Once you have placed a fraud alert with the credit reporting agencies, they will notify you whenever there is a request for new credit in your name.  It is the best way to stop unauthorized use of your private information to gain access to credit.

 

Here’s how it works:  if someone tries to apply for a new credit card using your personal information, the credit grantor will contact you at a phone number you provided them when you placed the fraud alert.  They will ask for verification that it is actually you who wants the new card before processing the application.  If someone else requested the new card, it will be denied, and best practice would dictate that the merchant would then notify the police.

 

Call EQUIFAX at 1-800-525-6285 – you can easily walk through their automated phone system to place a fraud alert on your consumer report.  This one call covers placing the alert with all three major reporting bureaus.  You will also be automatically opted out of direct mail pre-approved offers.  And, a free credit report will be sent to you within 7-10 days.

 

To order a free copy of you credit report allowed once a year without filing a fraud alert, please click on the related question below.

 

For more information, contact the Federal Trade Commission – FTC for resources on identity theft.
Identity Theft Hotline:  1-877-IDTHEFT (438-4338)