Consumer complaint received 2021-08-16 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting, credit repair services, or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Improper use of your report — Reporting company used your report improperly
Company: Bread Financial Holdings, Inc.
State: NY

Complaint narrative:
XX/XX/XXXX I went into Victoria Secret to get some items. The young cashier in the front advise me that they had a promotion going on and that I could be eligible for a store card that will give me rewards. I ask her if this was a credit card and if this would go on my credit report and she stated no it was a store rewards card. That store reward cars are merely for rewards. She ask for my ID so she can enter my information in the system because it was easier that way instead of verbally. I ask her again are you sure this is not a credit card and she confirmed and said no this is just a rewards card. After scanning my id she began bagging and then ask me to enter my last four of my social. Here is where I questioned it again and she responded this is just for store purposes and to have on fine with your rewards account so that we can identify you when redeeming rewards. Once I provided her with this she began to bag my items. about 2 minutes after that she advise that the system needed for her to call to verify my identity. I was confused. I ask why would the system need to verify my identity for a rewards card. The girl at the registrar then stated she was unaware the rewards card and credit card were the same thing and if I wanted this card which from the beginning she told me was solely a rewards card my credit had to be run when she called. I declined and ask for my id back. I was furious as I have been trying to fix my credit in hope to get a home in the future. She stated not to worry since we did not call this would not go on my report. I was furious at thew misinformation provided. I ask again are you sure this did not effect me. Also I advise her to become more familiar with this information as she was providing conflicting information to customers. she told me not to worry that nothing was processed and it will not be on my report. I paid and left the store. 20 minutes later I get a email from XXXX stated there was a hard inquiry on my report made by Victoria Secret. I rushed back to the store to speak with the manager about what had occurred and what was on my report. The manager stated she could not do nothing here and apologized on the cashier behalf. She stated since the call was not completed this should fall off my report by the end of the day. I ask her if it does not what should I do and she stated call customer service. At this point I was so upset and voicing to her that they should train cashier the correct way. She apologized again and reassured me that this will fall of. 

Today XX/XX/XXXX I look at my report and this inquiry is still here. I called victoria secrets customer service number and informed them of what occurred and the rep stated all I can do is dispute this with XXXX. I called XXXX and notified them of what occurred and the rep advised me to call Victoria secret requesting a letter stating it was okay to remove from my report. XXXX also stated if Victoria Secret did not comply that my next steps should be in contact the CFPB. I call Victoria secret back and they stated they can not provide me with a letter as they do not have any information on me on file and that they do not have access to applications. I ask how can you not habve information on me if you guys put a hard inquiry on my credit report. The Victoira Secret rep advised me I must dispute with XXXX 

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Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief