Yes, but:

1. There are two ways to tell that. You can tell new cards opened from pulls, or you can tell new cards opened from looking for accounts on credit reports and checking the "opened on" dates.

Did the agent explain which method they used? If not, their statement alone (as you reported it) does not explain which of the method they used IMHO. )And they've been using pulls for years.)

2. Phone agents make up stuff all the time. How do you know they even you gave you correct information about the reason for denial? What does it say on your denial letter, often that says something different!