electronically, while still controlling my account, violates this section.\n\nIn addition, 15 U.S.C. 1681j ( b ) reinforces my right to choose how I wish to receive my credit report. It states that the credit reporting agency should provide the report at no charge and in the format that is accessible and convenient to the consumer. In my case, that means I need to access the report online for the purposes of managing disputes and correcting inaccuracies promptly.\n\nDenying electronic access further interferes with my ability to dispute errors and exercise my rights under 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 1 ), which mandates that I have the right to dispute inaccurate or incomplete information. A reasonable reinvestigation of disputed items must be performed within 30 days. However, Equifaxs actions in denying me access to my account are effectively preventing me from making these disputes electronically, delaying the correction of my credit report, and impacting my ability to proceed with my home purchase.\n\nFurthermore, Equifax is violating the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, which emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in the handling of consumer information. Section 1032 of this Act mandates that disclosures and information must be made available in a manner understandable and accessible to the consumer. By denying me online access to my credit report, Equifax is failing to meet this standard of transparency and accessibility.\n\nAdditionally, 15 U.S.C. 1681b ( a ) specifies that I have a right to access my credit report for legitimate purposes, including reviewing my own report. Since I am preparing for a home purchase, this is a legitimate financial decision that requires immediate and efficient access to my report, which should be provided electronically in line with modern technology and consumer preferences.\n\nFinally, under 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2 ( a ), I have the right to block certain information that has been reported due to identity theft or inaccuracies. If I can not access my credit report electronically, I am unable to block inaccurate information, which delays the resolution of disputes and harms my creditworthiness in a critical time-sensitive situation.\n\nAdditional Arguments : 1. Speed and Efficiency : Online access is crucial for promptly addressing issues on my credit report. Delaying access or requiring mailed copies adds unnecessary delays to correcting errors, a critical issue as I am in the process of securing a mortgage for home purchase. In todays digital age, electronic access is the industry standard for fast, secure, and transparent handling of personal financial data.\n\n2. Security Concerns : Mailing a physical copy of my credit report, as opposed to allowing secure electronic access, introduces unnecessary security risks, including potential identity theft from lost or misdelivered mail. 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1 ( a ) and related sections on security freezes affirm the need for secure handling of consumer data to prevent identity theft, which online access better supports through encryption and secure portals.\n\n3. Equifax Data Breach : Equifax has a well-documented history of data breaches, and electronic access is crucial for me to monitor my credit information consistently. The Equifax XXXX XXXX of XXXX, which exposed sensitive information of XXXX XXXX Americans, highlights the importance of consumers being able to quickly and regularly monitor their credit reports online to prevent further damage and identify potential issues. \n4. Burden of Proof and Reinvestigation : Denying me access to dispute items online also impacts the legal timelines within which Equifax is required to act. Under 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 2 ), a credit reporting agency must notify the information furnisher ( creditor ) of a dispute within 5 business days. Without immediate online access, my ability to submit disputes and initiate this process is delayed, further extending the time it takes to resolve these errors.\n\n5. Electronic Commerce Promotion : In alignment with the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act ( E-Sign Act ), consumers have the right to request and consent to receive records electronically. Equifaxs refusal to provide my report electronically is a breach of this Act, which promotes the use of electronic communications and records in consumer transactions.\n\nConclusion : Equifaxs failure to provide electronic access to my account and my free credit report violates the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), Dodd-Frank Act, E-Sign Act, and various sections of U.S. Code regarding credit reporting rights. I request that the CFPB intervene to ensure that Equifax complies with my right to access my report electronically and without delay, so I may proceed with the correction of errors as I pursue homeownership.","date_sent_to_company":"2024-09-15T23:38:15.000Z","issue":"Unable to get your credit report or credit score","sub_product":"Credit reporting","zip_code":"99705","tags":null,"has_narrative":true,"complaint_id":"10129406","timely":"Yes","company_response":"Closed with explanation","submitted_via":"Web","company":"EQUIFAX, INC.","date_received":"2024-09-15T23:38:11.000Z","state":"AK","company_public_response":null,"sub_issue":"Other problem getting your report or credit score"},"highlight":{"complaint_what_happened":["<em>Security</em> Concerns : Mailing a physical copy of my credit report, as opposed to allowing secure <em>electronic</em> <em>access</em>, introduces unnecessary <em>security</em> risks, including potential identity theft from lost or misdelivered mail. 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1 ( a ) and related sections on <em>security</em> freezes affirm the need for secure handling of consumer data to prevent identity theft, which online <em>access</em> better supports through encryption and secure portals.\n\n3."]},"sort":[20.480719,"10129406"]},{"_index":"complaint-public-v1","_id":"10129163","_score":20.477713,"_source":{"product":"Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports","complaint_what_happened":"Description of the Issue : I am filing this complaint due to Equifaxs continued denial of electronic access to my credit report, which is essential for my efforts to purchase a home. Despite having my password, I am consistently being locked out of my Equifax account, receiving an error message instructing me to call Customer Care. I have contacted Equifax Customer Care numerous times, but they have failed to restore access to my account or provide my credit report electronically, as requested. \n\nUnder 15 U.S.C. 1681g ( a ) ( 1 ) of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), I am entitled to one free credit report annually through the channel of my choosing, which in this case is electronic access. This right includes access through online platforms maintained by credit reporting agencies such as Equifax. Denying me access to my report electronically, while still controlling my account, violates this section. \n\nIn addition, 15 U.S.C. 1681j ( b ) reinforces my right to choose how I wish to receive my credit report. It states that the credit reporting agency should provide the report at no charge and in the format that is accessible and convenient to the consumer. In my case, that means I need to access the report online for the purposes of managing disputes and correcting inaccuracies promptly. \n\nDenying electronic access further interferes with my ability to dispute errors and exercise my rights under 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 1 ), which mandates that I have the right to dispute inaccurate or incomplete information. A reasonable reinvestigation of disputed items must be performed within 30 days. However, Equifaxs actions in denying me access to my account are effectively preventing me from making these disputes electronically, delaying the correction of my credit report, and impacting my ability to proceed with my home purchase. \n\nFurthermore, Equifax is violating the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, which emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in the handling of consumer information. Section 1032 of this Act mandates that disclosures and information must be made available in a manner understandable and accessible to the consumer. By denying me online access to my credit report, Equifax is failing to meet this standard of transparency and accessibility. \n\nAdditionally, 15 U.S.C. 1681b ( a ) specifies that I have a right to access my credit report for legitimate purposes, including reviewing my own report. Since I am preparing for a home purchase, this is a legitimate financial decision that requires immediate and efficient access to my report, which should be provided electronically in line with modern technology and consumer preferences.\n\nFinally, under 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2 ( a ), I have the right to block certain information that has been reported due to identity theft or inaccuracies. If I can not access my credit report electronically, I am unable to block inaccurate information, which delays the resolution of disputes and harms my creditworthiness in a critical time-sensitive situation. \n\nAdditional Arguments : 1. Speed and Efficiency : Online access is crucial for promptly addressing issues on my credit report. Delaying access or requiring mailed copies adds unnecessary delays to correcting errors, a critical issue as I am in the process of securing a mortgage for home purchase. In todays digital age, electronic access is the industry standard for fast, secure, and transparent handling of personal financial data. \n2. Security Concerns : Mailing a physical copy of my credit report, as opposed to allowing secure electronic access, introduces unnecessary security risks, including potential identity theft from lost or misdelivered mail. 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1 ( a ) and related sections on security freezes affirm the need for secure handling of consumer data to prevent identity theft, which online access better supports through encryption and secure portals.\n\n3. Equifax Data Breach : Equifax has a well-documented history of data breaches, and electronic access is crucial for me to monitor my credit information consistently. The Equifax Cybersecurity Incident of XXXX which exposed sensitive information of 147 million Americans, highlights the importance of consumers being able to quickly and regularly monitor their credit reports online to prevent further damage and identify potential issues. \nXXXX. Burden of Proof and Reinvestigation : Denying me access to dispute items online also impacts the legal timelines within which Equifax is required to act. Under 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 2 ), a credit reporting agency must notify the information furnisher ( creditor ) of a dispute within 5 business days. Without immediate online access, my ability to submit disputes and initiate this process is delayed, further extending the time it takes to resolve these errors. \n5. Electronic Commerce Promotion : In alignment with the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act ( E-Sign Act ), consumers have the right to request and consent to receive records electronically. Equifaxs refusal to provide my report electronically is a breach of this Act, which promotes the use of electronic communications and records in consumer transactions. \n\nConclusion : Equifaxs failure to provide electronic access to my account and my free credit report violates the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), Dodd-Frank Act, E-Sign Act, and various sections of U.S. Code regarding credit reporting rights. I request that the CFPB intervene to ensure that Equifax complies with my right to access my report electronically and without delay, so I may proceed with the correction of errors as I pursue homeownership.","date_sent_to_company":"2024-09-15T20:17:40.000Z","issue":"Unable to get your credit report or credit score","sub_product":"Credit reporting","zip_code":"009XX","tags":null,"has_narrative":true,"complaint_id":"10129163","timely":"Yes","company_response":"Closed with non-monetary relief","submitted_via":"Web","company":"EQUIFAX, INC.","date_received":"2024-09-15T19:34:38.000Z","state":"PR","company_public_response":null,"sub_issue":"Other problem getting your report or credit score"},"highlight":{"complaint_what_happened":["<em>Security</em> Concerns : Mailing a physical copy of my credit report, as opposed to allowing secure <em>electronic</em> <em>access</em>, introduces unnecessary <em>security</em> risks, including potential identity theft from lost or misdelivered mail. 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1 ( a ) and related sections on <em>security</em> freezes affirm the need for secure handling of consumer data to prevent identity theft, which online <em>access</em> better supports through encryption and secure portals.\n\n3."]},"sort":[20.477713,"10129163"]},{"_index":"complaint-public-v1","_id":"10129032","_score":20.477713,"_source":{"product":"Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports","complaint_what_happened":"I am filing this complaint due to Equifaxs continued denial of electronic access to my credit report, which is essential for my efforts to purchase a home. Despite having my password, I am consistently being locked out of my Equifax account, receiving an error message instructing me to call Customer Care. I have contacted Equifax Customer Care numerous times, but they have failed to restore access to my account or provide my credit report electronically, as requested. Under 15 U.S.C. 1681g ( a ) ( 1 ) of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), I am entitled to one free credit report annually through the channel of my choosing, which in this case is electronic access. This right includes access through online platforms maintained by credit reporting agencies such as Equifax. Denying me access to my report electronically, while still controlling my account, violates this section. In addition, 15 U.S.C. 1681j ( b ) reinforces my right to choose how I wish to receive my credit report. It states that the credit reporting agency should provide the report at no charge and in the format that is accessible and convenient to the consumer. In my case, that means I need to access the report online for the purposes of managing disputes and correcting inaccuracies promptly. Denying electronic access further interferes with my ability to dispute errors and exercise my rights under 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 1 ), which mandates that I have the right to dispute inaccurate or incomplete information. A reasonable reinvestigation of disputed items must be performed within 30 days. However, Equifaxs actions in denying me access to my account are effectively preventing me from making these disputes electronically, delaying the correction of my credit report, and impacting my ability to proceed with my home purchase. Furthermore, Equifax is violating the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, which emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in the handling of consumer information. Section 1032 of this Act mandates that disclosures and information must be made available in a manner understandable and accessible to the consumer. By denying me online access to my credit report, Equifax is failing to meet this standard of transparency and accessibility. Additionally, 15 U.S.C. 1681b ( a ) specifies that I have a right to access my credit report for legitimate purposes, including reviewing my own report. Since I am preparing for a home purchase, this is a legitimate financial decision that requires immediate and efficient access to my report, which should be provided electronically in line with modern technology and consumer preferences. Finally, under 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2 ( a ), I have the right to block certain information that has been reported due to identity theft or inaccuracies. If I can not access my credit report electronically, I am unable to block inaccurate information, which delays the resolution of disputes and harms my creditworthiness in a critical time-sensitive situation. Additional Arguments : 1. Speed and Efficiency : Online access is crucial for promptly addressing issues on my credit report. Delaying access or requiring mailed copies adds unnecessary delays to correcting errors, a critical issue as I am in the process of securing a mortgage for home purchase. In todays digital age, electronic access is the industry standard for fast, secure, and transparent handling of personal financial data. 2. Security Concerns : Mailing a physical copy of my credit report, as opposed to allowing secure electronic access, introduces unnecessary security risks, including potential identity theft from lost or misdelivered mail. 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1 ( a ) and related sections on security freezes affirm the need for secure handling of consumer data to prevent identity theft, which online access better supports through encryption and secure portals. 3. Equifax Data Breach : Equifax has a well-documented history of data breaches, and electronic access is crucial for me to monitor my credit information consistently. The Equifax Cybersecurity Incident of 2017, which exposed sensitive information of 147 million Americans, highlights the importance of consumers being able to quickly and regularly monitor their credit reports online to prevent further damage and identify potential issues. 4. Burden of Proof and Reinvestigation : Denying me access to dispute items online also impacts the legal timelines within which Equifax is required to act. Under 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 2 ), a credit reporting agency must notify the information furnisher ( creditor ) of a dispute within 5 business days. Without immediate online access, my ability to submit disputes and initiate this process is delayed, further extending the time it takes to resolve these errors. 5. Electronic Commerce Promotion : In alignment with the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act ( E-Sign Act ), consumers have the right to request and consent to receive records electronically. Equifaxs refusal to provide my report electronically is a breach of this Act, which promotes the use of electronic communications and records in consumer transactions. Conclusion : Equifaxs failure to provide electronic access to my account and my free credit report violates the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), Dodd-Frank Act, E-Sign Act, and various sections of U.S. Code regarding credit reporting rights. I request that the CFPB intervene to ensure that Equifax complies with my right to access my report electronically and without delay, so I may proceed with the correction of errors as I pursue homeownership.","date_sent_to_company":"2024-09-15T21:40:00.000Z","issue":"Unable to get your credit report or credit score","sub_product":"Credit reporting","zip_code":"99705","tags":null,"has_narrative":true,"complaint_id":"10129032","timely":"Yes","company_response":"Closed with explanation","submitted_via":"Web","company":"EQUIFAX, INC.","date_received":"2024-09-15T21:39:57.000Z","state":"AK","company_public_response":null,"sub_issue":"Other problem getting your report or credit score"},"highlight":{"complaint_what_happened":["<em>Security</em> Concerns : Mailing a physical copy of my credit report, as opposed to allowing secure <em>electronic</em> <em>access</em>, introduces unnecessary <em>security</em> risks, including potential identity theft from lost or misdelivered mail. 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1 ( a ) and related sections on <em>security</em> freezes affirm the need for secure handling of consumer data to prevent identity theft, which online <em>access</em> better supports through encryption and secure portals. 3."]},"sort":[20.477713,"10129032"]},{"_index":"complaint-public-v1","_id":"10129007","_score":20.477713,"_source":{"product":"Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports","complaint_what_happened":"I am filing this complaint due to Equifaxs continued denial of electronic access to my credit report, which is essential for my efforts to purchase a home. Despite having my password, I am consistently being locked out of my Equifax account, receiving an error message instructing me to call Customer Care. I have contacted Equifax Customer Care numerous times, but they have failed to restore access to my account or provide my credit report electronically, as requested. \n\nUnder 15 U.S.C. 1681g ( a ) ( 1 ) of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), I am entitled to one free credit report annually through the channel of my choosing, which in this case is electronic access. This right includes access through online platforms maintained by credit reporting agencies such as Equifax. Denying me access to my report electronically, while still controlling my account, violates this section.\n\nIn addition, 15 U.S.C. 1681j ( b ) reinforces my right to choose how I wish to receive my credit report. It states that the credit reporting agency should provide the report at no charge and in the format that is accessible and convenient to the consumer. In my case, that means I need to access the report online for the purposes of managing disputes and correcting inaccuracies promptly.\n\nDenying electronic access further interferes with my ability to dispute errors and exercise my rights under 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 1 ), which mandates that I have the right to dispute inaccurate or incomplete information. A reasonable reinvestigation of disputed items must be performed within 30 days. However, Equifaxs actions in denying me access to my account are effectively preventing me from making these disputes electronically, delaying the correction of my credit report, and impacting my ability to proceed with my home purchase.\n\nFurthermore, Equifax is violating the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, which emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in the handling of consumer information. Section 1032 of this Act mandates that disclosures and information must be made available in a manner understandable and accessible to the consumer. By denying me online access to my credit report, Equifax is failing to meet this standard of transparency and accessibility.\n\nAdditionally, 15 U.S.C. 1681b ( a ) specifies that I have a right to access my credit report for legitimate purposes, including reviewing my own report. Since I am preparing for a home purchase, this is a legitimate financial decision that requires immediate and efficient access to my report, which should be provided electronically in line with modern technology and consumer preferences.\n\nFinally, under 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2 ( a ), I have the right to block certain information that has been reported due to identity theft or inaccuracies. If I can not access my credit report electronically, I am unable to block inaccurate information, which delays the resolution of disputes and harms my creditworthiness in a critical time-sensitive situation.\n\nAdditional Arguments : 1. Speed and Efficiency : Online access is crucial for promptly addressing issues on my credit report. Delaying access or requiring mailed copies adds unnecessary delays to correcting errors, a critical issue as I am in the process of securing a mortgage for home purchase. In todays digital age, electronic access is the industry standard for fast, secure, and transparent handling of personal financial data.\n\n2. Security Concerns : Mailing a physical copy of my credit report, as opposed to allowing secure electronic access, introduces unnecessary security risks, including potential identity theft from lost or misdelivered mail. 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1 ( a ) and related sections on security freezes affirm the need for secure handling of consumer data to prevent identity theft, which online access better supports through encryption and secure portals.\n\n3. Equifax Data Breach : Equifax has a well-documented history of data breaches, and electronic access is crucial for me to monitor my credit information consistently. The Equifax Cybersecurity Incident of 2017, which exposed sensitive information of 147 million Americans, highlights the importance of consumers being able to quickly and regularly monitor their credit reports online to prevent further damage and identify potential issues.\n\n4. Burden of Proof and Reinvestigation : Denying me access to dispute items online also impacts the legal timelines within which Equifax is required to act. Under 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 2 ), a credit reporting agency must notify the information furnisher ( creditor ) of a dispute within 5 business days. Without immediate online access, my ability to submit disputes and initiate this process is delayed, further extending the time it takes to resolve these errors.\n\n5. Electronic Commerce Promotion : In alignment with the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act ( E-Sign Act ), consumers have the right to request and consent to receive records electronically. Equifaxs refusal to provide my report electronically is a breach of this Act, which promotes the use of electronic communications and records in consumer transactions.\n\nConclusion : Equifaxs failure to provide electronic access to my account and my free credit report violates the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), Dodd-Frank Act, E-Sign Act, and various sections of U.S. Code regarding credit reporting rights. I request that the CFPB intervene to ensure that Equifax complies with my right to access my report electronically and without delay, so I may proceed with the correction of errors as I pursue homeownership.","date_sent_to_company":"2024-09-15T21:39:49.000Z","issue":"Unable to get your credit report or credit score","sub_product":"Credit reporting","zip_code":"99705","tags":null,"has_narrative":true,"complaint_id":"10129007","timely":"Yes","company_response":"Closed with explanation","submitted_via":"Web","company":"EQUIFAX, INC.","date_received":"2024-09-15T20:59:55.000Z","state":"AK","company_public_response":null,"sub_issue":"Other problem getting your report or credit score"},"highlight":{"complaint_what_happened":["<em>Security</em> Concerns : Mailing a physical copy of my credit report, as opposed to allowing secure <em>electronic</em> <em>access</em>, introduces unnecessary <em>security</em> risks, including potential identity theft from lost or misdelivered mail. 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1 ( a ) and related sections on <em>security</em> freezes affirm the need for secure handling of consumer data to prevent identity theft, which online <em>access</em> better supports through encryption and secure portals.\n\n3."]},"sort":[20.477713,"10129007"]},{"_index":"complaint-public-v1","_id":"10129109","_score":20.457397,"_source":{"product":"Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports","complaint_what_happened":"Description of the Issue : I am filing this complaint due to Equifaxs continued denial of electronic access to my credit report, which is essential for my efforts to purchase a home. Despite having my password, I am consistently being locked out of my Equifax account, receiving an error message instructing me to call Customer Care. I have contacted Equifax Customer Care numerous times, but they have failed to restore access to my account or provide my credit report electronically, as requested. \n\nUnder 15 U.S.C. 1681g ( a ) ( 1 ) of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), I am entitled to one free credit report annually through the channel of my choosing, which in this case is electronic access. This right includes access through online platforms maintained by credit reporting agencies such as Equifax. Denying me access to my report electronically, while still controlling my account, violates this section.\n\nIn addition, 15 U.S.C. 1681j ( b ) reinforces my right to choose how I wish to receive my credit report. It states that the credit reporting agency should provide the report at no charge and in the format that is accessible and convenient to the consumer. In my case, that means I need to access the report online for the purposes of managing disputes and correcting inaccuracies promptly. \n\nDenying electronic access further interferes with my ability to dispute errors and exercise my rights under 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 1 ), which mandates that I have the right to dispute inaccurate or incomplete information. A reasonable reinvestigation of disputed items must be performed within 30 days. However, Equifaxs actions in denying me access to my account are effectively preventing me from making these disputes electronically, delaying the correction of my credit report, and impacting my ability to proceed with my home purchase. \n\nFurthermore, Equifax is violating the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, which emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in the handling of consumer information. Section 1032 of this Act mandates that disclosures and information must be made available in a manner understandable and accessible to the consumer. By denying me online access to my credit report, Equifax is failing to meet this standard of transparency and accessibility. \n\nAdditionally, 15 U.S.C. 1681b ( a ) specifies that I have a right to access my credit report for legitimate purposes, including reviewing my own report. Since I am preparing for a home purchase, this is a legitimate financial decision that requires immediate and efficient access to my report, which should be provided electronically in line with modern technology and consumer preferences.\n\nFinally, under 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2 ( a ), I have the right to block certain information that has been reported due to identity theft or inaccuracies. If I can not access my credit report electronically, I am unable to block inaccurate information, which delays the resolution of disputes and harms my creditworthiness in a critical time-sensitive situation.\n\nAdditional Arguments : 1. Speed and Efficiency : Online access is crucial for promptly addressing issues on my credit report. Delaying access or requiring mailed copies adds unnecessary delays to correcting errors, a critical issue as I am in the process of securing a mortgage for home purchase. In todays digital age, electronic access is the industry standard for fast, secure, and transparent handling of personal financial data. \n2. Security Concerns : Mailing a physical copy of my credit report, as opposed to allowing secure electronic access, introduces unnecessary security risks, including potential identity theft from lost or misdelivered mail. 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1 ( a ) and related sections on security freezes affirm the need for secure handling of consumer data to prevent identity theft, which online access better supports through encryption and secure portals.\n\n3. Equifax Data Breach : Equifax has a well-documented history of data breaches, and electronic access is crucial for me to monitor my credit information consistently. The Equifax Cybersecurity Incident of 2017, which exposed sensitive information of 147 million Americans, highlights the importance of consumers being able to quickly and regularly monitor their credit reports online to prevent further damage and identify potential issues. \n4. Burden of Proof and Reinvestigation : Denying me access to dispute items online also impacts the legal timelines within which Equifax is required to act. Under 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 2 ), a credit reporting agency must notify the information furnisher ( creditor ) of a dispute within 5 business days. Without immediate online access, my ability to submit disputes and initiate this process is delayed, further extending the time it takes to resolve these errors.\n\n5. Electronic Commerce Promotion : In alignment with the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act ( E-Sign Act ), consumers have the right to request and consent to receive records electronically. Equifaxs refusal to provide my report electronically is a breach of this Act, which promotes the use of electronic communications and records in consumer transactions. \n\nConclusion : Equifaxs failure to provide electronic access to my account and my free credit report violates the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), Dodd-Frank Act, E-Sign Act, and various sections of U.S. Code regarding credit reporting rights. I request that the CFPB intervene to ensure that Equifax complies with my right to access my report electronically and without delay, so I may proceed with the correction of errors as I pursue homeownership.","date_sent_to_company":"2024-09-15T20:17:52.000Z","issue":"Unable to get your credit report or credit score","sub_product":"Credit reporting","zip_code":"009XX","tags":null,"has_narrative":true,"complaint_id":"10129109","timely":"Yes","company_response":"Closed with explanation","submitted_via":"Web","company":"EQUIFAX, INC.","date_received":"2024-09-15T20:17:49.000Z","state":"PR","company_public_response":null,"sub_issue":"Other problem getting your report or credit score"},"highlight":{"complaint_what_happened":["<em>Security</em> Concerns : Mailing a physical copy of my credit report, as opposed to allowing secure <em>electronic</em> <em>access</em>, introduces unnecessary <em>security</em> risks, including potential identity theft from lost or misdelivered mail. 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1 ( a ) and related sections on <em>security</em> freezes affirm the need for secure handling of consumer data to prevent identity theft, which online <em>access</em> better supports through encryption and secure portals.\n\n3."]},"sort":[20.457397,"10129109"]},{"_index":"complaint-public-v1","_id":"18253216","_score":18.686882,"_source":{"product":"Credit card","complaint_what_happened":"Card Account Repeated Unjustified Freezes, Forced Insecure Verification, Months of Delay, and Complete Denial of Transaction Visibility I am filing this new formal complaint against Barclays Bank USA for a persistent and escalating pattern of unfair, deceptive, and abusive acts or practices that have made my JetBlue PLUS credit card entirely unusable and stripped me of basic account access rights, despite more than six years of flawless payment history, full compliance with their excessive verification demands, and an impeccable credit profile. \n\nSince my application on XX/XX/XXXX, Barclays has subjected me to months of stonewalling, coercion, and obstruction. They refused any secure electronic submission method and forced me to transmit highly sensitive documentsincluding the front and back of my Social Security cardover six separate times via an unsecured third-party fax app, the only option they would accept. After finally issuing the card, Barclays immediately froze it. Since issuance, the account has been frozen three separate times, each requiring me to call customer service, re-verify my identity using the exact same information and scanned documents they already possess, and obtain manual unfreezing before I can make even one transaction. The online dashboard explicitly states the account is frozen and directs me to call in. This forces manual phone verification for every single transaction and renders the credit line functionally inaccessible. \n\nCompounding this already unacceptable situation, Barclays online account portal and mobile app provide zero information about current or pending transactions. I can not see what has been spent on the card, view transaction history, check available credit, monitor for unauthorized activity, or even confirm whether a transaction has posted. The dashboard remains blank or shows only frozen status messages with no transactional data whatsoever. This complete denial of visibility is ongoing, even after the account is supposedly unfrozen for a brief period. \n\nBarclays already holds multiple verifications of my identity, scanned copies of my passport, drivers license, utility bills, and my Social Security card ( front and back, sent repeatedly with delivery confirmations ), plus six-plus years of responsible usage, a credit score well above XXXX, and an annual income of {$600000.00}. Despite possessing all of this, they continue to treat me as an unknown high-risk party, imposing paralyzing freezes and now withholding basic account transparency. \n\nThese actions constitute unfair, deceptive, and abusive acts or practices under the Consumer Financial Protection Act ( 12 U.S.C. 5536 ). The repeated, unjustified freezes, mandatory manual re-verification for every transaction, and complete denial of transaction visibility cause substantial injury that is not reasonably avoidable and is not outweighed by any countervailing benefits. Barclays deceived me by issuing a card they represented as fully functional while failing to disclose that it would be systematically paralyzed by freezes and rendered invisible in their own digital platforms. By forcing insecure document submission and then continuing to treat me as unverified, they also fail to implement reasonable safeguards under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act Safeguards Rule ( 16 C.F.R. Part 314 ). \n\nThe denial of transaction visibility is independently unlawful. Under the Truth in Lending Act ( TILA ) and Regulation Z ( 12 C.F.R. 1026.7 ( b ) and 1026.11 ), creditors are required to provide periodic statements that include a clear and conspicuous disclosure of all transactions, credits, charges, and balances during the billing cycle. More critically, when a creditor provides an online or electronic account access method ( which Barclays does ), Regulation E ( Electronic Fund Transfer Act, 12 C.F.R. 1005.9 ) and the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act ( E-SIGN ) require that consumers receive timely electronic access to account information, including transaction history, in a form that is readily accessible and retrievable. Denying all visibility of current transactions through the official website and appwhile simultaneously forcing manual phone intervention for every usedeprives me of the ability to monitor my account, detect fraud, or manage my credit responsibly. This is not a technical glitch ; it is a deliberate and material limitation on access that violates federal disclosure and access requirements. \n\nAfter six-plus years as a responsible customer and months of enduring their coercive, incompetent, and now opaque process, Barclays must stop harassing me, comply with federal disclosure and access laws, and allow me to use and monitor the credit they issued without further interference.","date_sent_to_company":"2025-12-23T18:35:48.000Z","issue":"Trouble using your card","sub_product":"General-purpose credit card or charge card","zip_code":"34609","tags":null,"has_narrative":true,"complaint_id":"18253216","timely":"Yes","company_response":"Closed with explanation","submitted_via":"Web","company":"BARCLAYS BANK DELAWARE","date_received":"2025-12-23T18:26:33.000Z","state":"FL","company_public_response":"Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response","sub_issue":"Can't use card to make purchases"},"highlight":{"complaint_what_happened":["More critically, when a creditor provides an online or <em>electronic</em> account <em>access</em> method ( which Barclays does ), Regulation E ( <em>Electronic</em> Fund Transfer Act, 12 C.F.R. 1005.9 ) and the <em>Electronic</em> Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act ( E-SIGN ) require that consumers receive timely <em>electronic</em> <em>access</em> to account information, including transaction history, in a form that is readily accessible and retrievable."]},"sort":[18.686882,"18253216"]},{"_index":"complaint-public-v1","_id":"3882236","_score":16.422447,"_source":{"product":"Credit reporting, credit repair services, or other personal consumer reports","complaint_what_happened":"CONSUMERS HAVE THE RIGHT TO OBTAIN A SECURITY FREEZE. You have a right to place a \" security freeze '' on your credit report, which will prohibit a consumer reporting agency from releasing information in your credit report without your express authorization. The security freeze is designed to prevent credit, loans, and services from being approved in your name without your consent. However, you should be aware that using a security freeze to take control over who gets access to the personal and financial information in your credit report may delay, interfere with, or prohibit the timely approval of any subsequent request or application youmake regarding a new loan, credit, mortgage, or any other account involving the extension of credit. A security freeze does not apply to a person or entity, or its affiliates, or collection agencies acting on behalf of the person or entity, with which you have an existing  account that requests information in your credit report for the purposes of reviewing or collecting the account. Reviewing the account includes activities related to account maintenance, monitoring, credit line increases, and account upgrades and enhancements. ( page 13 of 14 of online credit report for Transunion ) Issue - Transunion denied access to XXXX regarding credit line increase, contrary to above policy.\n\nRelief Requested - 1. Reword the conditions language to clearly explain soft versus hard inquires ( for soft credit increases - offered by the bank itself- versus credit line increase versus increase requested by the consumer ) and 2. Program the computer to notify the consumer electronically ( email or text, if ok 'd ) of a failed request for information related to an existing account. Waiting for a USPS transmitted letter of denial from a bank is unacceptable in light of the very large amount of mail that gets lost in transit and the time involved. Credit agencies should be required to upgrade to the needs of the 20th century at least, if not the 21 st century. Transunion itself is encouraging people to use its web sites. I understand that some reports from Transunion can be sent to the consumer but not the kind of denial mentioned in relief request 1, above.\n\n3. Cease the use of trick questions without backup. One agent asked ( in an older incident ) did you work in the state of XXXX. I objected that there is no such state. The agent denied access and said she could not offer an alternative question because we didn't answer the first correctly. The second denial was the answer to \" what is your second XXXX account. When I pointed out that the second XXXX account had my wife as a Primary, he said that the response was inadequate. It had to be me as a Primary on the account. He also would not offer a second question despite my having answered name, address, SSN at the least. \nTransunion has been a particular problem and you have to pass authorization just to talk to someone.","date_sent_to_company":"2020-10-05T22:07:35.000Z","issue":"Problem with fraud alerts or security freezes","sub_product":"Credit reporting","zip_code":"191XX","tags":"Older American","has_narrative":true,"complaint_id":"3882236","timely":"Yes","company_response":"Closed with non-monetary relief","submitted_via":"Web","company":"TRANSUNION INTERMEDIATE HOLDINGS, INC.","date_received":"2020-10-05T21:37:12.000Z","state":"PA","company_public_response":"Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response","sub_issue":null},"highlight":{"complaint_what_happened":["Reviewing the account <em>includes</em> activities related to account maintenance, <em>monitoring</em>, credit line increases, and account upgrades and enhancements. ( page 13 of 14 of online credit report for Transunion ) Issue - Transunion denied <em>access</em> to XXXX regarding credit line increase, contrary to above policy.\n\nRelief Requested - 1."],"issue":["Problem with fraud alerts or <em>security</em> freezes"]},"sort":[16.422447,"3882236"]},{"_index":"complaint-public-v1","_id":"5179026","_score":16.053875,"_source":{"product":"Credit reporting, credit repair services, or other personal consumer reports","complaint_what_happened":"Hello, I received the following advisement from Equifax : Claim No. XXXX Dear XXXX XXXX XXXX : You filed a claim in the Equifax Data Breach Settlement and chose to receive free, three-bureau ( Equifax, XXXX, and XXXX ) credit monitoring from XXXX for XXXX years. Implementation of the Settlement was delayed by appeals ; however, the Settlement is now effective because appellate courts have affirmed it. This email provides additional information about the services provided by XXXX as part of the Settlement and how you can enroll. \n\nYou are receiving free membership in XXXX XXXX for XXXX years. You must enroll by XX/XX/2022. \n\nThis service is free for you and provided as a Settlement benefit. You do not need to provide any payment information to enroll and you do not need to cancel the service when it ends. We encourage you to enroll today. \n\n\n\nHOW TO ENROLL : Visit the XXXX XXXX Website : XXXX Enter Your Activation Code : XXXX You must use the above code to enroll by XX/XX/2022 ( your activation code will not work after this date ). \nIf you have questions, need help with Identity Restoration ( either because you were a victim of fraud or identity theft ) because of the Equifax data breach, or would like another way to sign up for XXXX XXXX, please call XXXX customer care team toll-free at XXXX. So that the team may better serve you, please be prepared to provide them with engagement number XXXX so that you may access the XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX for assistance with fraud or identity theft. For more information on Identity Restoration services, visit www.experianidworks.com/equifaxsettlement. \n\n\n\nYour XXXX XXXX Membership includes : Daily Credit Monitoring* from each of the three nationwide Consumer Reporting Agencies showing key changes to your Consumer Reports ; Automated alerts when new accounts are opened ; inquiries or requests for credit reports are made for the purpose of determining credit ; changes to address ; and negative information ( including delinquencies or bankruptcies ) ; On-demand online access to a copy of your XXXX Consumer Report, updated monthly ; Automated non-credit alerts, using public or proprietary data sources, for example : when certain information is found on suspicious website or the dark web ; when names, aliases, and addresses have been associated with your Social Security Number ; when a payday loan or unsecured credit has been taken or opened using your Social Security Number ; when your information matches information in arrest or criminal court records ; when your information is used for identity authentication ; when your mail has been redirected through the U.S. Postal Service; when banking activity is detected related to new deposit account applications, changes to personal information, and new signers are added to accounts ; and when a balance is reported on your credit line that has been inactive for at least six months ; Up to One Million in Identity Theft Insurance** which provides coverage for certain costs and unauthorized electronic fund transfers ; A customer service center to assist with enrollment, monitoring alerts, disputes, fraud, and other Credit Monitoring Service questions ; Full Identity Restoration Service if you are the victim of fraud or identity theft ( which includes a dedicated identity theft restoration specialist who will provide you with step-by-step assistance, and form letters to contact companies, government agencies, and Consumer Reporting Agencies ), and Child Monitoring Services ( for Class Members under the age of eighteen ). \n\nFor more information about XXXX XXXX, or if you can not register online, please call XXXX toll-free at XXXX. \n\nIf you have any questions about the XXXX, please call the Equifax XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX at XXXX. \n\nSincerely, Equifax XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX BUT ... \nAfter numerous calls, I was met with a website that would not reply with my credit report, and when I called the furnished telephone number, 2 times! ; was met with incompetant and unillegigible people on the phone. \nAnd typically disconnected after many, many minutes while being place on hold. \n\nIt seems their response program has been staffed with low level personnel ; who are somewhat incompentant, unknowledgable ; and not able to navigate the terms of the FTC & the CFPB agreeement between the United States Government and Equifax. \n\nHelp? ... or no?","date_sent_to_company":"2022-02-02T23:06:11.000Z","issue":"Unable to get your credit report or credit score","sub_product":"Credit reporting","zip_code":"XXXXX","tags":"Older American","has_narrative":true,"complaint_id":"5179026","timely":"Yes","company_response":"Closed with explanation","submitted_via":"Web","company":"EQUIFAX, INC.","date_received":"2022-02-02T22:52:40.000Z","state":"FL","company_public_response":null,"sub_issue":"Problem getting your free annual credit report"},"highlight":{"complaint_what_happened":["Your XXXX XXXX Membership <em>includes</em> : Daily Credit <em>Monitoring</em>* from each of the three nationwide Consumer Reporting Agencies showing key changes to your Consumer Reports ; Automated alerts when new accounts are opened ; inquiries or requests for credit reports are made for the purpose of determining credit ; changes to address ; and negative information ( including delinquencies or bankruptcies ) ; On-demand online <em>access</em> to a copy of your XXXX Consumer Report, updated monthly ; Automated non-credit"]},"sort":[16.053875,"5179026"]},{"_index":"complaint-public-v1","_id":"13794636","_score":15.836797,"_source":{"product":"Checking or savings account","complaint_what_happened":"Branch Messenger , Inc. is engaging in deceptive, manipulative practices under the guise of fraud prevention. I have experienced repeated instances where my XXXX XXXX XXXX is locked after nearly every transactionsometimes even routine purchases. I am then required to respond to an in-app prompt or text message to unlock it. This has become a constant, intrusive process that interferes with my ability to use my funds freely. \n\nThis is not a legitimate fraud detection systemit is a coercive mechanism designed to force users to repeatedly open the XXXX app. The pattern is clear : each transaction triggers a lock, the user must interact with the app, and only then is the card restored. This behavior is inconsistent with industry-standard fraud monitoring and lacks any credible justification, especially given that the same device and same merchant patterns are involved. \n\nDeceptive Motive Behind These Alerts : XXXX app contains extensive background tracking infrastructure. Forensic analysis of the XXXX app code revealed integration with XXXX, XXXX, XXXX, XXXX, and XXXX XXXX XXXX. These tools are not just for fraud preventionthey allow for real-time user behavior monitoring, profiling, and data harvesting. The app also accesses device-level accessibility services and location information in the background. \n\nI believe these excessive fraud alerts are a pretext to force users to engage with the app more frequentlythereby generating more behavioral data, telemetry, and monetizable insights. This has become more aggressive following the termination of their payment relationship with XXXX XXXX, suggesting that user data may now be their primary revenue source. \n\nKey Violations and Findings : Constant forced app engagement under the pretense of fraud verification. \n\nNo opt-out or alternative available to receive payments or bypass the app. \n\nPermissions requested include location, biometric data, accessibility services, overlay permissions, and persistent background operationwithout clear or separate consent. \n\nAccessibilityService APIs used to enumerate active screen readers and possibly monitor other apps behavior. \n\nBehavioral profiling likely ongoing, even when the user is not actively using the app. \nConsumer Financial Protection Act ( 12 U.S.C. 5531 and 5536 ) prohibits unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices in connection with consumer financial services. Requiring repeated app interactions under false fraud alert pretenses constitutes a deceptive and abusive tactic, especially when tied to data harvesting.\n\nElectronic Fund Transfer Act and Regulation E ( 15 U.S.C. 1693 et seq. ; 12 C.F.R. Part 1005 ) mandates clear disclosure of conditions for freezing access to funds. Locking debit cards under false security claims without transparent terms violates EFTA and its disclosure requirements.\n\nFair Credit Reporting Act ( 15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq. ) restricts use of consumer data for unauthorized profiling. If user behavior collected from forced app interactions is shared or used for decisioning without consent, it may violate FCRA.\n\nFederal Trade Commission Act ( 15 U.S.C. 45 ) prohibits deceptive trade practices. Representing system-generated fraud alerts as genuine security activity while using them to trigger app openings and collect behavioral data is deceptive.\n\nGramm-Leach-Bliley Act ( 15 U.S.C. 68016809 ) requires financial institutions to explain and obtain consent for data-sharing practices. Undisclosed integration with analytics platforms and behavioral trackers ( e.g., Firebase, Mixpanel, Braze ) raises compliance concerns.\n\nFlorida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act ( Fla. Stat. 501.204 ) prohibits unfair or deceptive conduct in business. Misleading consumers about security practices in order to manipulate app usage and enable intrusive data collection constitutes a violation under FDUTPA.","date_sent_to_company":"2025-05-29T05:30:28.000Z","issue":"Managing an account","sub_product":"Checking account","zip_code":"32504","tags":null,"has_narrative":true,"complaint_id":"13794636","timely":"Yes","company_response":"Closed with explanation","submitted_via":"Web","company":"Branch Messenger, Inc.","date_received":"2025-05-29T05:10:33.000Z","state":"FL","company_public_response":null,"sub_issue":"Problem making or receiving payments"},"highlight":{"complaint_what_happened":["<em>Electronic</em> Fund Transfer Act and Regulation E ( 15 U.S.C. 1693 et seq. ; 12 C.F.R. Part 1005 ) mandates clear disclosure of conditions for freezing <em>access</em> to funds. Locking debit cards under false <em>security</em> claims without transparent terms violates EFTA and its disclosure requirements.\n\nFair Credit Reporting Act ( 15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq. ) restricts use of consumer data for unauthorized profiling."]},"sort":[15.836797,"13794636"]},{"_index":"complaint-public-v1","_id":"3122376","_score":15.807894,"_source":{"product":"Checking or savings account","complaint_what_happened":"On XX/XX/XXXX Chase restricted and close all of our accounts and ended their banking relationship. Chase restricted all access to the accounts from us and stated all deposits and transactions would be denied/ blocked and returned. They refused to give us any of the money in the accounts. They said the account would stay restricted for the next 10 business days then they would close the accounts and the remaining balances would be sent out by check 10 business days. They said they were not allowing any activity at all and that all direct deposits would be denied and sent back to sender. ( we had my XXXX XXXX XXXX daughters federal social security XXXX payment for XXXX  for $XXXX scheduled to be deposited XX/XX/XXXX. \n\nI got documentation and submit it with a statement that due to the equifax breach my husband and Is identity, financial, everything was compromised and stolen and were being fraudulently used etc. I called chase to update them of this and inform them that this the fraud activity on our account and requested that they appeal their ruling on the claims claims. \nI was informed \"They didn;:t't see any errors with the transaction or attempts to authorize a different amount so we We denied your claims because the transactions occurred within your geographical area, you've previously done business with the merchants, the card was in your possession and there were no bad PIN tries, and you monitored your account on chase.com during the time the fraudulent transactions were occurring, but didn;:t't report them to us immediately. The remaining money in your account as well as a direct deposit for $XXXX that we received on XX/XX/XXXX will be held until the closure has been finalized. Your case/ account a final resolution date of XX/XX/XXXX. Any money that is owed to you, will be Issued 10 business days after and a check will be issued and mailed\" \nI said \"You knowingly accepted the Direct deposit of my daughters federal social security XXXX  payment of $XXXX on XX/XX/XXXX into an account that you restricted/ closed on the XXXX  and have denied any and all access to a the funds? You fraudulently accepted a federal direct deposit 10 days later and have hand it and refuse to release the funds to it and will not release the federal social security funds till 10 business days after the account closure on XX/XX/XXXX? So XX/XX/XXXX is when you stated a check will be issues and mailed to me along with the rest of our account balance essentially 4 months after you accepted it?\" \nShe said well I don;:t know why it was accepted. I informed her that the fraudulent accepting, garnishing and withholding of federal payments is a direct violation of the FDIC laws and regulations, as well as the COCO Electronic Funds act. Etc. Any errors of federal are required to be resolved and funds released within 24-48 hours. Also I want to dispute the decisions made on my fraud claims as they they were a result of identity theft that you were notified of with the police report number and documentation. Those transactions were fraudulent. I also notified you that all of my financial accounts and identifying information had been changed that I was not monitoring my account when these transactions had occurred. You were given all the documentation of the fraud including the statement from equifax that my information that was compromised in the credit reporting agency breach. This included access to all my financial and personal accounts. \nthat last correspondence was Tuesday XX/XX/XXXX I have yet to correspondence or reply to my requests. Nor have they given me access to/ released any of our funds which include the federal SSI payment, all of the funds from the fraudulent transactions on all 3 of our closed checking accounts, and all of the remaining account balances that were in the account and not part of this fraud when the account was restricted and closed.\nI will be obtaining legal counsel and starting legal proceedings if this is not resolved soon. I will also be starting proceedings with the department of social security, the department of disability, and the consumer financial protection bureau as this is a violation of our rights.","date_sent_to_company":"2019-01-11T18:07:32.000Z","issue":"Managing an account","sub_product":"Checking account","zip_code":"78154","tags":"Servicemember","has_narrative":true,"complaint_id":"3122376","timely":"Yes","company_response":"Closed with explanation","submitted_via":"Web","company":"JPMORGAN CHASE & CO.","date_received":"2019-01-11T17:56:44.000Z","state":"TX","company_public_response":null,"sub_issue":"Funds not handled or disbursed as instructed"},"highlight":{"complaint_what_happened":["Nor have they given me <em>access</em> to/ released any of our funds which <em>include</em> the federal SSI payment, all of the funds from the fraudulent transactions on all 3 of our closed checking accounts, and all of the remaining account balances that were in the account and not part of this fraud when the account was restricted and closed.\nI will be obtaining legal counsel and starting legal proceedings if this is not resolved soon."]},"sort":[15.807894,"3122376"]},{"_index":"complaint-public-v1","_id":"11120267","_score":15.437842,"_source":{"product":"Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports","complaint_what_happened":"I have identified multiple issues with my credit report that indicate fraudulent activity, mishandling of my personal information, and improper practices by credit reporting agencies. Below are the specific problems : Incorrect Information on My Report : My credit report contains accounts and inquiries that are not mine. These accounts appear to have been fraudulently opened using my personal information. \n\nExamples include accounts listed with XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX, and other financial institutions, none of which I authorized or recognize. \n\nAdditionally, there are discrepancies in my personal information section, such as incorrect addresses and employment history. \n\nImproper Use of My Report : My credit report has been accessed without my consent by unknown entities. Unauthorized inquiries from these entities suggest misuse of my personal data, potentially stemming from previous breaches such as the Equifax data breach. \n\nFailure to Provide Accurate and Timely Updates : I have submitted disputes and requests for correction to the credit reporting agencies, including Equifax. However, I have not received adequate or timely responses. \n\nDespite placing a fraud alert on my credit file, new unauthorized inquiries and accounts have continued to appear, demonstrating insufficient protection of my data. \n\nThis mishandling has caused significant harm, including damage to my credit score, financial reputation, and peace of mind. \n\nLegal Violations Involved The following federal, state, and other legal frameworks are applicable to this complaint : Federal Laws : Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA, 15 U.S.C. 1681 ) : Ensures accuracy, fairness, and privacy of consumer information. \n\nFederal Trade Commission Act ( 15 U.S.C. 45 ) : Prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices in commerce. \nIdentity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act ( 18 U.S.C. 1028 ) : Addresses fraudulent use of personal identity information. \n\nElectronic Communications Privacy Act ( 18 U.S.C. 2511 ) : Protects against unauthorized access to electronic communications and data. \n\nState Laws : State Breach Notification Laws : Require timely disclosure of data breaches to affected individuals. \nUnfair and Deceptive Acts and Practices ( UDAP ) Laws : Protect consumers against deceptive, unfair, or fraudulent practices. \n\nIdentity Theft Protection Acts : Mandate businesses to protect sensitive consumer information and implement security measures. \n\nUniform Commercial Code ( UCC ) : UCC Article 9 ( Secured Transactions ) : Addresses creditor and debtor rights regarding obligations and disputes.\n\nPrivacy Laws : California Consumer Privacy Act ( CCPA, if applicable ) : Provides rights regarding the collection and use of personal data.\n\nGeneral Data Protection Regulation ( GDPR, if applicable ) : Protects individuals personal data and privacy rights ( for global companies ).\n\nWhat would be a fair resolution to this issue?\n\nTo resolve this matter, I request the following actions : Conduct a Comprehensive Investigation : Investigate all disputed accounts and inquiries, provide a detailed report of findings, and permanently remove fraudulent or inaccurate information from my credit report.\n\nImplement Enhanced Security Measures : Strengthen protections on my credit file, including an extended fraud alert for a minimum of seven years.\n\nProvide Credit Monitoring Services : Offer free credit monitoring and identity theft protection for a period of at least two years to mitigate the effects of these issues. \n\nEnsure Compliance with Legal Obligations : Adhere to timelines and requirements mandated by the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), state laws, and other applicable regulations. \n\nHold Relevant Parties Accountable : Address systemic failures and negligence by credit reporting agencies in protecting sensitive consumer data and ensuring accurate reporting.","date_sent_to_company":"2024-12-11T16:15:53.000Z","issue":"Unable to get your credit report or credit score","sub_product":"Credit reporting","zip_code":"30291","tags":"Servicemember","has_narrative":true,"complaint_id":"11120267","timely":"Yes","company_response":"Closed with explanation","submitted_via":"Web","company":"EQUIFAX, INC.","date_received":"2024-12-11T15:39:35.000Z","state":"GA","company_public_response":null,"sub_issue":"Other problem getting your report or credit score"},"highlight":{"complaint_what_happened":["<em>Electronic</em> Communications Privacy Act ( 18 U.S.C. 2511 ) : Protects against unauthorized <em>access</em> to <em>electronic</em> communications and data. \n\nState Laws : State Breach Notification Laws : Require timely disclosure of data breaches to affected individuals. \nUnfair and Deceptive Acts and Practices ( UDAP ) Laws : Protect consumers against deceptive, unfair, or fraudulent practices."]},"sort":[15.437842,"11120267"]},{"_index":"complaint-public-v1","_id":"11119815","_score":15.437405,"_source":{"product":"Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports","complaint_what_happened":"I have identified multiple issues with my credit report that indicate fraudulent activity, mishandling of my personal information, and improper practices by credit reporting agencies. Below are the specific problems : Incorrect Information on My Report : My credit report contains accounts and inquiries that are not mine. These accounts appear to have been fraudulently opened using my personal information. \n\nExamples include accounts listed with XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX, and other financial institutions, none of which I authorized or recognize. \n\nAdditionally, there are discrepancies in my personal information section, such as incorrect addresses and employment history. \n\nImproper Use of My Report : My credit report has been accessed without my consent by unknown entities. Unauthorized inquiries from these entities suggest misuse of my personal data, potentially stemming from previous breaches such as the XXXX data breach. \n\nFailure to Provide Accurate and Timely Updates : I have submitted disputes and requests for correction to the credit reporting agencies, including XXXX. However, I have not received adequate or timely responses. \n\nDespite placing a fraud alert on my credit file, new unauthorized inquiries and accounts have continued to appear, demonstrating insufficient protection of my data. \n\nThis mishandling has caused significant harm, including damage to my credit score, financial reputation, and peace of mind.\n\nLegal Violations Involved The following federal, state, and other legal frameworks are applicable to this complaint : Federal Laws : Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA, 15 U.S.C. 1681 ) : Ensures accuracy, fairness, and privacy of consumer information.\n\nFederal Trade Commission Act ( 15 U.S.C. 45 ) : Prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices in commerce.\n\nIdentity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act ( 18 U.S.C. 1028 ) : Addresses fraudulent use of personal identity information. \n\nElectronic Communications Privacy Act ( 18 U.S.C. 2511 ) : Protects against unauthorized access to electronic communications and data.\n\nState Laws : State Breach Notification Laws : Require timely disclosure of data breaches to affected individuals.\n\nUnfair and Deceptive Acts and Practices ( UDAP ) Laws : Protect consumers against deceptive, unfair, or fraudulent practices.\n\nIdentity Theft Protection Acts : Mandate businesses to protect sensitive consumer information and implement security measures.\n\nUniform Commercial Code ( UCC ) : UCC Article 9 ( Secured Transactions ) : Addresses creditor and debtor rights regarding obligations and disputes.\n\nPrivacy Laws : California Consumer Privacy Act ( CCPA, if applicable ) : Provides rights regarding the collection and use of personal data.\n\nGeneral Data Protection Regulation ( GDPR, if applicable ) : Protects individuals personal data and privacy rights ( for global companies ).\n\nWhat would be a fair resolution to this issue?\n\nTo resolve this matter, I request the following actions : Conduct a Comprehensive Investigation : Investigate all disputed accounts and inquiries, provide a detailed report of findings, and permanently remove fraudulent or inaccurate information from my credit report.\n\nImplement Enhanced Security Measures : Strengthen protections on my credit file, including an extended fraud alert for a minimum of seven years.\n\nProvide Credit Monitoring Services : Offer free credit monitoring and identity theft protection for a period of at least two years to mitigate the effects of these issues.\n\nEnsure Compliance with Legal Obligations : Adhere to timelines and requirements mandated by the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), state laws, and other applicable regulations. \n\nHold Relevant Parties Accountable : Address systemic failures and negligence by credit reporting agencies in protecting sensitive consumer data and ensuring accurate reporting.","date_sent_to_company":"2024-12-11T16:16:07.000Z","issue":"Unable to get your credit report or credit score","sub_product":"Credit reporting","zip_code":"30291","tags":"Servicemember","has_narrative":true,"complaint_id":"11119815","timely":"Yes","company_response":"Closed with non-monetary relief","submitted_via":"Web","company":"TRANSUNION INTERMEDIATE HOLDINGS, INC.","date_received":"2024-12-11T16:16:04.000Z","state":"GA","company_public_response":"Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response","sub_issue":"Other problem getting your report or credit score"},"highlight":{"complaint_what_happened":["<em>Electronic</em> Communications Privacy Act ( 18 U.S.C. 2511 ) : Protects against unauthorized <em>access</em> to <em>electronic</em> communications and data.\n\nState Laws : State Breach Notification Laws : Require timely disclosure of data breaches to affected individuals.\n\nUnfair and Deceptive Acts and Practices ( UDAP ) Laws : Protect consumers against deceptive, unfair, or fraudulent practices."]},"sort":[15.437405,"11119815"]},{"_index":"complaint-public-v1","_id":"11119813","_score":15.414883,"_source":{"product":"Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports","complaint_what_happened":"I have identified multiple issues with my credit report that indicate fraudulent activity, mishandling of my personal information, and improper practices by credit reporting agencies. Below are the specific problems : Incorrect Information on My Report : My credit report contains accounts and inquiries that are not mine. These accounts appear to have been fraudulently opened using my personal information. \n\nExamples include accounts listed with XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX, and other financial institutions, none of which I authorized or recognize. \n\nAdditionally, there are discrepancies in my personal information section, such as incorrect addresses and employment history. \n\nImproper Use of My Report : My credit report has been accessed without my consent by unknown entities. Unauthorized inquiries from these entities suggest misuse of my personal data, potentially stemming from previous breaches such as the XXXX data breach. \n\nFailure to Provide Accurate and Timely Updates : I have submitted disputes and requests for correction to the credit reporting agencies, including XXXX. However, I have not received adequate or timely responses. \n\nDespite placing a fraud alert on my credit file, new unauthorized inquiries and accounts have continued to appear, demonstrating insufficient protection of my data. \n\nThis mishandling has caused significant harm, including damage to my credit score, financial reputation, and peace of mind.\n\nLegal Violations Involved The following federal, state, and other legal frameworks are applicable to this complaint : Federal Laws : Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA, 15 U.S.C. 1681 ) : Ensures accuracy, fairness, and privacy of consumer information.\n\nFederal Trade Commission Act ( 15 U.S.C. 45 ) : Prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices in commerce.\n\nIdentity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act ( 18 U.S.C. 1028 ) : Addresses fraudulent use of personal identity information.\n\nElectronic Communications Privacy Act ( 18 U.S.C. 2511 ) : Protects against unauthorized access to electronic communications and data.\n\nState Laws : State Breach Notification Laws : Require timely disclosure of data breaches to affected individuals.\n\nUnfair and Deceptive Acts and Practices ( UDAP ) Laws : Protect consumers against deceptive, unfair, or fraudulent practices.\n\nIdentity Theft Protection Acts : Mandate businesses to protect sensitive consumer information and implement security measures.\n\nUniform Commercial Code ( UCC ) : UCC Article 9 ( Secured Transactions ) : Addresses creditor and debtor rights regarding obligations and disputes.\n\nPrivacy Laws : California Consumer Privacy Act ( CCPA, if applicable ) : Provides rights regarding the collection and use of personal data.\n\nGeneral Data Protection Regulation ( GDPR, if applicable ) : Protects individuals personal data and privacy rights ( for global companies ).\n\nWhat would be a fair resolution to this issue?\n\nTo resolve this matter, I request the following actions : Conduct a Comprehensive Investigation : Investigate all disputed accounts and inquiries, provide a detailed report of findings, and permanently remove fraudulent or inaccurate information from my credit report.\n\nImplement Enhanced Security Measures : Strengthen protections on my credit file, including an extended fraud alert for a minimum of seven years.\n\nProvide Credit Monitoring Services : Offer free credit monitoring and identity theft protection for a period of at least two years to mitigate the effects of these issues.\n\nEnsure Compliance with Legal Obligations : Adhere to timelines and requirements mandated by the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), state laws, and other applicable regulations. \n\nHold Relevant Parties Accountable : Address systemic failures and negligence by credit reporting agencies in protecting sensitive consumer data and ensuring accurate reporting.","date_sent_to_company":"2024-12-11T16:16:07.000Z","issue":"Unable to get your credit report or credit score","sub_product":"Credit reporting","zip_code":"30291","tags":"Servicemember","has_narrative":true,"complaint_id":"11119813","timely":"Yes","company_response":"Closed with explanation","submitted_via":"Web","company":"Experian Information Solutions Inc.","date_received":"2024-12-11T16:16:04.000Z","state":"GA","company_public_response":"Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response","sub_issue":"Other problem getting your report or credit score"},"highlight":{"complaint_what_happened":["<em>Electronic</em> Communications Privacy Act ( 18 U.S.C. 2511 ) : Protects against unauthorized <em>access</em> to <em>electronic</em> communications and data.\n\nState Laws : State Breach Notification Laws : Require timely disclosure of data breaches to affected individuals.\n\nUnfair and Deceptive Acts and Practices ( UDAP ) Laws : Protect consumers against deceptive, unfair, or fraudulent practices."]},"sort":[15.414883,"11119813"]},{"_index":"complaint-public-v1","_id":"2505845","_score":13.891649,"_source":{"product":"Credit reporting, credit repair services, or other personal consumer reports","complaint_what_happened":"XXXX XXXX IS SHARING MY PERSONAL INFORMATION WITHOUT MY CONSENT, THIS IS AGAINST THE LAW, THEY ARE ALSO PUTTING ME AT RISK FOR IDENTITY THEFT BY BREACHING MY INFORMATION. ( 815 ILCS 530/ ) Personal Information Protection Act.\n( 815 ILCS 530/1 ) Sec. 1. Short title. This Act may be cited as the Personal Information Protection Act.\n( Source : P.A. 94-36, eff. 1-1-06. ) ( 815 ILCS 530/5 ) Sec. 5. Definitions. In this Act : \" Data collector '' may include, but is not limited to, government agencies, public and private universities, privately and publicly held corporations, financial institutions, retail operators, and any other entity that, for any purpose, handles, collects, disseminates, or otherwise deals with nonpublic personal information. \" Breach of the security of the system data '' or \" breach '' means unauthorized acquisition of computerized data that compromises the security, confidentiality, or integrity of personal information maintained by the data collector. \" Breach of the security of the system data '' does not include good faith acquisition of personal information by an employee or agent of the data collector for a legitimate purpose of the data collector, provided that the personal information is not used for a purpose unrelated to the data collector 's business or subject to further unauthorized disclosure. \" Health insurance information '' means an individual 's health insurance policy number or subscriber identification number, any unique identifier used by a health insurer to identify the individual, or any medical information in an individual 's health insurance application and claims history, including any appeals records. \" Medical information '' means any information regarding an individual 's medical history, mental or physical condition, or medical treatment or diagnosis by a healthcare professional, including such information provided to a website or mobile application. \" Personal information '' means either of the following : ( 1 ) An individual 's first name or first initial and last name in combination with any one or more of the following data elements, when either the name or the data elements are not encrypted or redacted or are encrypted or redacted but the keys to unencrypt or unredact or otherwise read the name or data elements have been acquired without authorization through the breach of security : ( A ) Social Security number.\n( B ) Driver 's license number or State identification card number.\n( C ) Account number or credit or debit card number, or an account number or credit card number in combination with any required security code, access code, or password that would permit access to an individual 's financial account.\n( D ) Medical information.\n( E ) Health insurance information.\n( F ) Unique biometric data generated from measurements or technical analysis of human body characteristics used by the owner or licensee to authenticate an individual, such as a fingerprint, retina or iris image, or other unique physical representation or digital representation of biometric data. ( 2 ) User name or email address, in combination with a password or security question and answer that would permit access to an online account, when either the user name or email address or password or security question and answer are not encrypted or redacted or are encrypted or redacted but the keys to unencrypt or unredact or otherwise read the data elements have been obtained through the breach of security.\n\" Personal information '' does not include publicly available information that is lawfully made available to the general public from federal, State, or local government records.\n( Source : P.A. 99-503, eff. 1-1-17. ) ( 815 ILCS 530/10 ) Sec. 10. Notice of breach.\n( a ) Any data collector that owns or licenses personal information concerning an Illinois resident shall notify the resident at no charge that there has been a breach of the security of the system data following discovery or notification of the breach. The disclosure notification shall be made in the most expedient time possible and without unreasonable delay, consistent with any measures necessary to determine the scope of the breach and restore the reasonable integrity, security, and confidentiality of the data system. The disclosure notification to an Illinois resident shall include, but need not be limited to, information as follows : ( 1 ) With respect to personal information as defined in Section 5 in paragraph ( 1 ) of the definition of \" personal information '' : ( A ) the toll-free numbers and addresses for consumer reporting agencies ; ( B ) the toll-free number, address, and website address for the Federal Trade Commission ; and ( C ) a statement that the individual can obtain information from these sources about fraud alerts and security freezes.\nThe notification shall not, however, include information concerning the number of Illinois residents affected by the breach.\n( 2 ) With respect to personal information defined in Section 5 in paragraph ( 2 ) of the definition of \" personal information '', notice may be provided in electronic or other form directing the Illinois resident whose personal information has been breached to promptly change his or her user name or password and security question or answer, as applicable, or to take other steps appropriate to protect all online accounts for which the resident uses the same user name or email address and password or security question and answer.\n( b ) Any data collector that maintains or stores, but does not own or license, computerized data that includes personal information that the data collector does not own or license shall notify the owner or licensee of the information of any breach of the security of the data immediately following discovery, if the personal information was, or is reasonably believed to have been, acquired by an unauthorized person. In addition to providing such notification to the owner or licensee, the data collector shall cooperate with the owner or licensee in matters relating to the breach. That cooperation shall include, but need not be limited to, ( i ) informing the owner or licensee of the breach, including giving notice of the date or approximate date of the breach and the nature of the breach, and ( ii ) informing the owner or licensee of any steps the data collector has taken or plans to take relating to the breach. The data collector 's cooperation shall not, however, be deemed to require either the disclosure of confidential business information or trade secrets or the notification of an Illinois resident who may have been affected by the breach.\n( b-5 ) The notification to an Illinois resident required by subsection ( a ) of this Section may be delayed if an appropriate law enforcement agency determines that notification will interfere with a criminal investigation and provides the data collector with a written request for the delay. However, the data collector must notify the Illinois resident as soon as notification will no longer interfere with the investigation. ( c ) For purposes of this Section, notice to consumers may be provided by one of the following methods : ( 1 ) written notice ; ( 2 ) electronic notice, if the notice provided is consistent with the provisions regarding electronic records and signatures for notices legally required to be in writing as set forth in Section 7001 of Title 15 of the United States Code ; or ( 3 ) substitute notice, if the data collector demonstrates that the cost of providing notice would exceed {$250000.00} or that the affected class of  subject persons to be notified exceeds XXXX, or the data collector does not have sufficient contact information. Substitute notice shall consist of all of the following : ( i ) email notice if the data collector has an email address for the subject persons ; ( ii ) conspicuous posting of the notice on the data collector 's web site page if the data collector maintains one ; and ( iii ) notification to major statewide media or, if the breach impacts residents in one geographic area, to prominent local media in areas where affected individuals are likely to reside if such notice is reasonably calculated to give actual notice to persons whom notice is required.\n( d ) Notwithstanding any other subsection in this Section, a data collector that maintains its own notification procedures as part of an information security policy for the treatment of personal information and is otherwise consistent with the timing requirements of this Act, shall be deemed in compliance with the notification requirements of this Section if the data collector notifies subject persons in accordance with its policies in the event of a breach of the security of the system data.\n( Source : P.A. 99-503, eff. 1-1-17. ) ( 815 ILCS 530/12 ) Sec. 12. Notice of breach ; State agency.\n( a ) Any State agency that collects personal information concerning an Illinois resident shall notify the resident at no charge that there has been a breach of the security of the system data or written material following discovery or notification of the breach. The disclosure notification shall be made in the most expedient time possible and without unreasonable delay, consistent with any measures necessary to determine the scope of the breach and restore the reasonable integrity, security, and confidentiality of the data system. The disclosure notification to an Illinois resident shall include, but need not be limited to information as follows : ( 1 ) With respect to personal information defined in Section 5 in paragraph ( 1 ) of the definition of \" personal information '' : ( i ) the toll-free numbers and addresses for consumer reporting agencies ; ( ii ) the toll-free number, address, and website address for the Federal Trade Commission ; and ( iii ) a statement that the individual can obtain information from these sources about fraud alerts and security freezes.\n( 2 ) With respect to personal information as defined in Section 5 in paragraph ( 2 ) of the definition of \" personal information '', notice may be provided in electronic or other form directing the Illinois resident whose personal information has been breached to promptly change his or her user name or password and security question or answer, as applicable, or to take other steps appropriate to protect all online accounts for which the resident uses the same user name or email address and password or security question and answer.\nThe notification shall not, however, include information concerning the number of Illinois residents affected by the breach.\n( a-5 ) The notification to an Illinois resident required by subsection ( a ) of this Section may be delayed if an appropriate law enforcement agency determines that notification will interfere with a criminal investigation and provides the State agency with a written request for the delay. However, the State agency must notify the Illinois resident as soon as notification will no longer interfere with the investigation.\n( b ) For purposes of this Section, notice to residents may be provided by one of the following methods : ( 1 ) written notice ; ( 2 ) electronic notice, if the notice provided is consistent with the provisions regarding electronic records and signatures for notices legally required to be in writing as set forth in Section 7001 of Title 15 of the United States Code ; or ( 3 ) substitute notice, if the State agency demonstrates that the cost of providing notice would exceed {$250000.00} or that the affected class of subject persons to be notified exceeds 500,000, or the State agency does not have sufficient contact information. Substitute notice shall consist of all of the following : ( i ) email notice if the State agency has an email address for the subject persons ; ( ii ) conspicuous posting of the notice on the State agency 's web site page if the State agency maintains one ; and ( iii ) notification to major statewide media.\n( c ) Notwithstanding subsection ( b ), a State agency that maintains its own notification procedures as part of an information security policy for the treatment of personal information and is otherwise consistent with the timing requirements of this Act shall be deemed in compliance with the notification requirements of this Section if the State agency notifies subject persons in accordance with its policies in the event of a breach of the security of the system data or written material. ( d ) If a State agency is required to notify more than 1,000 persons of a breach of security pursuant to this Section, the State agency shall also notify, without unreasonable delay, all consumer reporting agencies that compile and maintain files on consumers on a nationwide basis, as defined by 15 U.S.C. Section 1681a ( p ), of the timing, distribution, and content of the notices. Nothing in this subsection ( d ) shall be construed to require the State agency to provide to the consumer reporting agency the names or other personal identifying information of breach notice recipients.\n( e ) Notice to Attorney General. Any State agency that suffers a single breach of the security of the data concerning the personal information of more than 250 Illinois residents shall provide notice to the Attorney General of the breach, including : ( A ) The types of personal information compromised in the breach.\n( B ) The number of Illinois residents affected by such incident at the time of notification.\n( C ) Any steps the State agency has taken or plans to take relating to notification of the breach to consumers.\n( D ) The date and timeframe of the breach, if known at the time notification is provided.\nSuch notification must be made within 45 days of the State agency 's discovery of the security breach or when the State agency provides any notice to consumers required by this Section, whichever is sooner, unless the State agency has good cause for reasonable delay to determine the scope of the breach and restore the integrity, security, and confidentiality of the data system, or when law enforcement requests in writing to withhold disclosure of some or all of the information required in the notification under this Section. If the date or timeframe of the breach is unknown at the time the notice is sent to the Attorney General, the State agency shall send the Attorney General the date or timeframe of the breach as soon as possible.\n( Source : P.A. 99-503, eff. 1-1-17. ) ( 815 ILCS 530/15 ) Sec. 15. Waiver. Any waiver of the provisions of this Act is contrary to public policy and is void and unenforceable.\n( Source : P.A. 94-36, eff. 1-1-06. ) ( 815 ILCS 530/20 ) Sec. 20. Violation. A violation of this Act constitutes an unlawful practice under the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act.\n( Source : P.A. 94-36, eff. 1-1-06. ) ( 815 ILCS 530/25 ) Sec. 25. Annual reporting. Any State agency that collects personal data and has had a breach of security of the system data or written material shall submit a report within 5 business days of the discovery or notification of the breach to the General Assembly listing the breaches and outlining any corrective measures that have been taken to prevent future breaches of the security of the system data or written material. Any State agency that has submitted a report under this Section shall submit an annual report listing all breaches of security of the system data or written materials and the corrective measures that have been taken to prevent future breaches.\n( Source : P.A. 94-947, eff. 6-27-06. ) ( 815 ILCS 530/30 ) Sec. 30. Safe disposal of information. Any State agency that collects personal data that is no longer needed or stored at the agency shall dispose of the personal data or written material it has collected in such a manner as to ensure the security and confidentiality of the material.\n( Source : P.A. 94-947, eff. 6-27-06. ) ( 815 ILCS 530/40 ) Sec. 40. Disposal of materials containing personal information ; Attorney General.\n( a ) In this Section, \" person '' means : a natural person ; a corporation, partnership, association, or other legal entity ; a unit of local government or any agency, department, division, bureau, board, commission, or committee thereof ; or the State of Illinois or any constitutional officer, agency, department, division, bureau, board, commission, or committee thereof.\n( b ) A person must dispose of the materials containing personal information in a manner that renders the personal information unreadable, unusable, and undecipherable. Proper disposal methods include, but are not limited to, the following : ( 1 ) Paper documents containing personal information may be either redacted, burned, pulverized, or shredded so that personal information can not practicably be read or reconstructed.\n( 2 ) Electronic media and other non-paper media containing personal information may be destroyed or erased so that personal information can not practicably be read or reconstructed.\n( c ) Any person disposing of materials containing personal information may contract with a third party  to dispose of such materials in accordance with this Section. Any third party that contracts with a person to dispose of materials containing personal information must implement and monitor compliance with policies and procedures that prohibit unauthorized access to or acquisition of or use of personal information during the collection, transportation, and disposal of materials containing personal information. ( d ) Any person, including but not limited to a third party referenced in subsection ( c ), who violates this Section is subject to a civil penalty of not more than {$100.00} for each individual with respect to whom personal information is disposed of in violation of this Section. A civil penalty may not, however, exceed {$50000.00} for each instance of improper disposal of materials containing personal information. The Attorney General may impose a civil penalty after notice to the person accused of violating this Section and an opportunity for that person to be heard in the matter. The Attorney General may file a civil action in the circuit court to recover any penalty imposed under this Section.\n( e ) In addition to the authority to impose a civil penalty under subsection ( d ), the Attorney General may bring an action in the circuit court to remedy a violation of this Section, seeking any appropriate relief.\n( f ) A financial institution\nunder 15 U.S.C. 6801 et. seq. or any person subject to 15 U.S.C. 1681w is exempt from this Section.\n( Source : P.A. 97-483, eff. 1-1-12. ) ( 815 ILCS 530/45 ) Sec. 45. Data security.\n( a ) A data collector that owns or licenses, or maintains or stores but does not own or license, records that contain personal information concerning an Illinois resident shall implement and maintain reasonable security measures to protect those records from unauthorized access, acquisition, destruction, use, modification, or disclosure.\n( b ) A contract for the disclosure of personal information concerning an Illinois resident that is maintained by a data collector must include a provision requiring the person to whom the information is disclosed to implement and maintain reasonable security measures to protect those records from unauthorized access, acquisition, destruction, use, modification, or disclosure.\n( c ) If a state or federal law requires a data collector to provide greater protection to records that contain personal information concerning an Illinois resident that are maintained by the data collector and the data collector is in compliance with the provisions of that state or federal law, the data collector shall be deemed to be in compliance with the provisions of this Section.\n( d ) A data collector that is subject to and in compliance with the standards established pursuant to Section 501 ( b ) of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999, 15 U.S.C. Section 6801, shall be deemed to be in compliance with the provisions of this Section.\n( Source : P.A. 99-503, eff. 1-1-17. ) ( 815 ILCS 530/50 ) Sec. 50. Entities subject to the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. Any covered entity or business associate that is subject to and in compliance with the privacy and security standards for the protection of electronic health information established pursuant to the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 and the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act shall be deemed to be in compliance with the provisions of this Act, provided that any covered entity or business associate required to provide notification of a breach to the Secretary of Health and Human Services pursuant to the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act also provides such notification to the Attorney General within 5 business days of notifying the Secretary.\n( Source : P.A. 99-503, eff. 1-1-17. ) ( 815 ILCS 530/900 ) Sec. 900. ( Amendatory provisions ; text omitted ).\n( Source : P.A. 94-36, eff. 1-1-06 ; text omitted. )","date_sent_to_company":"2017-06-11T15:43:07.000Z","issue":"Improper use of your report","sub_product":"Credit reporting","zip_code":"60624","tags":null,"has_narrative":true,"complaint_id":"2505845","timely":"Yes","company_response":"Closed with explanation","submitted_via":"Web","company":"SYNCHRONY FINANCIAL","date_received":"2017-06-11T15:32:20.000Z","state":"IL","company_public_response":"Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response","sub_issue":"Reporting company used your report improperly"},"highlight":{"complaint_what_happened":["Data <em>security</em>.\n( a ) A data collector that owns or licenses, or maintains or stores but does not own or license, records that contain personal information concerning an Illinois resident shall implement and maintain reasonable <em>security</em> measures to protect those records from unauthorized <em>access</em>, acquisition, destruction, use, modification, or disclosure.\n( b ) A contract for the disclosure of personal information concerning an Illinois resident that is maintained by a data collector must <em>include</em> a"]},"sort":[13.891649,"2505845"]},{"_index":"complaint-public-v1","_id":"2533312","_score":13.876873,"_source":{"product":"Credit reporting, credit repair services, or other personal consumer reports","complaint_what_happened":"XXXXXXXX XXXX IS SHARING MY PERSONAL INFORMATION WITHOUT MY CONSENT, THIS IS AGAINST THE LAW, THEY ARE ALSO PUTTING ME AT RISK FOR IDENTITY THEFT BY BREACHING MY INFORMATION.\n( 815 ILCS 530/ ) Personal Information Protection Act. ( 815 ILCS 530/1 ) Sec. 1. Short title. This Act may be cited as the Personal Information Protection Act. ( Source : P.A. 94-36, eff. 1-1-06. ) ( 815 ILCS 530/5 ) Sec. 5. Definitions. In this Act : \" Data collector '' may include, but is not limited to, govern\nment agencies, public and private universities, privately and publicly held corporations, financial institutions, retail operators, and any other entity that, for any purpose, handles, collects, disseminates, or otherwise deals with nonpublic personal information.\n\" Breach of the security of the system data '' or \" breach '' means unauthorized acquisition of computerized data that compromises the security, confidentiality, or integrity of personal information maintained by the data collector. \" Breach of the security of the system data '' does not include good faith acquisition of personal information by an employee or agent of the data collector for a legitimate purpose of the data collector, provided that the personal information is not used for a purpose unrelated to the data collector 's business or subject to further unauthorized disclosure.\n\" Health insurance information '' means an individual 's health insurance policy number or subscriber identification number, any unique identifier used by a health insurer to identify the individual, or any medical information in an individual 's health insurance application and claims history, including any appeals records.\n\" Medical information '' means any information regarding an individual 's medical history, mental or physical condition, or medical treatment or diagnosis by a healthcare professional, including such information provided to a website or mobile application.\n\" Personal information '' means either of the following :\n( 1 ) An individual 's first name or first initial and last name in combination with any one or more of the following data elements, when either the name or the data elements are not encrypted or redacted or are encrypted or redacted but the keys to unencrypt or unredact or otherwise read the name or data elements have been acquired without authorization through the breach of security : ( A ) Social Security number. ( B ) Driver 's license number or Sta\nte identification card number.\n( C ) Account number or credit or debit card number, or an account number or credit card number in combination with any required security code, access code, or password that would permit access to an individual 's financial account. ( D ) Medical information. ( E ) Health insurance information. ( F ) Unique biometric data generated from measureme\nnts or technical analysis of human body characteristics used by the owner or licensee to authenticate an individual, such as a fingerprint, retina or iris image, or other unique physical representation or digital representation of biometric data.\n( 2 ) User name or email address, in combination with a password or security question and answer that would permit access to an online account, when either the user name or email address or password or security question and answer are not encrypted or redacted or are encrypted or redacted but the keys to unencrypt or unredact or otherwise read the data elements have been obtained through the breach of security.\n\" Personal information '' does not include publicly available information that is lawfully made available to the general public from federal, State, or local government records.\n( Source : P.A. 99-503, eff. 1-1-17. ) ( 815 ILCS 530/10 ) Sec. 10. Notice of breach. ( a ) Any data collector that owns or licenses personal information concerning an Illinois resident shall notify the resident at no charge that there has been a breach of the security of the system data following discovery or notification of the breach. The disclosure notification shall be made in the most expedient time possible and without unreasonable delay, consistent with any measures necessary to determine the scope of the breach and restore the reasonable integrity, security, and confidentiality of the data system. The disclosure notification to an Illinois resident shall include, but need not be limited to, information as follows : ( 1 ) With respect to personal information as defined in Section 5 in paragraph ( 1 ) of the definition of \" personal information '' : ( A ) the toll-free numbers and addresses for consumer reporting agencies ; ( B ) the toll-free number, address, and website address for the Federal Trade Commission ; and ( C ) a statement that the individual can obtain information from these sources about fraud alerts and security freezes. The notification shall not, however, include information concerning the number of Illinois residents affected by the breach. ( 2 ) With respect to personal information defined in Section 5 in paragraph ( 2 ) of the definition of \" personal information '', notice may be provided in electronic or other form directing the Illinois resident whose personal information has been breached to promptly change his or her user name or password and security question or answer, as applicable, or to take other steps appropriate to protect all online accounts for which the resident uses the same user name or email address and password or security question and answer. ( b ) Any data collector that maintains or stores, but does not own or license, computerized data that includes personal information that the data collector does not own or license shall notify the owner or licensee of the information of any breach of the security of the data immediately following discovery, if the personal information was, or is reasonably believed to have been, acquired by an unauthorized person. In addition to providing such notification to the owner or licensee, the data collector shall cooperate with the owner or licensee in matters relating to the breach. That cooperation shall include, but need not be limited to, ( i ) informing the owner or licensee of the breach, including giving notice of the date or approximate date of the breach and the nature of the breach, and ( ii ) informing the owner or licensee of any steps the data collector has taken or plans to take relating to the breach. The data collector 's cooperation shall not, however, be deemed to require either the disclosure of confidential business information or trade secrets or the notification of an Illinois resident who may have been affected by the breach. ( b-5 ) The notification to an Illinois resident required by subsection ( a ) of this Section may be delayed if an appropriate law enforcement agency determines that notification will interfere with a criminal investigation and provides the data collector with a written request for the delay. However, the data collector must notify the Illinois resident as soon as notification will no longer interfere with the investigation. ( c ) For purposes of this Section, notice to consumers may be provided by one of the following methods : ( 1 ) written notice ; ( 2 ) electronic notice, if the notice provided is consistent with the provisions regarding electronic records and signatures for notices legally required to be in writing as set forth in Section 7001 of Title 15 of the United States Code ; or ( 3 ) substitute notice, if the data collector demonstrates that the cost of providing notice would exceed {$250000.00} or that the affected class of  subject persons to be notified exceeds 500,000, or the data collector does not have sufficient contact information. Substitute notice shall consist of all of the following : ( i ) email notice if the data collector has an email address for the subject persons ; ( ii ) conspicuous posting of the notice on the data collector 's web site page if the data collector maintains one ; and ( iii ) notification to major statewide media or, if the breach impacts residents in one geographic area, to prominent local media in areas where affected individuals are likely to reside if such notice is reasonably calculated to give actual notice to persons whom notice is required.\n( d ) Notwithstanding any other subsection in this Section, a data collector that maintains its own notification procedures as part of an information security policy for the treatment of personal information and is otherwise consistent with the timing requirements of this Act, shall be deemed in compliance with the notification requirements of this Section if the data collector notifies subject persons in accordance with its policies in the event of a breach of the security of the system data.\n( Source : P.A. 99-503, eff. 1-1-17. ) ( 815 ILCS 530/12 ) Sec. 12. Notice of breach ; State agency.\n( a ) Any State agency that collects personal information concerning an Illinois resident shall notify the resident at no charge that there has been a breach of the security of the system data or written material following discovery or notification of the breach. The disclosure notification shall be made in the most expedient time possible and without unreasonable delay, consistent with any measures necessary to determine the scope of the breach and restore the reasonable integrity, security, and confidentiality of the data system. The disclosure notification to an Illinois resident shall include, but need not be limited to information as follows\n: ( 1 ) With respect to personal information defined in Section 5 in paragraph ( 1 ) of the definition of \" personal information '' : ( i ) the toll-free numbers and addresses for consumer reporting agencies ; ( ii ) the toll-free number, address, and website address for the Federal Trade Commission ; and ( iii ) a statement that the individual can obtain information from these sources about fraud alerts and security freezes. ( 2 ) With respect to personal information as defined in Section 5 in paragraph ( 2 ) of the definition of \" personal information '', notice may be provided in electronic or other form directing the Illinois resid\nent whose personal information has been breached to promptly change his or her user name or password and security question or answer, as applicable, or to take other steps appropriate to protect all online accounts for which the resident uses the same user name or email address and password or security question and answer.\nThe notification shall not, however, include information concerning the number of Illinois residents affected by the breach.\n( a-5 ) The notification to an Illinois resident required by subsection ( a ) of this Section may be delayed if an appropriate law enforcement agency determines that notification will interfere with a criminal investigation and provides th\ne State agency with a written request for the delay. However, the State agency must notify the Illinois resident as soon as notification will no longer interfere with the investigation. ( b ) For purposes of this Section, notice to residents may be provided by one of the following methods : ( 1 ) written notice ; ( 2 ) electronic notice, if the notice provided is consistent with the provisions regarding electronic records and signatures for notices legally required to be in writing as set forth in Section 7001 of Title 15 of the United States Code ; or ( 3 ) substitute notice, if the State agency demonstrates that the cost of providing notice would exceed {$250000.00} or that the affected class of subject persons to be notified exceeds 500,000, or the State agency does not have sufficient contact information. Substitute notice shall consist of all of the following : ( i ) email notice if the State agency has an email address for the subject persons ; ( ii ) conspicuous posting of the notice on the State agency 's web site page if the State agency maintains one ; and ( iii ) notification to major statewide media.\n( c ) Notwithstanding subsection ( b ), a State agency that maintains its own notification procedures as part of an information security policy for the treatment of personal information and is otherwise consistent with the timing requirements of this Act shall be deemed in compliance with the notification requirements of this Section if the State agency notifies subject persons in accordance with its policies in the event of a breach of the security of the system data or written material.\n( d ) If a State agency is required to notify more than 1,000 persons of a breach of security pursuant to this Section, the State agency shall also notify, without unreasonable delay, all consumer reporting agencies that compile and maintain files on consumers on a nationwide basis, as defined by 15 U.S.C. Section 1681a ( p ), of the timing, distribution, and content of the notices. Nothing in this subsection ( d ) shall be construed to require the State agency to provide to the consumer reporting agency the names or other personal identifying information of breach notice  recipients. ( e ) Notice to Attorney General. Any State agency that suffers a single breach of the security of the data concerning the personal information of more than XXXX Illinois residents shall provide notice to the Attorney General of the breach, including : ( A ) The types of personal information compromised in the breach. ( B ) The number of Illinois residents affected by such incident at the time of notification. ( C ) Any steps the State agency has taken or plans to take relating to notification of the breach to consumers. ( D ) The date and timeframe of the breach, if known at the time notification is provided. Such notification must be made within 45 days of the State agency 's discovery of the security breach or when the State agency provides any notice to consumers required by this Section, whichever is sooner, unless the State agency has good cause for reasonable delay to determine the scope of the breach and restore the integrity, security, and confidentiality of the data system, or when law enforcement requests in writing to withhold disclosure of some or all of the information required in the notification under this Section. If the date or timeframe of the breach is unknown at the time the notice is sent to the Attorney General, the State agency shall send the Attorney General the date or timeframe of the breach as soon as possible.\n( Source : P.A. 99-503, eff. 1-1-17. ) ( 815 ILCS 530/15 ) Sec. 15. Waiver. Any waiver of the provisions of this Act is contrary to public policy and is void and unenforceable.\n( Source : P.A. 94-36, eff. 1-1-06. ) ( 815 ILCS 530/20 ) Sec. 20. Violation. A violation of this Act constitutes an unlawful practice under the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. ( Source : P.A. 94-36, eff. 1-1-06. ) ( 815 ILCS 530/25 ) Sec. 25. Annual reporting. Any State agency that collects personal data and has had a breach of security of the system data or written material shall submit a report within 5 business days of the discovery or notification of the breach to the General Assembly listing the breaches and outlining any corrective measures that have been taken to prevent future breaches of the security of the system data or written material. Any State agency that has submitted a report under this Section shall submit an annual report listing all breaches of security of the system data or written materials and the corrective measures that have been taken to prevent future breaches.\n( Source : P.A. 94-947, eff. 6-27-06. ) ( 815 ILCS 530/30 ) Sec. 30. Safe disposal of information. Any State agency that collects personal data that is no longer needed or stored at the agency shall dispose of the personal data or written material it has collected in such a manner as to ensure the security and confidentiality of the material.\n( Source : P.A. 94-947, eff. 6-27-06. ) ( 815 ILCS 530/40 ) Sec. 40. Disposal of materials containing personal information ; Attorney General.\n( a ) In this Section, \" person '' means : a natural person ; a corporation, partnership, association, or other legal entity ; a unit of local government or any agency, department, division, bureau, board, commission, or committee thereof ; or the State of Illinois or any constitutional officer, agency, department, division, bureau, board, commission, or committee thereof.\n( b ) A person must dispose of the materials containing personal information in a manner that renders the personal information unreadable, unusable, and undecipherable. Proper disposal methods include, but are not limited to, the following : ( 1 ) Paper documents containing personal information may be either redacted, burned, pulverized, or shredded so that personal information can not practicably be read or reconstructed. ( 2 ) Electronic media and other non-paper media containing personal information may be destroyed or erased so that personal information can not practicably be read or reconstructed.\n( c ) Any person disposing of materials containing personal information may contract with a third party to dispose of such materials in accordance with this Section. Any third party that contracts with a person to dispose of materials containing personal information must implement and monitor compliance with policies and procedures that prohibit unauthorized access to or acquisition of or use of personal information during the collection, transportation, and disposal of materials containing personal information.\n( d ) Any person, including but not limited to a third party referenced in subsection ( c ), who violates this Section is subject to a civil penalty of not more than {$100.00} for each individual with respect to whom personal information is disposed of in violation of this Section. A civil penalty may not, however, exceed {$50000.00} for each instance of improper disposal of materials containing personal information. The Attorney General may impose a civil penalty after notice to the person accused of violating this Section and an opportunity for that person to be heard in the matter. The Attorney General may file a civil action in the circuit court to recover any penalty imposed under this Section. ( e ) In addition to the authority to impose a civil penalty under subsection ( d ), the Attorney General may bring an action in the circuit court to remedy a violation of this Section, seeking any appropriate relief.\n( f ) A financial institution under 15 U.S.C. 6801 et. seq. or any person subject to 15 U.S.C. 1681w is exempt from this Section.\n( Source : P.A. 97-483, eff. 1-1-12. ) ( 815 ILCS 530/45 ) Sec. 45. Data security.\n( a ) A data collector that owns or licenses, or maintains or stores but does not own or license, records that contain personal information concerning an Illinois resident shall implement and maintain reasonable security measures to protect those records from unauthorized access, acquisition, destruction, use, modification, or disclosure.\n( b ) A contract for the disclosure of personal information concerning an Illinois resident that is maintained by a data collector must include a provision requiring the person to whom the information is disclosed to implement and maintain reasonable security measures to protect those records from unauthorized access, acquisition, destruction, use, modification, or disclosure.\n( c ) If a state or federal law requires a data collector to provide greater protection to records that contain personal information concerning an Illinois resident that are maintained by the data collector and the data collector is in compliance with the provisions of that state or federal law, the data collector shall be deemed to be in compliance with the provisions of this Section.\n( d ) A data collector that is subject to and in compliance with the standards established pursuant to Section 501 ( b ) of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999, 15 U.S.C. Section 6801, shall be deemed to be in compliance with the provisions of this Section.\n( Source : P.A. 99-503, eff. 1-1-17. ) ( 815 ILCS 530/50 ) Sec. 50. Entities subject to the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. Any covered entity or business associate that is subject to and in compliance with the privacy and security standards for the protection of electronic health information established pursuant to the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 and the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act shall be deemed to be in compliance with the provisions of this Act, provided that any covered entity or business associate required to provide notification of a breach to the Secretary of Health and Human Services pursuant to the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act also provides such notification to the Attorney General within 5 business days of notifying the Secretary. ( Source : P.A. 99-503, eff. 1-1-17. ) ( 815 ILCS 530/900 ) Sec. 900. ( Amendatory provisions ; text omitted ).\n( Source : P.A. 94-36, eff. 1-1-06 ; text omitted. )","date_sent_to_company":"2017-06-11T15:43:11.000Z","issue":"Improper use of your report","sub_product":"Credit reporting","zip_code":"60624","tags":null,"has_narrative":true,"complaint_id":"2533312","timely":"Yes","company_response":"Closed with explanation","submitted_via":"Web","company":"ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP INC.","date_received":"2017-06-11T15:43:09.000Z","state":"IL","company_public_response":null,"sub_issue":"Reporting company used your report improperly"},"highlight":{"complaint_what_happened":["Data <em>security</em>.\n( a ) A data collector that owns or licenses, or maintains or stores but does not own or license, records that contain personal information concerning an Illinois resident shall implement and maintain reasonable <em>security</em> measures to protect those records from unauthorized <em>access</em>, acquisition, destruction, use, modification, or disclosure.\n( b ) A contract for the disclosure of personal information concerning an Illinois resident that is maintained by a data collector must <em>include</em> a"]},"sort":[13.876873,"2533312"]},{"_index":"complaint-public-v1","_id":"20942259","_score":13.4911375,"_source":{"product":"Student loan","complaint_what_happened":"RE : FORMAL DISPUTE AND NOTICE OF UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS OF PERSONAL DATA BY DOGE PERSONNEL To the Agent assigned to this case : I am writing to formally dispute the unauthorized access, disclosure, and inspection of my personally identifiable information ( PII ) and protected tax information. This access was granted by the Department of Education ( ED ) to individuals associated with the Department of Government Efficiency ( DOGE ) without my knowledge, consent, or the required legal notices. \n\nI am a student loan borrower whose records are maintained by the Department. I demand an accounting of all disclosures of my records pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a ( c ) of the Privacy Act of 1974. \n\nXXXX. The Nature of the Violation Based on sworn testimony, congressional correspondence, and investigative reporting, the Department granted DOGE affiliates access to internal systems that house the sensitive data of millions of Americans. Specifically, the Department admitted to granting \" XXXX employee [ ] read-only access '' to the Financial Management System ( FMS ) and Partner Connect. Both systems contain data regarding Title IV loans and grants, including Social Security numbers, income information, and bank account details. \n\nFurthermore, reports confirm that XXXX gained entry to the National Student Loan Data System ( NSLDS ) and other datasets containing the tax information of FAFSA applicants. \n\nXXXX. Violations of the Privacy Act of 1974 ( 5 U.S.C. 552a ) The Departments conduct violates the Privacy Act in several key respects : Unauthorized Disclosure ( 5 U.S.C. 552a ( b ) ) : The Privacy Act prohibits the disclosure of records without the written request or consent of the subject individual, absent specific statutory exceptions. DOGE is not a \" need to know '' recipient under routine use definitions, nor a law enforcement agency with a proper request. The Department failed to provide a XXXX-day notice to Congress or the public before altering the \" routine use '' of my data to allow DOGE access. \n\nFailure to Maintain Accurate Accounting ( 5 U.S.C. 552a ( c ) ) : The Department has failed to maintain an accurate accounting of the disclosures of my records. When asked by Congress, the Department \" refused to disclose whether and to what extent DOGE had access to student loan borrowers data, specifically ''. This lack of transparency is a direct violation of the Act.\n\n3. Request for Immediate Action Therefore, I demand the following : Complete Accounting : Provide a full, certified accounting of every DOGE affiliate or \" special government employee '' who has accessed, copied, downloaded, or viewed my electronic records ( including XXXX, XXXX, XXXX XXXX, or XXXX ). This must include the date, time, specific data fields viewed, and the stated purpose of access. \n\nVerification of Deletion : Given that the Inspector General has opened an investigation into \" infiltration '' of these systems, I demand written certification that any data downloaded or copied by unauthorized personnel has been returned or destroyed and is not being held in private servers or non-governmental systems. \n\nCompliance with Injunctions : As the XXXX XXXX previously noted the risk that \" permitting DOGE unfettered access ... lets the proverbial genie out of the bottle '', I demand to know how the Department intends to remedy the irreversible exposure of my personal information. \n\nIf I do not receive a response within XXXX business days, or if I discover further misuse of my data ( such as identity theft or improper credit monitoring by third parties ), I will consider this a willful and intentional violation of the Privacy Act. Under 5 U.S.C. 552a ( g ) ( 1 ) ( D ), I reserve the right to file a civil action against the agency for actual and statutory damages. \n\nSincerely, XXXX XXXX","date_sent_to_company":"2026-04-16T19:43:24.000Z","issue":"Struggling to repay your loan","sub_product":"Federal student loan servicing","zip_code":"30294","tags":null,"has_narrative":true,"complaint_id":"20942259","timely":"No","company_response":"Untimely response","submitted_via":"Web","company":"Servicer under contract with Federal Student Aid","date_received":"2026-04-04T01:42:04.000Z","state":"GA","company_public_response":null,"sub_issue":"Bankruptcy"},"highlight":{"complaint_what_happened":["Request for Immediate Action Therefore, I demand the following : Complete Accounting : Provide a full, certified accounting of every DOGE affiliate or \" special government employee '' who has <em>accessed</em>, copied, downloaded, or viewed my <em>electronic</em> records ( including XXXX, XXXX, XXXX XXXX, or XXXX ). This must <em>include</em> the date, time, specific data fields viewed, and the stated purpose of <em>access</em>."]},"sort":[13.4911375,"20942259"]},{"_index":"complaint-public-v1","_id":"3097855","_score":13.156588,"_source":{"product":"Checking or savings account","complaint_what_happened":"XX/XX/XXXX I phoned Chase bank, and applied a small fee of {$25.00} to pay for a stop payment on a Loan company 's ' payment. XX/XX/XXXX Chase bank overrides customers Stop payment Fee and Explains other than the Fee applied. They argue they are the highest in Fraud and it doesn't matter that i have stop payment the Loan company withdrew the funds as prior payments an electronic check. Each 5 bank members { Employees } .. etc.. They want to perform how ranking its independent duty or rule to my payment of {$25.00} stop payment is???\n\n. Chase bank in freer practice too and has have - been and this is-evidence of open files in complaint are monitoring my account as a practice. The complaint is made in part of 4-403. CUSTOM\nER 's RIGHT TO STOP PAYMENT ; BURDEN OF PROOF OF LOSS.\n\n( a ) A customer or any person authorized to draw on the account if there is more than one person may stop payment of any item drawn on the customer 's account or close the account by an order to the bank describing the item or account with reasonable certainty received at a time and in a manner that affords the bank a reasonable opportunity to act on it before any action by the bank with respect to the item described in Section 4-303. If the signature of more than one person is required to draw on an account, any of these persons may stop payment or close the account.\n\n( b ) A stop-payment order is effective for six months, but it lapses after 14 calendar days if the original order was oral and was not confirmed in a record within that period. A stop-payment order may be renewed for additional six-month periods by a record given to the bank within a period during which the stop-payment order is effective.\n\n( c ) The burden of establishing the fact and amount of loss resulting from the payment of an item contrary to a stop-payment order or order to close an account is on the customer. The loss from payment of an item contrary to a stop-payment order may include damages for dishonor of subsequent items under Section 4-402. \n\nThe account retains a invisible button on this date.Called I DO NOT WANT OVERDRAFT. This button issue is in complaint and unanswered on this date. The button is removed from my platform. Or invisible.. If funds are not available the check is required to be returned. They bank is monitoring the account as in Complaint and unresolved Case File Number going back to XXXX Public Inquiry Unit dealing with the other unanswered and resolved complaints submitted to Chase bank. dealing with those facts. This day is XX/XX/XXXX I have contacted Chase bank in regards to sending me customer satisfaction emails in how am i going to pay for my overdrafts fees in the payments they are watching to add {$34.00} fee for insufficient fund. Now the insight of Chase bank i have accessed the forum to request the bank communicate if i am insufficient in allowing a payment i stopped to be paid and itemizing what Chase bank is going to pay. That i may request in depository rules other than FDIC my income that as a Insurance company can go to limit per day. As in that way i can request your named aka employees in requesting its he or she names pay my payroll per day of what i earn per month to include deductions before deposit. 1. Chase bank is not i to monitor or to inform the non payment of a Loan Company XXXX XXXX XXXX A chase bank returned payment on XX/XX/XXXX allocating i did not get a deposit. Consumer has 2 weeks to make a deposit before it can be returned. Chase bank informed the loan company XX/XX/XXXX that customer did not get a deposit and payment was returned insufficient. This is a violation of consumer privacy laws. Well. At that time Customer had no overdraft protection XX/XX/XXXX as a Chase bank asserted task but in XX/XX/XXXX Customer without giving Chase bank consent retains Overdraft protection. \nI am only 1 person. for all this excise activity. Y Further XX/XX/XXXX a stop payment paid from customer account. Your employees maybe FDIC especially when they think they are consumers rights. In this forum my money is insured in another forum so on that note. I request Chase do not conflict with me to enforce rights on my payment they revoked titled : STOP Payment. 2. Chase bank respect the customer rights in NON overdraft protected until otherwise notified by customer in writing that she wants overdraft protection.. Well. About the stop payment. No payment from the Loan company was taken out of customers account in XXXX. In oversight of Chase bank revoking customers right in that the Fee {$25.00} XXXX when they allowed payment to post and pend payment that is a stop payment and add overdraft protection to the bills for that month to be paid. They do not make Financial decsions for customer and have and i herein in this complaint a request in notice :. The rights i retain i seek and request for other resolutions as i am tasking the issue of this complaint.. Further a request has been applied to the bank over the phone, then online message If Chase is going to enforce and disturb my rights in a stop payment fee of {$25.00} and to allow payment of the stop payment to clear I am not insufficient then The bank is in revocation of my right and to assert to notify me is harassment. How its my money that paid for it and as a request you should use your platform with online message available to notify or imply to customer of her overdraft in the account of insufficient but Chase paid and how i can make a deposit. Well i will make my deposit and apply the regulations to settle i notify you in this way as a civil request being defeated It would be advised the employees task a class of behavioral management in confusing their position to customers rights But since they are in custody and control of my right i believe we have a few regulated problems in request and my own personal input on screen of non overdraft protected. Chase bank says they can revoke may right and decide who they pay out of my account I have a lot of activity they state at another time is not visible but at that time was and lucky i learnt how to copy and paste, hold and keep documents before the task of it disappeared or is no loner available. I have informed Chase bank of a data breach XXXX   XXXX they have yet to resolve those issues reported. I was mailed a bunch of bank statements inaccurate date of opening statement.. This issue is new and in section would apply to Contractual Data Stop Payment _Chase Bank Transfer Agreement of the Stop payment is between parties known as chase employees and herein Clause to adjoin Cell phone transfers as part of its Employed position in dealing with Customer relations Fraud is not fraud because they had not paid the fee for stop payment is personal fraud brought by the employed sanctioned representatives AKA telephone communications etc.. \n\n\n\nThe personal data in which they compromised to insight, hack and give civil opinion on the Stop payment Chase bank employees Debt I provide the governing body of those employees to include Misrepresentation, Fraud, and Playing with financial lines, manipulating the the bill of rights in secured deposit in asset under regulations of the undersigned. \n\nThe independent employees includes, name, email and/or phone contact information abstracts the bill of rights underpayment with the amendment to the stop payment of a company from payment. \nOn XX/XX/XXXX E mailer form a Chase bank received a call from customer advising the privacy rights and laws to not email me with its insufficient dent in practices the time and place of proposed export of data in fiduciary take place in any jurisdiction processed by any other form performed a electronic risk assessment after and before processing the Customer Data or launching the Services agreement are Chase bank Checking & savings account columns Chase bank credit card department the named indicators employed task to enact I was told to go to the bank and get it.\n\nData subjects Data subjects include the data exporters customers representative 's and end users, primarily customers of the data exporter, but also including employees, contractors, and collaborators thereof. Data subjects may also include individuals attempting to communicate or transfer personal information to users of the services provided by whay they can do with my money in payments of bills and personal information to clients of them are not customers as i i am client to chase bank. \nby the data importer.Categories of data The personal data transferred includes, name, email and/or phone contact information, time and place of proposed appointment or booking, and other data in an electronic form retains its security documents pursuant to its retention requirements after they are no longer in effect Contractual Encrypt Financial Data 1. Provided by customer, provided by chase bank. \nChase bank excludes customers right to rightful process of fraud in affidavit of the laws in brief of memorandum of truth and law versa Chase bank public opinion in the right it controls for access the access is defined above in the change of the customers data to the preference it foresee as the right to the posses to the right of customer. \nXXXX","date_sent_to_company":"2018-12-12T14:26:35.000Z","issue":"Managing an account","sub_product":"Other banking product or service","zip_code":"90027","tags":null,"has_narrative":true,"complaint_id":"3097855","timely":"Yes","company_response":"Closed with monetary relief","submitted_via":"Web","company":"JPMORGAN CHASE & CO.","date_received":"2018-12-12T03:02:17.000Z","state":"CA","company_public_response":null,"sub_issue":"Funds not handled or disbursed as instructed"},"highlight":{"complaint_what_happened":["by the data importer.Categories of data The personal data transferred <em>includes</em>, name, email and/or phone contact information, time and place of proposed appointment or booking, and other data in an <em>electronic</em> form retains its <em>security</em> documents pursuant to its retention requirements after they are no longer in effect Contractual Encrypt Financial Data 1. Provided by customer, provided by chase bank."]},"sort":[13.156588,"3097855"]},{"_index":"complaint-public-v1","_id":"9920715","_score":12.908352,"_source":{"product":"Money transfer, virtual currency, or money service","complaint_what_happened":"I do not accept the position of XXXX in having XXXX liability against the fraud that was committed against me. The fraud security system put in place by XXXX  failed to alert me of obvious red flag security markers. That other fraud systems would be designed to recognize. \n\nXX/XX/year> : On XXXX XXXX, I was the victim of a fraud in which a company illegally gained access to my mobile banking and proceeded to deposit a phony check worth XXXX  of dollars done so by an IP address outside of this country and without any ties or connections to the known/authorized IP addresses which logged into my account on a daily basis. \n\nThe fraud system by XXXX  should have and would have been expected to identify the login of my account from an IP address of no affiliation to its members IP address and flagged the login to prevent it. I received no notification that there was a login to my account, I received no text message, alerting me that another party has logged into my account, I received no type of fraud alert of any kind advising me that there has been something suspicious that I need to be made aware of. \n\nXXXX  has falsely offered protection gurrantees to it's members without full transparency of what members should expect in the event of a fraudulent experience. I will outline and attach screenshots of direct quotes straight from the XXXX  website of their overpromising ; yet underdelivering : ( Example XXXX ) On the XXXX  website in the section pertaining to XXXX XXXX XXXX, it states : \" Protecting against fraud XXXX : As a XXXX  member XXXX your automatically enrolled in our security and fraud alert program. If something seems unusual will send you an alert. You should also report fraud and identity, theft, loss cards, or any other unusual activity. '' -end example XXXX ( Example XXXX ) On another section of the XXXX  website which describes \" XXXX  's XXXX wallet banking fraud protections '', it says : \" XXXX liability policy you are not liable for unauthorized use that is reported to us. Unauthorized use means use of a credit card by someone other than you who does not have actual implied or parent authority for such a use and from which you do not receive a direct or indirect benefit. \". This policy goes on to state and I quote \" you are not liable for unauthorized use of a debit card that you report to us unauthorized use means the use of a debit card by someone other than you without actual authority to use the debit card and from which you receive no benefit. It does not include use of a debit card by a person who was furnished the debit card by you unless you notified us ( XXXX  ) that the transfers by such person are no longer authorized ... '' XXXXend example XXXX ( Example XXXX ) Under the debit card section of the XXXX  website for security it states : \" NO MATTER HOW YOU USE YOUR DEBIT CARD you can rest easy knowing your security is top priority '' [ I'd like to specifically note on the statement of |no matter how you use your debit card| that there is XXXX mention to its members to warn that this policy does not apply WHATSOEVER when using XXXX XXXX or any of the electronic mobile payment services which are directly linked to \" how a member uses its debit card '' ; no clauses, superscript identifiers or other notices which further expand that this protection guarantee does not apply to HOW a member uses their debit card to include using it for mobile payment transactions. This security explanation goes on to say \" our XXXX liability policy means you arent liable for unauthorized debit card transactions that are reported to us. '' ... \n\" with XXXX fraud monitoring, we will notify you of suspicious activity on your XXXX  debit card ''. FALSE FALSE FALSE. \n\n-end example XXXX ( Example XXXX ) Security alerts to help protect your online ID : \" we also look for unauthorized access to your personal information. If we notice anything unusual, will send you an alert. This could include someone trying to update your profile information, online ID or password. '' [ Accessing my account from an IP Address originating from a foreign country within XXXX  of *MY* IP Address accessing it within the XXXX XXXX  is not considered \" unusual ... '' ] ... again, XXXX  failed to deliver on its safeguards which if functioned properly they would have prevented myself being a victim of this fraud. \n\nI will end this complaint not with a threat or any type of smoke to be blown ... only with my assurance to the member advocacy team ( working ever so closely with the CEO ) ; if the clear and obvious examples I've stated above don't impact the result of how this played out for XXXX of your members who fell victim to fraud -- I will utilize every resource available, every platform, and all means of exposure to get this story heard by the masses. Member expectations are falsely being portrayed and the end result is total destruction of our lives and property. I will air all of the dirty laundry regarding your creative marketing and properly explain to the public exactly what to expect with XXXX  's false promises, failed safeguards, ill-informed debit card protection policies, but most importantly... strong emphasis on the character trait of insensate in it's rawest form - from the CEO, down to member advocacy, and into the lap of those who put our trust in our bank. With that being said - I have a vet close childhood best friend who I've been close with for more than XXXX  years ; as successful as he is, he has his own segment on XXXX XXXX XXXX and I have assurances of connecting me with very ambitious investigative journalists, along widely known influencers who were both eager to warn the public of the reality behind website promises made by XXXX... XXXX with a following of XXXX XXXX and the other carrying XXXX XXXX. \n\nMy point is... I'm XXXX and I'm not the XXXX 'in the wrong ' in this situation ; I certainly don't want the victimization type of attention put upon me- I simply want XXXX  to DO THE RIGHT THING and make me whole again due to XXXX  points of failure stemming from failed systems, failed promises, failed safeguards on recognizing suspicious activity, and the downright failure of improperly informing your members of realistic expectations on what this experience will look like if someone else becomes a victim of fraud. \n\nI anxiously await to hear back as swiftly as XXXX  feels a loyal member as myself deserves to be taken care of. \n\nXXXX XXXX XXXX","date_sent_to_company":"2024-08-26T01:43:15.000Z","issue":"Fraud or scam","sub_product":"Domestic (US) money transfer","zip_code":"37066","tags":"Servicemember","has_narrative":true,"complaint_id":"9920715","timely":"Yes","company_response":"Closed with explanation","submitted_via":"Web","company":"UNITED SERVICES AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION","date_received":"2024-08-25T23:25:09.000Z","state":"TN","company_public_response":"Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response","sub_issue":null},"highlight":{"complaint_what_happened":["This <em>security</em> explanation goes on to say \" our XXXX liability policy means you arent liable for unauthorized debit card transactions that are reported to us. '' ... \n\" with XXXX fraud <em>monitoring</em>, we will notify you of suspicious activity on your XXXX  debit card ''. FALSE FALSE FALSE. \n\n-end example XXXX ( Example XXXX ) <em>Security</em> alerts to help protect your online ID : \" we also look for unauthorized <em>access</em> to your personal information. If we notice anything unusual, will send you an alert."]},"sort":[12.908352,"9920715"]},{"_index":"complaint-public-v1","_id":"5428111","_score":12.022501,"_source":{"product":"Credit reporting, credit repair services, or other personal consumer reports","complaint_what_happened":"In accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act : Experian, XXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXX has violated my rights. \n\n15 U.S.C 1681 section 602 A. States I have the right to Privacy.\n\n15 U.S.C. 1681 Section 604 A.section 2 : It also states a consumer reporting agency can not furnish a account without my written consent instructions.\n\nI need all these accounts listed investigated and information from your investigated forwarded to me at XXXX or my current home address of XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX I also want all addresses that are listed on my credit report removed because i have lived at this address for two years and my previous address i lived at up until this time was XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXX and other address are not mine and must be removed. \n\nAccount 's to be investigated and information to be sent to me as proof of your investigation. The electronic investigation never wins in the consumer favor because they never send validating information. I want signed contracts from all parties involved to prove i owe these debts listed. \n\n1. XXXX XXXX XXXX Account # XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX Ut XXXX 2. XXXX XXXX XXXX Account # XXXX - XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Wa XXXX 3. XXXX XXXX Account # XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX- XXXX XXXX SC XXXX 4. XXXX XXXX Account # XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, Tx XXXX 5. XXXX  XXXX Account # XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, Ut XXXX 6. XXXX XXXX XXXX  Account # XXXX - XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, SD XXXX 7. XXXX XXXX XXXX Account # XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXX South Carolina XXXX My Name is : XXXX XXXX The Name XXXX XXXX isn't my name and must be deleted. \nThe Name XXXX XXXX isn't my name and must be deleted. \n\nThese are a few of the laws that have been violated. This warrant 's removal of the false or misleading information. \n\n605A - 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1 the consumer reporting agency shall notify the requester of the existence of the discrepancy. \nSee also 16 CFR Part 641 72 Fed. Reg. 63771-72 ( 11/09/07 ) 74 Fed. Reg. 22640-41 ( 05/14/09 ) ( 2 ) Regulations ( A ) Regulations required. The Bureau shall, in consultation with the Federal banking agencies, the XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, and the Federal Trade Commission, prescribe regulations providing guidance regarding reasonable policies and procedures that a user of a consumer report should employ when such user has received a notice of discrepancy under paragraph ( 1 ).\n\n( B ) Policies and procedures to be included. The regulations prescribed under subparagraph ( A ) shall describe reasonable policies and procedures for use by a user of a consumer report ( i ) to form a reasonable belief that the user knows the identity of the person to whom the consumer report pertains; and ( ii ) if the user establishes a continuing relationship with the consumer, and the user regularly and in the ordinary course of business furnishes information to the consumer reporting agency from which the notice of discrepancy pertaining to the consumer was obtained, to reconcile the address of the consumer with the consumer reporting agency by furnishing such address to such consumer reporting agency as part of information regularly furnished by the user for the period in which the relationship is established. \n605A.Identity theft prevention ; fraud alerts and active duty alerts [ 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1 ] ( a ) One-call Fraud Alerts ( 1 ) Initial alerts. Upon the direct request of a consumer, or an individual acting on behalf of or as a personal representative of a consumer, who asserts in good faith a suspicion that the consumer has been or is about to become a victim of fraud or related crime, including identity theft, a consumer reporting agency described in section 603 ( p ) that maintains a file on the consumer and has received appropriate proof of the identity of the requester shall 605A - 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1 27 ( A ) include a fraud alert in the file of that consumer, and also provide that alert along with any credit score generated in using that file, for a period of not less than 1 year, beginning on the date of such request, unless the consumer or such representative requests that such fraud alert be removed before the end of such period, and the agency has received appropriate proof of the identity of the requester for such purpose; and ( B ) refer the information regarding the fraud alert under this paragraph to each of the other consumer reporting agencies described in section 603 ( p ), in accordance with procedures developed under section 621 ( f ).\n\n( 2 ) Access to free reports. In any case in which a consumer reporting agency includes a fraud alert in the file of a consumer pursuant to this subsection, the consumer reporting agency shall ( A ) disclose to the consumer that the consumer may request a free copy of the file of the consumer pursuant to section 612 ( d ) ; and ( B ) provide to the consumer all disclosures required to be made under section 609, without charge to the consumer, not later than 3 business days after any request described in subparagraph ( A ).\n\n( b ) Extended Alerts ( 1 ) In general. Upon the direct request of a consumer, or an individual acting on behalf of or as a personal representative of a consumer, who submits an identity theft report to a consumer reporting agency described in section 603 ( p ) that maintains a file on the consumer, if the agency has received appropriate proof of the identity of the requester, the agency shall ( A ) include a fraud alert in the file of that consumer, and also provide that alert along with any credit score generated in using that file, during the 7-year period beginning on the date of such request, unless the consumer or such representative requests that such fraud alert be removed before the end of such period and the agency has received appropriate proof of the identity of the requester for such purpose ; ( B ) during the 5-year period beginning on the date of such request, exclude the consumer from any list of consumers prepared by the consumer reporting agency and provided to any third party to offer credit or insurance to the consumer as part of a transaction that was not initiated by the consumer, unless the 28 605A - 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1 consumer or such representative requests that such exclusion be rescinded before the end of such period; and ( C ) refer the information regarding the extended fraud alert under this paragraph to each of the other consumer reporting agencies described in section 603 ( p ), in accordance with procedures developed under section 621 ( f ).\n\n( 2 ) Access to free reports. In any case in which a consumer reporting agency includes a fraud alert in the file of a consumer pursuant to this subsection, the consumer reporting agency shall ( A ) disclose to the consumer that the consumer may request 2 free copies of the file of the consumer pursuant to section 612 ( d ) during the 12-month period beginning on the date on which the fraud alert was included in the file ; and ( B ) provide to the consumer all disclosures required to be made under section 609, without charge to the consumer, not later than 3 business days after any request described in subparagraph ( A ). \n( c ) XXXX XXXX alerts. Upon the direct request of an XXXX XXXX military consumer, or an individual acting on behalf of or as a personal representative of an XXXX XXXX military consumer, a consumer reporting agency described in section 603 ( p ) that maintains a file on the XXXX XXXX military consumer and has received appropriate proof of the identity of the requester shall ( 1 ) include an XXXX XXXX alert in the file of that XXXX XXXX military consumer, and also provide that alert along with any credit score generated in using that file, during a period of not less than 12 months, or such longer period as the Bureau shall determine, by regulation, beginning on the date of the request, unless the XXXX XXXX military consumer or such representative requests that such fraud alert be removed before the end of such period, and the agency has received appropriate proof of the identity of the requester for such purpose ; ( 2 ) during the 2-year period beginning on the date of such request, exclude the XXXX XXXX military consumer from any list of consumers prepared by the consumer reporting agency and provided to any third party to offer credit or insurance to the consumer as part of a transaction that was not initiated by the consumer, unless the consumer requests that such exclusion be rescinded before the end of such period ; and 605A - 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1 29 ( 3 ) refer the information regarding the XXXX XXXX alert to each of the other consumer reporting agencies described in section 603 ( p ), in accordance with procedures developed under section 621 ( f ).\n\nSee also 16 CFR Part 613.1 69 Fed. Reg. 63922 ( 11/03/04 ) ( d ) Procedures. Each consumer reporting agency described in section 603 ( p ) shall establish policies and procedures to comply with this section, including procedures that inform consumers of the availability of initial, extended, and XXXX XXXX alerts and procedures that allow consumers and XXXX XXXX military consumers to request initial, extended, or XXXX XXXX alerts ( as applicable ) in a simple and easy manner, including by telephone. \n( e ) Referrals of alerts. Each consumer reporting agency described in section 603 ( p ) that receives a referral of a fraud alert or XXXX XXXX alert from another consumer reporting agency pursuant to this section shall, as though the agency received the request from the consumer directly, follow the procedures required under ( 1 ) paragraphs ( 1 ) ( A ) and ( 2 ) of subsection ( a ), in the case of a referral under subsection ( a ) ( 1 ) ( B ) ; ( 2 ) paragraphs ( 1 ) ( A ), ( 1 ) ( B ), and ( 2 ) of subsection ( b ), in the case of a referral under subsection ( b ) ( 1 ) ( C ) ; and ( 3 ) paragraphs ( 1 ) and ( 2 ) of subsection ( c ), in the case of a referral under subsection ( c ) ( 3 ).\n\n( f ) Duty of reseller to reconvey alert. A reseller shall include in its report any fraud alert or XXXX XXXX alert placed in the file of a consumer pursuant to this section by another consumer reporting agency. \n( g ) Duty of other consumer reporting agencies to provide contact information. \nIf a consumer contacts any consumer reporting agency that is not described in section 603 ( p ) to communicate a suspicion that the consumer has been or is about to become a victim of fraud or related crime, including identity theft, the agency shall provide information to the consumer on how to contact the Bureau and the consumer reporting agencies described in section 603 ( p ) to obtain more detailed information and request alerts under this section.\n\n( h ) Limitations on Use of Information for Credit Extensions ( 1 ) Requirements for initial and XXXX XXXX alerts ( A ) Notification. Each initial fraud alert and XXXX XXXX alert under this section shall include information that notifies all prospective users of a consumer report on the consumer to which the alert 30 605A - 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1 relates that the consumer does not authorize the establishment of any new credit plan or extension of credit, other than under an open-end credit plan ( as defined in section 103 ( i ) ), in the name of the consumer, or issuance of an additional card on an existing credit account requested by a consumer, or any increase in credit limit on an existing credit account requested by a consumer, except in accordance with subparagraph ( B ).\n\n( B ) Limitation on Users ( i ) In general. No prospective user of a consumer report that includes an initial fraud alert or an XXXX XXXX alert in accordance with this section may establish a new credit plan or extension of credit, other than under an open-end credit plan ( as defined in section 103 ( i ) ), in the name of the consumer, or issue an additional card on an existing credit account requested by a consumer, or grant any increase in credit limit on an existing credit account requested by a consumer, unless the user utilizes reasonable policies and procedures to form a reasonable belief that the user knows the identity of the person making the request. \n( ii ) Verification. If a consumer requesting the alert has specified a telephone number to be used for identity verification purposes, before authorizing any new credit plan or extension described in clause ( i ) in the name of such consumer, a user of such consumer report shall contact the consumer using that telephone number or take reasonable steps to verify the consumers identity and confirm that the application for a new credit plan is not the result of identity theft.\n\n( 2 ) Requirements for Extended Alerts ( A ) Notification. Each extended alert under this section shall include information that provides all prospective users of a consumer report relating to a consumer with ( i ) notification that the consumer does not authorize the establishment of any new credit plan or extension of credit described in clause ( i ), other than under an open-end credit plan ( as defined in section 103 ( i ) ), in the name of the consumer, or issuance of an additional card on an existing credit account requested by a consumer, or any increase in credit limit on an existing credit account 605A - 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1 31 requested by a consumer, except in accordance with subparagraph ( B ) ; and ( ii ) a telephone number or other reasonable contact method designated by the consumer.\n\n( B ) Limitation on users. No prospective user of a consumer report or of a credit score generated using the information in the file of a consumer that includes an extended fraud alert in accordance with this section may establish a new credit plan or extension of credit, other than under an open-end credit plan ( as defined in section 103 ( i ) ), in the name of the consumer, or issue an additional card on an existing credit account requested by a consumer, or any increase in credit limit on an existing credit account requested by a consumer, unless the user contacts the consumer in person or using the contact method described in subparagraph ( A ) ( ii ) to confirm that the application for a new credit plan or increase in credit limit, or request for an additional card is not the result of identity theft.\n\n( i ) National security freeze.\n\n( 1 ) Definitions. For purposes of this subsection : ( A ) The term consumer reporting agency means a consumer reporting agency described in section 603 ( p ).\n\n( B ) The term proper identification has the meaning of such term as used under section 610.\n\n( C ) The term security freeze means a restriction that prohibits a consumer reporting agency from disclosing the contents of a consumer report that is subject to such security freeze to any person requesting the consumer report.\n\n( 2 ) Placement of security freeze.\n\n( A ) In general. Upon receiving a direct request from a consumer that a consumer reporting agency place a security freeze, and upon receiving proper identification from the consumer, the consumer reporting agency shall, free of charge, place the security freeze not later than ( i ) in the case of a request that is by toll-free telephone or secure electronic means, 1 business day after receiving the request directly from the consumer; or ( ii ) in the case of a request that is by mail, 3 business days after receiving the request directly from the consumer.\n\n32 605A - 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1 ( B ) Confirmation and additional information.\n\nNot later than 5 business days after placing a security freeze under subparagraph ( A ), a consumer reporting agency shall ( i ) send confirmation of the placement to the consumer ; and ( ii ) inform the consumer of ( I ) the process by which the consumer may remove the security freeze, including a mechanism to authenticate the consumer ; and ( II ) the consumers right described in section 615 ( d ) ( 1 ) ( D ).\n\n( C ) Notice to third parties. A consumer reporting agency may advise a third party that a security freeze has been placed with respect to a consumer under subparagraph ( A ).\n\n( 3 ) Removal of security freeze.\n\n( A ) In general. A consumer reporting agency shall remove a security freeze placed on the consumer report of a consumer only in the following cases : ( i ) Upon the direct request of the consumer.\n\n( ii ) The security freeze was placed due to a material misrepresentation of fact by the consumer.\n\n( B ) Notice if removal not by request. If a consumer reporting agency removes a security freeze under subparagraph ( A ) ( ii ), the consumer reporting agency shall notify the consumer in writing prior to removing the security freeze.\n\n( C ) Removal of security freeze by consumer request. Except as provided in subparagraph ( A ) ( ii ), a security freeze shall remain in place until the consumer directly requests that the security freeze be removed. Upon receiving a direct request from a consumer that a consumer reporting agency remove a security freeze, and upon receiving proper identification from the consumer, the consumer reporting agency shall, free of charge, remove the security freeze not later than ( i ) in the case of a request that is by toll-free telephone or secure electronic means, 1 hour after receiving the request for removal ; or ( ii ) in the case of a request that is by mail, 3 business days after receiving the request for removal.\n\n605A - 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1 33 ( D ) Third-party requests. If a third party requests access to a consumer report of a consumer with respect to which a security freeze is in effect, where such request is in connection with an application for credit, and the consumer does not allow such consumer report to be accessed, the third party may treat the application as incomplete.\n\n( E ) Temporary removal of security freeze. Upon receiving a direct request from a consumer under subparagraph ( A ) ( i ), if the consumer requests a temporary removal of a security freeze, the consumer reporting agency shall, in accordance with subparagraph ( C ), remove the security freeze for the period of time specified by the consumer.\n\n( 4 ) Exceptions. A security freeze shall not apply to the making of a consumer report for use of the following : ( A ) A person or entity, or a subsidiary, affiliate, or agent of that person or entity, or an assignee of a financial obligation owed by the consumer to that person or entity, or a prospective assignee of a financial obligation owed by the consumer to that person or entity in conjunction with the proposed purchase of the financial obligation, with which the consumer has or had prior to assignment an account or contract including a demand deposit account, or to whom the consumer issued a negotiable instrument, for the purposes of reviewing the account or collecting the financial obligation owed for the account, contract, or negotiable instrument. For purposes of this subparagraph, reviewing the account includes activities related to account maintenance, monitoring, credit line increases, and account upgrades and enhancements.\n\n( B ) Any Federal, State, or local agency, law enforcement agency, trial court, or private collection agency acting pursuant to a court order, warrant, or subpoena.\n\n( C ) A child support agency acting pursuant to part D of title IV of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 651 et seq. ).\n\n( D ) A Federal agency or a State or its agents or assigns acting to investigate fraud or acting to investigate or collect delinquent taxes or unpaid court orders or to fulfill any of its other statutory responsibilities, provided such responsibilities are consistent with a permissible purpose under section 604.\n\n34 605A - 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1 ( E ) By a person using credit information for the purposes described under section 604 ( c ).\n\n( F ) Any person or entity administering a credit file monitoring subscription or similar service to which the consumer has subscribed.\n\n( G ) Any person or entity for the purpose of providing a consumer with a copy of the consumers consumer report or credit score, upon the request of the consumer.\n\n( H ) Any person using the information in connection with the underwriting of insurance.\n\n( I ) Any person using the information for employment, tenant, or background screening purposes.\n\n( J ) Any person using the information for assessing, verifying, or authenticating a consumers identity for purposes other than the granting of credit, or for investigating or preventing actual or potential fraud.\n\n( 5 ) Notice of rights. At any time a consumer is required to receive a summary of rights required under section 609, the following notice shall be included : Consumers Have The Right To Obtain A Security Freeze You have a right to place a security freeze on your credit report, which will prohibit a consumer reporting agency from releasing information in your credit report without your express authorization.\n\nThe security freeze is designed to prevent credit, loans, and services from being approved in your name without your consent. However, you should be aware that using a security freeze to take control over who gets access to the personal and financial information in your credit report may delay, interfere with, or prohibit the timely approval of any subsequent request or application you make regarding a new loan, credit, mortgage, or any other account involving the extension of credit.\n\nAs an alternative to a security freeze, you have the right to place an initial or extended fraud alert on your credit file at no cost. An initial fraud alert is a 1-year alert that is placed on a consumers credit file.\n\nUpon seeing a fraud alert display on a consumers credit file, a business is required to take steps to verify the consumers identity before extending new credit. If you are a victim of identity theft, you are entitled to an extended fraud alert, which is a fraud alert lasting 7 years.\n\n605A - 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1 35 A security freeze does not apply to a person or entity, or its affiliates, or collection agencies acting on behalf of the person or entity, with which you have an existing account that requests information in your credit report for the purposes of reviewing or collecting the account. Reviewing the account includes activities related to account maintenance, monitoring, credit line increases, and account upgrades and enhancements.\n\n( 6 ) Webpage.\n\n( A ) Consumer reporting agencies. A consumer reporting agency shall establish a webpage that ( i ) allows a consumer to request a security freeze ; ( ii ) allows a consumer to request an initial fraud alert ; ( iii ) allows a consumer to request an extended fraud alert ; ( iv ) allows a consumer to request an active duty fraud alert ; ( v ) allows a consumer to opt-out of the use of information in a consumer report to send the consumer a solicitation of credit or insurance, in accordance with section 615 ( d ) ; and ( vi ) shall not be the only mechanism by which a consumer may request a security freeze.\n\n( B ) FTC. The Federal Trade Commission shall establish a single webpage that includes a link to each webpage established under subparagraph ( A ) within the Federal Trade Commissions website www.IdentityTheft.gov, or a successor website.\n\n( j ) National protection for files and credit records of protected consumers.\n\n( 1 ) Definitions. As used in this subsection : ( A ) The term consumer reporting agency means a consumer reporting agency described in section 603 ( p ).\n\n( B ) The term protected consumer means an individual who is ( i ) under the age of 16 years at the time a request for the placement of a security freeze is made ; or ( ii ) an incapacitated person or a protected person for whom a guardian or conservator has been appointed.\n\n( C ) The term protected consumers representative means a person who provides to a consumer reporting agency sufficient proof of authority to act on behalf of a protected consumer.\n\n36 605A - 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1 ( D ) The term record means a compilation of information that ( i ) identifies a protected consumer ; ( ii ) is created by a consumer reporting agency solely for the purpose of complying with this subsection; and ( iii ) may not be created or used to consider the protected consumers credit worthiness, credit standing, credit capacity, character, general reputation, personal characteristics, or mode of living.\n\n( E ) The term security freeze means a restriction that prohibits a consumer reporting agency from disclosing the contents of a consumer report that is the subject of such security freeze or, in the case of a protected consumer for whom the consumer reporting agency does not have a file, a record that is subject to such security freeze to any person requesting the consumer report for the purpose of opening a new account involving the extension of credit.\n\n( F ) The term sufficient proof of authority means documentation that shows a protected consumers representative has authority to act on behalf of a protected consumer and includes ( i ) an order issued by a court of law ; ( ii ) a lawfully executed and valid power of attorney ; ( iii ) a document issued by a Federal, State, or local government agency in the United States showing proof of parentage, including a birth certificate ; or ( iv ) with respect to a protected consumer who has been placed in a foster care setting, a written communication from a county welfare department or its agent or designee, or a county probation department or its agent or designee, certifying that the protected consumer is in a foster care setting under its jurisdiction.\n\n( G ) The term sufficient proof of identification means information or documentation that identifies a protected consumer and a protected consumers representative and includes ( i ) a social security number or a copy of a social security card issued by the Social Security Administration ; S. 215536 ( ii ) a certified or official copy of a birth certificate issued by the entity authorized to issue the birth certificate ; or 605A - 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1 37 ( iii ) a copy of a drivers license, an identification card issued by the motor vehicle administration, or any other government issued identification.\n\n( 2 ) Placement of security freeze for a protected consumer.\n\n( A ) In general. Upon receiving a direct request from a protected consumers representative that a consumer reporting agency place a security freeze, and upon receiving sufficient proof of identification and sufficient proof of authority, the consumer reporting agency shall, free of charge, place the security freeze not later than ( i ) in the case of a request that is by toll-free telephone or secure electronic means, 1 business day after receiving the request directly from the protected consumers representative; or ( ii ) in the case of a request that is by mail, 3 business days after receiving the request directly from the protected consumers representative.\n\n( B ) Confirmation and additional information.\n\nNot later than 5 business days after placing a security freeze under subparagraph ( A ), a consumer reporting agency shall ( i ) send confirmation of the placement to the protected consumers representative ; and ( ii ) inform the protected consumers representative of the process by which the protected consumer may remove the security freeze, including a mechanism to authenticate the protected consumers representative.\n\n( C ) Creation of file. If a consumer reporting agency does not have a file pertaining to a protected consumer when the consumer reporting agency receives a direct request under subparagraph ( A ), the consumer reporting agency shall create a record for the protected consumer.\n\n( 3 ) Prohibition on release of record or file of protected consumer. After a security freeze has been placed under paragraph ( 2 ) ( A ), and unless the security freeze is removed in accordance with this subsection, a consumer reporting agency may not release the protected consumers consumer report, any information derived from the protected consumers consumer report, or any record created for the protected consumer.\n\n38 605A - 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1 ( 4 ) Removal of a protected consumer security freeze.\n\n( A ) In general. A consumer reporting agency shall remove a security freeze placed on the consumer report of a protected consumer only in the following cases : ( i ) Upon the direct request of the protected consumers representative.\n\n( ii ) Upon the direct request of the protected consumer, if the protected consumer is not under the age of 16 years at the time of the request.\n\n( iii ) The security freeze was placed due to a material misrepresentation of fact by the protected consumers representative.\n\n( B ) Notice if removal not by request. If a consumer reporting agency removes a security freeze under subparagraph ( A ) ( iii ), the consumer reporting agency shall notify the protected consumers representative in writing prior to removing the security freeze.\n\n( C ) Removal of freeze by request. Except as provided in subparagraph ( A ) ( iii ), a security freeze shall remain in place until a protected consumers representative or protected consumer described in subparagraph ( A ) ( ii ) directly requests that the security freeze be removed. Upon receiving a direct request from the protected consumers representative or protected consumer described in subparagraph ( A ) ( ii ) that a consumer reporting agency remove a security freeze, and upon receiving sufficient proof of identification and sufficient proof of authority, the consumer reporting agency shall, free of charge, remove the security freeze not later than ( i ) in the case of a request that is by toll-free telephone or secure electronic means, 1 hour after receiving the request for removal ; or ( ii ) in the case of a request that is by mail, 3 business days after receiving the request for removal.\n\n( D ) Temporary removal of security freeze. Upon receiving a direct request from a protected consumer or a protected consumers representative under subparagraph ( A ) ( i ), if the protected consumer or protected consumers representative requests a temporary removal of a security freeze, the consumer reporting agency shall, in accordance with subparagraph ( I have asked Experian to investigate and I have disputed all account 's that I wasn't familar with or have no knowledge of because i was a victim of id theft and my information was being sold on the XXXX web. I have pasted all the violations that have been violated by the said reporting agency and i want all the account 's Investigated fully and removed once it is found that these debt 's are not min","date_sent_to_company":"2022-04-09T18:36:27.000Z","issue":"Improper use of your report","sub_product":"Credit reporting","zip_code":"392XX","tags":null,"has_narrative":true,"complaint_id":"5428111","timely":"Yes","company_response":"Closed with non-monetary relief","submitted_via":"Web","company":"Experian Information Solutions Inc.","date_received":"2022-04-09T17:34:41.000Z","state":"MS","company_public_response":"Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response","sub_issue":"Reporting company used your report improperly"},"highlight":{"complaint_what_happened":["( 2 ) <em>Access</em> to free reports."]},"sort":[12.022501,"5428111"]},{"_index":"complaint-public-v1","_id":"5428114","_score":12.016146,"_source":{"product":"Credit reporting, credit repair services, or other personal consumer reports","complaint_what_happened":"In accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act : XXXX, XXXX, Equifax XXXX XXXX has violated my rights. \n\n15 U.S.C 1681 section 602 A. States I have the right to Privacy.\n\n15 U.S.C. 1681 Section 604 A.section 2 : It also states a consumer reporting agency can not furnish a account without my written consent instructions.\n\nI need all these accounts listed investigated and information from your investigated forwarded to me at XXXX or my current home address of XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX I also want all addresses that are listed on my credit report removed because i have lived at this address for XXXX years and my previous address i lived at up until this time was XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXX and other address are not mine and must be removed. \n\nAccount 's to be investigated and information to be sent to me as proof of your investigation. The electronic investigation never wins in the consumer favor because they never send validating information. I want signed contracts from all parties involved to prove i owe these debts listed. \n\n1. XXXX XXXX XXXX Account # XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX Ut XXXX 2. XXXX XXXX XXXX Account # XXXX - XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Wa XXXX 3. XXXX XXXX Account # XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX SC XXXX 4. XXXX XXXX Account # XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, Tx XXXX 5. XXXX XXXX Account # XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, Ut XXXX 6. XXXX  XXXX Bank Account # XXXX - XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, SD XXXX 7. XXXX XXXX XXXX Account # XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXX South Carolina XXXX My Name is : XXXX XXXX The Name XXXX XXXX isn't my name and must be deleted. \nThe Name XXXX XXXX isn't my name and must be deleted. \n\nThese are a few of the laws that have been violated. This warrant 's removal of the false or misleading information. \n\n605A - 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1 the consumer reporting agency shall notify the requester of the existence of the discrepancy.\n\nSee also 16 CFR Part 641 72 Fed. Reg. 63771-72 ( 11/09/07 ) 74 Fed. Reg. 22640-41 ( 05/14/09 ) ( 2 ) Regulations ( A ) Regulations required. The Bureau shall, in consultation with the Federal banking agencies, the XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, and the Federal Trade Commission, prescribe regulations providing guidance regarding reasonable policies and procedures that a user of a consumer report should employ when such user has received a notice of discrepancy under paragraph ( 1 ).\n\n( B ) Policies and procedures to be included. The regulations prescribed under subparagraph ( A ) shall describe reasonable policies and procedures for use by a user of a consumer report ( i ) to form a reasonable belief that the user knows the identity of the person to whom the consumer report pertains; and ( ii ) if the user establishes a continuing relationship with the consumer, and the user regularly and in the ordinary course of business furnishes information to the consumer reporting agency from which the notice of discrepancy pertaining to the consumer was obtained, to reconcile the address of the consumer with the consumer reporting agency by furnishing such address to such consumer reporting agency as part of information regularly furnished by the user for the period in which the relationship is established.\n\n605A.Identity theft prevention ; fraud alerts and active duty alerts [ 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1 ] ( a ) One-call Fraud Alerts ( 1 ) Initial alerts. Upon the direct request of a consumer, or an individual acting on behalf of or as a personal representative of a consumer, who asserts in good faith a suspicion that the consumer has been or is about to become a victim of fraud or related crime, including identity theft, a consumer reporting agency described in section 603 ( p ) that maintains a file on the consumer and has received appropriate proof of the identity of the requester shall 605A - 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1 27 ( A ) include a fraud alert in the file of that consumer, and also provide that alert along with any credit score generated in using that file, for a period of not less than 1 year, beginning on the date of such request, unless the consumer or such representative requests that such fraud alert be removed before the end of such period, and the agency has received appropriate proof of the identity of the requester for such purpose; and ( B ) refer the information regarding the fraud alert under this paragraph to each of the other consumer reporting agencies described in section 603 ( p ), in accordance with procedures developed under section 621 ( f ).\n\n( 2 ) Access to free reports. In any case in which a consumer reporting agency includes a fraud alert in the file of a consumer pursuant to this subsection, the consumer reporting agency shall ( A ) disclose to the consumer that the consumer may request a free copy of the file of the consumer pursuant to section 612 ( d ) ; and ( B ) provide to the consumer all disclosures required to be made under section 609, without charge to the consumer, not later than 3 business days after any request described in subparagraph ( A ).\n\n( b ) Extended Alerts ( 1 ) In general. Upon the direct request of a consumer, or an individual acting on behalf of or as a personal representative of a consumer, who submits an identity theft report to a consumer reporting agency described in section 603 ( p ) that maintains a file on the consumer, if the agency has received appropriate proof of the identity of the requester, the agency shall ( A ) include a fraud alert in the file of that consumer, and also provide that alert along with any credit score generated in using that file, during the 7-year period beginning on the date of such request, unless the consumer or such representative requests that such fraud alert be removed before the end of such period and the agency has received appropriate proof of the identity of the requester for such purpose ; ( B ) during the 5-year period beginning on the date of such request, exclude the consumer from any list of consumers prepared by the consumer reporting agency and provided to any third party to offer credit or insurance to the consumer as part of a transaction that was not initiated by the consumer, unless the 28 605A - 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1 consumer or such representative requests that such exclusion be rescinded before the end of such period; and ( C ) refer the information regarding the extended fraud alert under this paragraph to each of the other consumer reporting agencies described in section 603 ( p ), in accordance with procedures developed under section 621 ( f ).\n\n( 2 ) Access to free reports. In any case in which a consumer reporting agency includes a fraud alert in the file of a consumer pursuant to this subsection, the consumer reporting agency shall ( A ) disclose to the consumer that the consumer may request 2 free copies of the file of the consumer pursuant to section 612 ( d ) during the 12-month period beginning on the date on which the fraud alert was included in the file ; and ( B ) provide to the consumer all disclosures required to be made under section 609, without charge to the consumer, not later than 3 business days after any request described in subparagraph ( A ).\n\n( c ) Active duty alerts. Upon the direct request of an active duty military consumer, or an individual acting on behalf of or as a personal representative of an active duty military consumer, a consumer reporting agency described in section 603 ( p ) that maintains a file on the active duty military consumer and has received appropriate proof of the identity of the requester shall ( 1 ) include an active duty alert in the file of that active duty military consumer, and also provide that alert along with any credit score generated in using that file, during a period of not less than 12 months, or such longer period as the Bureau shall determine, by regulation, beginning on the date of the request, unless the active duty military consumer or such representative requests that such fraud alert be removed before the end of such period, and the agency has received appropriate proof of the identity of the requester for such purpose ; ( 2 ) during the 2-year period beginning on the date of such request, exclude the active duty military consumer from any list of consumers prepared by the consumer reporting agency and provided to any third party to offer credit or insurance to the consumer as part of a transaction that was not initiated by the consumer, unless the consumer requests that such exclusion be rescinded before the end of such period ; and 605A - 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1 29 ( 3 ) refer the information regarding the active duty alert to each of the other consumer reporting agencies described in section 603 ( p ), in accordance with procedures developed under section 621 ( f ).\n\nSee also 16 CFR Part 613.1 69 Fed. Reg. 63922 ( 11/03/04 ) ( d ) Procedures. Each consumer reporting agency described in section 603 ( p ) shall establish policies and procedures to comply with this section, including procedures that inform consumers of the availability of initial, extended, and active duty alerts and procedures that allow consumers and active duty military consumers to request initial, extended, or active duty alerts ( as applicable ) in a simple and easy manner, including by telephone.\n\n( e ) Referrals of alerts. Each consumer reporting agency described in section 603 ( p ) that receives a referral of a fraud alert or active duty alert from another consumer reporting agency pursuant to this section shall, as though the agency received the request from the consumer directly, follow the procedures required under ( 1 ) paragraphs ( 1 ) ( A ) and ( 2 ) of subsection ( a ), in the case of a referral under subsection ( a ) ( 1 ) ( B ) ; ( 2 ) paragraphs ( 1 ) ( A ), ( 1 ) ( B ), and ( 2 ) of subsection ( b ), in the case of a referral under subsection ( b ) ( 1 ) ( C ) ; and ( 3 ) paragraphs ( 1 ) and ( 2 ) of subsection ( c ), in the case of a referral under subsection ( c ) ( 3 ).\n\n( f ) Duty of reseller to reconvey alert. A reseller shall include in its report any fraud alert or active duty alert placed in the file of a consumer pursuant to this section by another consumer reporting agency.\n\n( g ) Duty of other consumer reporting agencies to provide contact information.\n\nIf a consumer contacts any consumer reporting agency that is not described in section 603 ( p ) to communicate a suspicion that the consumer has been or is about to become a victim of fraud or related crime, including identity theft, the agency shall provide information to the consumer on how to contact the Bureau and the consumer reporting agencies described in section 603 ( p ) to obtain more detailed information and request alerts under this section.\n\n( h ) Limitations on Use of Information for Credit Extensions ( 1 ) Requirements for initial and active duty alerts ( A ) Notification. Each initial fraud alert and active duty alert under this section shall include information that notifies all prospective users of a consumer report on the consumer to which the alert 30 605A - 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1 relates that the consumer does not authorize the establishment of any new credit plan or extension of credit, other than under an open-end credit plan ( as defined in section 103 ( i ) ), in the name of the consumer, or issuance of an additional card on an existing credit account requested by a consumer, or any increase in credit limit on an existing credit account requested by a consumer, except in accordance with subparagraph ( B ).\n\n( B ) Limitation on Users ( i ) In general. No prospective user of a consumer report that includes an initial fraud alert or an active duty alert in accordance with this section may establish a new credit plan or extension of credit, other than under an open-end credit plan ( as defined in section 103 ( i ) ), in the name of the consumer, or issue an additional card on an existing credit account requested by a consumer, or grant any increase in credit limit on an existing credit account requested by a consumer, unless the user utilizes reasonable policies and procedures to form a reasonable belief that the user knows the identity of the person making the request.\n\n( ii ) Verification. If a consumer requesting the alert has specified a telephone number to be used for identity verification purposes, before authorizing any new credit plan or extension described in clause ( i ) in the name of such consumer, a user of such consumer report shall contact the consumer using that telephone number or take reasonable steps to verify the consumers identity and confirm that the application for a new credit plan is not the result of identity theft.\n\n( 2 ) Requirements for Extended Alerts ( A ) Notification. Each extended alert under this section shall include information that provides all prospective users of a consumer report relating to a consumer with ( i ) notification that the consumer does not authorize the establishment of any new credit plan or extension of credit described in clause ( i ), other than under an open-end credit plan ( as defined in section 103 ( i ) ), in the name of the consumer, or issuance of an additional card on an existing credit account requested by a consumer, or any increase in credit limit on an existing credit account 605A - 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1 31 requested by a consumer, except in accordance with subparagraph ( B ) ; and ( ii ) a telephone number or other reasonable contact method designated by the consumer.\n\n( B ) Limitation on users. No prospective user of a consumer report or of a credit score generated using the information in the file of a consumer that includes an extended fraud alert in accordance with this section may establish a new credit plan or extension of credit, other than under an open-end credit plan ( as defined in section 103 ( i ) ), in the name of the consumer, or issue an additional card on an existing credit account requested by a consumer, or any increase in credit limit on an existing credit account requested by a consumer, unless the user contacts the consumer in person or using the contact method described in subparagraph ( A ) ( ii ) to confirm that the application for a new credit plan or increase in credit limit, or request for an additional card is not the result of identity theft.\n\n( i ) National security freeze.\n\n( 1 ) Definitions. For purposes of this subsection : ( A ) The term consumer reporting agency means a consumer reporting agency described in section 603 ( p ).\n\n( B ) The term proper identification has the meaning of such term as used under section 610.\n\n( C ) The term security freeze means a restriction that prohibits a consumer reporting agency from disclosing the contents of a consumer report that is subject to such security freeze to any person requesting the consumer report.\n\n( 2 ) Placement of security freeze.\n\n( A ) In general. Upon receiving a direct request from a consumer that a consumer reporting agency place a security freeze, and upon receiving proper identification from the consumer, the consumer reporting agency shall, free of charge, place the security freeze not later than ( i ) in the case of a request that is by toll-free telephone or secure electronic means, 1 business day after receiving the request directly from the consumer; or ( ii ) in the case of a request that is by mail, 3 business days after receiving the request directly from the consumer.\n\n32 605A - 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1 ( B ) Confirmation and additional information.\n\nNot later than 5 business days after placing a security freeze under subparagraph ( A ), a consumer reporting agency shall ( i ) send confirmation of the placement to the consumer ; and ( ii ) inform the consumer of ( I ) the process by which the consumer may remove the security freeze, including a mechanism to authenticate the consumer ; and ( II ) the consumers right described in section 615 ( d ) ( 1 ) ( D ).\n\n( C ) Notice to third parties. A consumer reporting agency may advise a third party that a security freeze has been placed with respect to a consumer under subparagraph ( A ).\n\n( 3 ) Removal of security freeze.\n\n( A ) In general. A consumer reporting agency shall remove a security freeze placed on the consumer report of a consumer only in the following cases : ( i ) Upon the direct request of the consumer.\n\n( ii ) The security freeze was placed due to a material misrepresentation of fact by the consumer.\n\n( B ) Notice if removal not by request. If a consumer reporting agency removes a security freeze under subparagraph ( A ) ( ii ), the consumer reporting agency shall notify the consumer in writing prior to removing the security freeze.\n\n( C ) Removal of security freeze by consumer request. Except as provided in subparagraph ( A ) ( ii ), a security freeze shall remain in place until the consumer directly requests that the security freeze be removed. Upon receiving a direct request from a consumer that a consumer reporting agency remove a security freeze, and upon receiving proper identification from the consumer, the consumer reporting agency shall, free of charge, remove the security freeze not later than ( i ) in the case of a request that is by toll-free telephone or secure electronic means, 1 hour after receiving the request for removal ; or ( ii ) in the case of a request that is by mail, 3 business days after receiving the request for removal.\n\n605A - 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1 33 ( D ) Third-party requests. If a third party requests access to a consumer report of a consumer with respect to which a security freeze is in effect, where such request is in connection with an application for credit, and the consumer does not allow such consumer report to be accessed, the third party may treat the application as incomplete.\n\n( E ) Temporary removal of security freeze. Upon receiving a direct request from a consumer under subparagraph ( A ) ( i ), if the consumer requests a temporary removal of a security freeze, the consumer reporting agency shall, in accordance with subparagraph ( C ), remove the security freeze for the period of time specified by the consumer.\n\n( 4 ) Exceptions. A security freeze shall not apply to the making of a consumer report for use of the following : ( A ) A person or entity, or a subsidiary, affiliate, or agent of that person or entity, or an assignee of a financial obligation owed by the consumer to that person or entity, or a prospective assignee of a financial obligation owed by the consumer to that person or entity in conjunction with the proposed purchase of the financial obligation, with which the consumer has or had prior to assignment an account or contract including a demand deposit account, or to whom the consumer issued a negotiable instrument, for the purposes of reviewing the account or collecting the financial obligation owed for the account, contract, or negotiable instrument. For purposes of this subparagraph, reviewing the account includes activities related to account maintenance, monitoring, credit line increases, and account upgrades and enhancements.\n\n( B ) Any Federal, State, or local agency, law enforcement agency, trial court, or private collection agency acting pursuant to a court order, warrant, or subpoena.\n\n( C ) A child support agency acting pursuant to part D of title IV of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 651 et seq. ).\n\n( D ) A Federal agency or a State or its agents or assigns acting to investigate fraud or acting to investigate or collect delinquent taxes or unpaid court orders or to fulfill any of its other statutory responsibilities, provided such responsibilities are consistent with a permissible purpose under section 604.\n\n34 605A - 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1 ( E ) By a person using credit information for the purposes described under section 604 ( c ).\n\n( F ) Any person or entity administering a credit file monitoring subscription or similar service to which the consumer has subscribed.\n\n( G ) Any person or entity for the purpose of providing a consumer with a copy of the consumers consumer report or credit score, upon the request of the consumer.\n\n( H ) Any person using the information in connection with the underwriting of insurance.\n\n( I ) Any person using the information for employment, tenant, or background screening purposes.\n\n( J ) Any person using the information for assessing, verifying, or authenticating a consumers identity for purposes other than the granting of credit, or for investigating or preventing actual or potential fraud.\n\n( 5 ) Notice of rights. At any time a consumer is required to receive a summary of rights required under section 609, the following notice shall be included : Consumers Have The Right To Obtain A Security Freeze You have a right to place a security freeze on your credit report, which will prohibit a consumer reporting agency from releasing information in your credit report without your express authorization.\n\nThe security freeze is designed to prevent credit, loans, and services from being approved in your name without your consent. However, you should be aware that using a security freeze to take control over who gets access to the personal and financial information in your credit report may delay, interfere with, or prohibit the timely approval of any subsequent request or application you make regarding a new loan, credit, mortgage, or any other account involving the extension of credit.\n\nAs an alternative to a security freeze, you have the right to place an initial or extended fraud alert on your credit file at no cost. An initial fraud alert is a 1-year alert that is placed on a consumers credit file.\n\nUpon seeing a fraud alert display on a consumers credit file, a business is required to take steps to verify the consumers identity before extending new credit. If you are a victim of identity theft, you are entitled to an extended fraud alert, which is a fraud alert lasting 7 years.\n\n605A - 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1 35 A security freeze does not apply to a person or entity, or its affiliates, or collection agencies acting on behalf of the person or entity, with which you have an existing account that requests information in your credit report for the purposes of reviewing or collecting the account. Reviewing the account includes activities related to account maintenance, monitoring, credit line increases, and account upgrades and enhancements.\n\n( 6 ) Webpage.\n\n( A ) Consumer reporting agencies. A consumer reporting agency shall establish a webpage that ( i ) allows a consumer to request a security freeze ; ( ii ) allows a consumer to request an initial fraud alert ; ( iii ) allows a consumer to request an extended fraud alert ; ( iv ) allows a consumer to request an active duty fraud alert ; ( v ) allows a consumer to opt-out of the use of information in a consumer report to send the consumer a solicitation of credit or insurance, in accordance with section 615 ( d ) ; and ( vi ) shall not be the only mechanism by which a consumer may request a security freeze.\n\n( B ) FTC. The Federal Trade Commission shall establish a single webpage that includes a link to each webpage established under subparagraph ( A ) within the Federal Trade Commissions website www.IdentityTheft.gov, or a successor website.\n\n( j ) National protection for files and credit records of protected consumers.\n\n( 1 ) Definitions. As used in this subsection : ( A ) The term consumer reporting agency means a consumer reporting agency described in section 603 ( p ).\n\n( B ) The term protected consumer means an individual who is ( i ) under the age of 16 years at the time a request for the placement of a security freeze is made ; or ( ii ) an incapacitated person or a protected person for whom a guardian or conservator has been appointed.\n\n( C ) The term protected consumers representative means a person who provides to a consumer reporting agency sufficient proof of authority to act on behalf of a protected consumer.\n\n36 605A - 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1 ( D ) The term record means a compilation of information that ( i ) identifies a protected consumer ; ( ii ) is created by a consumer reporting agency solely for the purpose of complying with this subsection; and ( iii ) may not be created or used to consider the protected consumers credit worthiness, credit standing, credit capacity, character, general reputation, personal characteristics, or mode of living.\n\n( E ) The term security freeze means a restriction that prohibits a consumer reporting agency from disclosing the contents of a consumer report that is the subject of such security freeze or, in the case of a protected consumer for whom the consumer reporting agency does not have a file, a record that is subject to such security freeze to any person requesting the consumer report for the purpose of opening a new account involving the extension of credit.\n\n( F ) The term sufficient proof of authority means documentation that shows a protected consumers representative has authority to act on behalf of a protected consumer and includes ( i ) an order issued by a court of law ; ( ii ) a lawfully executed and valid power of attorney ; ( iii ) a document issued by a Federal, State, or local government agency in the United States showing proof of parentage, including a birth certificate ; or ( iv ) with respect to a protected consumer who has been placed in a foster care setting, a written communication from a county welfare department or its agent or designee, or a county probation department or its agent or designee, certifying that the protected consumer is in a foster care setting under its jurisdiction.\n\n( G ) The term sufficient proof of identification means information or documentation that identifies a protected consumer and a protected consumers representative and includes ( i ) a social security number or a copy of a social security card issued by the Social Security Administration ; S. 215536 ( ii ) a certified or official copy of a birth certificate issued by the entity authorized to issue the birth certificate ; or 605A - 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1 37 ( iii ) a copy of a drivers license, an identification card issued by the motor vehicle administration, or any other government issued identification.\n\n( 2 ) Placement of security freeze for a protected consumer.\n\n( A ) In general. Upon receiving a direct request from a protected consumers representative that a consumer reporting agency place a security freeze, and upon receiving sufficient proof of identification and sufficient proof of authority, the consumer reporting agency shall, free of charge, place the security freeze not later than ( i ) in the case of a request that is by toll-free telephone or secure electronic means, 1 business day after receiving the request directly from the protected consumers representative; or ( ii ) in the case of a request that is by mail, 3 business days after receiving the request directly from the protected consumers representative.\n\n( B ) Confirmation and additional information.\n\nNot later than 5 business days after placing a security freeze under subparagraph ( A ), a consumer reporting agency shall ( i ) send confirmation of the placement to the protected consumers representative ; and ( ii ) inform the protected consumers representative of the process by which the protected consumer may remove the security freeze, including a mechanism to authenticate the protected consumers representative.\n\n( C ) Creation of file. If a consumer reporting agency does not have a file pertaining to a protected consumer when the consumer reporting agency receives a direct request under subparagraph ( A ), the consumer reporting agency shall create a record for the protected consumer.\n\n( 3 ) Prohibition on release of record or file of protected consumer. After a security freeze has been placed under paragraph ( 2 ) ( A ), and unless the security freeze is removed in accordance with this subsection, a consumer reporting agency may not release the protected consumers consumer report, any information derived from the protected consumers consumer report, or any record created for the protected consumer.\n\n38 605A - 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1 ( 4 ) Removal of a protected consumer security freeze.\n\n( A ) In general. A consumer reporting agency shall remove a security freeze placed on the consumer report of a protected consumer only in the following cases : ( i ) Upon the direct request of the protected consumers representative.\n\n( ii ) Upon the direct request of the protected consumer, if the protected consumer is not under the age of 16 years at the time of the request.\n\n( iii ) The security freeze was placed due to a material misrepresentation of fact by the protected consumers representative.\n\n( B ) Notice if removal not by request. If a consumer reporting agency removes a security freeze under subparagraph ( A ) ( iii ), the consumer reporting agency shall notify the protected consumers representative in writing prior to removing the security freeze.\n\n( C ) Removal of freeze by request. Except as provided in subparagraph ( A ) ( iii ), a security freeze shall remain in place until a protected consumers representative or protected consumer described in subparagraph ( A ) ( ii ) directly requests that the security freeze be removed. Upon receiving a direct request from the protected consumers representative or protected consumer described in subparagraph ( A ) ( ii ) that a consumer reporting agency remove a security freeze, and upon receiving sufficient proof of identification and sufficient proof of authority, the consumer reporting agency shall, free of charge, remove the security freeze not later than ( i ) in the case of a request that is by toll-free telephone or secure electronic means, 1 hour after receiving the request for removal ; or ( ii ) in the case of a request that is by mail, 3 business days after receiving the request for removal.\n\n( D ) Temporary removal of security freeze. Upon receiving a direct request from a protected consumer or a protected consumers representative under subparagraph ( A ) ( i ), if the protected consumer or protected consumers representative requests a temporary removal of a security freeze, the consumer reporting agency shall, in accordance with subparagraph ( I have asked XXXX to investigate and I have disputed all account 's that I wasn't familar with or have no knowledge of because i was a victim of id theft and my information was being sold on the XXXX web. I have pasted all the violations that have been violated by the said reporting agency and i want all the account 's Investigated fully and removed once it is found that these debt 's are not min","date_sent_to_company":"2022-04-09T18:36:46.000Z","issue":"Improper use of your report","sub_product":"Credit reporting","zip_code":"392XX","tags":null,"has_narrative":true,"complaint_id":"5428114","timely":"Yes","company_response":"Closed with explanation","submitted_via":"Web","company":"EQUIFAX, INC.","date_received":"2022-04-09T18:36:39.000Z","state":"MS","company_public_response":null,"sub_issue":"Reporting company used your report improperly"},"highlight":{"complaint_what_happened":["( 2 ) <em>Access</em> to free 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