ID Alert:
How to place a fraud alert on your credit report

If you’ve received notice that your personal information may have been exposed, we recommend you place a "fraud alert" on your credit file with the three major credit bureaus. This is a free service that will request creditors to verify your identity before opening a new account.

Choose one of the credit bureaus from the contact information below. Experian allows you to file a fraud alert online or by telephone; Equifax and Trans Union require you to call. Once you notify one agency, it will verify the fraud alert and then inform the other agencies. You should also receive a free credit report from each of them.

Please note that your initial call to the credit bureau will be to an automated system. With your copy of the credit report, you will receive another phone number that will allow you to discuss anything unusual with a representative.

Experian
http://www.experian.com
Online fraud alert: http://www.experian.com/consumer/fraud_faqs.html
(888) 397-3742
Note: Some letters contain an incorrect phone number for Experian. Please use the number above.

Equifax
http://www.equifax.com
(800) 525-6285

Trans Union
http://www.transunion.com
(800) 680-7289

• Unfamiliar accounts, especially ones that have been newly opened
• Unauthorized charges to existing accounts
• Addresses that you have not lived at

Facts about fraud alerts

Before you add a fraud alert to your credit report, be aware of these effects:

• You may be asked to provide proof of your identification when applying for instant credit. In some cases, the presence of a fraud alert may limit your ability to receive instant credit for in-store purchases that you plan to take possession of immediately.
• Creditors may contact you by phone at a designated number before opening a new account.
• A fraud alert should not interfere with the daily use of credit cards or banking or checking accounts.

If you are a victim of identity theft

If you find evidence of identity theft on your credit reports, take these steps:

• Close the accounts that you believe have been opened fraudulently or have unauthorized activity.
• File a police report, and get a copy to submit to creditors and others that may require proof of a crime.
• Contact the credit bureaus to place a victim statement on your account.
• File a complaint with the FTC online (www.consumer.gov/idtheft/) or by calling (877) 438-4338.
• If you discover misuse of your Social Security number, call the Social Security Fraud Hotline, (800) 269-0271.
• Keep a record of communications with credit bureaus, creditors, financial institutions, and police, including dates.