Consumer complaint received 2024-12-18 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: Experian Information Solutions Inc.
State: TX

Complaint narrative:
Upon checking my credit reports, I found a large number of inquiries that I did not authorize, nor am I aware of. These inquiries are not associated with any legitimate credit applications or transactions made by me. 

In response, I promptly sent letters to the credit bureaus informing them of the unauthorized inquiries, as well as discrepancies in my name and previous addresses listed on my credit reports. Despite notifying the bureaus and providing the necessary information, 30 days have passed, and they have not removed these unauthorized inquiries or corrected the discrepancies as I requested. 

This situation has caused me significant stress and fear that I may be held financially responsible for these unauthorized inquiries and accounts, which I did not open. I am deeply concerned about the impact this has on my credit report, and I seek immediate resolution to protect my creditworthiness.

The following laws support my claim : Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) : The FCRA ( 15 U.S.C. 1681 ) mandates that credit reporting agencies ensure the accuracy, fairness, and privacy of consumer information. Under Section 1681c-2, I have the right to dispute any inaccurate information, including unauthorized inquiries. The failure of the credit bureaus to remove these inquiries after 30 days is a violation of this law.

Identity Theft and Texas Penal Code : According to Texas Penal Code 32.51, identity theft occurs when someone uses another persons identifying information, without consent, to commit fraud. In my case, these unauthorized inquiries suggest potential identity theft, and I have filed an official identity theft report to document the situation.

Federal Identity Theft Laws : Under the Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act of 1998 ( 18 U.S.C. 1028 ), identity theft is a federal offense. I have filed an identity theft report, which I am attaching to this complaint. This report outlines the unauthorized actions and serves as evidence that I am a victim of identity theft, entitled to protection under federal law.

I am requesting that the CFPB assist me in ensuring that these unauthorized inquiries are removed from my credit reports and that the credit bureaus take immediate action to correct the inaccuracies. I fear that if this issue is not addressed, I will be held financially liable for accounts and inquiries I did not authorize, causing irreparable damage to my credit and financial stability. 

Enclosed with this complaint is the identity theft report I filed and letters I sent, which outlines the unauthorized activities and provides further documentation of the situation. 

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. I look forward to your guidance and assistance in resolving this issue.

Company public response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation