The credit bureau you contact must tell the other two to place a fraud alert on your credit report. How to place: Contact any one of the three credit bureaus - Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. When you place a fraud alert on your credit report, you can get a free copy of your credit report from each of the three credit bureaus.ĭuration: A fraud alert lasts one year. A business must verify your identity before it issues new credit in your name. What it does: A fraud alert will make it harder for someone to open a new credit account in your name. Who can place one: Anyone who suspects fraud can place a fraud alert on their credit report. Fraud Alertsįraud alerts are available in different situations and have different benefits. How to place: Contact each of the three credit bureaus - Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. When the freeze is in place, you will still be able to do things like apply for a job, rent an apartment, or buy insurance without lifting or removing it.ĭuration: A credit freeze lasts until you remove it. You can temporarily lift the credit freeze if you need to apply for new credit. What it does: A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report, which means you - or others - won’t be able to open a new credit account while the freeze is in place. Who can place one: Anyone can freeze their credit report, even if their identity has not been stolen. Identity Theft and Online Security Show/hide Identity Theft and Online Security menu items.Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts Show/hide Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts menu items.Money-Making Opportunities and Investments.Jobs and Making Money Show/hide Jobs and Making Money menu items.Credit, Loans, and Debt Show/hide Credit, Loans, and Debt menu items.Shopping and Donating Show/hide Shopping and Donating menu items.