Consumer complaint received 2025-07-08 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Improper use of your report — Reporting company used your report improperly
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: OK

Complaint narrative:
I am filing this formal complaint against Equifax for their repeated and willful violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), 15 U.S.C 1681, and associated federal regulations. Equifax has continued to report inaccurate personal information, inquiries, and account data despite multiple disputes and requests for correction. These violations have caused serious harm to my financial wellbeing, mental peace, and access to credit. Below I am listing all the problematic data with relevant facts, applicable laws, and details. 
XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX Inquiry Date : XX/XX/year> Issue : This inquiry was not authorized by me. I did not apply for credit with XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX on or around this date, nor did I provide written, verbal, or electronic consent for any credit pull. Despite this, Equifax reported a hard inquiry on my credit file without my permission. 
Law Violated : This action is in direct violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), specifically 15 U.S. Code 1681b ( c ) which states that a consumer report may not be furnished to any person without the written instruction of the consumer when it comes to promotional or firm offer credit inquiries. Additionally, Equifax violated 15 U.S. Code 1681e ( a ) and 1681e ( b ), which require credit reporting agencies to maintain reasonable procedures to ensure only authorized inquiries are placed on a consumers file, and that the information they furnish is accurate and complete. Moreover, Equifax has failed to remove the inquiry despite previous dispute, which also violates 1681i ( a ), requiring a prompt and reasonable reinvestigation of any disputed item. 
Expanded Story : The unauthorized inquiry from XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX has directly harmed my creditworthiness. Hard inquiries reduce credit scores, and when they are not consumer-initiated, they unfairly penalize the consumer. I was not notified in advance, I did not authorize this access, and I did not receive any service, product, or application decision related to this inquiry. I am concerned this may be the result of identity theft or Equifaxs failure to enforce proper data controls and consent verification protocols. The presence of this inquiry has lowered my FICO score and has been cited in a recent credit denial I experienced. I previously submitted a written dispute to Equifax requesting the removal of this inquiry, but they failed to conduct a proper reinvestigation or provide any proof of permissible purpose. This lack of transparency, failure to act, and continued reporting of unverified information shows a pattern of negligence and noncompliance with federal law. As a consumer, I have the right to expect that my credit file will be accurate and protected from unauthorized access. I am requesting immediate action by the CFPB to compel Equifax to provide documentary proof of my authorization for this inquiry or delete it from my credit report entirely. Equifaxs failure to do so is not only harmful but unlawful. I further request that Equifax be monitored and penalized for failure to comply with FCRA obligations regarding consumer rights and credit data protection.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief