Consumer complaint received 2025-07-14 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: CA

Complaint narrative:
I am submitting this statement to formally report that I have been a victim of identity theft. As a result, there are fraudulent hard inquiries on my credit report that I did not authorize, initiate, or consent to. I am exercising my rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) and requesting that these inquiries be thoroughly investigated, verified with documented proof, and permanently removed from my credit file. 

Details of the Dispute : I am disputing the following unauthorized hard inquiries that appear on my credit report, which I believe to be a direct result of identity theft. I did not apply for any credit, loan, or financing that would justify these inquiries on or around the listed dates. I have never had any contact or relationship with the companies listed, nor did I give anyone permission to access my credit report on my behalf. 

The disputed inquiries are as follows : Creditor Name : Ally Financial Inquiry Date : XX/XX/XXXX On Record Until : XX/XX/XXXX Creditor Name : XXXX XXXX Inquiry Date : XX/XX/XXXX On Record Until : XX/XX/XXXX Creditor Name : XXXX XXXX Inquiry Date : XX/XX/XXXX On Record Until : XX/XX/XXXX These hard inquiries are unauthorized and are damaging my credit score and profile. I have never applied for credit with Ally Financial or XXXX XXXX, and these entries were made without my knowledge or consent. 

Formal Request for Investigation and Debt Verification : Under FCRA 605B ( 15 U.S.C. 1681c-2 ), I am requesting that the credit reporting agencies immediately block and delete the fraudulent hard inquiries from my report. These items are a direct result of identity theft and constitute an illegal use of my personal information.

Additionally, under FCRA 611 ( 15 U.S.C. 1681i ), I am formally requesting that each disputed inquiry be verified with documented proof. This includes : A signed and dated credit application explicitly authorizing the inquiry, A copy of a valid photo ID used at the time of application, Any other legally sufficient documentation tying me to the request.

If the credit bureaus or furnishers can not provide this verification, then by law, the inquiries must be permanently removed from my credit file.

Compensation for False Verification : According to FCRA 616 ( 15 U.S.C. 1681n ), I am entitled to statutory damages of up to {$1000.00} per violation if any of these inquiries are falsely verified despite my identity theft claim. Continuing to report unverifiable or inaccurate information after receiving formal notice is considered willful noncompliance with federal law and may also lead to further legal consequences, including punitive damages.

Supporting Documentation : I have included the following documents to support my identity theft claim : A copy of my identity theft report ( police report or FTC Identity Theft Affidavit ) A copy of my government-issued ID Proof of my current address ( e.g., utility bill or bank statement ) Requested Actions : I am requesting the following actions be taken immediately : Permanent blocking and removal of all fraudulent hard inquiries listed above.

Debt/inquiry verification for all disputed entries, with full documentation.

Written confirmation that the disputed inquiries have been removed from my file.

Proof that the furnishers ( XXXX XXXX and XXXX XXXX ) have been notified and instructed to cease all reporting of unauthorized or unverifiable inquiries. 

An updated copy of my credit report reflecting these corrections and removals. 

Conclusion : I expect a full and lawful investigation of this matter in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Failure to respond appropriately may result in a formal complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ), Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ), or further legal action.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I look forward to receiving a written response confirming that these fraudulent inquiries have been removed and that no further damage will result from this identity theft event.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation