Fraud Alert on Credit Report

If you’re worried about becoming a victim of identity theft, you can place a free fraud alert on your credit report. TransUnion offers three types of fraud alerts, and you can choose the option that best fits your needs.

What is a fraud alert?

A fraud alert is a free tool you can use to place a layer of protection on your credit report. A fraud alert is different from a credit freeze. When you have a fraud alert on your credit report, creditors are notified to take extra steps to verify your identity before extending credit. If you place a credit freeze, it blocks all third parties, including creditors, unless legally exempt, from accessing your credit report. In addition to the free weekly credit reports you can get at annualcreditreport.com, you’re entitled to a free credit report with an initial fraud alert or two free credit reports with an extended fraud alert.

What does a fraud alert on your credit report do?

When you place a fraud alert on your credit report, a statement is added to your credit file. It’s a signal that you’re either concerned about being a victim or have been a victim of identity theft. When you place your fraud alert, you will be asked to provide your phone number. This number will be used by creditors to confirm your identity any time an application for credit is being made. A fraud alert has no impact on your credit score.

How long do fraud alerts stay on a credit report?

Fraud alerts will last for different lengths of time depending on the type. You can choose from one of three different fraud alert options: initial fraud alert, extended fraud alert, or an active duty military alert.

How long an initial fraud alert on your credit report lasts

An initial fraud alert will last for one year. If you’re not sure you’ve been a victim, but are concerned about identity theft, an initial fraud alert is a good option.

How long an extended fraud alert on your credit report lasts

An extended fraud alert lasts for seven years. An extended fraud alert is meant specifically for victims of fraud. You can only request an extended fraud alert by mail because it requires extra documents to prove your identity and circumstances of your identity theft. We provide instructions and documents required for submitting a request for an extended fraud alert on our extended fraud alert page.

How long an active duty fraud alert on your credit report lasts

An active duty military alert lasts for one year. This type of fraud alert is intended for eligible military personnel currently serving our country. The active duty fraud alert will notify potential creditors that you’re deployed or about to be so they can take extra steps to verify your identity.  

How do I place a fraud alert?

You can create a free TransUnion Service Center account or log in to your existing account to add a one-year initial fraud alert. After you place a fraud alert, you will get a confirmation email that the fraud alert is active. TransUnion will also notify Experian and Equifax so they can add an alert to the report they have for you.

If you prefer, you can add a fraud alert by phone by calling 800-916-8800, or you can mail a written request that includes your name, address and Social Security number to:

TransUnion Fraud Victim Assistance

PO Box 2000

Chester, PA 19016

Your initial fraud alert will be on your credit report for one year from the date you add it, so be sure to note the date. You can also remove your TransUnion fraud alert or change your contact number when you log in to your account. If you want to remove the fraud alert from your Experian and Equifax credit reports before it expires, you will need to do so with each credit reporting agency individually.

How do I remove a fraud alert?

A fraud alert won’t prevent you from obtaining credit. So you don’t have to remove a fraud alert if you’re shopping for a loan. However, a fraud may cause a delay because of the verification process.

If you want to remove your fraud alert, the fastest way to do so if through the TransUnion Service Center. You can also remove your fraud alert over the phone by calling TransUnion at 800-916-8800. TransUnion notifies the other bureaus when you add a fraud alert, but they are not notified when you remove it, so you will need to contact Equifax and Experian directly to remove your fraud alert with them.

Depending on your credit goals or data identity concerns, you can use either a fraud alert, a credit freeze or both as a way to protect your credit health. If you’ve been a victim of fraud, TransUnion has created a guide to help you through each step of the recovery process.