Consumer complaint received 2025-03-02 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Incorrect information on your report — Information belongs to someone else
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: MD

Complaint narrative:
I submitted this to Equifax and I have an FTC Report XXXX Subject : Formal Rebuttal and Demand for Reinvestigation of Unauthorized Inquiries Confirmation # : XXXX Dear Equifax Dispute Resolution Team, I am writing to formally rebut the findings of your recent dispute investigation regarding unauthorized inquiries on my credit report. Despite my previous request for the removal of unauthorized inquiries, your response stating that " INQUIRIES ARE A FACTUAL RECORD OF FILE ACCESS AND WILL REMAIN ON THE EQUIFAX CREDIT FILE '' is both insu ] icient and legally questionable under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) and United States Code ( XXXX ). 
Legal Violations and Inaccurate Response 1. FCRA Violation ( 15 U.S.C. 1681b ) Under this law, a consumer reporting agency may only furnish a credit report when there is a permissible purpose. I did not authorize the disputed inquiries made by : o XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX ( Inquiry Date : XX/XX/XXXX, XX/XX/XXXX ) XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX ( Inquiry Date : XX/XX/XXXX, XX/XX/XXXX ) If these entities can not provide documented proof that I granted authorization, these inquiries must be removed. 
2. FCRA Violation ( 15 U.S.C. 1681n & 1681o ) If an entity obtains a consumer report without a valid permissible purpose, the consumer has the right to seek statutory damages. The fact that Equifax refuses to remove unauthorized inquiries without proof of consumer consent could expose Equifax to liability under this provision.

3. FCRA Violation ( 15 U.S.C. 1681i ) The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires Equifax to conduct a meaningful reinvestigation of any disputed item. A response stating that inquiries are " factual records '' without proving their validity does not satisfy your obligation under this law.

Demand for Immediate Action I am formally requesting that Equifax : Provide documented proof that I explicitly authorized the above-listed inquiries, including signed credit applications or other written consents.

If no such proof can be provided, remove the unauthorized inquiries from my credit report immediately in compliance with FCRA laws.

Provide the name, mailing address, and contact number of the entities that reported these inquiries so that I may pursue further legal action against them if necessary. 
Next Steps & Legal Remedies If this matter is not properly addressed within 30 days as mandated by the FCRA, I will proceed with the following actions : File a formal complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) and the Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ) regarding Equifax 's failure to comply with FCRA regulations. 
Seek legal action for statutory damages of up to {$1000.00} per violation, plus punitive damages and legal fees, as allowed under 15 U.S.C. 1681n.

Notify my State Attorney General 's XXXX and other relevant regulatory bodies to ensure proper enforcement of consumer protection laws. 
I expect a written response with a resolution to this matter no later than [ Insert Deadline : 30 days from todays date ]. Please provide confirmation that the unauthorized inquiries have been removed or provide legally su ] icient evidence that I granted permission. 
Sincerely, XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation