If your wallet went missing or a data breach exposed your information, a fraud alert is the fastest free protection you can put in place. It takes a few minutes, costs nothing, and you only have to contact one credit bureau to cover all three.
This guide walks through how to place a fraud alert, the three types you can choose, and how an alert differs from a full credit freeze. Information is current as of June 2026.
What a fraud alert actually does
A fraud alert is a flag on your credit file that tells lenders to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening new credit in your name. It does not lock your file or stop you from using your existing accounts.
When a fraud alert is active, a lender pulling your report sees the flag and is expected to contact you or confirm your identity before approving new credit. The goal is to slow down a thief who has your information.
It is free by federal law, and placing one does not hurt your credit score.
The one-bureau rule
You do not need to contact all three bureaus. By law, when you place a fraud alert with one of the three nationwide bureaus, that bureau must notify the other two, and they add the alert to your file too.
So you contact one of these and the alert spreads automatically:
- Equifax: 1-888-766-0008
- Experian: 1-888-397-3742
- TransUnion: 1-800-916-8800
You can also place most alerts online through each bureau's fraud alert page. Pick whichever bureau is easiest for you.
The three types of fraud alerts
There are three kinds, and they fit different situations.
Initial fraud alert. Lasts one year and renews. You can place it any time you suspect you might become a victim, such as after a lost wallet or a breach. No police report required.
Extended fraud alert. Lasts seven years and is for confirmed identity theft victims. It requires a copy of a valid police report or an FTC Identity Theft Report from IdentityTheft.gov. It also gets you extra free credit reports.
Active duty alert. Lasts one year and is for service members deployed or stationed away from their usual base. It also removes you from prescreened credit offer lists for two years.
For most people reacting to a scare, the one-year initial alert is the right starting point. You can upgrade to an extended alert later if theft is confirmed.
Step by step: placing an initial alert
Here is the basic process, which takes about ten minutes.
First, pick one bureau and go to its fraud alert page or call its automated line. Second, verify your identity with details like your Social Security number and address. Third, request the one-year initial fraud alert. Fourth, save the confirmation, since you will want a record of the date.
After you place it, check that the other two bureaus added the alert within a few days. While you are at it, pull your free reports at AnnualCreditReport.com and look for accounts you do not recognize.
Ongoing monitoring matters as much as the alert itself, because an alert slows new fraud but does not watch your file for you. Creditship offers free credit monitoring and score insights, so you can keep an eye on your report after placing an alert and catch a suspicious new inquiry or account early. Pairing a fraud alert with free monitoring covers both the prevention and the watching.
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Fraud alert vs credit freeze
People mix these up, but they work differently.
A fraud alert flags your file and asks lenders to verify your identity, but it does not block access to your report. New credit can still be opened if a lender does the verification. It is lighter and renews on a schedule.
A credit freeze fully locks your report so no one, including you, can open new credit until you lift it. A freeze is stronger but less convenient, since you must thaw it each time you apply for credit yourself. Both are free. Many people place a fraud alert first for speed, then add a freeze if they want maximum protection.
If fraud already hit your report
If an identity thief already opened accounts or left damage on your credit, an alert alone will not undo it. You will need to dispute the fraudulent items with each bureau and file an FTC report.
That cleanup can be slow and tedious, which is where a service can help. Dovly works to identify and dispute errors on your credit reports, which can help you address fraudulent or inaccurate items more efficiently than handling every letter yourself. For someone facing a report full of fraud-related damage, that structured help can save time.
Your next steps
If you suspect fraud, place a one-year initial alert with one bureau today and let it spread to the other two. Save your confirmation, pull your free reports, and scan for anything you do not recognize.
If theft is confirmed, file an FTC report, consider upgrading to a seven-year extended alert, and dispute any fraudulent accounts. If you want the strongest lock, add a credit freeze on top. None of this costs money, and acting quickly limits the damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is placing a fraud alert free?
Yes. Federal law makes all three types of fraud alerts free, and placing one does not affect your credit score. You also do not need to pay any service to add an alert.
Do I have to contact all three credit bureaus?
No. You only contact one of the three nationwide bureaus, and that bureau is required to notify the other two so the alert appears on all your files. Check after a few days to confirm it spread.
How is a fraud alert different from a credit freeze?
A fraud alert flags your file and asks lenders to verify your identity but still allows new credit. A credit freeze fully blocks access to your report until you lift it. A freeze is stronger, while an alert is faster and more convenient.
How long does a fraud alert last?
An initial alert lasts one year and can be renewed. An extended alert for confirmed theft victims lasts seven years and requires a police or FTC report. An active duty alert lasts one year for eligible service members.
