Consumer complaint received 2025-06-13 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:
To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this formal complaint regarding multiple unauthorized hard inquiries that have been reported on my credit report without my knowledge, authorization, or permissible purpose as required under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) 15 U.S. Code 1681b. These inquiries have negatively impacted my credit score and overall creditworthiness, despite the fact that I never initiated, approved, or had any business relationship with these entities. 
Disputed Inquiries : XXXX XXXX  Date of Inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Issue : I have no knowledge or prior relationship with this entity. I did not apply for any loan, credit card, or service that would permit this hard inquiry.

Law Violated : FCRA 604 ( 15 U.S. Code 1681b ) Permissible purposes of consumer reports Under this section, a consumer report may only be accessed with the consumers written consent or for legitimate business reasons initiated by the consumer. 
XXXX. XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX Date of Inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Issue : This entity conducted a hard inquiry on my credit file without any permissible purpose. I never gave written authorization or had a debt relationship with this company. 
Law Violated : FCRA 604 ( 15 U.S. Code 1681b ) The inquiry lacks any documented business relationship, consent, or permissible purpose. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  Date of Inquiry : XX/XX/XXXX Issue : I did not apply for a credit card or loan from this institution during this time period. This hard inquiry is unauthorized and damaging. 
Law Violated : FCRA 604 ( 15 U.S. Code 1681b ) Without consumer initiation or consent, this access is unlawful.

Summary of the Violation : These inquiries were not authorized by me, and I have never provided written consent nor had any existing account, application, or contractual relationship with the above-mentioned companies. Therefore, these inquiries constitute a direct violation of the FCRA, specifically under Section 604.

I am extremely concerned about the security of my personal information and how these companies obtained access to my credit report. Such inquiries have not only lowered my credit score but also raised red flags about potential identity theft or misuse of my data.

Resolution Sought : I am requesting the following actions : 1. Immediate removal of the unauthorized hard inquiries listed above from my credit reports.

2. An investigation into how and why these companies accessed my credit information. 
3. Enforcement of compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) against these furnishers.

4. Assurance that these types of violations will not recur in the future.

I trust the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) will review this matter urgently and help protect my rights under federal law. I am attaching a copy of my credit report where these inquiries appear, along with a government-issued ID to verify my identity.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation