Fraud Alert

You have the right to ask that nationwide consumer reporting agencies place "fraud alerts" in your file to let potential creditors and others know that you may be a victim of identity theft.

A fraud alert can make it more difficult for someone to get credit in your name because it tells creditors to follow certain procedures to protect you. It also may delay your ability to obtain credit. You may place a fraud alert in your file by calling just one of the three nationwide credit reporting companies. As soon as that company processes your fraud alert, it will notify the other two, which then also must place fraud alerts in your file.

• Equifax: 1-800-525-6285; www.equifax.com
• Experian: 1-888-397-3742; www.experian.com
• TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289; www.transunion.com

An initial fraud alert stays in your file for at least 90 days. An extended alert stays in your file for seven years. To place either of these alerts, a consumer reporting agency will require you to provide appropriate proof of your identity, which may include your Social Security number. If you ask for an extended alert, you will have to provide an identity theft report. An identity theft report includes a copy of a report you have filed with a federal, state or local law enforcement agency, as well as additional information a consumer reporting company may require you to submit. For more detailed information about the identity theft report, visit www.ftc.gov/idtheft.

In order to protect your identity, you must submit a written request to remove the fraud alert from your credit file. Please send your request to: TransUnion, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA  92834.