How to Report Credit Card Fraud to Credit Bureaus

Identity thieves are known for stealing personal information and attempting to establish credit in someone else's name. If you suspect that you have been a victim of fraud, it is best that you notify the credit bureau immediately. There are several types of fraud alerts that you may place: a 90-day fraud alert, an extended fraud alert or an active military duty fraud alert. After the alert is placed, creditors are required to verify all information before offering credit to anyone requesting credit in your name.

Instructions

1

Request a copy of your credit report from all three agencies: Transunion, Experian and Equifax. Review it for any fraudulent activity or suspicious accounts.

2

If you have been a victim of fraud, contact the police and request that they provide you with a written report. Be prepared to submit this report to the credit reporting agency to verify your complaint.

3

Choose the type of fraud alert you would like to place. If someone has gained access to your personal information, such as your social security number, a 90-day alert places notification that you have been a victim of fraud. If the lender can't verify that you have authorized the request for credit, credit will not be extended. You may also place an extend fraud alert which works the same as a 90-day alert but it protects your credit for seven years.

4

Request an active duty alert if you are being deployed by the armed services. This alert protects your credit from fraudulent activity while you are away.

5

Contact Equifax to request the alert be placed. Once you contact Equifax, the other two agencies, Transunion and Experian will automatically be notified. Contact Equifax by telephone at (800)-525-6285 or submit a request online using Equifax's online fraud alert request form.

6

You may also send a request in writing to: Equifax Information Services LLC P.O. Box 105069 Atlanta, GA 30348-5069. Submit a letter advising the agency that you have been a victim of fraud and that you wish to have an alert placed on your account. List any suspicious accounts on your report that you didn't authorized.

7

Be prepared to submit your proper identification, including your name, address and social security number with the fraud alert request. Expect the request to be placed on your credit file within 48 hours of receipt of the request.