Consumer complaint received 2025-09-05 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — I do not know
Issue: Written notification about debt — Didn't receive enough information to verify debt
Company: ALLY FINANCIAL INC.
State: NC

Complaint narrative:
I am filing this complaint against Ally Financial, also appearing as ALLYFINANC, for repeated, unauthorized, and unlawful hard inquiries on my credit reports across both XXXX XXXX XXXX. These inquiries were not authorized by me, were not supported by a permissible purpose as defined under federal law, and represent clear, willful, and negligent violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) and related consumer protection statutes. 

The following unauthorized inquiries are being disputed as unlawful : XX/XX/XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX These dates demonstrate a clear pattern of abuse. Multiple inquiries were made on the same day, across multiple bureaus, creating duplicative reporting and multiple points of damage to my credit profile. I did not authorize any of these inquiries. At no point did I apply for credit, provide written consent, or otherwise establish a relationship with Ally Financial that would allow them to lawfully access my credit file. 

This conduct amounts to reckless shotgunning of inquiries, an unlawful practice where a furnisher bombards consumer reports with multiple pulls without consent, often in an attempt to force or solicit credit extensions. This behavior is unauthorized, abusive, and illegal.

Legal Framework and Violations 1. FCRA 1681b ( 15 U.S.C. 1681b ) Clearly restricts the use of consumer reports to specific permissible purposes, such as in connection with a credit transaction initiated by the consumer. Ally Financial did not have my authorization or a valid business purpose to access my credit file. Each inquiry is a separate violation of this statute.

2. FCRA 1681e ( a ) Requires all credit reporting agencies and furnishers to maintain reasonable procedures to prevent unauthorized use of consumer reports. Ally Financial failed to do so, as evidenced by the repeated, duplicative inquiries. This shows a systemic breakdown of compliance practices.

3. FCRA 1681e ( b ) Mandates that consumer reporting agencies must ensure maximum possible accuracy of information in reports. By allowing multiple unlawful Ally inquiries to remain, both XXXX XXXX XXXX are in violation of this standard.

4. FCRA 1681n ( Civil Liability for Willful Noncompliance ) Ally Financials repeated inquiries constitute willful violations, making them liable for actual damages, statutory damages of up to {$1000.00} per violation, punitive damages, and attorneys fees.

5. FCRA 1681o ( Civil Liability for Negligent Noncompliance ) At a minimum, Ally Financial is guilty of negligent violations, making them liable for actual damages and attorneys fees.

6. FDCPA 15 U.S.C. 1692c and 1692g To the extent that Ally Financial or its affiliates act in the capacity of a debt collector, their actions further violate requirements for proper communication and debt validation. 



Why This Is Harmful Each unauthorized inquiry reduces my credit score, damages my creditworthiness, and creates the false impression that I am aggressively seeking credit that I never requested. This undermines my ability to obtain fair credit, increases my cost of borrowing, and tarnishes my financial reputation. 

The fact that Ally Financial initiated multiple inquiries on the same dates across multiple bureaus is evidence of a systemic failure to safeguard consumer rights. This is not a clerical error. This is deliberate, repeated, and damaging misconduct. 

The credit bureaus themselves are complicit. By continuing to publish these unlawful inquiries, despite their obligations under FCRA 1681e ( b ), they are enabling Ally Financials misconduct and contributing to the financial harm I have suffered.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation