Don't recognize a hard inquiry on your credit report?

First, identify where the inquiry came from

The name on an inquiry may be different from the store, lender, or financing company you remember. Some credit applications can also lead to inquiries from more than one lender. We review the date, company, bureau, and any related application or account before calling an inquiry unauthorized.

Have your current credit reports ready for the consultation. Tell us about applications you made around the listed dates; our team will do the detailed comparison with you.

• The company and date listed on the report
• Whether you applied for credit around that time
• Any related account, dealer, or lender paperwork
• Which credit bureau displays the inquiry

What happens when an inquiry looks wrong

If you did not authorize an application or the inquiry is otherwise reported inaccurately, we help document the specific issue and determine the appropriate next step with the bureau or company. If the inquiry appears connected to an application you made, it may be legitimate even if you were not approved.

A valid inquiry is not removable simply because it affects a score. We do not promise inquiry deletions or a particular score increase; the outcome depends on the facts and the investigation.

If you suspect identity theft

An unfamiliar inquiry can sometimes be a sign of an attempted account opening. If other unfamiliar accounts or activity appear, tell us during the consultation so we can help you organize what you found. You may also consider a fraud alert or credit freeze directly with the credit bureaus.