How to Place a Fraud Alert on Your Credit Report

Sometimes it starts with receiving a notice in the mail.1. Collect Your Evidence. Print or request a copy of
In other cases, it may begin as a received phone callyour current credit history from each of the major
by a company claiming that you have an outstandingcreditors. Notify them that you've experienced
balance. The only thing that you are certain of is thefraudulent activity and would like to place a fraud alert.
fact that you have never done business with thisThis fraud alert is valid for 90 days. Get copies of
company. Your suspicions are aroused and you phonenotices from any businesses that are involved.
your bank and check your credit report online.2. File a Police Report. Contact your police department
Suddenly you realize that you have been the victim ofand have them file a report. Be sure to have your ID
credit theft and fraud!ready, as well as all of the supporting evidence that
Credit theft and fraud can interfere with your personalyou have now gathered.
life on a high magnitude once negative actions have3. Notify the FTC. If you have been a victim of identity
been taken against your credit. You may find that youtheft, notify the FTC. This will allow the possibility of
are unable to write a check at certain stores, have aextending your fraud alert from 90 days to 7 years.
sufficient enough credit history to rent that condo you4. Make a File. Keep copies of all filed reports. Take
always wanted, or receive financing to purchase yourwritten notes of whom you spoke to, what companies
dream car. Thankfully, throughout the years, a greatthey represent, when, and what was said. Note any
deal of emphasis has been put on the prevention ofdates that you received or mailed any pertinent
credit theft and fraud and how to prevent it. Oncepaperwork. Keep receipts for costs such as postage
you've been victimized, however, what steps areand fees incurred.
necessary in order to regain what's rightfully yours?