Consumer complaint received 2024-08-20 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Improper use of your report — Credit inquiries on your report that you don't recognize
Company: NAVY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
State: VA

Complaint narrative:
On XX/XX/XXXX, I filed a formal complaint with Navy Federal Credit Union ( formerly known as XXXX XXXX  XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX ) after discovering unauthorized credit inquiries on my credit report. These inquiries, dated XX/XX/XXXX, XX/XX/XXXX, and XX/XX/XXXX, were made without my knowledge or consent and were associated with an unsolicited account. Concerned by these unexplained entries, I immediately requested proof of authorization and sought an explanation for these unauthorized credit inquiries. 
In my complaint, I emphasized the critical importance of protecting personal information and ensuring full compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ). Recognizing the serious implications of this issue, I escalated my concerns to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ), the Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ), and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency ( OCC ), which regulates financial institutions. I urged these agencies to thoroughly investigate my case. 
Additionally, I requested that these agencies determine whether there is a broader issue at playspecifically, whether nationwide consumer reporting agencies are routinely misidentifying the legal names of creditors, furnishers, debt buyers, and debt collectors. If this is happening, it could result in false or misleading information on credit reports. Such inaccuracies not only undermine consumer rights but also jeopardize the integrity of the entire credit reporting system. 
By sharing my experience, I hope to raise awareness and assist others who may be facing similar challenges with unauthorized credit inquiries and inaccurate reporting by credit agencies. 
It is crucial to understand that a companys name must exactly match its legal registration, as outlined in official documents such as articles of organization, articles of incorporation, certificates of formation, or charters. If the name on a credit report or legal document does not precisely match the registered name, the entity may not be legally recognized as the same. This distinction is vital because it can affect the validity of contracts, the enforceability of agreements, and the complexity of legal proceedings. 
Moreover, under Va. Code Ann . 8.9A-102 ( a ) ( 73 ) and Ind. Code 26-1-9.1-102 ( a ) ( 73 ), a secured party or creditors legal name must match exactly across all legal and financial documents, including credit reports, billing statements, and other associated records. If the legal name is not accurately reflected, it can result in significant legal and financial complications. Ensuring that the correct legal name appears on consumer credit reports is more than just a formalityit is a key legal requirement that protects the integrity of financial transactions and safeguards consumer rights.

Company public response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law
Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation