PIPEDA Case Summary #2016-010: Credit reporting agency takes remedial action after failing to maintain accurate records
An individual complained to the OPC after receiving a credit report containing unrecognized inquiries and a notation of an "AUTOMATIC COMBINE" of accounts, which merged his file with that of another individual. The OPC found that while there was no unauthorized use or disclosure of personal information, the credit reporting agency failed to maintain the accuracy of the complainant's information when it merged the files. The agency took corrective actions, including separating the files and notifying creditors of the corrections.
- Accuracy of personal information when merging files
- Unauthorized use or disclosure of personal information
Complaint partially well-founded and resolved
The agency contravened PIPEDA by failing to maintain accurate personal information when it merged two separate credit files. However, the agency resolved the issue by separating the files, correcting the information, and notifying affected parties, leading to a 'resolved' outcome for this aspect of the complaint.
AI-generated summary for reference only. Always verify against the official decision ↗
The credit reporting agency separated the combined files, corrected the complainant's credit report, notified the complainant's creditors of the corrections, and committed to enhancing employee training to prevent future occurrences.
- Principle 4.6 PIPEDA
- Principle 4.6.3 PIPEDA
- Principle 4.9.5 PIPEDA
This summary is informational only and not legal advice.