How Can I Remove the Fraud Alert From My Credit?

A fraud alert is a notification in your credit report that warns creditors you have been or may be the victim of credit fraud or identity theft. The alert is a security measure to prevent creditors from opening new accounts under your name. There are two types of fraud alerts: initial and extended. An initial alert lasts 90 days. An extended alert remains in your credit report for seven years. You can remove a fraud alert by contacting a major credit reporting agency.

Instructions

1

Contact one of the three major consumer credit-reporting agencies. These are Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. Call them to have the fraud alert removed (see Resources).

2

Provide proof of identity. The credit reporting agencies will require proof of identity to remove the alert. This can include your name, address, Social Security number and other personal information.

3

Ask the credit reporting agency to provide you with written confirmation the fraud alert has been removed.