Fraud Alerts: How They Work and When to Use One Instead of a Freeze

What Is a Fraud Alert?

A fraud alert is a notation placed on your credit file at one or more bureaus that instructs lenders to take additional steps to verify your identity before approving any new credit in your name. Unlike a freeze (which blocks the report entirely), a fraud alert allows lenders to pull your report — they just must take extra verification steps first.

Types of Fraud Alerts

One Bureau Notifies All Three

When you place an initial or extended fraud alert at any one of the three major bureaus, that bureau is required by law to notify the other two. You do not need to contact all three separately for fraud alerts (unlike security freezes, where you must contact each bureau individually).

Fraud Alert vs. Credit Freeze: Which to Choose?

Choose a freeze if: You are not actively applying for new credit; you want the strongest protection; or you have been a victim of identity theft with fraudulent accounts opened in your name.

Choose a fraud alert if: You are actively applying for new credit (cards, loans, mortgage) and cannot manage temporarily lifting a freeze; or you believe your information was compromised but no fraud has yet occurred and you want an alert without blocking access.

How to Place a Fraud Alert

• Equifax: equifax.com or call 1-888-836-6351
• Experian: experian.com or call 1-888-397-3742 (notifies all 3)
• TransUnion: transunion.com or call 1-800-680-7289 (notifies all 3)

For extended alerts, you must provide a copy of your FTC Identity Theft Report. File yours at IdentityTheft.gov.