Recognizing Fraud Alerts
How to Identify Fraud Alerts
Here are some important tips on How to recognize fraud alerts, for shoppers and merchants.
What are fraud alerts and victim statements?
Fraud alerts let creditors know that fraud has been associated with your credit report. As a result, creditors may confirm that they're dealing with you and not an imposter before granting credit or other services.Victim statements tell creditors to contact you before granting credit or other services. Victim statements may cause delays in getting credit while the creditor tries to contact you. If you have a cell phone, you may want to include that number in your statement.
The following charts describe the current fraud alert and victim statement placement procedures of the credit bureaus. Please note: TransUnion and Equifax use a combined fraud alert and victim statement. Be sure to confirm these procedures when you contact the credit bureaus as they may change.
INITIAL ALERT
Credit Bureau | Period of Initial Coverage | Can You Request an Alert Online? | Is a Free Credit Report Provided? |
TransUnion | 12 Months | No | Yes |
Equifax | 6 Months | No | Yes |
Experian | 3 Month Fraud Alert | Yes | Yes, can be provided online |
RENEWALS
Credit Bureau | Period of Renewal Coverage | Is a Free Credit Report Provided? | Number of Renewals Allowed |
TransUnion | 12 Months or 7 Years | Yes | Unlimited |
Equifax | 6 Months or 7 Years | Yes | Unlimited |
Experian | 3 Month Fraud Alert or 7 Year Victim Statement |