Understanding fraud alerts: What they are, how they work, and how to set up or remove them

What is a fraud alert? 

A fraud alert is a proactive warning placed on your credit report to flag potential identity theft. It tells lenders and creditors to take extra steps before approving any new credit requests in your name. These steps often include calling you directly to confirm your identity and ensure that the request is legitimate. For additional security, fraud alerts can be combined with credit monitoring.

A fraud alert doesn’t block your credit file like a freeze would, but it slows down the approval process just enough to stop fraudsters from opening accounts without your knowledge. You only need to contact one of the three major credit bureaus (namely, Experian, TransUnion, or Equifax), and they’ll notify the others.

Fraud alerts are especially useful if:

• You've lost your wallet and it contains your credit card.
• Your personal data was exposed in a breach.
• You’ve noticed suspicious activity on your credit report.
• You suspect you’re a victim of identity theft.
• You just want more control over who can access your credit file.

How does a fraud alert work?

A fraud alert works by placing a notice on your credit file that warns creditors to take extra steps to verify your identity before approving credit in your name. Once you request the alert, the credit bureau adds it to your report. Then, whenever someone tries to open an account or apply for credit using your information, the creditor must first verify your identity with you directly, helping prevent fraudulent activity. Verification might mean calling you, emailing, or asking for additional documents. The goal is to make sure it’s really you and not someone impersonating you.

Here’s how it works:

1. You submit a fraud alert request to one bureau (Experian, TransUnion, or Equifax).
2. That bureau is legally required to share your request with the other two.
3. The fraud alert appears on all three of your credit reports.
4. Lenders must take “reasonable steps” to confirm your identity before moving forward, which may include asking for more documents or answering a security question.

This process gives you an important window of opportunity to catch suspicious activity before it turns into a severe fraud case. As a bonus, it works quietly in the background without affecting your credit score.

Types of fraud alerts

Fraud alerts fall into three main categories: initial fraud alert, extended fraud alert, and active duty alert. Each one offers a specific type of protection and requires a different type of verification. An initial fraud alert and active duty alert, for example, are meant for different demographics.

Initial fraud alert

An initial fraud alert is the first line of defense if you think your personal information might have been stolen or misused. It’s a free, one-year alert placed on your credit file that signals to lenders that they need to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening any new credit accounts.

You don’t need to be a confirmed victim of identity theft to request this alert. Even just suspecting unusual activity on your credit file is enough. And if you want ongoing protection after the first year, you can easily renew it.

Extended fraud alert

An extended fraud alert offers stronger, longer-term protection for people who have already experienced identity theft. This credit card fraud alert stays on your credit report for seven years and requires creditors to not only verify your identity but also directly contact you before granting any new credit.

To place an extended fraud alert, you’ll need proof, either a police report or a valid FTC Identity Theft Report. Extended alerts also automatically remove you from most pre-approved credit offers, reducing your exposure to potential scams.

Active duty alert

An active duty alert is designed specifically for members of the military who are deployed and want to protect their credit while they’re away. It works similarly to an initial fraud alert, lasting for 12 months. This type of alert can be renewed throughout the entire duration of their active duty.

Active duty alerts also remove your name from prescreened credit card and loan offers for two years, helping to minimize the risk of fraud when you’re not easily reachable. For example, an active duty service member can place an active duty alert to make sure no one can open a new credit card in their name without a thorough identity check.

Fraud alert vs. credit freeze

Fraud alerts and credit freezes are both valuable tools for protecting your identity, but they work differently. For starters, a fraud alert acts like a warning flag on your credit file. When a lender or creditor pulls your report, the alert tells them to confirm your identity before granting new credit. It doesn’t block access to your credit entirely, so if you want to apply for a loan, mortgage, or credit card while a fraud alert is active, you can do so.

On the other hand, a credit freeze completely locks your credit file, stopping creditors from accessing it at all. If someone tries to open a new account in your name while a freeze is active, the lender simply won’t be able to pull your credit report, which usually means the application gets denied. Placing a credit freeze is free and requires contacting each of the three credit bureaus. However, each time you want to apply for new credit, you’ll need to manually unfreeze your credit, which adds an extra step to the process.

In short, use a fraud alert if you want to add an extra layer of security and keep your credit accessible. Choose a credit freeze if you want to lock everything down and you’re not planning to open new credit anytime soon.

How do you put a fraud alert? 

Placing a fraud alert is fast, free, and simple. You only need to contact one of the three main credit bureaus, and that bureau will take care of notifying the other two for you.

Here’s how you can set up a fraud alert according to each credit bureau:

Experian

• Visit Experian’s fraud alert center.
• Sign up for a free account or log in. 
• Choose your preferred type of alert and tap "Add alert.” Follow the online prompts to place a fraud alert on Experian.
• You may need to provide a copy of your government-issued ID and proof of address.
• Confirm your request, and you’ll receive a confirmation notification once it's active.

TransUnion

• Head to TransUnion’s fraud alert page.
• Create or log in to your account.
• Choose the type of fraud alert you want to place and provide the necessary documentation.
• Submit your request and wait for confirmation.

Equifax

• Visit Equifax’s fraud alert service.
• Complete the online fraud alert form or call their customer service line.
• Verify your identity if prompted.
• You’ll get a notice when the fraud alert is active.

Even though the credit bureau you contact will notify the others, it’s still smart to check all three reports afterward to make sure the fraud alert appears correctly.

How to remove a fraud alert

While it’s possible to remove a fraud alert before it expires, it’s generally better to keep it in place until the full term is up (especially if you placed it after noticing suspicious activity). A fraud alert doesn’t prevent you from using your credit. Instead, it adds an extra verification step that makes it harder for identity thieves to establish new credit lines using your identity. 

However, if you do need to remove a fraud alert early, the process is also straightforward. For example, if you mistakenly placed one or if your circumstances have changed, you can remove it by contacting one of the three major credit bureaus. Here's how the process works:

Experian

• Log into your Experian account.
• Visit the fraud alert section.
• Print and fill out the fraud alert removal form. Make sure to submit all the necessary information required by Experian, such as your complete address, a copy of a bank statement or utility bill, and a copy of a government-issued ID. 
• Mail the form and other required information to Experian’s mailing address.

TransUnion

• Access your account through TransUnion’s fraud center.
• Tap “Remove fraud alert.”
• Follow the steps to verify your identity and request removal.

Equifax

• Contact Equifax by calling its customer service line.
• Provide proof of identity to complete the process.
• Wait for confirmation that the alert has been removed. 

Alternatively, you can submit your fraud alert removal request through mail.

If you’re looking for stronger, ongoing protection even after an alert expires, using a service like NordProtect’s credit monitoring can help you stay informed about any suspicious credit activity.

Contact information of credit bureaus for fraud alert management

Below are the contact details for each bureau to help you initiate or update a fraud alert on your credit report.

Equifax

• Online: Equifax credit freeze webpage
• Phone: 888-298-0045
• Mailing address:

Equifax Info Services LLC

P.O. Box 105788

Atlanta, GA 30348-5788

Experian

• Online: Experian credit freeze webpage
• Phone: 888-397-3742
• Mailing address:

Experian Security Freeze

P.O. Box 9554

Allen, TX 75013

TransUnion

• Online: TransUnion credit freeze webpage
• Phone: 800-916-8800
• Mailing address:

TransUnion

P.O. Box 160

Woodlyn, PA 19094

Tips for staying vigilant against identity theft

Fraud alerts are a smart move, but staying protected takes more than just one tool. Identity theft evolves quickly, and taking a layered approach to your security can make all the difference. Stay one step ahead with these tips:

• Monitor your financial accounts regularly. Catching unusual charges early can stop bigger issues before they spiral.
• Review your credit reports at least once a year. Check for unfamiliar accounts or inquiries that could signal fraud.
• Be cautious with your personal information. Don’t share sensitive data like your Social Security number unless absolutely necessary, and always verify who’s asking.
• Use strong, unique passwords. A password manager can help you create and store complex passwords without the hassle.
• Stay alert for phishing scams. Never click suspicious links or download attachments from unknown senders.
• Use paid or free credit monitoring services. Tools like NordProtect’s credit monitoring can send you immediate alerts if unusual credit activity shows up, giving you the power to act fast.

Remember: Identity thieves look for easy targets. Building strong habits now can make your personal information a lot harder to exploit.

Safeguard your identity with NordProtect

True peace of mind comes from knowing you have an extra layer of defense. That’s where NordProtect comes in. With features like dark web monitoring, credit monitoring alerts, expert recovery support, and coverage against online fraud, NordProtect helps you stay one step ahead of identity thieves and gives you the tools to respond quickly if your information is ever at risk. With NordProtect’s comprehensive identity theft protection service, you can stay ahead of threats and protect your credit file.