How to Put a Fraud Alert on Your Credit Report

Deciding to Place an Initial Fraud Alert

Recognize the signs of identity theft. Identity theft is a crime in which someone uses your personal information to pose as you in order to obtain credit or purchase merchandise. Identity thieves can steal your social security number, driver’s license or credit card information. In addition to running up debt, identity thieves can also create a criminal record in your name by providing false information to police. They can get medical care using your health insurance. Look for clues that indicate you may be a victim of identity theft. Funds have been withdrawn from your bank account without your knowledge. You find unexpected charges or accounts on your credit report. Your bills or other mail stop arriving in the mail. You receive calls from debt collectors about debt that isn’t yours. You receive bills for medical services you didn’t receive, or your health plan rejects a claim stating you’ve reached your benefits limit. The IRS notifies you that another tax return was filed in your name. A merchant or other company notifies you about a data breach involving your personal information.

Understand what a fraud alert is. In the United States, the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA) grants you the right to place a fraud alert on your credit report if you believe you are now or are about to become the victim of identity theft. A fraud alert notifies creditors that they must take certain steps to verify your identity and contact you before approving credit in your name. An initial fraud alert lasts for 90 days. You can renew the fraud alert before the end of the 90 day period. Also, you can delete the fraud alert with a written request.

Understand the limitations of fraud alerts. A fraud alert does not guarantee that no new credit accounts will be opened in your name. It only works if a creditor actually reviews your credit report before approving or denying a credit application. Even if a creditor does pull your credit report, it is possible for them to miss the fraud alert. Some types of accounts, such as bank accounts, internet service and utilities, can be opened without a review of your credit report. You need to monitor your credit report for changes even after placing an initial fraud alert.

Keep some important considerations in mind when placing an initial fraud alert. Be prepared to provide contact information and receive phone calls from creditors about credit applications. In addition, expect delays in credit applications that you make. Also, realize that banks and other financial institutions may be hesitant to open new accounts in your name. They may worry about the possibility of disputes over transactions. Keep track of the date on which you filed the fraud alert so you know when it will expire.

Know what happens when the fraud alert is placed. A fraud alert placed with any one of the three credit reporting agencies, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, initiates several actions on your behalf. Even though you only need to call one of the credit reporting agencies, all three are notified of the fraud alert and keep in on your credit report for a period of 90 days. For two years following the fraud alert, you will not receive any pre-approved credit offers. Each credit reporting agency will send you a copy of your credit report so you can review the information.

Placing the Initial Fraud Alert

Contact one of the credit reporting agencies. The three credit reporting agencies are Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. You can call them on the phone, or you can visit the fraud page of any of their websites. It doesn’t cost anything to file an initial fraud report. In an effort to make it simple for victims, the law states that anyone who needs a fraud alert need only contact one of the three credit reporting agencies. Although you are only required to file one fraud alert with one credit reporting agency, it might be a good idea to file one with all three. This way you don’t have to worry about one credit reporting agency not sharing your fraud alert information with another one.

Place a fraud alert with Experian. Call 1-888-397-3742 or visit their credit fraud protection page online. Follow the steps to place a fraud alert on your credit report. Check the box next to the option “Add a Fraud Alert Message” and click on the blue “Continue” button. Check the box next to “Add an Initial Security Alert (90 days) and click on the blue “Continue” button. Fill in your personal information, including your name, address, social security number, birthday and employer’s name and address. Click on the boxes to agree to the terms and conditions, and then click on the “Submit” button.

Place a fraud alert with Equifax. Call 1-888-766-0008 or visit their Alerts Online page. Fill out the requested information on the page. Select the type of alert. Check the box next to “Initial 90 Day Fraud Alert.” Fill in the personal information, including your name, address, social security number, birth date, e-mail address and additional contact information. Fill in the security code verification. Click “I Accept” to agree to the Terms of Use and then click “Submit.”

Place a fraud alert with TransUnion. Call 1-800-680-7289 or visit their Fraud Alerts page. On the right hand side of the page, click on “Place a Fraud Alert” and follow the steps. Log in or register to create a new account. If you have placed a fraud alert, placed a security freeze or disputed an inaccuracy on your credit report within the last year, then you already have an account. In that case, enter your user name and password. If you don’t already have an account, click on “Register” to create a new account. Enter your name and address and click on “Continue” Create a user name and password, create a security question, enter your social security number and date of birth, agree to the Terms of Use and click on “Continue.” Follow the steps to finish submitting your fraud alert.

Modify or delete a fraud alert. Once you place a fraud alert on your credit report, you can either let it expire after 90 days, or you can remove it at any time within the 90 day period. To remove a credit fraud alert placed with Equifax, send a written request to Equifax Consumer Fraud Division, PO Box 740256, Atlanta, GA 30374. Include your name, Social Security Number, current and previous addresses, date of birth, and telephone number. To remove a credit fraud alert with Experian, you must submit your request in writing to Experian, P.O. Box 9532 , Allen, TX 75013. Include your name, address, Social Security number and date of birth, along with copies of two documents verifying your current address, such as current utility bills and your driver’s license. To remove a credit fraud alert with TransUnion, visit their Remove a Fraud Alert page. Enter your user name and password, and follow the steps they outline.

Understanding Other Types of Fraud Alerts

Place an extended alert on your credit report. If you know for sure that you have been the victim of identity theft, then you can place an extended fraud alert on your credit report that lasts for seven years. You must submit your request for an extended credit report in writing to one of the three credit reporting agencies along with a police report verifying that you have been the victim of identity theft. Creditors will need to verify any credit requests by contacting you via telephone. You may also request two additional free credit report disclosures. Also, you will not be considered for any pre-approved credit offers for five years.

Place an active duty alert on your credit report. If you are a member of the military and you have been placed on active duty away from your usual post, you can use an active duty alert. This protects your credit information for a period of one year. Creditors can only approve credit in your name if they have contacted you to verify your identity. You will be opted out of pre-screened credit offers for two years.

Place a credit freeze on your credit report. Some states allow you put a freeze on your credit report. Sometimes it’s free, and sometimes there is a small fee. It prevents information on your credit report from being given to creditors or other third parties who request it. You set up a security code, somewhat like a PIN number, that gives third parties permission to access your credit information. Under certain circumstances, third parties will still be able to access your credit information. Creditors with whom you already have an account and collection agencies that work for them can see your credit report. Landlords and employers who want to screen your credit as part of an application may get access to your credit report, but they need permission from you anyway before they do that. Also, you will continue to receive offers for pre-approved credit.

Protecting Your Identity and Credit Health

Participate in credit monitoring. Credit monitoring services protect your credit by tracking your credit report and keeping an eye out for identity theft. These services are typically offered by banks or credit unions. The credit bureaus and some independent companies also offer them. Some are free and some have a fee. Depending on the company you choose to monitor your credit, the service will watch your credit at one, two or all three of the credit reporting agencies, which are Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. They send you letters, e-mails and text alerts to notify you of activity on your credit report.

Keep your personal information secure offline. Lock financial documents away in a safe place. Limit what you carry in your purse or wallet and when you travel. Shred receipts, credit offers, credit applications, physician statements, checks, bank statements or other documents that state your personal information. Take outgoing mail directly to the post office or a post office collection box, and remove mail promptly from your mailbox.

Keep your personal information secure online. Take steps to protect personal information you give out over the internet. Use caution when opening e-mails from anyone you don't know. Install software designed to protect your privacy. Never give out personal information on the phone, through the mail or online. Be wary of clicking on links through e-mail, even if they are from a company with whom you do business. Safely dispose of computers by using a wiping program to clear the hard drive of all personal information. Find out how to delete information permanently from a mobile device before trading it in for a new one. Guard online transactions with encryption software. Keep passwords secure, and don’t overshare on social media.

Secure your social security number. Don’t share your social security number without finding out if other identifying information will suffice. Schools, doctor’s offices and other businesses often ask for social security numbers to verify your identity. Before giving it out, ask how they will use it, how they protect it, and if other information can be used instead.

Keep your devices secure. Be aware that others can access information over Wi-Fi networks. Be suspicious of communications from people you don't know. Install security software such as anti-virus and anti-spy software. Avoid phishing e-mails by never opening e-mails or clicking on links sent from someone you don’t know. Don’t send personal information over the internet if you are using a public Wi-Fi network. Don’t keep financial information on your laptop, and protect it from being opened by a stranger with a password. Read the privacy policies on websites where you share personal information to understand how they protect your information.