Unauthorized Credit Inquiry

Hi,

I have read many community posts regarding unauthorized credit inquiry and my case is somewhat similar. I have never been an AT&T customer and was recently approached by a salesperson at a local Walmart. He inquired about what kind of internet I had and how much I paid. After I replied that I was with another provider, he said he could offer a better rate. But before offering, he needed my home address to check if AT&T provided service there. He also took my name and phone number. I was told that my address was eligible for AT&T Fiber and he could offer me a deal. I mentioned to him that I needed time to decide on whether to take just internet or Internet + TV and took down the sales person's phone number. And also specifically mentioned to not sign me up for any service.

Next thing I noticed is I received automated emails - one notifying me to verify email address and the other providing me with a 4 digit pin code. This happened while I was with the sales person and he mentioned that he did not sign me up for any service and to disregard the emails.

And today, I received a credit alert from Equifax that there was a hard inquiry from AT&T.

I contacted the sales person today via texts and he said he recognized me from yesterday. After I mentioned to him about the credit inquiry, he went silent.

Just like everyone else, I am surprised on why my credit record was accessed (without providing my DOB or SSN). I guess they have access to such information since he did ask me if I have received other utility bills at that address (I moved recently).

I am not sure what the best course of action is now. I do want the hard inquiry to go away as I am building my credit here. It affects my plans that requires me to have the better credit rating. 

I probably would have signed up for the services that was being offered. But now, the dishonest and deceitful practice of one salesperson has negatively affected my perception of the company and AT&T has lost a future customer.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions you can provide.