Quick Navigation
What Is a Fraud Alert?
A fraud alert is a free notice placed on your credit report that tells lenders to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening new credit in your name. When a creditor sees a fraud alert, they must contact you at a phone number you provide to confirm you're the actual applicant.
Key benefits:
- • Completely free (required by federal law)
- • Only need to contact ONE credit bureau (they notify the other two)
- • Doesn't affect your credit score
- • Easy to place and remove
- • Can be renewed indefinitely
Types of Fraud Alerts
There are three types of fraud alerts, each with different requirements and durations:
| Type | Duration | Requirements | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Fraud Alert | 1 year (renewable) | None — anyone can request | Suspected risk, lost wallet, data breach exposure |
| Extended Fraud Alert | 7 years | Identity Theft Report (FTC or police report) | Confirmed identity theft victims |
| Active Duty Alert | 1 year (renewable for deployment) | Proof of active military deployment | Military members deployed overseas |
Initial Fraud Alert (1 Year)
An initial fraud alert lasts for 1 year and is available to anyone — no documentation required. This is the best option if:
- You lost your wallet or purse
- You received notice of a data breach
- You see suspicious charges but haven't confirmed identity theft
- You want proactive protection after hearing about identity theft scams
Extended Fraud Alert (7 Years)
An extended fraud alert lasts for 7 years and requires an Identity Theft Report. You can get this by:
- Filing a report at IdentityTheft.gov (FTC's official site), OR
- Filing a police report with your local police department
Extended alerts also remove your name from prescreened credit card offers for 5 years.
Active Duty Military Alert (1 Year)
If you're military personnel deployed overseas or away from your usual station, you can place an active duty alert. This works like an initial alert but can be renewed for the duration of your deployment.
How to Place a Fraud Alert: Step by Step
By federal law, you only need to contact one credit bureau. The bureau you contact must notify the other two automatically.
Choose one credit bureau
Pick any of the three major bureaus. They're all required to notify the others.
Provide required information
You'll need: full name, Social Security number, date of birth, current address, previous address (if recent move), and a phone number where creditors can reach you.
Confirm placement with all three bureaus
Within a few days, contact the other two bureaus to confirm they received the alert. While legally required to notify each other, errors can happen.
Tip:
When you place a fraud alert, you're entitled to a FREE copy of your credit report from each bureau — in addition to your annual free reports. Use this to check for any fraudulent accounts already opened in your name.
Fraud Alert vs. Credit Freeze: Which Should You Choose?
Both fraud alerts and credit freezes (security freezes) protect against identity theft, but they work differently:
| Feature | Fraud Alert | Credit Freeze |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ✅ Free | ✅ Free |
| How it works | Warns lenders to verify identity | Blocks access to credit report |
| Protection level | ⚠️ Moderate | ✅ Maximum |
| Convenience | ✅ No action needed for new credit | ⚠️ Must temporarily lift to apply |
| Duration | 1 year (initial) or 7 years (extended) | Until you remove it |
| Best for | Those who apply for credit occasionally | Those who want maximum protection |
When to Choose a Fraud Alert
- You suspect you might be a victim of identity theft but aren't sure
- You apply for credit frequently and don't want to deal with lifting freezes
- You've been notified of a data breach and want temporary protection
- You're deploying for military service
When to Choose a Credit Freeze
- You've confirmed identity theft and want maximum protection
- You don't plan to apply for new credit in the near future
- You want "set it and forget it" protection
- You're not actively seeking new credit cards, loans, or apartments
What to Do After Identity Theft
If you've confirmed that someone has stolen your identity, take these steps immediately:
Identity Theft Response Checklist
- Place a fraud alert or credit freeze — Contact one credit bureau (they notify the other two)
- Order your credit reports — Get free reports from all three bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com
- Report to IdentityTheft.gov — Create an official Identity Theft Report and recovery plan
- File a police report — Bring your Identity Theft Report to your local police station
- Contact fraudulent creditors — Call the fraud department of any company where accounts were opened
- Dispute fraudulent accounts — Send dispute letters to credit bureaus requesting removal
- Change passwords — Update passwords for all financial accounts and email
- Monitor ongoing activity — Consider credit monitoring service for ongoing alerts
Need to Dispute Fraudulent Accounts?
Use our free Debt Validation Letter Generator to dispute accounts you didn't open. Send to collectors to demand proof you owe the debt.
Generate Free Dispute Letter →Frequently Asked Questions
What is a fraud alert on a credit report?
A fraud alert is a free notice placed on your credit report that warns lenders to verify your identity before opening new credit in your name. When a creditor sees a fraud alert, they must take reasonable steps to confirm you are the actual applicant — typically by calling a phone number you provide.
How do I place a fraud alert on my credit report?
Contact any one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) and request a fraud alert. By law, the bureau you contact must notify the other two. You can place a fraud alert online, by phone, or by mail. You'll need to provide your name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth.
How long does a fraud alert last?
An initial fraud alert lasts 1 year and can be renewed. An extended fraud alert lasts 7 years (requires proof of identity theft). An active duty military alert lasts 1 year and can be renewed for the duration of deployment.
What's the difference between a fraud alert and a credit freeze?
A fraud alert warns lenders to verify your identity but doesn't block access to your credit report. A credit freeze (security freeze) completely blocks lenders from accessing your credit report, preventing new accounts from being opened. Both are free. A freeze offers stronger protection but requires you to temporarily lift it when you apply for credit.
Will a fraud alert affect my credit score?
No. A fraud alert has no impact on your credit score. It's simply a notice added to your credit file that doesn't affect how your creditworthiness is calculated.
Can I still apply for credit with a fraud alert?
Yes. A fraud alert doesn't prevent you from applying for credit. However, the application process may take longer because the lender must verify your identity (usually by calling you) before approving the application.