Consumer complaint received 2022-12-29
Company: Experian Information Solutions Inc.
State: CA
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:
XX/XX/XXXX, XXXX Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, CFPB ATTENTION : Claims Department Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, CFPB ATTENTION : Claims Department RE : Experian Credit Bureau My name is XXXX XXXX and I am a XXXX XXXX XXXX ) year old man. On XXXX, XXXX I went to " XXXX XXXX '' located in XXXX XXXX, California, to purchase a new automobile. I was immediately " swarmed '' by XXXX ( XXXX ) or more Salesmen. 
I specifically told the Salesmen 's Supervisor that I wanted to establish a credit line with " XXXX XXXX '' or the the Dealership, representing " XXXX XXXX '' named " XXXX XXXX '' in XXXX XXXX, California. I explained very clearly that I did not have any current trade lines except for a credit card that was issued to me by my Credit Union. I further explained that I did not owe money to any entity and my credit report was clear of outstanding debt at the time. 
I then explained, very clearly to the Salesman, that I was in the process of buying a small apartment since I am in the process of retiring. My Real Estate Broker advised me that I should not have more than three ( 3 ) inquiries on my credit report and not to buy anything except for the car! I related this, as well, to the Salesman.

The Supervisor, assured me that there would be no " hard inquiries '' and I quote : " He said there would be " only soft ball inquiries '' and it would not affect my credit rating and in forty-five ( 45 ) days they would not show on my credit report anymore ''. I did truly trust what they were telling me was correct and I relied on their professional word and conduct.

My Real Estate Broker called me and let me know, to my surprise, that I had fourteen ( 14 ) inquiries on my report -- which basically ruined my chances of my " pre-approval loan '' in acquiring the real estate property and I will be left with no options. 
I have called " XXXX XXXX '' / '' XXXX XXXX '' and they have denied that I was told it was going to be " only soft ball inquiries '' and ; if they did, it was only to get the best rate possible on my behalf. That is a " bold-faced '' lie since I already had a rate from my Credit Union which I was happy with it and they knew it! 
I was informed that in the " Auto Industry '' the Dealer receives commissions from different Lenders if the get the loan for the car that they sell. This unethical manner of practice has ruined my credit and trust. They knew that I had a hearing impediment and I feel that this has been an act of elderly abuse. I have telephoned both dealers several times and basically have not received any resolution to this matter -- only that they will call me back ; which, they never did. After many complaints they finally told me to call Experian Credit Bureau. It has now been four ( 4 ) months of back and forth between these entities with no resolution and to no avail.

I have called Experian Credit Bureau many times only to be dismissed many times. I have been sent to many different " departments '' and their answer is : " Unless my identity was stolen they will not do anything about my case ''. 
Yes, my identity was stolen by all of the Salesmen, without the direct proper supervision or authorization given by ME to them to run fourteen ( 14 ) inquiries and be " shopped ''. I was very specific with my request and having my Credit Union pre-approved loan with an interest rate and the terms of contract that I was satisfied with. I bought the car in that specific location I did not go to any other dealer or was shopping around. There was no need for fourteen ( 14 ) inquiries. It was just greed driven madness that caused the abuse -- only seeking the commission from whichever Lender served their purpose. All the time with non-disclosure, to me, that was taking place between the Dealer and the process that the credit bureau permits. 
Please try and help me in this confusing and abusive situation. Also, please see theattached copy of my Experian Credit Report issued that shows the credit companies that were Not authorized by me or asked to check my credit report. I have called all of them and they told me that it is up to the Experian Credit Bureau to correct the report. My major disappointment is with Experian Credit Bureau and my complaint is against this Credit Bureau. They have been extremely rude and did not provide any customer assistance. It is very difficult to communicate with them and they are only giving automated answers. There has been no help whatsoever to mitigate this terrible blemish on my report or any explanations or suggestions of a way to remedy the error caused! I am confused and desperate. Please help me -- I can not lose my house. Those unauthorized so called soft ball inquiries needs to be removed, it is unjust to tell me that they will remain in my credit until XXXX. Then I will be able to close on the sale of my new property. I thank you for your assistance and cooperation in this urgent matter. 
Sincerely, XXXX XXXX EMAIL : XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation