How can I put a fraud alert on my credit report?

Fraud Alerts: How They Work

A fraud alert is a simple and effective way to help protect yourself from identity theft without restricting your ability to open new accounts.

When you place a fraud alert on your credit report, it notifies potential creditors that you may be a victim of identity theft. The alert also includes your phone number, prompting creditors to contact you directly to verify your identity before approving any new credit.

Key Details

• Duration: A standard fraud alert remains on your credit report for 1 year. You will need to renew it once it expires if you wish to maintain protection.
• Extended Alerts: In certain cases, you may qualify for an extended fraud alert. This typically requires supporting documentation, such as a police report or other proof of identity theft.
• Coverage Across Bureaus: For maximum effectiveness, a fraud alert should be active with all three major credit bureaus. Fortunately, when you place an alert with one bureau, it will automatically notify the other two on your behalf.

How to Set Up a Fraud Alert

You can place a fraud alert by contacting any of the credit bureaus by phone or through their websites. Online options are often faster and allow you to avoid waiting on hold.

Each credit bureau provides an online portal where you can easily set up and manage your fraud alert.

TransUnion Fraud Alert Center

https://www.transunion.com/fraud-alerts

Experian Fraud Alert Center

https://www.experian.com/help/fraud-alert/

Equifax Fraud Alert Center

https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/