How to Request a Fraud Alert

Fraud alerts can be placed on credit reports to help protect consumers. Alerts are supposed to prevent identity thieves from establishing new credit. You can select an initial alert that is valid for 90 days or an extended, long-term alert that remains for seven years. A long-term alert requires potential creditors to confirm your identity by contacting you directly before issuing credit. You might experience a slight delay when attempting to get credit, such as to buy a car or house.

Instructions

1. Contact one of the major credit reporting agencies, TransUnion (transunion.com), Equifax (equifax.com), or Experian (experian.com). You only need to file an alert with one agency--that company will notify the others about your actions. All three agencies allow consumers to place alerts online.

2. Disclose personal information, such as your name, current address, date of birth, and social security number to confirm your identity. Be prepared to answer additional questions about topics like your previous addresses, lines of credit or employers.

3. Review your credit report. After a fraud alert is successfully initiated, you will receive a free credit report. Analyze open lines of credit along with negative items, such as outstanding debts. Contact unknown creditors and inform them about your alert.

4. Place alerts for minor children whose identity might be compromised. You usually must provide the child's full name, address, date of birth, birth certificate copy, social security copy along with documents that identify your identity. Send the request by certified mail to a credit reporting agency.

5. Remove an alert early if needed. Your alert will expire automatically after either 90 days or seven years, depending on the type of alert that you placed. However, you must renew the alert to maintain security benefits.

Tips & Warnings

• An initial alert is not as restrictive, because it simply notifies potential lenders that your identity has been compromised. Creditors are not required to contact consumers with initial alerts directly, though most companies request additional proof of identity (e.g., utility bill that shows name and current address).

• Initiating an alert only takes a few minutes. Remain vigilant in reviewing your credit report, as thieves still might be able to open new credit.

References

• Recover from Identity Theft
• Equifax Fraud Alert
• FACT Act Rights