To place a free initial fraud alert, contact just one of the three nationwide credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. That bureau must notify the other two, so you do not need to file three initial-alert requests. The alert asks businesses to verify your identity before opening new credit; it does not block access to your credit reports.
Request an initial fraud alert from one bureau
- Choose one bureau. Use an official contact route listed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Equifax or 800-685-1111; Experian or 888-397-3742; or TransUnion or 888-909-8872.
- Request an initial fraud alert. The FTC says it is free. You do not need to buy a product or subscription to place one.
- Keep a record of your request and check the bureau’s confirmation for any next steps. The bureau you contact is responsible for notifying the other two.
Contact details can change; confirm the current routes on the FTC’s Credit Freezes and Fraud Alerts page. An initial alert lasts one year and can be renewed.
Choose the alert that fits your situation
| Alert | Who can request it | Duration and cost | How it is placed | Other effect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial | Anyone who is or suspects they may be affected by identity theft | One year; free; renewable | Contact one bureau; it must notify the other two | Businesses are asked to verify identity before opening new credit. |
| Extended | Someone who experienced identity theft and has completed an FTC Identity Theft Report or filed a police report | Seven years; free; may be renewed if the report is resubmitted | Contact one bureau; it must notify the other two | Bureaus also remove you from prescreened credit and insurance offer lists for five years, unless you ask not to be removed. |
| Active duty | Active-duty servicemembers | One year; free; renewable for the length of deployment | Contact one bureau; it must notify the other two | Bureaus provide a similar prescreened-offer-list opt-out for two years, unless you ask otherwise. |
The FTC describes these alert terms on its alert and freeze guidance. If you qualify for an extended alert, follow the bureau’s instructions for submitting the required report.
Fraud alert or credit freeze?
A fraud alert asks businesses to take an identity-verification step before opening new credit, while leaving access to your report available. A credit freeze restricts access to your report. You must place a freeze separately with all three bureaus; the FTC says freezes are free and stay in place until you lift them. Requesting an alert does not freeze your credit file. See the FTC’s explanation of how fraud alerts and freezes differ if you are deciding which protection you need.
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What to do if someone has used your information
An alert is a new-account verification measure; it does not close fraudulent accounts or replace reporting the theft to businesses affected. If you discover that someone used your information, report it at IdentityTheft.gov and use the recovery plan. Review your credit reports for unfamiliar accounts. With an initial fraud alert in place, you are eligible to request a free report from each of the three bureaus.
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