Hard inquiry = hard pull.
Unfortunately I don't know that you have much recourse to get it removed. You *were* seeking credit, you were just unaware that it'd be a hard pull. It's important to always read terms and conditions and credit report pull language carefully.
@creatorprime wrote:I was looking at new car sales went to a ford website, get pre-approved. Ok, let's see what happens. they only ask for my SS and basic information, nothing to do with employment or how much I make, or anything along those lines Just name and address and SS.
But then I get a Hard inquiry my Equifax. Is this just as bad as a hard pull? what is a hard inquiry? Can I dispute this?
what should I do? I thought this was going to be a soft pull only.
No, you can't dispute this. You were mistaken as far as assuming this was a soft pull; unfortunately, that's not grounds for a dispute.
Any time you're asked for your name and *full* SSN, that's a huge hint that it's a hard pull. But the fine print on the site should've spelled it out. Did you read it? I know a lot of us don't enjoy reading fine print....but when we don't, and then we're hit with something that was spelled out in black and white, it's *our* fault and not a valid reason for a dispute.
The fact that you weren't asked for income or other info doesn't mean anything. A potential lender can choose which info to request, and as long as they spell everything out clearly *before* you hit the 'submit' button, their bases are covered.
I'm sorry you took an unexpected hard pull but, going forward, at least you're in a better position now to recognize what to look for so it won't happen again.
