I rented a musical instrument for my sons school. I gave my credit card information and drivers license. the merchant then asked for my ss number. at this time I asked clearly whether she was going to generate an inquiry on my credit report. she sad no. I told her I did not want that and asked again at least XXXX more times. each time the merchant replied no. she said it was for identification purposes and assured me it was not like applying for credit. the next day I checked my credit and I saw the inquiry. I immediately called the merchant and she apologized and told me she was not aware that was going to happen. she remembered that I had asked several times and told me she did not agree with what happened. she gave me a main number to call. I then called the main number and asked to speak with a credit supervisor. I explained to her my situation. she called the merchant and only asked whether I signed any documentation to which the merchant replied yes. I told her that none of the documents contained my ss number because I was concerned about this. she refused to remove the inquiry. I then called Equifax. I spoke with XXXX # XXXX. he incorrectly told me that only the creditor can remove the inquiry even if it was placed incorrectly. I would not have an issue with the inquiry on my credit report if I was informed correctly what was going to happen. I was misinformed and I clearly asked the merchant and depended on the information that they gave me. I was given INCORRECT information and they should take responsibility for this and have this inquiry removed. as I mentioned because i was concerned, I did NOT place my ss number on ANY FORM. please respond as to what the next step will be. thank you. 
the date of the transaction was XXXX/XXXX/15. the merchant was XXXX at XXXX XXXX XXXX. this was done through XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX.