Fraud Alert – Safeguard your Identity

What is a fraud alert?

You can add an alert message to your credit card report if you suspect that you are a victim of identity theft. This message helps to safeguard your credit information and it is termed as a “fraud alert”. Fraud alert statements are attached to your credit report by major credit bureaus. They notify potential creditors and lenders to verify your identity before extending your credit while the alert is active. In this manner, fraud alerts prevent an identity thief from opening more credit accounts in your name.

How to set up a fraud alert?

If you suspect that you are a victim of identity theft, then you can set up a fraud alert by contacting the fraud department of the credit bureaus and notifying them to mark your credit report for fraud.

There are three types of fraud alerts:

• Initial fraud alert

The initial fraud alert stays on your credit report for 90 days.
While setting up this alert, you are required to submit a valid phone number to enable creditors to contact you to confirm your identity before issuing credit in your name. You are entitled to request a free credit report from the consumer reporting companies when you file an initial fraud alert. Moreover, on your request, only the last four digits of your social security number are displayed on your credit report.

• Extended fraud alert

Extended fraud alert remains on your credit report for 7 years.
You are required to provide an identity theft report to mark this alert on your credit report. After adding an extended fraud alert, you are eligible for two free credit reports within twelve months from the date of application.
You have the flexibility to apply for the removal of the extended fraud alert from your credit report before the 7-year alert period expires. This request has to be sent in writing along with appropriate identity proof.

• Military fraud alert

Military fraud alerts cater specifically to active military duty personnel. It secures their identity from thieves when they are overseas. Active duty  personnel do not have to produce any identity theft reports to set up a military fraud alert.
How to remove a fraud alert?

If you want to remove a fraud alert from your credit report, you have to inform the fraud department of the credit bureaus about your request. The removal request has to be sent in writing and you have to mention your name, date of birth, social security number, current and previous addresses,and telephone number.