 TITLE: Do Utility Company Inquiries Hurt Your Credit Score? CONTENT: What to Do About Inquiries You Don't Recognize\n----------------------------------------------\nIf you don't recognize an inquiry on your credit report, don't panic. Many creditors use abbreviations or a parent company name when reporting credit activity. Do a quick online search to try to match the name to a company you did business with.\nAnother reason may be that you applied for a type of loan where several lenders were competing for business. This often happens with auto loans and mortgages where the dealership or broker sends your application to multiple lenders to shop around for the best rate.\nWhile \"rate shopping\" inquiries are consolidated into one for credit scoring purposes, you'll still see each one on your credit report.\nIf neither of these scenarios is the case, it could be a sign that you're a victim of fraud. If you believe someone has stolen your identity, contact the credit reporting agencies, including Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion, to dispute the information. Also, consider adding a fraud alert or freeze to your credit file. END