Consumer complaint received 2024-12-26 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: FL

Complaint narrative:
I am submitting a formal request for the investigation and deletion of unauthorized inquiries on my credit report. I have attached an affidavit of dispute affirming the authenticity of this request. 
These inquiries were made without my consent, and upon contacting the listed creditors, they confirmed they do not have evidence that I initiated these inquiries, nor do they possess any written or verbal authorization from me, as required by the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ). 
Specific Unauthorized Inquiries : XXXX XXXX XXXX  I understand that verification may occur through the EOSCAR system ( Electronic Online Solution for Complete and Accurate Reporting ). However, the CFPB has highlighted limitations in the EOSCAR system, noting that automated processes can be insufficient when accuracy depends on verifying underlying documentation. Therefore, I request a manual review of these unauthorized inquiries and full verification of all relevant documentation. 
Additionally, I am specifically requesting any original application forms or initial documents that creditors may have on file. This is to ensure that only responses based on primary documentation are considered, rather than automated EOSCAR confirmations.

Under the FCRA, these inquiries violate requirements for permissible purpose, verification, and accuracy. The relevant FCRA provisions that support my request are outlined below : 1. Section 604 ( 15 U.S.C. 1681b ) - Permissible Purposes : Since I have not authorized these inquiries, they do not meet the permissible purposes outlined in this section.

2. Section 611 ( a ) ( 5 ) ( 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 5 ) ) - Inaccurate or Unverifiable Information : The FCRA requires credit bureaus to delete unverifiable items promptly. As there is no verifiable authorization, I formally request the removal of these inquiries.

3. Section 609 ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) ( 15 U.S.C. 1681g ) - Right to Access and Verification : The FCRA mandates that credit agencies verify each inquiry, including an original signed contract proving my consent. Since you can not provide this documentation, I request the removal of these inquiries. 
4. Section 623 ( 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 ) - Responsibilities of Information Providers : Information providers must ensure accuracy and authorization ; these inquiries fail to meet these criteria.

5. Section 605A ( 15 U.S.C. 1681c-1 ) - Identity Theft Protection : This mandates the removal of unauthorized inquiries potentially linked to identity theft. I request deletion under this protection. 
Relevant Case Law : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  ruled that accessing a credit report without a legitimate purpose or consumer consent violates the FCRA. Similarly, XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX upheld that credit inquiries must meet permissible purpose requirements, supporting my request to remove unauthorized inquiries.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation