In an era where identity theft and fraudulent credit activity is prevalent, it is imperative that consumers have tools to keep their financial lives protected. In recent years, the three major credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian and TransUnion – along with the federal government have implemented steps that consumers can take to help safeguard their personal information. The first line of defense against the fraudulent use of your personal information is placing a credit fraud alert on your credit file before or shortly after you are the victim of identity theft.
What is a Credit Fraud Alert?
A credit fraud alert is a temporary notice placed on your credit file that prompts creditors for new credit applications to take the appropriate steps to verify your identity prior to an account being opened. Whether it is a new credit card, a personal loan, mortgage or line of credit, a fraud alert adds an additional barrier between an identity theft and an unknowing creditor.
Fraud alerts are provided at no cost to individuals, whether or not they have been the victim of identity theft or fraudulent credit activity, and are in force for one year. While temporary fraud alerts are sufficient for most individuals, an extended fraud alert lasting for seven years can be requested for victims of identity theft, also at no cost. The process of placing a fraud alert varies among the three major credit bureaus, but is most commonly achieved through submitting a request via the agency’s website, over the phone or via certified mail.
Removing a Credit Fraud Alert
Each of the three major credit bureaus varies slightly in how temporary and permanent credit fraud alerts are effectively removed prior to their expiration date. Once you request to have the fraud alert removed with one credit bureau, that company is supposed to notify the other two credit bureaus so you don’t have to duplicate your efforts. However, it is important to check that the removal was complete with all three agencies.
Follows these steps for each of the credit reporting agencies listed below.
Equifax Fraud Alerts
A temporary fraud alert may be removed by letting it expire 12 months from when it was requested, or by submitting a request in writing. The written request should include verification of your personal information and can be mailed to the Equifax at:
Equifax Removal Address
Equifax Information Services LLC
PO Box 105069
Atlanta, GA 30348-5069
You may also call Equifax at 1-800-525-6285 for assistance. Additional information on fraud alerts can be found on the Equifax website.
Experian Fraud Alerts
Experian requires that a fraud alert removal request be submitted in writing as well if the request is being made prior to the alert expiration date. Verification of personal information must be included in the written letter, such as a copy of a government ID or driver’s license, along with name, date of birth, and social. A template for the letter can be found here. Requests can be sent directly to Experian at the following address:
Experian Removal Address
Experian
PO Box 9554
Allen, TX 75013
More information about fraud alerts can be found on the Experian website.
TransUnion Fraud Alerts
Unlike Equifax and Experian, a fraud alert can be removed from your TransUnion credit report by submitting a request form online. The request requires you to input your personal information and is processed immediately after it is reviewed. Access to TransUnion’s fraud alert removal system can be found here.
However, if you prefer you can call TransUnion at 1-800-680-7289, or mail them.
TransUnion Removal Address
TransUnion LLC
P.O. Box 2000
Chester, PA 19016
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