Consumer complaint received 2025-03-24 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: WELLS FARGO & COMPANY
State: NJ

Complaint narrative:
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXX/XX/XXXX WELLS FARGO AUTO ATTN : XXXX XXXX  XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX Subject : Dispute of Unauthorized Credit Inquiry and Demand for Removal and Compensation Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to formally dispute an unauthorized credit inquiry made by Wells Fargo Auto ( WFBNA AUTO ) on my XXXX  consumer report on XX/XX/XXXX. This inquiry was made without my permission and without a permissible purpose under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), 15 U.S.C. 1681b ( a ) ( 3 ) ( F ) ( i ). 

Background of the Dispute : 1. Unauthorized Inquiry : On XX/XX/XXXX, Wells Fargo Auto ( WFBNA AUTO ) made a hard inquiry on my XXXX credit report for an auto loan application. I did not authorize this inquiry, nor did I initiate any transaction with Wells Fargo Auto. 
2. No Permissible Purpose : I have never applied for an auto loan with Wells Fargo Auto, nor do I have any account or relationship with them. Therefore, Wells Fargo Auto had no permissible purpose to access my credit report. 
3. Violation of FCRA : By accessing my credit report without my consent or a permissible purpose, Wells Fargo Auto has violated the FCRA, specifically 15 U.S.C. 1681b ( a ) ( 3 ) ( F ) ( i ), which prohibits obtaining a consumer report without a valid reason. 
Previous Correspondence : I have previously contacted Wells Fargo regarding this matter, and your office has repeatedly claimed that the inquiry was authorized based on information provided by XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX However, I have never authorized any credit inquiry with Wells Fargo Auto, and I have no record of initiating any transaction with them. 

Demand for Resolution : 1. Removal of Unauthorized Inquiry : I demand that Wells Fargo Auto immediately remove the unauthorized inquiry from my XXXX credit report. 
2. Compensation for FCRA Violation : Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 1681n ( a ), I am entitled to statutory damages of {$1000.00} for the willful violation of the FCRA. I am willing to settle this matter for {$1000.00} for the willful violation of the FCRA. I am willing to settle this matter for {$1000.00} in exchange for the removal of the inquiry. 
3. No Admission of Wrongdoing : If Wells Fargo Auto agrees to remove the inquiry and provide the {$1000.00} settlement, I am willing to sign an agreement stating that Wells Fargo Auto and its client do not have to admit to any wrongdoing. 
Litigation and Actual Damages : If Wells Fargo Auto fails to resolve this matter within 10 calendar days of receiving this letter, I will have no choice but to escalate this matter further. This will include : 1. Pursuing Legal Action : I will pursue legal action against Wells Fargo Auto for willful violation of the FCRA. In addition to the statutory damages of {$1000.00}, I will seek actual damages for the harm caused by the unauthorized inquiry, including but not limited to : o Damage to my credit score o Emotional distress o Time and resources spent resolving this matter Cost of Litigation for Wells Fargo Auto : Litigation will not only result in significant legal fees for Wells Fargo Auto but will also expose the company to additional liability. Below is an itemized estimate of the costs Wells Fargo Auto will incur if this matter proceeds to litigation : Item Estimated Cost Statutory Damages ( FCRA 1681n ) {$1000.00} Actual Damages ( Emotional Distress, Credit Damage, etc. ) {$5000.00} XXXX XXXXXXXX Attorneys Fees ( FCRA allows recovery of attorneys fees ) {$10000.00} XXXX XXXX Court Costs {$2000.00} {$5000.00} Internal Legal and Administrative Costs {$5000.00} XXXX XXXXXXXX Reputational Damage Priceless Total Estimated Cost to Wells Fargo Auto XXXX {$23000.00} & XXXX This estimate does not include the potential for punitive damages, which a court may award if it finds that Wells Fargo Autos actions were particularly egregious. 

Next Steps : If Wells Fargo Auto fails to remove the unauthorized inquiry and provide the requested compensation within 10 calendar days of receiving this letter, I will proceed with filing a complaint with the CFPB and initiating legal action. 

Please send payment via certified funds to the address listed above. 

Sincerely, BY : XXXX, XXXX XXXX FOR : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX cc : Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) Supporting Documentation : 1. Copy of XXXX credit report showing the unauthorized inquiry by Wells Fargo Auto on XX/XX/XXXX. 
2. Previous correspondence with Wells Fargo regarding this matter.

3. Copy of this dispute letter.

This letter is a formal notice and demand for resolution under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. I expect a prompt response and resolution to this matter.

Company public response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation