Consumer complaint received 2025-08-08 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: MN

Complaint narrative:
I am filing this complaint because my consumer rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) and Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ) have been repeatedly violated through the reporting of unauthorized, inaccurate, and fraudulent inquiries on my credit file. These inquiries have been placed without my knowledge, authorization, or permissible purpose under federal law. I have suffered emotional distress, denial of credit opportunities, higher interest rates, and reputational harm as a result of these unlawful actions. I am demanding the immediate removal of these inquiries, a thorough investigation, and written confirmation of compliance with all applicable laws. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XX/XX/XXXX Inquiry Issue : This company has no existing relationship with me, and I never applied for any service through XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX This inquiry was unauthorized and constitutes a clear violation of my privacy rights.

Law : FCRA 604 ( a ) ( 3 ), FCRA 605 ( b ) Restrictions on obsolete information ; FCRA 616 & 617 Civil liability for willful and negligent noncompliance.

Story : This unauthorized inquiry is especially concerning because XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX is a credit reporting intermediary often used by mortgage companies. I have not sought any mortgage-related product, and no permissible purpose exists. This appears to be a form of hard pull fishing, which is prohibited. The credit bureau failed to verify authorization before allowing this inquiry to appear. 
XXXX XXXX BANK XX/XX/XXXX Inquiry Issue : I have never applied for any account, loan, or credit product with XXXX XXXX Bank. No business or credit relationship exists. This inquiry is unauthorized and a violation of FCRA permissible purpose rules. 
Law : FCRA 604 ( a ) ( 3 ), 605 Information excluded from consumer reports ; 616 & 617 Civil liability for willful and negligent noncompliance.

Story : This inquiry is harmful to my creditworthiness and has been used without my consent. The lack of transparency from both the furnisher and the credit reporting agency demonstrates systemic compliance failures. 

XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XX/XX/XXXX Inquiry Issue : This hard inquiry was placed without my consent. I have not opened any account or initiated any application with XXXX during this time. 
Law : FCRA 604 ( a ) ( 3 ), 607 ( b ), 611.

Story : This is a prime example of how consumers can be harmed when credit bureaus fail to properly verify the legitimacy of a request. I have suffered score reduction and potential lending denials due to this error. There is no signed or electronic application to justify this pull. 

XXXX XXXX XXXX XX/XX/XXXX Inquiry Issue : I have not applied for any personal loan from XXXX or any affiliate. No permissible purpose exists for this inquiry. 
Law : FCRA 604 ( a ) ( 3 ), 607 ( b ), 616, 617.

Story : This inquiry was made without consent and negatively impacts my credit score. Such actions violate my privacy, damage my credit profile, and erode trust in the credit reporting system. I demand immediate removal and written confirmation.

Relief Requested : Immediate deletion of all the above unauthorized inquiries from my credit report, a thorough investigation into each furnishers request for my credit file, and written proof that the inquiry had a permissible purpose as required by FCRA. If no proof exists, the inquiry must be permanently deleted. I also request that the CFPB take enforcement action to prevent such violations from recurring.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation