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Placing an initial fraud alert also allows you to request a free copy of your credit reports every 12 months from the three nationwide credit bureaus, in addition to the one free copy from each credit bureau you're entitled to under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.Īn extended fraud alert can be placed if you are a victim of fraud or identity theft.

When you or someone else attempts to open an account in your name or make changes on an existing account, such as increasing the credit limit, the lender or creditor must take reasonable steps to confirm you are who you say you are, such as contacting you by phone at a number you provide, before completing the request. If you want to keep it active on your credit reports, you'll need to renew it after that time. Once you place an alert with one of the bureaus, that bureau will send your request to the other two.įraud alerts can be placed on your credit reports for free, and there are two different types:Īn initial (one-year) fraud alert can be placed if you believe you are or may become a victim of fraud or identity theft. You may contact any of the three nationwide credit bureaus - Equifax, Experian and TransUnion - to request a fraud alert. Think of it as a “red flag” that makes companies take steps to verify your identity before extending credit in your name. What is a Fraud Alert?Ī fraud alert is a notice that is placed on your credit reports that alerts credit card companies and others who may extend you credit that you may have been a victim of fraud, including identity theft.

When it comes to your credit, you may hear terms like “fraud alert,” “security freeze,” and “credit report lock.” While each one is designed to help you better protect your personal information, they do so in different ways.

Security freezes must be placed separately at each of the three nationwide credit bureaus.

Security freezes and credit report locks are tools that can help restrict access to your credit.

Fraud alerts encourage lenders and creditors to take extra steps to confirm your identity before issuing you credit.

Lift equifax credit freeze with pin