Consumer complaint received 2025-10-06 00:00:00
Product: Credit card — General-purpose credit card or charge card
Issue: Getting a credit card — Card opened without my consent or knowledge
Company: EQUIFAX, INC.
State: VA

Complaint narrative:
XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXX/XX/XXXX Consumer Financial Protection Bureau XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX Re : Complaint Regarding Equifaxs Mishandling of Fraudulent Inquiries and Reinsertion Without Notice Dear CFPB, Im requesting your assistance because Equifax Information Services LLC has mishandled my disputes about unauthorized credit inquiries and allowed a previously deleted inquiry to be reinserted without notice. I take my credit and identity seriously, and Ive tried to work this out directly with Equifax. Unfortunately, their actions have left my file inaccurate and have caused me ongoing concern. 

Specifically, an inquiry by XXXX XXXX dated XX/XX/XXXX was deleted after Equifaxs reinvestigation reflected on my credit file dated XX/XX/XXXX, Confirmation XXXX XXXXXXXX. That same inquiry has since reappeared without any notice to me. This appears to violate 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 5 ) ( B ), which requires a furnishers certification of accuracy before reinsertion and written notice to the consumer within five business days of reinsertion, including the name, address, and telephone number of the furnisher. To my knowledge, none of those reinsertion safeguards or notices were provided. 

In addition, my Equifax file lists inquiries I did not authorize and for which I believe no permissible purpose exists : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX dated XX/XX/XXXX and XXXX XXXX dated XX/XX/XXXX. Obtaining or furnishing a consumer report requires a permissible purpose under 15 U.S.C. 1681b ( a ), and obtaining a report without such a purpose is prohibited under 1681b ( f ). Equifax, as a consumer reporting agency, also must follow reasonable procedures to assure maximum possible accuracy of the information it reports under 15 U.S.C. 1681e ( b ). I have asked Equifax to verify these inquiries, including the basis and documentation for any alleged authorization, but have not received adequate verification as contemplated by 15 U.S.C. 1681i ( a ) ( 6 ) ( B ) ( iii ) ( method of verification disclosure after reinvestigation ). 

Equifaxs handling of my disputesits failure to prevent reinsertion without notice, continued reporting of inquiries that lack a demonstrated permissible purpose, and insufficient method-of-verification responsessuggests noncompliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act, including 1681e ( b ), 1681i ( a ) ( 1 ) ( A ) ( timely, reasonable reinvestigation ), 1681i ( a ) ( 5 ) ( B ) ( reinsertion safeguards and notice ), 1681i ( a ) ( 6 ) ( results of reinvestigation and method of verification ), and 1681b ( a ) and ( f ) ( permissible purpose and prohibition on unauthorized access ). 

I respectfully request that the CFPB investigate Equifaxs conduct and require the following relief : removal of the XX/XX/XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX inquiry unless and until all reinsertion requirements are satisfied and proper notice is issued ; deletion of the XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX ( XX/XX/XXXX ) and XXXX XXXX ( XX/XX/XXXX ) inquiries unless Equifax can produce documentation establishing a valid permissible purpose ; and issuance to me of the complete method of verification and underlying records for any item Equifax continues to report. I also ask that the CFPB ensure Equifax implements and adheres to reasonable procedures to assure maximum possible accuracy going forward. 

Exhibits Attached : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  Equifax Deletion Confirmation XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Documentation request.pdf I appreciate your time and advocacy on behalf of consumers. I am prepared to provide supporting records, including the XX/XX/XXXX credit file update and the referenced confirmation number, as well as copies of my prior correspondence with Equifax. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation