Set Up Fraud Alerts with the Credit Bureaus

If you have been affected by a data breach or identity theft, you might want to set up a fraud alert that tells banks and creditors to take extra measures to verify your identity before opening accounts in your name.

How to Set Up a Fraud Alert

Fraud alerts are managed by each of the three national credit bureaus. You can set an initial fraud alert for one year or an extended fraud alert for seven years, depending on the circumstances.

Set up the alert by contacting each of the credit bureaus:

  • Equifax: Call 1.877.576.5734 or visit their website.
  • Experian: Call 1.888.397.3742 or visit their website.
  • TransUnion: Call 1.800.680.7289 or visit their website.