Dispute letter for an unauthorized hard inquiry

When to use this template

• You don't recognize the company that checked your credit.
• You didn't apply for credit with them or give permission.

Sample letter

Replace everything in [brackets], and send one letter to each bureau that shows the error.

[Your full name]
[Your street address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Date]

[Credit bureau name]
[Bureau dispute address]

Re: Dispute of inaccurate information on my credit report

To whom it may concern:

I am writing under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. § 1681i) to dispute inaccurate information on my credit report.

Item in dispute: Inquiry by [company name] on [date]

Why it is inaccurate: I did not apply for credit with this company or authorize this inquiry. It appears on my report without a permissible purpose.

What I am asking: Please investigate and remove the unauthorized inquiry.

Please send me the results of your investigation in writing, along with an updated copy of my credit report.

Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Your printed name]

Enclosures:
- A copy of a government-issued photo ID
- Proof of address
- Any identity theft report, if applicable

What to enclose

• A copy of a government-issued photo ID
• Proof of address
• Any identity theft report, if applicable

Send copies, never originals.

Tips

• Inquiries from companies you applied with, even indirectly through a dealer or broker, are likely valid.
• Unrecognized inquiries can be a sign of identity theft.
• Send it by a method that proves delivery. See certified mail vs first-class and where to send it.

More templates

• Collection account that isn't mine →
• Late payment reported in error →
• Inaccurate charge-off →
• Paid account still showing a balance →

General educational information and a generic template, not legal advice. A dispute can't remove accurate information, and Rapid Rescore does not guarantee any result. Last reviewed: October 2026.