Consumer Recommendations

What to do if your Fraud Alert Fails to Set Properly.

1. Go to www.annualcreditreport.com (external link) and order your free annual credit report from the credit bureau where the Fraud Alert failed.
2. Check the "Header Information" (Name, Address, Date of Birth and Generation Information) on your free credit report for accuracy.
3. Call the credit bureau that sent you the report and enter the data from your "Header Information" into the phone system exactly as it appears on your report.
   • For example, one consumer found their year of birth was incorrect on their Equifax credit report. In order to correct it, the consumer had to enter the incorrect date of birth (as it appeared on their Equifax report) into the Equifax Fraud Alert System to properly set the Fraud Alert.
   • If you wish to correct errors in your credit report information, you must contact the credit bureau directly. It is recommended that you put all disputes in writing, because when you use the online forms for disputes you give up your right to sue and agree to arbitration. Additionally, when mailing the correction, send it "Return Receipt Requested" so that you begin to create a paper trail.
4. If you still can't figure out why your Fraud Alert isn't set properly, contact the credit bureau for assistance using the phone number printed on your credit report.

Why You Should Set Your Fraud Alert for a Lifetime.

Working closely with law enforcement we have learned that fraudsters can use stolen identities over a lifetime. Unlike a credit card number where you can just cancel it and get a new one, your birth date and social security number are associated with you for life.

When fraudsters steal personal information, they usually strike quickly before anyone notices. Once the breach is detected and organizations notify consumers and law enforcement to be vigilant, the fraudulent activity temporarily stops. But thieves are known to hold on to your information indefinitely and use it as little as once a year. By committing small crimes, savvy criminals know that these cases won't be large enough to warrant prosecution and easily go unnoticed. They also know you will repair any damage done to your credit, so they keep you on file for a future attack.