How to Set Up an EIN Fraud Alert

A fraud alert can protect your business credit lines.

A fraud alert is a note that credit reporting agencies attach to your credit report. As a business holder of an Employer Identification Number (EIN) you may be more susceptible to fraud because unlike a Social Security number, the EIN is often placed on company websites, invoices and other locations. A fraud alert on your business credit file alerts any potential creditors to the fact there might be a higher-than-average chance of fraud on your account.

Instructions

1. Gather your data. You'll need identification for yourself and your business, such as your Social Security N\number, your business EIN, past and present credit accounts, and other identifying information that may be requested.

2. Contact Equifax's commercial fraud division at 888-201-6879. It will assist you by placing a fraud alert on your account which can alert you (and any potential creditor) when the possibility of a fraudulent transaction is high.

3. Call Dun & Bradstreet at 877-377-1410 and ask about its D&B eUpdate software. The software includes fraud alert software to alert you to suspicious transactions.

Tips & Warnings

• The big three credit reporting agencies--Equifax, Experian and TransUnion--work together. This means that in order to place a fraud alert on all three files, you need to call one only number.

References

• Equifax: Fraud
• Experian: Credit Fraud
• Alliance for Biz: D&B