Contacting the Credit Reporting Agencies to Place a Fraud Alert
1. Please use the report fraud phone numbers from each credit reporting agency to place a fraud alert on your credit report. We recommend that you call all three credit reporting agencies individually.
2. These will be automated systems, please listen for the prompt for the fraud alert.
3. The automated system will ask identifying questions, such as your name, social security number, and date of birth. This is to verify you are the correct person.
4. If you are successful in placing the fraud alert on your credit report then you will receive a confirmation number or you will be told that you will receive correspondence from them with in the next 10 to 14 business days. This may include your free fraud alert credit report or a confirmation letter of the fraud alert asking if you want your credit report.
5. You are not successful in placing the fraud alert if the automated system asks for you to write to them with documentation. This is common for victims of identity theft. The Credit reporting agencies usually require a copy of a current utility bill, copy of your current driver’s license or a state ID, and a letter with your full name, social security number and date of birth, requesting a fraud alert be placed. You will also want to request your free credit report in the letter.
Send that letter certified with return receipt.
Trans Union:
www.transunion.com
To report fraud: 800-680-7289
TDD- 877-553-7803
Experian:
www.experian.com
To report fraud: 888-397-3742
TDD- 800-972-0322
Equifax:
www.equifax.com
To report fraud: 800-525-6285
Hearing impaired: Call 1-800-255-0056 AT&T hearing impaired line.
Related Links:
Solution 2 - Contact Information for the Three Credit Reporting Agencies
Fact Sheet 100 - Financial Identity Theft The Beginning Steps
Fact Sheet 124 - Credit Freezes and Fraud Alerts
Fact Sheet 125 - Federal Annual Free Credit Report
Fact Sheet 128 - How to Read Your Credit Report
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