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How Do You Place a Fraud Alert?

Find out how to place an initial fraud alert, how long it lasts, why you contact one bureau, and how fraud alerts differ from credit freezes.

Direct answer

To place an initial fraud alert, contact one of the three nationwide credit bureaus. The FTC says the alert is free, lasts one year, and tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new credit. The bureau you contact must tell the other two to place alerts too. A fraud alert is not as restrictive as a credit freeze.

contact one bureau = initial fraud alert shared with the other nationwide bureaus

Fraud alert vs freeze

Initial fraud alert

Tells creditors to verify identity

You suspect identity theft or lost sensitive data

Extended fraud alert

Longer protection after identity theft report

You have documented identity theft

Credit freeze

Restricts new-credit report access

Stronger new-account prevention

Credit lock

Bureau product with different terms

Convenience, depending on provider

Existing-account monitoring

Watches current accounts

Fraud alert alone does not stop existing-card misuse

Tool	What it does	Best use
Initial fraud alert	Tells creditors to verify identity	You suspect identity theft or lost sensitive data
Extended fraud alert	Longer protection after identity theft report	You have documented identity theft
Credit freeze	Restricts new-credit report access	Stronger new-account prevention
Credit lock	Bureau product with different terms	Convenience, depending on provider
Existing-account monitoring	Watches current accounts	Fraud alert alone does not stop existing-card misuse

You contact one bureau for an initial alert

Unlike a credit freeze, an initial fraud alert does not require placing separate alerts with all three bureaus. Contacting one nationwide credit bureau should trigger alert sharing with the others.

Place a fraud alert

1Choose one nationwide credit bureau to contact.
2Use that bureau's official fraud-alert page or phone path.
3Confirm the alert type and how long it lasts.
4Save the confirmation and check that the other bureaus receive the alert.
5Consider a credit freeze too if you want stronger new-account blocking.

FAQ

How long does a fraud alert last?

An initial fraud alert lasts one year. If you have an identity theft report, you may qualify for an extended fraud alert that lasts longer.

Do I need to contact all three bureaus?

No for an initial fraud alert. The FTC says you contact one nationwide credit bureau, and that bureau must tell the other two to place alerts on their reports too.

Is a fraud alert the same as a credit freeze?

No. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new credit. A credit freeze more strongly restricts access to your credit report for new credit checks.

Sources & method

We reviewed these references while writing this answer. Figures are estimates — confirm safety-critical work with a professional. Last updated June 7, 2026.