Identify the inquiry before disputing it
A company name on a report may differ from the name of the lender, dealer, landlord, or service you recognize. Contact the listed company and compare the inquiry date with your applications.
- Check whether the inquiry is hard or soft.
- Review applications and rate-shopping activity.
- Ask the company to explain its permissible purpose.
If you believe it was unauthorized
Record the company, date, bureau, and why you believe you did not authorize the inquiry. If other unfamiliar activity appears, treat it as a possible identity-theft warning and use IdentityTheft.gov.
- Consider a fraud alert or security freeze.
- Keep notes from every phone call.
- Do not claim fraud unless the statement is truthful.
Official sources
Review the current government sources before acting because requirements and contact information can change.
IdentityTheft.gov FTC: Free credit reports