TL;DR: A fraud alert is a notice on your credit file that tells lenders to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening new credit in your name. It's a lighter-weight option than a full freeze and is typically free.
How to Place a Fraud Alert on Your Credit Report — a clear, step-by-step guide to what to do and how long it takes.
Step 1: Understand what a fraud alert does
A fraud alert is a notice on your credit file that tells lenders to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening new credit in your name. It's a lighter-weight option than a full freeze and is typically free.
Step 2: Contact just one of the three bureaus
Unlike a freeze, you only need to contact one bureau — Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion — since by law that bureau must notify the other two on your behalf.
Step 3: Choose the right type of alert
An initial fraud alert typically lasts about a year and is available to anyone; an extended fraud alert lasts longer and generally requires an identity theft report as documentation.
Step 4: Verify your identity
The bureau will ask you to confirm identifying details such as your Social Security number and address before placing the alert.
Step 5: Renew before it expires if needed
Since a fraud alert is temporary, set a reminder to renew it if you're still concerned about ongoing risk, or consider upgrading to a full credit freeze for longer-term protection.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Step 1: Understand what a fraud alert does
A fraud alert is a notice on your credit file that tells lenders to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening new credit in your name. It's a lighter-weight option than a full freeze and is typically free.
Step 2: Contact just one of the three bureaus
Unlike a freeze, you only need to contact one bureau — Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion — since by law that bureau must notify the other two on your behalf.
Step 3: Choose the right type of alert
An initial fraud alert typically lasts about a year and is available to anyone; an extended fraud alert lasts longer and generally requires an identity theft report as documentation.
Step 4: Verify your identity
The bureau will ask you to confirm identifying details such as your Social Security number and address before placing the alert.
Step 5: Renew before it expires if needed
Since a fraud alert is temporary, set a reminder to renew it if you're still concerned about ongoing risk, or consider upgrading to a full credit freeze for longer-term protection.