Can a collection agency legally inquire your credit report without your approval. I just checked my credit report and a company called GENESSEE VALLEY ASSOCIates inquired on my credit report in June of 08 without my consent.

Are you sure they weren't acting on another companies behalf? It seems odd for them to pull up random people's credit history without reason.

Yes, Anyone with an account with the credit bureau can pull your report. They only have to have some business with you. If this collection agency is trying to collect on a debt, they have the right to check your record.

I just found this, it may be worth digging a little deeper to find out what's going on:

Genesee Valley Associates, Inc - Windows Live (http://ms-smallbizspecialist.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!9E987AEC92625AB9!328.entry?sa=795120513)

Regardless, is this legal? Inquire on credit is a slash against my credit rating.

Thanks for your help

Again, there is nothing illegal about an inquiry being made to collect on a debt.

If you believe they have the wrong person, then file a protest with the credit bureau.