Fraud Alert FAQs

What is a fraud alert?

A fraud alert places a notification on your credit file to let creditors know you may be a victim of fraud. It tells them to take extra steps to verify your identity before approving credit in your name to protect you from identity theft.

There are 3 types of fraud alerts: initial, active duty and extended.

  • Initial fraud alerts can be used if you suspect that your personal info may be exposed and at risk of identity theft. It expires after 1 year.
  • Active duty alerts let lenders know to take precaution because you're on active military duty. It also expires after 1 year.
  • Extended alerts require an identity theft report and protects victims for 7 years.

All alerts stay on your Experian credit file until they expire or you request to remove it. You can also renew any fraud alert online 3 months before it expires.

When should you place a fraud alert?

If you suspect your personal info, like your Social Security number, has been stolen or exposed in a data breach, you should consider placing a fraud alert to protect you from identity theft. It's also a good idea if you'll be on a military assignment and can't monitor your credit regularly.

If you have proof that you've been a victim of identity theft, you can place an extended fraud alert.

Be aware that adding a fraud alert can delay applications for credit cards and loans as the lender has to take extra steps to verify your identity.

Do you have to place a fraud alert with each credit bureau?

No, requesting a fraud alert at any of the credit bureaus automatically places an alert on your credit files at all 3 bureaus.

How do you file an identity theft report?

To request an extended fraud alert from Experian, you will need a copy of an identity theft report that you filed with a law enforcement agency, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your local police. The FTC has a designated identity theft website with step-by-step instructions to help identity theft victims. You can report identity theft or follow up on specific types of data theft situations, such as data breach, tax fraud or stolen information.

Alternatively, or in addition to, the FTC identity theft report, you may make a report of identity theft to your local police department. Making a report to your local police may be especially helpful if:

  • You can identify the person who stole your identity or used it fraudulently;
  • You have specific information that can aid a police investigation;
  • Your identity was used fraudulently in an encounter with the police, like a traffic stop; or
  • A creditor or other entity requires you to file a police report.

Learn about your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, including your state's identity theft notice of rights.

How can you remove a fraud alert?

You can remove a fraud alert on your Experian credit file under manage alert. Fraud alerts can be removed any time before the expiration date, but you must contact each credit bureau individually.

  • Equifax Online
    Mail: P.O. Box 740256 Atlanta, GA 30374
    Phone: 1-800-685-1111
  • TransUnion Online
    Mail: P.O. Box 2000 Chester, PA 19016
    Phone: 1-888-909-8872

How can you place a fraud alert for a minor?

Parents and guardians can place a fraud alert on the credit file of children under the age of 16. You can request a minor's Experian credit file, fraud alert, or security freeze by mail.

How do you manage preferences for pre-screened offers?

You can opt in or out of pre-screened offers, which include firm offers from lenders for credit cards, loans or insurance that aren't initiated by you, at any time.

When you add an initial fraud alert with Experian, you can choose to opt out of pre-screened offers for 6 months. We're required by law to remove your name and address from pre-screened offer mailing lists when you add an active duty fraud alert for 2 years or extended fraud alert for 5 years.

Pre-screened firm offers are different from prequalified offers. If you consented to receive personalized credit card, loan or insurance offers matched to your credit ("Prequalified offers"), such as through Experian Marketplace, you will continue to receive those offers. Opting out of pre-screened offers will not change your Experian.com marketing email preferences.