Consumer complaint received 2025-05-30 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: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: OH

Complaint narrative:
Dear CFPB Representative, I am submitting this formal complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) regarding unauthorized credit inquiries that have appeared on my Equifax credit report. I am a victim of identity theft and request an immediate investigation and enforcement action under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) and all applicable federal laws. 

Background : Upon reviewing my credit report, I identified multiple hard inquiries conducted by financial institutions and companies with which I have no current or prior relationship. These inquiries were made without my knowledge or authorization, and I have strong reason to believe they are the result of identity theft.

Identity Theft Report : In accordance with 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2, I have submitted a formal identity theft report, which includes supporting documentation such as a police report or FTC Identity Theft Report. Under this statute, credit reporting agencies are required to block any information resulting from identity theft within four ( 4 ) business days of receiving valid documentation. 

Legal Violations : The following provisions of the FCRA have been violated in relation to the unauthorized inquiries : 15 U.S.C. 1681b ( c ) Permissible Purpose : Credit inquiries must only be conducted with the consumers authorization or for a legitimate business need. These inquiries were made without my consent and serve no permissible purpose.

15 U.S.C. 1681c-1 ( a ) ( 2 ) Fraud Alerts : I placed a fraud alert on my credit file, which legally requires any user of my report to take reasonable steps to verify my identity before extending credit. These inquiries demonstrate a failure to comply with that requirement. 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2 Blocking of Information from Identity Thef
t : Despite being properly notified and provided with documentation, the credit reporting agency has failed to block or properly investigate these unauthorized inquiries.

15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) Duty to Reinvestigate : Equifax has a legal obligation to conduct a reasonable reinvestigation once a dispute has been submitted. This duty has not been fulfilled regarding these inquiries. 

Unauthorized Credit Inquiries Equifax : I am formally disputing the following unauthorized hard inquiries listed on my Equifax credit report and request their immediate removal : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXX/XX/year> These inquiries were not authorized by me and are negatively impacting my credit profile. I demand their prompt removal in accordance with federal law. 

Requested Resolution : Pursuant to my rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, I respectfully request that the CFPB : Investigate and compel Equifax to immediately delete the unauthorized inquiries listed above. 

Provide written confirmation of the removal. 

Ensure compliance with the FCRA to prevent future violations of my consumer rights. 

Thank you for your urgent attention to this matter. I am available to provide any additional documentation as needed.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation