How to Put a Consumer Alert on a Credit Report

You can easily place a fraud alert on your credit reports to notify credit bureaus of possible fraud activity. The Fact Act of 2004 allows a fraud alert to be placed on credit reports for three months or longer. It is the consumer's right to have protections placed on the report so that additional security measures are used when a potential creditor requests information about you.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Current credit reports from Equifax, Experian and Trans Union

Consumer Alert On Your Credit

1. Go online to www.annualcreditreport.com and request all three credit reports from credit reports from Equifax, Experian and Trans Union. This can be done online or a request form can be printed, filled in and mailed. If filled out online, print the reports before you log off.

2. Look over the three reports when they arrive. Check each report for accuracy. If you see an account that you know isn't yours, or a collection account for something you were unaware of, you may be the victim of a fraud. Immediately contact the credit bureau that is reporting the account by calling the customer service number provided on page one of the credit report.

3. The credit bureau agent will take your contact information, email address and victim statement, then place a fraud alert on your report. The bureau will send you confirmation of the statement and fraud alert for your records. Contact the other bureaus if the item shows up on the other reports. The fraud alert will allow you to be notified each time someone tries to access your credit file.

4. Notify the creditor who reported the fraudulent account that the account has been reported as fraudulent with the credit bureaus. Each organization has a system for dealing with fraudulent accounts. Get the names and numbers of everyone you speak with and request a letter stating that you are not responsible for the account.

5. Wait three months and pull credit reports again. Check to see if the account is cleared up and if anything new has shown up.

Tips & Warnings

• Subscribe to a credit monitor service check your credit report often to monitor activity.
• Anytime you suspect fraud, contact the credit bureaus quickly. You are responsible for all accounts until the fraud is reported.

References

• Credit Fraud
• Fact Act Allows for Fraud Alert

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