How-to
How to Place a Fraud Alert: Step-by-Step Guide
Updated October 21, 2026 8 min read
Table of Contents
- What Is a Fraud Alert and Why You Need One
- How to Place a Fraud Alert: Step-by-Step Process
- Credit Freeze vs. Fraud Alert: Which Should You Choose?
- How Long Does a Fraud Alert Last on Your Credit Report?
- How to Check Leaked Passwords and Secure Your Accounts
- What to Do After Placing a Fraud Alert
- Frequently Asked Questions
Last Updated: September 27, 2026
What Is a Fraud Alert and Why You Need One
A fraud alert is a notice you place on your credit file that tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. When you place a fraud alert, creditors must take extra steps to confirm you actually requested a new credit card, loan, or other financial product.
If someone tries to open an account using your information, the lender will call you first to confirm it's really you, stopping unauthorized account openings.
A fraud alert is free and easy to set up. The alert stays on your credit report for one year and can be renewed if needed.
How to Place a Fraud Alert: Step-by-Step Process
Placing a fraud alert takes about 15 minutes. Contact one of the three major credit bureaus, and they'll notify the other two automatically.
Step 1: Gather Your Personal Information
Gather these details before calling: full legal name, Social Security number, date of birth, current address, phone number, and a government-issued ID. The bureaus won't ask for passwords or PINs.
Step 2: Contact the Three Major Credit Bureaus
Contact one bureau and they'll notify the other two. The three major credit reporting agencies are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
Equifax: Call 1-800-685-1111 or visit their fraud alert page online
Experian: Call 1-888-397-3742 or visit their fraud alert page online
TransUnion: Call 1-800-680-7289 or visit their fraud alert page online
Tell them you want to place an initial fraud alert. They'll verify your identity and provide a confirmation number, write it down and keep it.
Step 3: File a Report with the FTC
After you place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC maintains a database of identity theft reports and can help you track what happened.
Visit IdentityTheft.gov, the official FTC identity theft reporting site. Answer the questions about what happened. The site will create a personalized recovery plan based on your situation.
You'll get a confirmation number and a detailed report. Keep this report safe. You may need it to dispute fraudulent charges or accounts.
Step 4: Monitor Your Credit Report
Once your fraud alert is in place, check your credit report regularly. You're entitled to one free credit report per year from each bureau through AnnualCreditReport.com.
Look for:
- Accounts you didn't open
- Inquiries from companies you never contacted
- Incorrect personal information
- Suspicious address changes
If you spot something wrong, contact the bureau immediately. Dispute any fraudulent accounts or inquiries in writing.
Credit Freeze vs. Fraud Alert: Which Should You Choose?
Both a fraud alert and a credit freeze protect your credit file, but they work differently.
A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts. A credit freeze locks your entire credit file so lenders cannot access it without your permission.
Here's how they compare:
| Feature | Fraud Alert | Credit Freeze |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Free |
| Duration | 1 year (renewable) | Until you remove it |
| How it works | Lender must verify your identity | Lender cannot access your credit file |
| Can you still get credit? | Yes, if you verify the request | No, unless you unfreeze first |
| Best for | Suspected fraud or data breach | Maximum protection after identity theft |
Choose a fraud alert if: You've been notified of a data breach but haven't seen fraudulent activity yet. Choose a credit freeze if: You've already been a victim of identity theft or want to block credit access completely.
Many people use both. A fraud alert provides a warning layer. A credit freeze provides a lock. Together, they make it very difficult for criminals to open accounts in your name.
How Long Does a Fraud Alert Last on Your Credit Report?
An initial fraud alert lasts one year and can be renewed by contacting a credit bureau. An extended fraud alert lasts seven years if you've been a victim of identity theft and file an FTC report.
Initial alerts last 1 year, extended alerts (for identity theft victims) last 7 years, and active duty alerts last 2 years while on active duty plus 1 year after.
How to Check Leaked Passwords and Secure Your Accounts
If your personal information was exposed in a data breach, your passwords may be at risk too. Criminals often use leaked passwords to access email, banking, and social media accounts, which can undermine the protection a fraud alert provides.
What to Do After Placing a Fraud Alert
Placing a fraud alert is the first step. But you need to stay vigilant for months afterward. Here's a detailed action plan for the weeks and months following your alert.
Week 1: Document and Monitor
Save your confirmation numbers. When you place your fraud alert with each credit bureau, you'll receive a confirmation number. Write down all three (one from each bureau) and store them in a safe place. You'll need these if you need to extend your alert, dispute accounts, or follow up with the bureaus.
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Accounts you didn't open
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Inquiries from companies you never contacted
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Incorrect personal information (address, phone number, employer)
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Suspicious address changes
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Collections accounts you don't recognize
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Large purchases (set a threshold, such as $100 or $500)
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New device logins
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Password changes
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New payee additions (for bill pay)
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Address or contact information changes
Weeks 2-4: Dispute Fraudulent Accounts
If you find unauthorized accounts or inquiries on your credit report, dispute them in writing. Do not rely on phone calls alone, written disputes create a paper trail.
How to dispute with a credit bureau:
- Write a letter to the bureau that issued the report. Include your name, address, Social Security number, and a description of each item you dispute.
- Explain why the item is inaccurate (e.g., "I did not open this account" or "This inquiry was not authorized by me").
- Include copies (not originals) of supporting documents, such as a police report, FTC identity theft report, or correspondence from the creditor.
- Send the letter via certified mail with return receipt requested. Keep a copy for your records.
- The bureau must investigate within 30 days and send you the results in writing.
- Your name and account number (if you have one)
- A statement that you did not open the account
- A copy of your FTC identity theft report (if you filed one)
- A request that they close the account and remove it from your credit report
Months 2-12: Ongoing Monitoring
Check your credit report every 3 months. You can check one bureau's report every 4 months by rotating through the three bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com. This gives you continuous coverage without paying for a credit monitoring service.
Document everything. Keep a folder (digital or physical) with:
- Confirmation numbers from credit bureaus
- Copies of your credit reports
- Dispute letters you sent
- Responses from bureaus and creditors
- FTC identity theft report confirmation
- Screenshots of fraudulent accounts or transactions
- Correspondence with banks and credit card companies
Before Your Alert Expires
Decide whether to renew. Your initial fraud alert lasts one year. About 30 days before it expires, decide whether to renew it. If you've had no fraudulent activity and feel secure, you can let it expire. If you're still concerned or want ongoing protection, contact one of the three credit bureaus to renew your alert for another year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it free to place a fraud alert?
Yes, placing a fraud alert is free. The three major credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, are required by federal law to offer fraud alerts at no cost. You can request an alert by phone, mail, or online. There are no fees associated with placing, maintaining, or removing a fraud alert from your credit file.
How long does a fraud alert stay on your credit report?
An initial fraud alert lasts one year from the date you request it. If you're an active duty military member, you can request an active duty alert that lasts two years. After your fraud alert expires, you can request a new one if needed. You can also remove a fraud alert at any time by contacting the credit bureaus.
Do I need to contact all three credit bureaus to place a fraud alert?
You only need to contact one of the three major credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. That bureau is required to notify the other two, and all three will place the fraud alert on your credit file. However, you can contact all three directly if you prefer to ensure the alert is in place across your entire credit report.
What's the difference between a fraud alert and a credit freeze?
A fraud alert notifies creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts, but lenders can still see your credit report. A security freeze blocks access to your credit report entirely, preventing new accounts from being opened without your permission. Fraud alerts are temporary (one year) and free, while freezes are more restrictive and may require unfreezing when you apply for credit yourself.