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What are Fraud Alerts?

Fraud Alerts are quickly becoming one of the principal tools Americans use to prevent credit theft.

The right to set fraud alerts was created in 2003 by the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, also known as the “FACT Act”, or “FACTA”. Simply, FACTA provides that fraud alerts may be set on your credit file at each of the major credit bureaus. When creditors run your credit before making a new loan they see the fraud alert and are required to confirm your identity before making the loan. Normally, this is done by contacting you at the phone number recorded with the fraud alert in your credit file.

Typical fraud alerts stay in your credit file for about 90 days and must be renewed every 90 days thereafter to remain in effect. “Extended Fraud Alerts” may stay in effect for 7 years, but are only available to consumers who produce an identity theft report filed by you with a law enforcement agency. Other information may be also required by the credit bureau.

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Our mission is to provide the public updated and relevant information on identity theft and the fraud alert process. We aim to uncover both problems and solutions. Our Ask the Expert feature and our Blog provide visitors the opportunity to ask questions and weigh in on trends.


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