![]() You can contact any one of the three credit bureaus to enact a fraud alert. ![]() A fraud alert lasts one year, after which you can decide to renew it. When you place a fraud alert on your credit report, you will also get a free copy of your credit report from each of the three credit bureaus. This will make it more difficult for someone to open a credit account in your name because a business must then first verify your identity. Credit Freeze Alternatives Fraud AlertsĪnyone who suspects fraudulent activity can place a fraud alert on their credit report for FREE. Top Tip: For a single credit application, you’ll only need to unfreeze your credit with the relevant bureaus: just ask the creditor which credit bureau it will use to check your credit, and unfreeze that one - saving you time and hassle. You’ll be able to unfreeze via phone and mail IF you pass security questions, but it may be easier to do so online - furthermore, if you do so online, it will take effect within the hour, compared to three days via the phone/mail route. If you decide to unfreeze, or “thaw”, your credit for some reason, just get in contact with the bureaus using the details above. Mail a request with (required info) to:.Do so via your online account on the website.Thankfully, it’s a relatively painless and quick process - although you’ll need to provide information such as full name, address, DOB, and Social Security number. A credit freeze will mean having to plan ahead (due to the delay mentioned above) if you intend to open a credit line (credit card, mortgage, loan) because you’ll need to request a temporary unfreezing first.Īs stated above, you’ll need to contact each of the three main credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.While this offers another layer of protection, it’s nonetheless another credential you’ll need to remember and keep secure. You should receive (or create) a unique PIN number for freezing and unfreezing your credit.There are also other, smaller, bureaus that may still allow access to fraudsters - for example, National Consumer Telecom & Utilities Exchange (NCTUE) and Innovis. ![]()
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