How to Place a Fraud Alert on Your Credit Report

A fraud alert is a free notice added to your credit report that tells lenders to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening new credit in your name. It can be useful if you think your personal information was exposed, your wallet was stolen, or someone may try to use your identity.

A fraud alert does not lock your credit report the way a credit freeze does. Instead, it adds a warning for lenders to be more careful.

In this guide, you’ll learn when to place a fraud alert, how to do it, and when a credit freeze may be the stronger move.

TL;DR: Quick Decision Guide

• If you suspect identity theft but are not sure yet → place an initial fraud alert.
• If identity theft already happened → consider an extended fraud alert and a credit freeze.
• If you place a fraud alert with one credit bureau → that bureau must notify the other two.
• If you want stronger prevention → freeze your credit with all three bureaus.
• If you are active duty military → an active duty alert may help reduce fraud risk while deployed.

Step 1: Know What a Fraud Alert Does

A fraud alert tells businesses to take extra steps before opening new credit in your name. It is designed to help reduce the risk of someone using your information to open credit cards, loans, or other accounts.

The FTC says an initial fraud alert lasts one year and can be renewed for free. An extended fraud alert lasts seven years and is available to identity theft victims with an FTC Identity Theft Report or police report.

What to do:
Use a fraud alert if you suspect your information may be misused. If you already know someone opened accounts in your name, pair the fraud alert with a credit freeze and an identity theft report.

👉 Compare: Identity Protection Tools in the Marketplace →

Step 2: Choose the Right Type of Fraud Alert

There are three main types of fraud alerts.

An initial alert is the easiest place to start if your wallet was stolen, your Social Security number was exposed, or you are worried someone may try to use your information. An extended alert is for confirmed identity theft.

What to do:
If you are unsure, start with an initial fraud alert. If identity theft is confirmed, report it at IdentityTheft.gov and then consider upgrading to an extended fraud alert.

👉 Related: How to Check Your Credit Report for Signs of Identity Theft →

Step 3: Contact One Credit Bureau

You only need to contact one of the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert. That bureau is required to notify the other two. Equifax confirms that when you place a fraud alert with Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion, the bureau you contact forwards the request to the other two.

You can start with any one of these:

• Equifax
• Experian
• TransUnion

You may be able to place the alert online, by phone, or by mail. Experian says initial and active duty alerts can be added online in real time, while extended fraud alerts require proof of identity theft.

What to do:
Use the official credit bureau website. Avoid links from emails, texts, or ads. After placing the alert, save your confirmation and check that the alert appears on your credit reports.

👉 Related: How to Recover From Identity Theft Step-by-Step →

Step 4: Add a Contact Number Lenders Can Use

A fraud alert works best when lenders have a way to verify you. When you place the alert, you may be asked to provide a phone number.

Use a number where you can actually be reached. If lenders cannot verify you, your legitimate application may be delayed.

What to do:
Use your current mobile number or another reliable contact number. Keep it updated if your number changes.

Smile Money Tip: A fraud alert is not meant to block your financial life. It is meant to slow down suspicious applications long enough for someone to verify it is really you.

Step 5: Decide Whether You Also Need a Credit Freeze

A fraud alert and credit freeze are not the same.

A fraud alert asks lenders to take extra steps to verify identity. A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report, making it harder for someone to open new credit in your name.

The FTC says a credit freeze lasts until you lift it, while a fraud alert lasts for a set period depending on the type.

What to do:
If your Social Security number was exposed or you are not applying for new credit soon, consider freezing your credit too. For the strongest protection, freeze your credit separately with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

What to Do If Identity Theft Already Happened

If someone opened accounts or tried to use your identity:

• Report identity theft at IdentityTheft.gov.
• Place a fraud alert.
• Freeze your credit with all three bureaus.
• Review your credit reports for unfamiliar accounts or inquiries.
• Dispute fraudulent accounts with the credit bureaus and companies involved.

IdentityTheft.gov provides a recovery plan and documents that can help you fix identity theft problems.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Thinking a fraud alert fully locks your credit
• Forgetting that an initial fraud alert expires after one year
• Using an old phone number lenders cannot reach
• Placing a fraud alert but not checking your credit reports
• Skipping a credit freeze when your risk is high
• Ignoring existing bank, card, or payment app account activity

FAQs on Placing a Fraud Alert on Your Credit Report

Final Thought

A fraud alert is a simple way to add extra protection when you think your identity may be at risk. It is not as strong as a credit freeze, but it can help slow down fraudulent credit applications.

If your risk is high, use both: place a fraud alert and freeze your credit.

Next Steps:

• 👉 Learn: How to Freeze Your Credit With Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion →
• 👉 Read: How to Protect Your Social Security Number →
• 👉 Read: How to Dispute Fraudulent Accounts on Your Credit Report →
• 👉 Compare: Identity Protection Tools in the Marketplace →