Hard Inquiry on credit report for writing a check?

[Anonymous]

I shopped at Neiman Marcus 2 days this year and wrote checks both times. Today I checked my credit report and discovered they made a hard inquiry to TransUnion each time I wrote a check. I didn't know that stores could make an inquiry for writing a personal check to pay for merchandise. In fact, I thought that writing checks was like paying with cash, not like asking for credit. I wrote checks to avoid applying for a credit card which would certainly lead to a hard inquiry. Has this happened to anyone else? Is this legal? Can I do anything about this? Thanks for your help.

[SmartCookie]

They are seriously twisting the law. 

Did they advise her of this beforehand?  No?  Didn't think so.

Did she apply for any type of credit clearance that would then allow her to write checks? Guessing no.

Did they ask for her SSN?  Highly doubt it, but did they?

That really stinks.  Print up copies of the CBRs for your records.  Send them a non-authorized inquiry letter and keep in mind this is 2 incidents at 1k each.  I would ask for half that to settle if they want to avoid going to court.  You don't have to ask for a settlement... but wow this would surely be an instance where I would. 

You can dispute this with TU as well but I'd be concerned it might stir up a fraud alert.  I would handle the letter to Neiman Marcus first. 

Please complain to the AG, FTC, and BBB.  

[Red1Blue]

I would dispute these inquiries. They are pushing the law.

[Anonymous]

Thank you for your responses. I sent a letter to Neiman Marcus and they called today saying they would remove the hard inquiries from my credit report. According to the representative, stores are allowed to do hard inquiries on checks WITHOUT telling the customer. I think I'll just use cash in the future!

[Anonymous]

You are not appliying for credit when writing a check-

This is a FCRA violation!!!

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@Anonymous wrote:
Thank you for your responses. I sent a letter to Neiman Marcus and they called today saying they would remove the hard inquiries from my credit report. According to the representative, stores are allowed to do hard inquiries on checks WITHOUT telling the customer. I think I'll just use cash in the future!

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[Anonymous]

the lady that told you that does not know the law....hard ings can only be pulled with your permission!!

When applying for credit or employment.

Message Edited by HappyDays on 12-30-2007 02:54 PM