How To Place a Fraud Alert on Your Credit File
A fraud alert helps protect you against the possibility of an identity thief opening new credit accounts in your name. When a merchant checks the credit history of someone applying for credit, the merchant gets a notice that the applicant may be the victim of identity theft. The alert notifies the merchant to take steps to verify the identity of the applicant.
You can place a fraud alert on your credit report by calling any one of the toll-free numbers provided below. You will reach an automated telephone system that allows you to flag your file with a fraud alert at all three consumer reporting agencies. For more information on fraud alerts, you may also contact the FTC, as indicated above.
Equifax
Equifax Credit Information Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374
1-800-525-6285
Experian
Experian Inc.
P.O. Box 9554
Allen, TX 75013
1-888-397-3742
TransUnion LLC
P.O. Box 2000
Chester, PA 19022-2000
1-800-680-7289