How to Remove a Credit Alert

Fraud can damage your credit report.

Fraud alerts are precautionary measures taken when you feel your credit history or report has been compromised via identity theft. This alert lets creditors and lenders know there is a risk of fraud by someone other than the actual credit applicant. Once the risk has subsided, actions can be taken to remove the alert from a credit profile.

Instructions

1. Write a letter requesting removal of the alert to one of the three major credit agencies, such as Transunion. The others are Experian and Equifax. Links to all three are provided in the References section, but you need to contact only one agency as that agency reports the updates to the other credit agencies.

2. Include your name, previous address, current address, telephone number, date of birth and credit report file number in the body of the request.

3. Mail the request via return-receipt mail to: TransUnion, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834.

4. Verify the removal of the alert by contacting Transunion at 800-680-7289.

Tips & Warnings

• A fraud alert stays in a credit file for 90 days; an extended alert can stay for seven years.

References

• TransUnion: Fraud Alert
• Experian: Removing a Fraud Alert
• Equifax: Credit Score and Report