How to Contact a Credit Bureau for Fraud Alert

Fraud alerts prevent thieves from getting credit accounts in your name.

A fraud alert is an important tool for identity theft victims. The TransUnion credit bureau explains such an alert impedes a criminal's ability to open new accounts in your name. Lenders who see the alert will demand additional proof of identity before extending credit. You must contact the credit bureaus to put this safety net in place.

Instructions

1. Choose a credit bureau with which to file the fraud alert. The FTC explains you can contact TransUnion, Experian or Equifax. You only have to choose one of the three bureaus because it will share your information with the other two.

2. Visit the credit bureau's website for the most current contact information. Each credit bureau has a fraud page that lists a toll-free line exclusively for victims.

3. Call the selected credit bureau and ask it to place a fraud alert on your credit report. This initial alert will remain in place with all three bureaus for a minimum of 90 days. Be prepared to prove your identity by giving your Social Security number and other personal information.

4. Report your situation to the police. You will need an official identity theft report if you wish to extend the fraud alerts beyond the initial 90 days. The FTC explains this document proves you are a victim.

5. Call each of three credit bureaus and request a fraud alert extension. They will require you to provide a copy of your identity theft report. The extended alert will stay on your credit reports for seven years. It drops off automatically at the end of that time frame.

Tips & Warnings

• The FTC advises fraud victims are entitled to free copies of their credit report from each bureau. Review the copies closely for any unfamiliar accounts. If you find some, immediately contact the lenders and explain the situation. Send a copy of the identity theft reports to back your position. Ask for immediate closure of the fraudulent accounts and removal from your credit reports.

• Fraud alerts are not foolproof. Lenders are not required by law to take extra verification steps when they encounter an alert, although most will do so voluntarily. Financial radio show host Clark Howard recommends a credit freeze as a more effective alternative. This restricts all access to your credit reports unless you provide a personal identification number or pass code. Credit freezes must be done individually with each bureau, and there is a small cost. Some states require it to be waived for fraud victims.

References

• Federal Trade Commission: Defend, Recover from Identity Theft
• Clark Howard: Clark's Credit Freeze and Thaw Guide

Resources

• TransUnion: Fraud Alert
• Equifax: Fraud Alerts
• Experian: Credit Fraud Protection