Unauthorized Inquiries on Your Credit Report? Here’s What to Do
Have you checked your credit report recently and noticed inquiries you don’t recognize? If so, you’re not alone. Every day, thousands of people discover unauthorized credit inquiries—hard pulls they never approved. These inquiries can lower your score and even signal identity theft. The good news is that they can be legally removed fast when handled the right way.
In this guide, we’ll explain what unauthorized inquiries are, how they affect your score, and how to dispute and remove them completely from your credit reports.
What Are Unauthorized Credit Inquiries?
Every time someone accesses your credit file, it’s recorded as an inquiry. A hard inquiry means you applied for credit and gave permission for the lender to check your creditworthiness. A soft inquiry means your report was checked for non-lending reasons, such as pre-approval or identity verification.
An unauthorized inquiry is when a company or individual pulls your credit report without your consent or a legitimate business purpose. It could be caused by:
- Identity theft or fraud
- A lender error or duplicate pull
- Lead reselling (when brokers share your info without permission)
- Clerical mistakes or wrong person match
According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), lenders must have a “permissible purpose” before obtaining your report. If they can’t prove you authorized the inquiry, they’re legally required to remove it.
How Unauthorized Inquiries Affect Your Credit Score
Each hard inquiry can temporarily lower your score by 3 to 5 points. If there are multiple unauthorized inquiries, the combined effect can make it look like you’re actively seeking new credit—even when you’re not.
- ✔️ Hard inquiries remain on your report for 24 months
- ✔️ They affect your score for about 12 months
- ❌ Too many inquiries can trigger denials for new loans or credit cards
Even if a single inquiry doesn’t cause major damage, the presence of unrecognized or fraudulent inquiries can raise red flags with future lenders. That’s why fast removal is so important.
How to Spot Unauthorized Inquiries
Review your credit reports from all three major bureaus:
- AnnualCreditReport.com — free access to Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion
- Check under the “Inquiries” or “Credit Checks” section
- Look for company names or dates you don’t recognize
If you see an inquiry from a lender you never contacted, or several inquiries from similar-sounding finance companies, these may be unauthorized or broker-generated leads.
Steps to Remove Unauthorized Inquiries
Step 1: Gather Your Credit Reports
Download your most recent reports from all three bureaus. Note the inquiry dates, company names, and report numbers.
Step 2: Verify Legitimate Applications
Double-check your past applications—auto loans, mortgage pre-approvals, store cards, or mobile accounts. If you did not authorize the company listed, it qualifies for dispute.
Step 3: File an FCRA Dispute
Under federal law, you have the right to dispute any inaccurate or unauthorized entry. Each bureau must investigate within 30 days and remove it if unverified.
Step 4: Contact the Creditor Directly
Write to the lender demanding proof of authorization. If they can’t provide documentation (signed application or consent form), the inquiry must be deleted.
Step 5: Consider Professional Help
If multiple inquiries appear or if you suspect data sharing or identity theft, it’s best to have professionals handle it. Our team at InquiriesRemoval.com manages the entire process—from verification to removal—so nothing slips through the cracks.
Can You Sue for Unauthorized Credit Inquiries?
Yes. If a lender or business accessed your credit report without permissible purpose, it’s a violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. You may be entitled to statutory damages (up to $1,000 per violation) plus legal fees.
Our clients sometimes pursue removal followed by legal escalation if a company repeatedly pulls their credit without consent. We can help document and prepare your case properly if needed.
How Long Does It Take to Remove Unauthorized Inquiries?
Typical removal times vary based on the number of inquiries and bureau response times. Most clients see results within 7–21 days. Complex identity theft cases can take longer, but we track and verify each bureau response.
Preventing Future Unauthorized Inquiries
- Freeze your credit at Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion if not applying for new credit
- Monitor your reports regularly through CheckMyBureaus.com
- Be cautious when submitting online loan or auto finance forms
- Opt out of prescreened credit offers at OptOutPrescreen.com
FAQ: Unauthorized Credit Inquiries
Are unauthorized inquiries illegal?
Yes—if a company cannot show you gave permission, the inquiry violates the FCRA and must be deleted.
Will removing unauthorized inquiries raise my credit score?
Yes, especially if you had several hard pulls in a short period. Most clients regain 5–20 points after cleanup.
How long do unauthorized inquiries stay on my report?
They remain up to 24 months unless you dispute and remove them earlier.
Can credit bureaus deny my dispute?
They can if the dispute isn’t worded properly or lacks proof. That’s why professional filing ensures compliance and faster success.
Do soft inquiries need to be removed?
No. Soft pulls don’t affect your credit score and are visible only to you.
Bottom Line
Unauthorized inquiries aren’t just annoying—they can cost you points, raise red flags with lenders, and even indicate identity theft. The FCRA gives you the right to remove any inquiry made without your permission, and the process is faster than you might think. If you’ve spotted unrecognized hard pulls, act quickly before they impact your next loan or approval.
