Consumer complaint received 2023-07-18
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: FL
Product: Credit reporting, credit repair services, or other personal consumer reports
Sub-product: Credit reporting
Issue: Improper use of your report
Sub-issue: Reporting company used your report improperly

Complaint:
I'm writing to officially contest the existence of unauthorized inquiries on my credit report, alleging violations of 15 U.S. Code 1681b - Permissible purposes of consumer report ( a ) and ( c ) and 15 U.S. Code 1681c-2. I also want to emphasize that I have never given a consumer reporting agency my written consent to include anything on my consumer report, which is against my rights as a customer whose rights are federally protected. The existence of these illegal hard inquiries on my accounts violates my constitutional rights and is an act of identity theft.

Before disclosing any details from the consumer. The consumer reporting agency needs to get authorization in writing as is expressly required by 15 U.S. Code 1681c-2. Once again, I want to emphasize that I have never given a consumer reporting agency my formal authorization to include any material on my consumer report. The unapproved inquiries on my credit record are a clear breach of this clause as a result.

Additionally, 15 U.S. Code 1681b - Permissible objectives of consumer report ( a ) and ( c ) says that consumer reports may only be obtained for purposes, with the written approval of the consumer. I have not given any written permission for the businesses responsible for obtaining or reporting any details if my credit report is subject to unauthorized requests. Therefore, these unauthorized inquiries also violate this clause. 
I demand the immediate removal of all unapproved hard inquiries that are listed on my accounts. These unlawful queries not only violate my rights as a federally protected consumer but also negatively impact my credit worthiness and financial stability. For my credit report to once again be accurate, honest, and fair, their elimination is essential. 
I kindly request that you investigate the unlawful requests on my credit report in detail, because I, the consumer, did not provide any written authorization. You must comprehend how these unlawful queries violate my rights and could lead to identity theft. I rely on you to provide this matter with your undivided attention and prompt consideration. 
I demand that, as a federally protected consumer, you acknowledge receipt of my dispute letter within the 30-day window specified by the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ). I am counting on you to investigate the unauthorized inquiries as soon as possible and make sure they are removed from my credit record. If you don't abide by my request, I might take additional legal action to defend my consumer rights. 
I appreciate your quick response to this situation. I'm hoping for a quick decision that defends my rights, deletes unauthorized inquiries, and corrects the information on my credit report. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with me if you require any additional information or proof to help with the investigation. 
Sincerely, XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation