Credit Reporting Agencies

Placing a Fraud Alert on your credit file
Every consumer has the right to place an initial "fraud alert" on his or her credit file. A fraud alert lets creditors know that they should contact you before they open any new accounts in your name. You can do this by calling any one of the three credit reporting agencies at the numbers below. You can also place fraud alerts online using the Experian website. You only need to place a fraud report with one of the agencies; they will then share your request with the other two. The fraud alert will stay on your credit files for 90 days, after which you may renew the alert for additional 90 day periods by calling any one of the three agencies.

Once you place the fraud alert, you will receive confirmation letters in the mail from all three credit bureaus. In these letters, they will provide phone numbers you can call to order complimentary copies of your credit reports. Once you call these numbers and enter your information into the automated system, you will receive your credit reports in the mail in 5-7 business days.

Annual Credit Report
Whether or not you choose to enroll in the ID Experts program, you can order a copy of your credit report, for free, once a year from each credit reporting agency. You can obtain a free credit report by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com or by calling 1-877-322-8228.

Review Your Credit Report
When you receive any credit report, you should review it carefully. Look for accounts you did not open. Look for inquiries from creditors that you did not initiate. Look for personal information, such as home address, employment or Social Security numbers, that are not accurate. If you see anything you do not understand, call the credit agency at the telephone number on the report.

If your credit report indicates fraud or identity theft, call your local police or sheriff's office and file a report of identity theft. Get a copy of the police report. You may need to give copies of the police report to creditors to clear up your records. If you suspect that you may be a victim of identity theft and you have enrolled in the ID Experts program, you should contact them immediately. You will be able to speak with a knowledgeable advocate about your situation and, if needed, they will open a case to resolve the identity theft on your behalf.

For More Information
Should you wish to learn more about identity theft and how to protect yourself, you may contact the Federal Trade Commission at (877) 382-4357. The FTC website, www.consumer.gov/idtheft, also offers additional information on identity theft that you may find helpful.