💡 Is your credit report full of unauthorized hard inquiries? These inquiries can lower your score and impact loan approvals—but you CAN stop them!

If lenders, credit card companies, or unauthorized entities are pulling your credit without permission, you have legal rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Below, we’ll break down how to remove unauthorized inquiries, prevent future inquiries, and protect your credit score. Let’s take control of your credit report! 🚀

Understanding Credit Inquiries (Soft vs. Hard)

There are two types of credit inquiries, and only one affects your score:

Soft Inquiries (Safe)

✔ Checking your own credit (AnnualCreditReport.com)
✔ Pre-approved credit card or loan offers
✔ Background checks (employment, insurance)
✔ No impact on your credit score

Hard Inquiries (Harmful)

✔ Loan or credit card applications
✔ Apartment or mortgage applications
✔ Car loans or store financing
✔ Impacts your score (lowers it 3-5 points)

Too many hard inquiries in a short time? Lenders see this as risky behavior—and your score drops!

How to Stop Unauthorized Credit Inquiries

1ï¸. Review Your Credit Report for Unauthorized Inquiries

✔ Get your FREE credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com
✔ Look for unfamiliar inquiries—if you didn’t apply, it’s unauthorized!
✔ Check all three bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion)

2ï¸. Dispute Unauthorized Inquiries with the Credit Bureaus

Under the FCRA, credit bureaus must investigate and remove unauthorized inquiries!

Send a dispute letter to Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
✔ Use this CFPB template: CFPB Dispute Letter
✔ Include proof (credit report, police report if identity theft)
✔ Mail via certified mail (return receipt)

The credit bureaus have 30 days to respond! If they don’t remove unauthorized inquiries, escalate the complaint!

3ï¸. File an FTC Identity Theft Report (If Needed)

If unauthorized inquiries are linked to fraud, file an official report!
✔ Visit IdentityTheft.gov
✔ Report the fraudulent inquiries
✔ Send a copy of the report to credit bureaus for immediate removal

4ï¸. Request a Fraud Alert or Credit Freeze

If you didn’t apply for new credit, take preventative action to block future unauthorized inquiries!

✔ Fraud Alert:
📢 Notifies lenders to verify identity before approving credit
📢 Free for 1 year (or 7 years for identity theft victims)
✔ Credit Freeze:
📢 Blocks all new credit applications
📢 No one can pull your credit without your permission!

Request alerts or freezes here:
🔹 Experian: experian.com/fraudalert
🔹 Equifax: equifax.com/CreditReportAssistance
🔹 TransUnion: transunion.com/fraud-victim-resource

CHART: Steps to Remove Unwanted Credit Inquiries

FAQs: How to Stop Unwanted Credit Inquiries

🔹 Can hard inquiries be removed from my credit report?
✅ Yes! If they are unauthorized or fraudulent, you can dispute and remove them.

🔹 How long do hard inquiries stay on my report?
✅ 2 years, but they only affect your score for 12 months.

🔹 Can a credit freeze stop inquiries?
✅ Yes! A credit freeze prevents all new applications.

🔹 What if a creditor won’t remove an unauthorized inquiry?
✅ Escalate to the CFPB and file a complaint! CFPB.gov

📢 Still have questions? Call Credit1Solutions at 877-782-7839 for help today!