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 EQUIFAX CANADA Privacy Policy FAQs
1.) Why does Equifax collect, use and disclose my personal information?
Equifax is a credit reporting agency. We collect information from a variety of sources about consumers’ financial and credit transactions in order to provide our customers with consumer credit reports that show consumers’ recent credit history.
2.) What is included in my credit file?
Equifax only records and retains information that is relevant to your credit history and sufficient to identify you with your credit file. For example, our credit database does not include information about your race, creed, religion, health or lifestyle. The information that we are permitted to retain and disclose in credit reports is governed by credit reporting and privacy legislation.
3.) Where does Equifax obtain the information that becomes part of my credit file?
All of the information in our consumer credit database comes from verifiable public records (e.g. court orders and bankruptcy filings), credit grantors, and directly from consumers. We do not seek or accept information from any other sources. This helps us ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in our database. As our sources report new information, we automatically update your credit file to reflect the most currently available information.
4.) May I review my credit file?
Yes. As a Canadian consumer, you have the right to know the contents of your Equifax credit file. You may obtain a copy of your file free of charge by mail or telephone or for a reasonable fee through our website. For more information about how to obtain a copy of your consumer credit report, please see Question 11 below.
5.) What if I find something in my credit file that is inaccurate?
If you notice any information in your credit file that you believe is inaccurate or incomplete, please let us know. Equifax will investigate any information contained in your credit file upon your request by contacting the source of the information. If the investigation finds that the information is not accurate or complete, Equifax will make the necessary corrections and send you an updated copy of your credit file.
6.) May I add or change information in my credit file?
Equifax strives to maintain the accuracy of the information in our credit database. If you review your credit file and notice key information is missing or inaccurate, please use the form provided to notify us of the correct information. Equifax will conduct the necessary investigation to verify the information you provide, and once it is confirmed we will include it in your credit file.
7.) What if I disagree with the conclusion of your investigation?
If you are not satisfied with the conclusion of our investigation into any information in your credit file, you may provide us with a brief written statement to be included in your credit file. This statement will be included on any future credit report.
If you feel that Equifax has failed to meet its obligations to you as a consumer, you may make a complaint to the Equifax Chief Privacy Officer, or to your provincial registrar of reporting agencies or the Federal Privacy Commissioner.
8.) How does Equifax obtain my consent to disclose my information?
Equifax’s customers must obtain your consent before we will disclose your credit report to them. They may obtain your consent in writing, verbally or electronically. Equifax periodically audits our customers’ records to verify that they have obtained the required consent.
When you request a copy of your credit file directly from Equifax, we will ask you to verify your identity and to consent to the disclosure to you of an up-to-date copy of the information in your credit file.
9.) How does a person or company become an Equifax customer?
Equifax screens all new customers before they are allowed to request consumer credit information. The criteria for acceptance as a customer is very strict, and not all requests for access are granted. The screening process includes a review of the applicant’s business and an on-site visit to verify that the prospective customer has a legitimate reason to request consumer credit reports, and the necessary security systems to protect them. Every Equifax customer is required to respect and adhere to all applicable credit reporting and privacy laws.
10.) How does Equifax store my information and how do I know it is secure?
Equifax takes its duty to protect your privacy very seriously, and treats your information with a great deal of care and sensitivity. All information maintained by Equifax is stored using accepted industry security standards and data protection protocols.
11.) How do I obtain a free copy of my credit report from Equifax?
Equifax will disclose your credit information to you free of charge by mail or telephone. Equifax will also respond to any questions or concerns that you may have regarding your Equifax consumer credit file.
Equifax has an Interactive Voice Response System for consumer credit file disclosures. By dialing 1-800-465-7166 you can order a copy of your credit report over the phone by entering certain required information to verify your identity. The report will be delivered by mail directly to your home address.
In addition to the Interactive Voice Response System, you can request a copy of your credit file by mailing or faxing a photocopy of two pieces of signed valid identification, including at least one with photo identification. Examples of acceptable identification include a driver’s license, birth certificate, social insurance number (optional), and passport. A copy of your file is mailed to you once your identity is confirmed. Once the identification you provided has been used to verify your identify, Equifax destroys all hard copies of it.
You may also request your credit file by e-mail. In this case, the identification documents noted above must be attached to the e-mail in order for Equifax to be able process the request.
Please never send originals of your documents, and make sure that all copies of your identification are legible. Equifax will send you a copy of your file by regular mail.
In addition, and for a fee, the Equifax website located at https://www.econsumer.equifax.ca/ca/main?lang=en provides Canadian consumers online, real-time access to their credit files. Consumers provide personal information during the order process for their credit file in order that Equifax can verify their identity and immediately deliver their credit report.
Consumers have the ability at any time to go to "My Equifax" on the Equifax Consumer Services Canada web page (www.equifax.ca) to review and change their password, email address, and password hint. Other Personal Information, such as name, postal address, date of birth and social insurance number (optional), are collected and stored when a consumer orders an Equifax product online. This data is maintained solely for billing, customer support services, and to facilitate delivery to the consumer of notices of new services or enhancements.
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