Consumer complaint received 2025-06-16 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: TX

Complaint narrative:
Multiple unauthorized hard inquiries were made on my credit report without my knowledge or consent, in direct violation of federal consumer protection laws. These inquiries were not initiated by me, and I have never applied for credit with any of the companies listed below on or near the reported dates. 

Unauthorized Inquiries Listed Below : XXXX XXXX XX/XX/XXXX XXXX  XXXX XXXX XX/XX/XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XX/XX/XXXX XXXX ( XXXX ) XX/XX/XXXX XXXX XXXX XX/XX/XXXX XXXX XX/XX/XXXX XXXX XXXX  XXXX XXXX ) XX/XX/XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  XX/XX/XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XX/XX/XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XX/XX/XXXX XXXX XXXX XX/XX/XXXX My Story : I routinely monitor my credit reports and noticed a disturbing pattern of hard inquiries from financial institutions that I have never contacted, applied with, or authorized. These inquiries appeared in clusters within short time periods some even on the same day and none of them were preceded by any communication from the companies involved. 

I immediately contacted the credit bureaus and submitted formal disputes, yet these inquiries remained without proper verification. I never signed a credit application or agreement permitting these entities to access my credit file. No application, loan, or account was opened as a result of these inquiries indicating there was no permissible purpose under the law. 

Laws Violated : These inquiries violate the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) in multiple sections : FCRA 604 ( a ) ( 3 ) A consumer report may only be furnished if there is a legitimate, permissible purpose, such as a credit application initiated by the consumer. 

FCRA 607 ( a ) Requires all entities that furnish data to credit bureaus to ensure they have proper procedures to ensure accuracy and compliance. 

FCRA 611 ( a ) Mandates the consumer reporting agency to conduct a reasonable reinvestigation if a consumer disputes any item on the report. 

FCRA 616 and 617 Provide the right for consumers to pursue legal remedies, including actual damages, punitive damages, and attorney fees, if there is willful or negligent noncompliance with the Act. 

How This Has Harmed Me : My credit score has dropped due to the number of hard inquiries. 

These inquiries raise red flags with potential lenders and may affect future approvals. 

The XXXX XXXX and time spent attempting to correct the issue has been substantial. 

I have no trust that my credit report is being properly protected or verified by the credit bureaus. 

What Would Be a Fair Resolution? 
I respectfully demand that the CFPB : Require each of the listed companies to produce proof of my authorization for these hard inquiries, including signed applications or IP/email confirmation logs. 

If no such proof exists, I demand that all unauthorized inquiries be permanently deleted from my credit reports with TransUnion, XXXX, and XXXX. 

Investigate and fine any institution found to be pulling credit without proper authorization or a valid business need, as defined under FCRA. 

Ensure all credit reporting agencies update my report and issue a written confirmation once the deletions are completed. 

Monitor and enforce future compliance, as this pattern suggests either fraudulent use of my information or careless processing of consumer data without legal basis. 

Attachments available upon request : Proof of identity Screenshots of affected credit reports Copies of prior disputes submitted to the bureaus If this matter is not resolved in compliance with federal law, I am prepared to escalate by seeking legal representation and pursuing civil damages under FCRA 616 and 617.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation