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If you are a victim of identity theft and submit a copy of a valid identity theft report that you have filed with a Federal, State or local law enforcement agency, then you may request an Extended Fraud Victim Alert, which lasts for 7 years.
To place a fraud alert at the Experian Fraud Alert Center, visit the webpage, select the type of alert you want, and follow the instructions on how to upload or mail in copies of your ID, proof of address and any other required documentation.
After you submit a fraud alert request, Experian will immediately: Place a temporary fraud alert or security notice on your credit file; Remove your name from prescreened credit solicitation lists for six months; Notify other nationwide credit bureaus of your request; You can also ask Experian to send you a free credit report by mail.
If you’ve been victimized and have reported the crime to authorities, you can obtain an extended fraud alert by submitting a copy of the identity theft report you filed with law enforcement. When does it make sense to add a fraud alert?
Cost: Free. How to place: Contact each of the three credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Fraud Alerts. Fraud alerts are available in different situations and have different benefits. Who can place one: Anyone who suspects fraud can place a fraud alert on their credit report.
Here are some things you can do to help prevent fraud: • Sign your new cards as soon as you get them. • Treat your cards like money. Store them in a secure place. • Shred anything with your account number or other identifying information before throwing it away. • Don’t give your card number over the phone unless you initiate the call.
Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft. What is Identity Theft? Why is It Important to Report Suspicious Activity? Examples of Suspicious Activity: Experian Fraud Alert: A Helpful Tool. How Does a Fraud Alert Help? Steps to Take When Reporting Suspicious Activity; Signs That You Might Be a Target; Protecting Your Information – Tips for ...
A fraud alert is a free notification you can add to your credit report, instructing anyone receiving a credit application in your name to verify your identity before processing the application.
The Short Version. You can place a free fraud alert on your credit reports online, by mail or over the phone. When you place a fraud alert on your credit reports, you make it harder for an identity thief to open fraudulent accounts in your name and ruin your credit. Placing a fraud alert on your credit reports won’t impact your credit scores.
To freeze or thaw your credit, you can contact the three major credit bureaus at the same websites or phone numbers you would use to request a fraud alert.