How to Take a Fraud Alert Off Equifax

Setting a fraud alert is a great way of protecting yourself. If you believe that you may be the victim of an identity thief, setting up a fraud alert is one of the best ways to ensure that no lines of credit are opened in your name. However, after the threat has passed, many people are unsure of how to get the alert taken off their file. If you are applying for credit, lenders may be unable to pull your credit file until you remove the fraud alert.

Instructions

1

Send a request to Equifax to have the fraud alert removed. To remove a fraud alert from a consumer's account, Equifax must receive a written request. You cannot call their customer service department or send an e-mail to have the alert removed. Equifax does not make exceptions to this policy.

2

Include all important information in your letter so that the request is honored. In the letter, make sure to include your full name, current address, previous address, Social Security Number, birthday and primary phone number. The request must also include a copy of your driver's license, a recent pay stub, W2, Social Security Card, state ID, passport or birth certificate. This will be used to prove your identity. Also send a copy of a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, cell phone bill, bank statement, W2 or 1099 form to validate your address. Do not send any original documentation, as Equifax cannot take responsibility for lost documents.

3

Send the request and accompanying documents to Equifax at this address:

Equifax Consumer Fraud Division

P.O. Box 740256

Atlanta, GA 30374

Wait about 7 to 10 days for the letter to be received and processed, then call Equifax to check that the fraud has been removed. Once this is complete, Equifax will no longer have a fraud alert on your file.