Place a free fraud alert on your credit
Think your details leaked? One call or form makes lenders check with you before opening credit in your name, at all three bureaus.
- Contact one credit bureau: Equifax, Experian or TransUnion, online or by phone.
- Ask for an initial fraud alert. It's free and lasts one year.
- That bureau must tell the other two, so you don't need to contact them yourself.
- Put a reminder in your calendar for 11 months from now to renew it if you still need it.
Tip: A fraud alert asks lenders to check with you; a credit freeze actually blocks new credit. Identity already stolen? Report it at IdentityTheft.gov to get a seven-year extended alert.
Try it now: Find the fraud alert page of one bureau and bookmark it, so you're ready if a data breach letter ever arrives.
Next crumbs
- 💵 MoneyFreeze your credit for freeA credit freeze stops anyone opening a new loan or card in your name. It costs nothing and doesn't touch your score.
- 💵 MoneyPull your free credit reportSee what Equifax, Experian and TransUnion have on you, free, every week. Mistakes and accounts opened by strangers show up here.
- 💵 MoneyCheck a financial pro on BrokerCheckBefore you hand anyone money to invest, a free 1-minute search shows their licences, job history and any complaints.